Getty ImagesFor a long time blue eye shadow was classified as beauty mission impossible. Pretty much taboo, the effect was most often used as the absurd "before" photo in a much-needed makeover. Yet, let's not forget that there were two decades (the ‘60s and ‘70s) in which the hue was oh-so-groovy.
And now there seems to be a cobalt comeback in the works thanks to stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong'o and Khloé Kardashian.
But we'd be lying if we said we weren't skeptical of this trend. So we turned to Lopez and Kardashian's makeup artist Mary Phillips. In just a few quick tips she helped us overcome our FOBES (fear of blue eye shadow).
Tone It Down: "Have neutrals around to diffuse when you're blending—brown, tan, or even gray. The neutral will offset the brightness of the blue," suggests Phillips. "Also, use in moderation, don't get too much product on the brush, start soft and you can build your way up. A little bit goes a long way when you're doing a blue."
True Colors: "Keep your cheeks and lips on the lighter side. Redheads should stick with peachy/coral hues; blondes should think shades of sheer pink; and brunettes should reach for neutral tones, light pinks, or mauves," says Mary. "Oh, and don't match your eye shadow to your eye color, it can make the statement look washed out, and make your skin not as vibrant and look dull."
Shop To It: Check out Mary Phillips's top product picks.
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Blue Bell, $22
Youngblood Eye-Mazing Liquid Liner Pen in Azul, $26
Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Cobalt, $24
Armani Eyes To Kill in Blast of Blue, $34
Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Liquid Eye Pencil in Marlene Midnight, $27
Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting EyeLiner in Vert tuileries, $27
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Eyeshadow Duo 206 Taupe/ Blue Black Shimmer, $42