Hue better believe it.
Taylor Swift’s record-beating “Midnights” album might be making chart history for its catchy tunes, but fashionistas are really flipping for the pearly blue eyeshadow sported by the “Shake It Off” songstress on the album’s come-hither cover. It’s a look at least one popular makeup artist has dubbed “washed denim.”
After dominating eyelids in the ’80s — and then being dumped unceremoniously at the beginning of the grunge years — Gen Zers are bringing sexy blue eyeshadow back, thanks to taste-making Tay Tay, influencers like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber and popular TV shows such as HBO’s “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus.”
Hannah Rosie Bennett, a makeup artist and popular TikTok creator who gave the old look its new name, says indigo eyelids are like any other fashion trend — from skinny brows to low-rise jeans and even Uggs — tending to bounce back every 20 to 30 years.
In addition to its ’80s heyday, “It was popular in the ’60s when it was this powdery wash of pale blue,” Bennett explains in a recent TikTok video. “Baby blue eyeshadow made a comeback in the late ’90s and early 2000s, [and] this time it was super frosted, super metallic and really pale. This time around, it’s coming back in the form of washed denim.”
To nail the trend, Bennett suggests aiming for a shade that’s a match for your “favorite denim jacket or jeans” and recommends Mac’s eyeshadow in the best-selling shade Tilt ($21; temporarily out of stock).
Fashion editor and trend forecaster Kendall Becker told The Post that what makes the shade feel modern and fresh — and sets it apart from the bold blue looks of the ’70s and ’80s — is its streamlined shape, as well as the toned down makeup it’s paired with, such as a nude lip.
“This retro aesthetic [has] been growing, from mini skirts to denim to icy makeup,” Becker said, adding that “it’s less about a specific decade [and more about] pulling inspiration from all of our favorite decades of the past.”
This go around, Gen Z is “having a lot of fun with finish” — for instance topping off the look with a swipe of multi-use gloss such as Gucci Luminous Face & Lip Gloss ($34) or Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment in Clear ($18).
Makeup artists on HBO’s critically acclaimed “The White Lotus” have certainly been leaning into the trend, incorporating the look into the wild style of Gen Z character Portia, played by Haley Lu Richardson (who’s also rocked the blue hue on the red carpet).
“Portia is fresh and fun, so it felt appropriate to choose bright colors for her eyes,” the show’s makeup department head Rebecca Hickey told The Post, adding that Portia’s bold makeup choices echo her generation’s fashion choices.
“l think the Gen Z girl can be a bit more daring with her look, she’s not afraid to mix color and try something out of the box,” Hickey added. “[Portia’s] makeup tells the same story.”
Still, you don’t have to be a 20-something to try the look.
While blue was typically applied in a more aggressive manner in the past, the modernized version can be far more subtle.
“You can apply all over the lid,” Becker said, suggesting an icy but muted shade such as Glossier Skywash in Pool ($18).
For an ombre effect, she recommends using a blue shade from one of your palettes and then highlighting with white shadow. Or try working with “several shades of blue” instead of one big condensed block to make it less intimidating.
For a more “snatched approach,” she suggests mimicking a cat eye with Stila’s Double Dip Suede Shade & Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Beach Wave ($24).
Those looking for a little holiday dazzle can also try sweeping on the sparkly YSL Sequin Crush Mono Eyeshadow in Bold Blue ($30).
“Modern applications [like this] make it feel really of the moment,” Becker said.
“It’s saying here’s me and my eyeshadow, but we’re having a little bit more fun.”
