When the folks who worked at Pantone played color wheel prophets last December, they predicted “Classic Blue” would be the shade du jour of 2020. Their description of the shade reads as follows: “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” It’s probably just coincidence that doctors and nurses kind of stake claim on the shade. (Classic scrubs are Classic Blue, you know.) But not even the best pollsters could have guessed then that America would choose to outfit herself in Classic Blue come November. Heck, it was even up in the air this past Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning! What does Pantone’s Color Institute know that Steve Kornacki doesn’t?
If you, like team ITG, woke up this morning feeling like the color blue, let it show on your eyelids. Blue shadow is surprisingly flattering, if you pick the right shade—it can go disco, mermaid-y, nearly purple, basically gray, or even conservative. Eight makeup artists shared their favorites shades, so you can riff on how you’re already feeling: confident, connected, and ready to cross the threshold into a new era.
Start With A Primary
“Depixym Cosmetic Emulsion in #0446 is my winner. Primary colors are my favorite to play with and this one is basically a primer, eyeshadow, and liner all in one. I’m obsessed—it goes on super creamy and opaque, but can be sheered out if you want. When it sets it’s completely foolproof for hours and hours.” —Mollie Gloss
Or A Subtle Wash
“One of my favorite blues is MAC Tilt eyeshadow. It’s got a great dimensional blue-green pearl in it that makes it versatile for different skin tones. It also applies smoothly over a cream eyeshadow primer when you want a more intense effect.” —Stevie Huynh
Try A Shimmery Teal
“I have so many blues, but if I have to pick, Fun Tonight from Haus Labs’ Stupid Love Palette is one of my favorites. I love that I can pack it on or swipe it across the lid for a light dusting of color. Or, skip a brush altogether and use your fingers.” —Delina Medhin
Or A Dancefloor-Ready Turquoise
“Right now I’m gravitating to the ‘70s ABBA Dancing Queen-inspired amazingness of Make Up For Ever’s Light Turquoise. Pair it with a coral or bright orange lip for even more festive ‘70s vibes.” —Ingeborg
Take An Off-Blue Approach
“Most people think blue eyeshadow is outdated, but the right color can look really modern. My current favorite blue eyeshadows are C4, B2, and A5 from the Anastasia Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 2. C4 is really rich and dark like the ocean, B2 an offbeat almost-purple, and A5 is like the color of a pool on an amazing vacation. My favorite way to wear blue is applying it with a finger and pushing it into place somewhat haphazardly—helps it look more playful and less ‘80s.” —Juan Jaar
Make Blue A Neutral
“Burberry Beauty’s Wet & Dry Silk Eyeshadow in Stone Blue. It’s this odd blue that has a tint of green and gray, making it fall almost neutral. It has a silky texture with excellent color payoff. I love to wear a finger swipe of it with nothing else. —Shayna Goldberg
Try A One-Two Approach
“I love to use Ben Nye’s Lumiere Creme Colour in Cosmic Blue as a base for powder eyeshadow for maximum brightness. It’s vibrant, has a pretty shimmer, and grabs onto anything you put on top. I like to layer it under a blue shadow from The Masquerade Palette from Juvia’s Place. There are three shades that range from true cobalt to seafoam—they’re super pigmented and shimmery, and are perfect alone too.” —Grace Ahn
Or Lean On A Failsafe
“Blue eyeshadow is certainly one of my favorites, particularly Tiger Lily from Natasha Denona’s Tropic Palette. It’s a creamy, strong blue with amazing color payoff, and it’s easy to work with and blend too. It really suits everyone well!” —Lennie Billy
Got your own favorite blue shadow? Drop it in the comments! And if you decide to wear yours today, tag ITG on Instagram (@intothegloss) to let us know.
Photo via ITG