Makeup in the '90s was anything but dull. Just look at celebrity photos from that era: smokey eyes, lip-liner lips, and ultra-thin brows were all the rage. Pastel and metallic eyeshadows dominated the red carpet, and one iconic shade is set to be the top beauty trend for spring/summer 2025: sky blue. The bold hue, famously worn by Lady Diana in the '80s, has remained a staple in the beauty world for decades.
You might be wondering where this sudden obsession with blue eyeshadow is coming from. According to Pinterest Predicts, searches for "multicolor eye makeup" spiked by 365%. Both Gen Z and baby boomers are embracing high-contrast looks to highlight their eyes and add a dose of joy. The annual report states, "We’re not settling for one color; we’re moving across the entire color wheel." As a result, we’re likely to see vibrant colors, especially pastels, making a strong return to our beauty routines.
Blue Eyeshadow: A '90s Icon Making a Comeback
It’s time for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. When we think of blue eyeshadow, iconic looks stand out, each created by renowned American makeup artist Gucci Westman. Westman, who founded the luxury cosmetics brand Westman Atelier, designed Cameron Diaz’s electrifying look for her David Letterman Show appearance. She also created Christina Ricci’s memorable makeup for her role in the 1998 film Buffalo ’66, where blue eyeshadow was a defining feature of the character. “The director, Vincent Gallo, wanted her to stand out, and he loved the blue eyeshadow,” Westman recalls. “I used Maybelline’s Baby Blue shade, mixed with cream eyeshadow for high pigmentation, then added silver glitter to the center of the upper eyelid.”
Though that specific Maybelline shade is no longer in production, makeup artist Erin Parsons recreated the look in a viral video that garnered over 4.4 million views. Using P.Louise Eyeshadow Primer in Touch of Frost, she captured the bold electric blue color. "I think blue eyeshadow is going to make a big comeback; it’s such a beautiful, delicate color," she says. To replicate the shimmering effect in the center of the lid, Parsons applied MAC Reflects Pearl Glitter for a sparkling touch.
How to Wear Blue Eyeshadow
If you want to embrace the '90s makeup look, start with a fresh, luminous complexion, adding warmth with bronzer, just like Westman did for Cameron Diaz’s look. For lips, choose a wine-colored shade, and don’t forget to keep your brows thin. Define them with a fine-tipped pencil and set them with a brow gel, ensuring they stay natural and not too thick.
Still not convinced about going all-in with pastels? Take a cue from Lady Diana and accentuate your lower lash line with a light blue pencil to intensify your eyes. It’s a great way to enhance blue eyes and add a pop of color. Ready to try it out?