Water… sparkly turquoise, deep navy, alluring azure, even shades of blue-gray and greens. These are all cool, summery colors that evoke a feeling of calm and tranquility.

But when it comes to makeup? I don’t know about you, but when I think of blue eyeshadow, I usually think Mimi or chalky 1960’s. Not exactly the most flattering or chic looks out there, no doubt.

But bright blue eyeshadow can actually be done in a very modern, fresh, and non-cartoonish way. The key is to pair it with sophisticated neutrals, allowing the blue to be a “pop” of color set against a background of mellow grays or browns.

I love the way blues play off of browns, so I’m going to base today’s look on bronze and turquoise… like driftwood on a Caribbean sea.

You’ll need:

• Champagne Pearl eyeshadow
• Chestnut Brown eyeshadow
• Twinkle Wood Eyeshadow
• Maui Blue Eyeshadow
• Silver Snow Base eyeshadow
• Deep Brown liner
• small all-over brush
• angled crease brush
• liner brush

Start off with freshly cleansed and moisturized skin; your makeup will go on smoother and last longer!

We’re going to start off by building our “backdrop” for the lovely blue… grab your Champagne Pearl shadow and the small all-over brush, and stamp that color up underneath your brows. Take Silver Snow Base and dab it into your inner corners, and extend it just a little on your lower lash line, brightening up your inner corners and creating contrast for the colors to come.

Next, using the same brush (wipe it off on a clean towel between colors!), grab up some Chestnut Brown, and stamp it across your lids, from crease to lash line. Deepen your crease with Twinkle Wood eyeshadow applied with the Angled Crease Brush.

Using the small all-over brush, dip just the end (not the flat part- stand it on end) into the Twinkle Wood and follow your lower lash line to about 1/4 of the way in to your inner corner, creating a soft bronzey glow under your eye.

Now that you have your lovely backdrop, let’s add the fun! Grab your (clean!) Small All-Over Brush and dip the tip of it into your Maui Blue and start dabbing it on the outer corner of your crease, working inward. Blend well, adding more blue as you go.  Continue the blue around the corner and under your lower lash line as well, meeting up where you left off with Silver Snow Base.

Set it all off with a line of Deep Brown, either dry and smoky, or wet and dramatic. Pair with a light, clear blush and natural lips. Don’t forget to contour and highlight for a beachy glow!

Now go hit the Maui waves! Or at least grab a cold drink and pretend you can hear the seagulls…