I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but beauty "rules" are becoming more passé by the second. In fact, I believe (and many experts I've consulted agree) that the only beauty rule right now is that there are no rules! Watch a red carpet, scroll through Instagram, or spend time on TikTok, and you'll 100% see what I mean.
However, remember learning about the color wheel when you were in grade school? If we want to be technical about it, there will always be certain colors and tones that are more complementary to other colors and tones. For instance, if you have blue eyes, like me, wearing certain eye shadow shades will make the blue pop 10 times more than other, less complementary shades. Sure, you can choose to ignore said shades and wear whatever color eye shadow you feel like, but since my blue eyes happen to be my favorite feature (and one that others often compliment me on), I want to do everything I can to enhance them.
I love to play with makeup—it's a big part of my job, after all—and I (plus my fellow blue-eyed WWW beauty editors) have a running list of specific eye shadows that make my blue eyes shine their brightest. I also reached out to two celebrity makeup artists for their takes: Jamie Greenberg, whose clients include Kaley Cuoco, Joey King, and Brittany O'Grady, and Jillian Dempsey, who works with the likes of Kristen Stewart, Leslie Mann, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Below, they're not only sharing the all-time best eye shadows for blue eyes, but they're also lending some helpful pointers and application advice along the way. Keep scrolling!
The Best Eye Shadows, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in Pillow Talk Dreams
- Best Glitter Eye Shadow: Makeup by Mario Master Crystal Reflector in Citrine
- Best Eye Shadow Stick: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Burnished Bronze
- Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow in 32S
- Best for Blue-Green Eyes: Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Patina
The Best Eye Shadows for Blue Eyes of 2025
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in Pillow Talk Dreams
Pros: Velvety formula, easy to blend, no fallout, great for a neutral look or full-on glam
Cons: A bit pricey for a small palette
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Format: Powder
Let it be known you can never go wrong with Charlotte Tilbury! Pillow Talk flatters every eye color, for what it's worth, but we can't ignore how those champagne-pink and copper tones suit blue orbs. Even Dempsey considers herself a major fan: "Every single shade in this quad will really bring out the blue in your eyes," she shares.
"I use Charlotte Tilbury's palettes almost every day," WWW senior editor Allyson Payer once shared. "No matter which you choose, all four shades are actually wearable, and they each include a fun, sparkly color to take your eyes from day to night."
Customer review: "This palette is so beautiful, this is my second time purchasing it, and I just love it. So soft and such a light texture. If you want a striking look, pair this palette with a brown eyeliner with a slight reddish undertone!"
Best Glitter Eye Shadow: Makeup by Mario Master Crystal Reflector in Citrine
Pros: Can be used as eye shadow or highlighter, sparkle is noticeable but not too overpowering
Cons: Applies very sheer, if you're looking for more pigment payoff
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Powder
WWW beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock considers this stunning glitter number one of her ride-or-die faves. (In fact, she loves it so much that she convinced three strangers to buy it at Sephora.) The warm, yellow gold may look intense in the pan, but rest assured it applies rather sheer—making blue eyes look even brighter. "While you can definitely see the gold, it doesn't offer the same color payoff as a traditional eye shadow, but that's what I like about it," McLintock shares. "Instead, it's like a subtle icing of gold-toned radiance." A bonus? You can use it as a cheekbone—or collarbone!—highlighter too for allover radiance.
Customer review: "I think this is a makeup lover must have, I use it on my body when I go out and on my eyelids when I want a little sparkle. You don’t need much of this product to get a good shine, it’s gorgeous over highlighter and by itself."
Best Eye Shadow Stick: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Burnished Bronze
Pros: Very beginner-friendly, blends easily, smooth application, tons of shade options
Cons: Tip can easily break off, so make sure to roll it all the way down before putting on the cap
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Cream stick
Beauty editors and makeup artists alike can't stop raving about this creamy, rich color stick—and for good reason! It's arguably one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly makeup products you can get your hands on; WWW senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider personally loves using it as a smoky eyeliner, smudging it onto her lash line before buffing it out with her fingertips. Dempsey loves it too, recommending it for "when you want a different texture that still has complementary warmth for your eyes."
