Cool painterly eye

If it’s creative freedom you’re looking for then eye makeup is where you can play with arty abandon. Unusual shapes and unexpected shades can land on the eye area with ease, as seen at Carolina Herrera and Eckhaus Latta during FW19. Running counterbalance to the strict parameters of a cat eye, painting eyes with a swatch of colour communicates an attitude that gives zero Fs. Plus, this painterly style looks kindly on ‘mistakes.’ Here, irregularities and asymmetries make for a stronger final result. If/when an oops goes too far, a pointed cotton swab dipped in makeup remover will provide a quick fix. Obviously we’re having a blue moment. Like, big time. Busting out a shade typically spotted in warm-weather feels rebellious, plus we know our way around a universally-flattering colour. From deep cobalt to pale Robin’s egg blue, scroll on to see our top picks of eyeshadows and liquid eye liners that all skin tones can dive into effortlessly.

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Blue crushin’ on all these beauty buys.

Quad goals! Bold, shimmery, pastel and punchy – consider this foursome ideal inspo for putting a twist on the classic smokey eye.

MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Triennial Wave, Atlantic Blue, Winkle and Tilt, $9 ea., Pro Palette Eyeshadow Compact, $10

Looking for a subtle way to experiment with a new-to-you hue? This metallic turquoise liquid eyeliner is the perfect way to test the waters of blue eye makeup.

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Liners in No. 6 Bold Blue, $42

Sheer or saturated? This pot of buildable colour goes both ways. Dab it over lids using your ring finger, or apply it using a tapered brush for precision work.

Annabelle Bouncy Bouncy Single Eyeshadow in Rumba y Playa, $9

Intense pigment payoff meets long-lasting wear in an icy hue that pops equally on skin tones fair to deep.

Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eye Shadow in Something Blue, $31

From deep cobalt to crisp seafoam, there’s a handful of aquatic shades in this multi-hued palette that doesn’t require a hefty down payment.

NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Brights, $22