We're Calling It: "Poolside Blue" Is About to Be Summer's Biggest Makeup Trend

Makeup trends are almost always driven by nature. In autumn, when leaves litter the ground, we're drawn to warm ochre and umber tones. In winter, when we're stuck inside a polar vortex of ice and snow, we're drawn to frosty and shimmery shades (or, on the flip side, dark and moody ones). We play with pastels in spring, and we opt for vivid primary colors in summer. Like we said before, makeup tends to mirror the season.

That's certainly true when it comes to the latest makeup trend sweeping across Instagram. Everyone, from beauty bloggers to makeup artists and celebrities, has been sharing pictures of blue eye makeup. It's not just any blue eye makeup, though: It's a specific shade of blue that's reminiscent of makeup looks seen in Miami Beach in the '60s and '70s. The retro blue is somehow bright and diffused at the same time, like a splash of glistening pool water—which is exactly why we've coined it "Poolside Blue."

Here it is: Poolside blue. It's a shade of aquamarine that makes us think of hazy days spent lounging by the pool in the midst of summer (hence the name). Not only is it undeniably striking, but it also happens to complement every skin tone under the sun.

Keep scrolling to see the best ways to wear summer's biggest makeup trend.

Go Retro

When poolside blue is painted all the way across the lid and defined with a darker cobalt blue in the crease, it looks like it came straight out of an ad campaign from the late '60s or early '70s. In other words, it's right in tune with the retro trend that's been sweeping the beauty world as of late. We think Twiggy would approve of this look.

Make It Glossy

Salem Mitchell wore poolside blue eyeshadow with a coat of light-reflecting gloss overtop. When it has a wet-look sheen, like it does here, it gives whole new meaning to the name. To achieve a similar result on your own, apply a blue eyeshadow and dab Make Beauty's Face Gloss ($25) over the top. It's a transparent gloss that can be used as a highlighter or eyeshadow topper, as it offers up shimmer-free shine.

Add Shimmer

Here, makeup artist Caitlin Wooters combines a shimmery—almost transparent—version of poolside blue with a pastel cut crease and blue crystals in the inner corners of the eyes. We only have one word for this look: breathtaking.

Try "Miami Vibes"

Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes also seems to be a proponent of the unique shade. She created this stunning makeup look using Huda Beauty's Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Eyeshadow ($25). When posting the picture to her Instagram, she captioned it "Miami Vibes." See? We weren't the only ones that took one look at this color and thought "South Beach in the '60s."

Do a Cat Eye

Celebrities are in on the trend, too. Makeup artist William Scott created this Poolside Blue eye makeup look for Rachel Brosnahan. Look closely, and you'll see that the outer corners are winged out into a graphic cat-eye shape. Thanks to the shape and Brosnahan's slicked-back hair, this take on the poolside blue trend feels especially fresh and modern.

Pair with White Liner

Poolside blue eye makeup is even approved by the fashion elite. Supermodel Adwoa Aboah wore this stunning watercolor makeup to attend a summer gallery party. Notice how the blue is balanced out with a touch of white shadow on the center of her lids, as well as some white liner on her lower lash line. It makes her eyes look round and awake.

Match Your Outfit

Logan Browning wore a bright and saturated version of poolside blue eyeshadow on the red carpet. We love how she paired the look with a matching dress and metal accessories. We'll be taking inspiration by pairing our poolside blue eye makeup with a gleaming hair accessory, such as The Hair Edit's Large Gold French Hair Pin ($10).

Create a Bold Design

If you want to go as bold as possible, take inspiration from Rita Ora. Here, what appears to be a glittery powder shadow is used to create an intricate design on and around her eyelids. It's a look that makes a big impact but could be toned down for non-red carpet moments.

Shop the Look

Nars Baby Jane Eyeshadow Single $19.00

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A "poolside blue" eyeshadow single does exist, and it comes in the form of this ultra-pigmented powder from Nars. Apply it with your fingers or a brush, then be sure to blend out the edges for that dusky watercolor effect.

Huda Beauty Sapphire Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette $27.00

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You'd be hard-pressed to find an eyeshadow palette that's more vivid and pigmented than this one from Huda Beauty. Mix the bright teal shade with just a touch of the dark cobalt hue to create your own poolside blue color.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Mini Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 3 $29.00

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Anastasia Beverly Hills is a go-to for easy-to-blend pigments that look and feel luxurious. This one, which is called Norvina, houses two poolside blue options among other vibrant shades that can be mixed and matched according to your every whim.

Revlon Colorstay Looks Book Player Eye Shadow Palette $5.00

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There are plenty of potential color combinations provided by this Revlon palette, but we think a mix of the two blue shades would result in the trendiest one, since it would create the perfect poolside blue hue.

Tom Ford Emotionproof Eyeliner in Blueblood $45.00

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If powder eyeshadows aren't your thing, try swiping on a blue eyeliner crayon, like this one from Tom Ford. It's creamy and super pigmented. We recommended starting by wiggling the color into your lash line. Then, use a blending brush to sweep it up and out.