Who says blue eyeshadow belongs in the past? With the right technique, this bold colour can look incredibly modern, sophisticated and just a little rebellious.
Taking inspiration from this striking makeup look by makeup artist Rae Morris, we’re exploring a dramatic combination of icy blue eyeshadow, deep black smoky edges, sculpted brows and glossy nude lips.
The result is a beautiful mix of graphic eye makeup and soft glamour. It’s bold enough for a fashion shoot or an evening party, yet surprisingly achievable with a few essential makeup products and some careful blending.
Here’s how to recreate the look at home.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin for a Smooth Finish
Begin with clean, moisturised skin. Apply a lightweight primer to create a smooth base, especially around the nose, forehead and cheeks.
Because this look uses dark eyeshadow, it’s best to complete your eye makeup before applying foundation. This makes it easier to remove any pigment fallout without disturbing your complexion.
Apply a small amount of eyeshadow primer over the eyelids to help the colours appear more vibrant and stay in place.
Step 2: Create the Icy Blue Eyeshadow Base
The most striking feature of this makeup look is the beautiful sweep of pale icy blue across the eyelids.
Using a flat eyeshadow brush, apply a matte or softly satin finished powder blue shade across the upper lid, extending it slightly above the natural crease.
Keep the colour concentrated towards the centre of the eyelid, creating an elongated shape that follows the natural curve of your eye.
For additional intensity, layer a little turquoise or cool aqua eyeshadow over the blue, blending the two shades until the transition looks seamless.
The key is to maintain the brightness of the blue rather than letting it disappear beneath the darker shades.
Step 3: Add Dramatic Black Smokey Edges
Now comes the part that gives this look its editorial edge.
Take a small blending brush and apply a deep charcoal or matte black eyeshadow along the upper lash line and outer corners.
Gradually build the colour, extending it outwards into a soft, winged shape. Blend some of the darker pigment through the crease, framing the lighter blue eyeshadow.
The contrast between the pale blue centre and dark smoky edges creates beautiful depth and dimension.
For a more graphic finish, keep the upper edge of the blue relatively defined while softly diffusing the black towards the temples.
Makeup tip: Use very little black eyeshadow at a time. Dark pigments can quickly overpower lighter shades, so build the intensity gradually.
Step 4: Define the Lower Lash Line
Using a small pencil brush, apply black or dark brown eyeshadow beneath the lower lashes.
Concentrate most of the colour towards the outer corner, gently connecting it to the winged shape above.
Add a touch of blue eyeshadow near the inner portion of the lower lash line to tie the look together.
Finish with black eyeliner close to the upper lashes and a coat of volumising mascara.
For extra drama, add a few individual false lashes towards the outer corners.
Step 5: Keep the Complexion Soft and Sculpted
Once the eye makeup is complete, remove any fallout and apply your foundation and concealer.
Choose a natural satin finish that keeps the skin smooth without looking overly matte.
Use a subtle contour beneath the cheekbones and a muted peach or nude blush for gentle warmth.
Avoid excessive shimmer on the cheeks. The eyes already provide plenty of visual interest, so a softly sculpted complexion will create a more balanced result.
Step 6: Finish With Glossy Nude Lips
A beautifully defined nude lip is the perfect partner for dramatic blue eye makeup.
Outline your lips with a warm brown or rose nude lip pencil, carefully following their natural shape.
Fill them in with a caramel nude lipstick and finish with a clear or lightly tinted gloss.
The warm, glossy finish creates a lovely contrast against the cool tones of the eyeshadow.
For the final touch, style your hair sleek and tucked behind the ears, allowing the dramatic makeup to take centre stage.
Glamcheck Beauty Tip
What makes this look especially interesting is the contrast between colour and shape. The icy blue eyeshadow adds freshness, while the deep black smoky edges create drama and definition.
Don’t worry about making the blending completely soft everywhere. A slightly sharper, more graphic shape gives the look its distinctive editorial character.
And remember, when your eye makeup is this bold, keeping the rest of the face understated often makes the biggest impact.
Whether you’re experimenting with colourful eyeshadow or getting ready for a special evening, this blue graphic smokey eye is a gorgeous way to step outside your usual makeup routine.
