Blue eyeshadow is officially back and we put the best to the test

From the pulverised lapis lazuli makeup pots of ancient Egyptians to a doe-eyed Edie Sedgwick in the Swinging Sixties, tracing our enduring obsession with blue eyeshadow through history reveals one unequivocal beauty truth: blue has always been en vogue. If 2026 reads like a revival, it is only because we periodically forget how potent the colour can be.

Pinpointing its exact re-emergence, however, is near impossible. Cinema, of course, has long had a hand in shaping our beauty repertoire. Consider Elizabeth Taylor’s contemporary swipe of blue eyeshadow over Cleopatra’s mythic black kohl in 1962, or Liza Minnelli’s anti-establishment lids as Cabaret’s Sally Bowles in 1972.

Decades later, Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film Jackie Brown saw Pam Grier’s flight attendant rarely without her lids painted blue. A year on, Christina Ricci’s softly diffused wash in Buffalo ’66, created by Swedish makeup artist Gucci Westman, offered what Westman described as “dreamy innocence.” Then in 2016, we were reintroduced to stylised technicolour in The Love Witch, a fitting reference given the internet’s renewed fixation on the era.

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Other moments linger in this beauty editor’s aesthetic subconscious: Kate Moss’s navy smoky eye backstage at Gucci in 1997, and the frosted pop-star lids of the early 2000s, recently revisited with bravura by Sophia Sinot for Zara Larsson.

This time, however, blue has resurfaced with conviction on the runways as part of our 2026 fashion consciousness. For spring/summer ’26, Schiaparelli, Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui each amplified their looks with washes of baby blue, nodding to both the rounded, doe-eyed silhouettes of the 1960s and the more-is-more, temple-grazing placement of the 1980s. And if you assumed the shade would remain confined to warmer months, autumn/winter ’26 proved otherwise, with Eckhaus Latta and Masha Popova carrying it forward in deeper, moodier iterations. And that is before even considering Chanel Beauty’s recent denim-inspired launch starring Lila Moss.

All things considered, it is safe to say we will be batting blue this year.

What it is: A sapphire-leaning palette that spans matte, shimmer and high-shine blue tones, from soft mid-tones to deeper statement shades.

Why we love it: This is the most versatile way into the trend. The mix of finishes allows you to build anything from a diffused denim wash to a saturated bright blue Anna Sui eye without reaching for another palette. The pigment punches well above its price point, while the textures remain blendable for a smooth bold blue moment.

What it is: A limited-edition quad featuring a soft baby blue, a deeper inky tone and complementary neutrals in Chanel’s signature multi-effect powder formula.

Why we love it: This is the 2026 denim eye distilled into an easy-to-use palette. The shades and pigments here are refined rather than electric, proposing blue as a mainstay in your makeup rotation rather than a vivid one-off. The formula layers seamlessly, with the initial sheer wash buildable for maximum impact.

What it is: An accessible, multi-shade palette anchored in wearable blue tones with supporting neutrals.

Why we love it: Not everyone desires punchy pigments at 8am on a Tuesday. In those moments, a muted wash of icy blue could do. That's why we love the versatility of this palette – it makes blues approachable, pairing softer denim tones with grounding neutral shades that make daytime application foolproof.

What it is: A creamy, twist-up shadow stick in a light blue shade designed for quick, direct application.

Why we love it: For a Marc Jacobs-take on baby blue makeup, this format is ideal. The creamy texture glides on and blends out with fingers, making it perfect for those soft, rounded '60s references. No brushes required, minimal fallout, and maximum ease-of-use.

What it is: A deep blue cream shadow in stick form for precise placement or smoky diffusion.

Why we love it: This is your shortcut to a navy lash-line smudge. The deeper tone adds mood without overwhelming the eye, aligning with the end-of-year shift towards inky, controlled colour. It works especially well as a base under powder for extra depth.

What it is: A single pressed powder shadow in a light blue tone with a smooth, buildable finish.

Why we love it: Sometimes one shade is enough. This delivers a clean baby blue that can be worn sheer or layered for more impact. The texture is soft rather than chalky, which keeps the look modern with minimum fall-out.

What it is: A high-pigment, long-wear powder shadow in a saturated deep blue.

Why we love it: If you want to emulate Kate Moss' dark blue denim smudge from 1997, this eyeshadow is a necessity. The payoff is rich and even, and the formula holds its depth throughout the day. Used along the lash line or blended into a full smoky eye, it wears without the slightest hint of patchiness.

What it is: A liquid shadow with a luminous finish in a light, reflective blue.

Why we love it: Liquid textures bring a modern sheen that the sparkliest of powders can’t always replicate, and few brands do it better than Swedish LH Cosmetics. But beware, this is blinding, high-voltage shine that may result in disco fever.

What it is: A deeper blue liquid shadow designed for high-impact colour with a smooth finish.

Why we love it: For a sharper, graphic take on the trend, liquid delivers precision. Especially this dazzling denim-blue shadow by MAC, particularly well-paired with minimal skin and brushed brows. Approach with caution, as this one really packs a pigment punch.

What it is: A blue eyeliner designed for defined lines or soft smudging.

Why we love it: If full-lid blue feels too full-on, start here. A navy or cobalt liner along the lash line allows you to try the trend in controlled measure. It’s the easiest entry point and aligns perfectly with the current mood for more graphic placements.