Eesha Kulkarni

In the ever-revolving carousel of beauty trends, the ‘washed denim’ eye make-up is the latest phenomena capturing attention and headlines. And with it, the world has now been blessed with yet another comeback trend from the glorious ’00s era.

Picture this: A subtle yet stunning wash of light denim or baby blue eyeshadow, gracing the eyelids and extending just beyond the crease. The ‘washed denim’ eyeshadow make-up is chic, it’s effortless and off lately, it’s been embraced by some of the most stylish celebrities and fashionistas around the world. If you’re wondering why, we’ve got some answers below:

A Blast from the Past

Before we dive into the details of this trend, let’s take a moment to appreciate its roots. Blue eyeshadow is not a newcomer to the beauty scene. In fact, it’s been around for centuries — we’re talking ancient Egyptian times. ‘Egyptian Blue’ was the OG blue pigment and it’s been gracing eyelids since Cleopatra herself donned it.

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Fast forward to the 1960s, and the look was showcased through Twiggy’s signature mod make-up or the iconic blue eyeshadow and striking eyeliner Elizabeth Taylor wore for her role as the infamous Egyptian pharaoh in the 1963 film Cleopatra. Then came the 2000s, with its frosty blue eyeshadow dominating the party scene.

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Now, ‘washed denim’ eye make-up is ushering in the next wave of blue eyeshadow fans, perfectly aligned with the resurgence of Y2K-inspired fashion. It’s a nod to the likes of Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks and Britney Spears, who rocked shimmery blue lids with unapologetic flair back in the day.

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The Contemporary Twist

Today’s ‘washed denim’ eye make-up isn’t just plain, frosted blue eyeshadow. It’s sleeker, moodier and more sophisticated. Make-up artists are favouring a darker, matte denim-blue shade, which pairs flawlessly with a black liner and complements all skin tones.

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Kendall Jenner’s take, crafted by the talented Mary Phillips, is a standout example of this modernised trend. Phillips even used eyeshadows from the 2000s to create Kendall’s glam, proving that good trends never really fade away – they just get an upgrade.

Celebs in the Blue Hues

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When the Queen of Pop herself, Taylor Swift, graces her Midnights album cover with a touch of blue on her lids, you know the trend has officially arrived. And she’s not alone. Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion, Lily Rose Depp and Dua Lipa have all hopped on the blue eyeshadow bandwagon, adding their unique twists to the look. It’s a refreshing departure from the frosty blues of the early 2000s, leaning towards a more dimensional and shimmering aesthetic.

The Art of Application

Want to rock the ‘washed denim’ eye make-up trend? It’s all about finesse. Start with an eyeshadow primer to make those blues pop. Sweep a matte denim-blue shade across your lid and blend it slightly past the crease, allowing the colour to shine. For that extra oomph, add a touch of shimmer with a glittery eyeshadow on the lid. Keep your skin fresh and your lips natural to let those mesmerising eyes take centre stage.

In conclusion, the ‘washed denim’ eye make-up trend is a testament to the enduring appeal of blue eyeshadow. From ancient Egypt to the glitzy parties of the 2000s and now the chicest runways of 2023, blue eyeshadow has never lost its allure. Whether you opt for a frosted finish or a matte masterpiece, denim-inspired shades are here to stay, proving that true blue beauty is timeless. So, if you want to channel your inner ‘it-girl’ this year, just remember – it’s all about the wash of denim on your lids.

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