Baby blue eyeshadow… beloved by Noughties preteens and daring octogenarians alike, it’s not for those who prefer a natural look. But is there a way to make the pastel hue wearable? Missoni’s models wore a slick of bright silver in the corners, before fading out to the pale blue in the middle of the lids for an ombre effect, which may be the secret to pulling it off…

Lucy Partington, Stylist’s beauty editor says:  

I was dreading this. It’s not really that extreme compared to some of the looks we’ve done in the past, but there is just something about frosted blue eyeshadow that doesn’t sit right with me. But, as ever, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s definitely a huge change from what I’d usually wear but it is actually quite flattering against my dark hair, and I really like the half-way-across-the-lid placement, too. This gets a big tick from me. 

Hanna Ibraheem, Stylist’s beauty writer says: 

When I first saw this trend, I wasn’t so sure. The frosty shade gave me flashbacks to the early Noughties when I thought baby blue eyeshadow was a look (spoiler: it wasn’t). But focusing most of the product on the inner corners gives a modern touch that is incredibly wearable. Once it was on, I actually liked it. In fact, it’s taught me that a good way to experiment with eyeshadows is dusting a pop of colour on your inner corners before sweeping it all over the lid. Give it a try. 

Ava Welsing-Kitcher, Stylist’s junior beauty writer says:

I have always told myself that if there’s one colour I’ll never wear on my face, it is baby blue. It’s just too cool-toned and reminiscent of school discos, and with any sort of shimmer added into the mix it’s almost diabolical. I have to eat my words this time, though – I am kind of digging Missoni’s take on the shade. Granted, I probably won’t wear it ever again, but it doesn’t look as bad as I was expecting it to. So it’s a solid ‘meh’ from me for this look. 

Verdict

Blue eyeshadow is one of those jarring trends that looks sleek and edgy in magazines but almost never convinces anyone to wear it in real life. This is probably because it isn’t that wearable and is still yet to permeate today’s beauty canon. But when the blue is so faint it borders on silver, there is room to conquer – and enjoy – this polarising look.

With thanks to Republic of Photography.

Main image: Jabulile Nadia Newman / Dove x Getty project #ShowUs