Customer review: "I really enjoy using this eyeshadow stick. It goes on so smoothly and blends easily, giving just the right amount of color. It lasts all day without fading or creasing, which I really appreciate. I can swipe it on for a quick look or build it up when I want something a little more noticeable. It’s become one of my favorite products."
Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow in 32S
Pros: Feels light as air, dries quickly, never creases, easy to blend with your fingertips or a brush
Cons: Applies sheer, so you may need to double up coats for more pigment payoff
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Liquid
"I'm still dreaming of the moment celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez dressed my lids with this eye-catching, pastel-blue liquid eye shadow," notes Schneider. "The icy hue makes my eyes look especially piercing, and I love how buildable it is. Just one swipe gives you an all-over sheen, but two or more coats really dials up the frosty drama. I also like to concentrate the pigment on my inner corners for a quick highlight."
Customer review: "When I actually wear makeup, I want it easy and natural with a hint of glam. That is exactly what this eyeshadow provides. Easy to apply, not thick, dries quickly, lovely [shades]. Perfect."
Best for Mature Skin: Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Ruby
Pros: Easy to layer, buildable, contains nourishing ingredients for dry lids
Cons: Not the best for oily lids
Finish: Matte
Format: Cream
Dempsey is quick to recommend her own ruby shade. "[It] is underrated and really pops the intensity of blue eyes. Simply swipe it on your lid and blend it with a finger," she says. If the deep red hue looks too intense for your tastes, she recommends softening the tone by buffing a white kohl eyeliner on the base of the lid before applying. You'll wind up with the perfect shade of crimson to enhance those baby blues.
Customer review: "I love how the lid tint color is buildable and easy to apply. The ingredients make my lids soft and wrinkle free."
Best for Blue-Green Eyes: Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Patina
Pros: Has an angled tip that's amazing for precise eyeliner looks, creamy formula that never tugs on the lids
Cons: Can smudge easily, so you'll want to wait until it completely dries down
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Cream stick
"My eyes are blue-green, so I do love an olive-toned eye shadow to accentuate the subtle green flecks," Schneider notes. This Ilia number is my favorite at the moment, as it has a shimmery finish that still feels wearable for everyday glam, and the pigment truly glides like butter across my lids. Pair it with the antique gold shade called Divine, and you'll have the chicest earth-toned eye look in seconds."
Customer review: "I've been using this product for some time now and am loving the fact [that] it gives me the right amount of color and that it stands out. I've gotten a few compliments on what brand and color I'm wearing, and I don't hesitate to say what it is. I'm very happy with this eye product and will continue to wear."
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pür On Point Eyeshadow Palette in Friday
Pros: Won't irritate sensitive skin and eyes, features both matte and shimmer shade options, rich color payoff
Cons: Shades are very neutral, if you're looking for something bolder
Finish: Shimmer and matte
Format: Powder
"This palette has the most perfect shades for an orange eye look that will complement blue eyes," notes Greenberg. It contains both matte and shimmer hues, so you can easily change up your look depending on how glam you want to go. (Or feel free to use all six if you'd like!) Not to mention "the shadows don't contain talc, and there's barely any fallout," Greenberg shares.
Customer review: "A staple for my pro kit! I beyond love these eyeshadows and so do my clients and students. They are the only brand of eye shadows I use the most."
Best Splurge: Sisley-Paris Ombre Éclat Liquide Eyeshadow in Copper
Pros: Stunning color payoff, easy to blend and layer, doesn't crease
Cons: Takes a couple minutes to fully dry down
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Liquid
Schneider and Greenberg both love this Sisley Paris number. Yes, it's pricey, but you get what you pay for: a striking shimmer that melts into lids and lasts all day without smudging. To really amp up the impact, Greenberg recommends layering it on top of powder eye shadow to mix up textures. Trust, though, this copper shade will absolutely shine on its own.
Customer review: "I had to repurchase. I ran out and really missed having it in my rotation . It is great as a single shadow or as a base with other shadows."
Best for Bold Looks: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Boutons in Boutons Baroque
Pros: Palette all you need for a stunning eye look, shades are velvety and easily blendable
Cons: Expensive
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Powder
"In the photo above, I'm wearing Chanel's Enchanted Night Eyeshadow and Blush Palette, a limited-edition launch that is sadly no longer on shelves. However! This updated eye shadow quad has a shimmery magenta shade that's suspiciously similar to the powder I adore, so I suggest copping this set while you still can," shares Schneider. "In addition to that delicious purple, it features champagne and copper tones that are especially flattering for blue eyes. It's like the entire palette was made for blue-eyed beauty lovers."
