Spring Makeup Trends: The Marine Life

Taylor Swift in a reverse smokey teal eye look

My favorite makeup trend for Spring is by far the use of aqua, turquoise, teal, and any other vibrant ocean-inspired blue around the eyes. I know most people immediately think "bad 80s trend" when they hear "blue eyeshadow" and if they have blue eyes, they think it's for sure a no-go. Well I am here to break this trend down and show you, including those of you with blue eyes, how to wear these shades as well as some of my favorite products you can use to achieve these looks.

Lupita Nyong'o matches her aqua eye makeup to her dress beautifully.

Before we start, consider these two tips when using pastels around your eyes:

1. Make sure to define your lashlines by applying eyeliner in a deeper shade than the shadow you'll be using. Brown and black are obvious choices but consider navy, colbalt blue and forest green when working with tones in the blue/green family. 

2. Keep the rest of your makeup on the neutral side so the eyes can remain the focus. Since orange and blue are opposite on the color wheel, choosing blushes and lip products with a coral hue is a beautiful compliment, especially for Spring. 

DVF Spring 2016 Fashion Show. source: glamour.com

I was obsessed with the makeup from DVF's Spring 2016 show at New York Fashion Week. Models received bold washes of color on their lids for an ultimate daytime (or evening) smokey look that everyone can wear. Start by laying down a neutral base all over your lids and apply a taupe or bronze color in your crease. With a flat eyeshadow brush, pat the blue shade on your lids and then take a fluffy blending brush to diffuse the colors in the crease area. I like the PIXI palette in 'Aquamarine Dream' which has numerous shade options. Swipe the same color under your lower lashline in either the same blue shade or pick one with a hint of green to create a beautiful ombre look like those at the DVF show. Remeber to apply eyeliner to define your eye area. If you have petite or hooded eyes, only line along your waterline so you don't cover up all the beautiful eyeshadow on your lids.

Another fun way to wear this blue trend is to line just the bottom of your eyes. You can go a little darker like I did and even break the rule of keep a neutral lip if you have a lipcolor with a cool undertone like the magenta lip I'm wearing. Just line your waterline and lower lashline with your color of choice and if you like mine, I used By Terry Crayon Kohl Terrybly in 'Royal Navy' . Make sure you use a waterproof or gel liner on your waterline.

Emma Stone's blue eyes sparkle against her hint of blue on the outer corners.

Now for you blue eyed beauties, take a cue from Emma Stone who also happens to be rocking the coral lip and cheek combo perfectly. As long as you use a shade of blue deeper than your eye color you'll get a nice contrast. I created her look by using a white eyeshadow base which I applied like an eyeliner, just on the outer upper and lower corners of my eyes. I took a similar blue from the Urban Decay Electric Palette called 'Gonzo' and applied it on top of my white eyeliner with a small angled brush. 

Lastly, if you are still hesitant to use blue shadows and liners, try a blue mascara. This one from NYX can be applied on top of your black mascara for a hint of color. You'll be channeling the electric blue waters of the Aegean Sea in a subtle, yet seductive way.