Wear Blue Eyeliner, Get Major Compliments: These 4 Are Makeup Artist–Approved

Woman wearing blue eyeliner and gazing into the camera

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

All it takes is a quick scroll through Instagram or TikTok to see that blue eye makeup is having a moment. In fact, according to a Pinterest trend report, searches for blue eye shadow are up 65% this year. It makes sense. After all, people are turning away from minimalist makeup in favor of bolder and brighter looks, and I, for one, am extremely pleased with the shake-up. Don't get me wrong; I love a no-makeup makeup look as much as the next person, but as a beauty editor, I crave color and variety.

Don't think the blue makeup trend stops at eye shadow. Lately, people have been showcasing some seriously stunning blue eyeliner looks. Whether it's a swipe of cerulean or a flick of deep, navy blue, this is a 2024 trend that works for every aesthetic, eye color, and skin tone. Ahead, learn how to apply blue eyeliner straight from celebrity makeup artist, Tobi Henney. Then, shop her top blue eyeliner recommendations (plus a few from your friendly neighborhood beauty editors).

blue eyeliner on brown eyes

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Henney has some advice to share on how to apply blue eyeliner like a pro. Start by choosing your preferred shade. If you don't know your preferred shade, experiment with a mix of blue hues. "I love a mix [of blue shades] depending on the skin tone and the brief," Henney says. "Navy blues are always great as an alternative to black liner." Next, consider the medium. In other words, if you're using a pencil eyeliner, the application process will be slightly different than if you're using a liquid eyeliner.

Pencil Eyeliners: "Start by sharpening the liner if needed," Henney says. "I like to warm it up by running a little on the back of my hand before applying it to the lash line. I keep the liner as close to the lashes as possible and flick it out if I’m going for a more dramatic or stronger liner look. You can also use Trademark Beauty Pencil Brush ($7) to smudge out the liner for a more lived-in look."

Liquid Eyeliners: "I think this looks great if you want a feline liner or a more graphic liner look," Henney says. Apply slight, smooth pressure as you apply liquid liners, so the effect is uniform and precise. "Always look into the mirror and check as you go that the symmetry is the same. Use small cotton tips dipped in micellar water to clean up the edges and make the two liners symmetrical."

Keep scrolling to see Henney's top blue eyeliner recommendations!

Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney

Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

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Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.