Customer review: "I didn't order this one when I first saw it because I have a similar one, but I ended up ordering it after all and I just love it. I put the purple color on first and I love the way it looks. I only buy Chanel powder shadow—great colors."
Best Multitasker: Jamie Makeup The Blighlighter in The Coral One
Pros: Versatile and easy to use, blends like a dream
Cons: Softer pigment payoff, if you're wanting a bolder eye look
Finish: Shimmer (but very subtle)
Format: Cream
"I love this multitasking pigment in either The Coral One or The Penny One for blue eyes," Greenberg says of her own blush-highlighter hybrid. Orange sits across from blue on the color wheel, so an orangey coral like this will really accentuate those blues. Pro tip: Monochromatic makeup looks as a whole help your eye color stand out even further, so use this one on the cheekbones too for even more of a standout effect.
Customer review: "Love, love, LOVE this product! The color is subtle but just bright enough to give a beautiful glow. Highly recommend!"
Best Color Payoff: Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Zebra
Pros: Has a luminous gel-powder consistency, smooth pigment payoff, no fallout
Cons: Pricey for a single shadow
Finish: Shimmer
Format: Gel-powder
"This eye shadow delivers a shimmery warm beige that complements blue eyes," notes Dempsey. It's one of those eye formulas that has a multidimensional shimmer effect, meaning it looks a little different depending on how the light hits it. Oh wow, is exactly what you'll think once you see it catch rays—stunningly captivating.
Customer review: "This eyeshadow is pricey, but is really, really good. I got the Cheetah shade as a gift from someone a few months ago, and fell in love with the formulation and light wash of color. I went back and purchased the Zebra shade. I don't experience fallout with this, but I also apply the Perricone MD "No Makeup" primer every day. I have really hooded eyes, and this doesn't crease."
Best for a Full Face: Joah Chasing the Sun Eyeshadow and Bronzing Palette
Pros: Easy to use, great for travel, nicely sized mirror
Cons: Very delicate, so try not to drop it; reviewers note the compact can easily shatter
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Format: Powder
If you're hoping to glow like a sultry, shimmery sun goddess, this is the palette for you. "I like this because the colors work well, but it also has the added bonus of bronzing the face, which can help boost the look of blue eyes," notes Greenberg. Armed with two bronzer shades, a highlighter, and five earth-toned shadows, you'll have a full look in less than two minutes.
Customer review: "Love all the colors in this palette!"
What are the most flattering eye shadow colors for blue eyes?
"Any complementary color on the color wheel is going to make your eye color pop," explains Greenberg. Blue’s complementary color is orange, so she and Dempsey both recommend prioritizing eye shadows with warm or blue-based tones: ruby-rose, peach, apricot, coral, copper, bronze, and even something like a beige-pink shimmer.
If warm eye shadows aren't your vibe, Greenberg says the next best shades will be something similar to your actual eye color, like blues or a light purple. Her fave tip? Do a little bit of both! "I love to use a complementary color like coral on the lids and then line the eye with a blue eyeliner. It’s like a double trick to make the eyes pop. Or you can use blue mascara instead of blue eyeliner."
Dempsey is also a fan of enhancing blue eyes with a dose of eyeliner and is a big fan of rich brown: "I love to use my Rich Brown Khôl Eyeliner. It has the perfect amount of warmth in it to really flatter blue eyes. I have blue eyes, and it's my number one makeup staple and smudges nicely for extra definition."
What eye shadow colors should people with blue eyes avoid?
Do like Gisele and stick to those bronze shades! "Yellow and green hues really don't do blue eyes justice," Dempsey shares. "Some metallic shades too, like bold purples and yellow-gold, tend to make blue eyes look washed out." That said, if you do love those shades, keep the finish sheer, or you can always add a bronze or brown liner to help balance out the look.
Greenberg adds that grays can also dull the look of blue eyes, and bright reds (that look opaque, not sheer) can also look a little off.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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