Eye makeup for blue-gray eyes

[christinedenice]

I would love to hear what eye makeup colors and products you wear, or suggest for, blue-gray eyes...

My eyes are mostly blue-gray with some golden flecks. The color seems to change depending on what I wear, and can look teal/aqua if I wear dark greenish-blue clothing. My skin is medium/cool (NW30), I have light blonde highlights in dark blonde hair, pale brows, and short sparse lashes.

I've simplified and toned down my makeup routine, assuming that a natural look is better at my age (63). Not sure whether this is wise or not, and I am feeling that the whole look is a little blah. I'm retired, but wear makeup everyday regardless of what I'm doing that day (addicted)  .

I'm currently using:
Shadow: MAC Creme Color Base in Root (brown) in the crease. This is discontinued, but I bought a few on eBay. MAC Behold (pale gray/taupe) powder shadow on lid, up to crease.
Lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild pencil in Charcoal topped with MAC Behold powder shadow.
Mascara: Lancome Definicils in Black.
Brows: Chanel Precision Brow Definer in Taupe and Rimmel brow pencil in Hazel.

Any thoughts?

[Cougar]

My sister has almost navy eyes (blue black) which in my mind are in the blue grey family (a lighter blue black).

Her eyes stand out amazingly with browns.  I love those on her because browns contrast so well with blue (think of the browns as the "orange" family which is the opposite of blue).  So, with the "natural" browns you don't notice the eyeshadow shade but her eye color pops.  One day I used on her this set and it was gorgeous:

cream on lid

warm medium dark brown in crease and shading/contouring

shimmery (not glittery) ivory under brow bone

dark brown crayon smudged as liner

black mascara

Ab fab

[Styyna]

Blue-gray eyes here and one of my major projects this winter is to sort through my entire stash and find new, loving owners for 99% of it. In the process, I hope to discover a new eye look that I love.

One simple idea for you for now: Navy liner. It brings out the blue in my eyes and makes the whites seem whiter. I use it when I want my eyes to sparkle. I almost always use a pencil liner, creating a very thin, smudgy line so that there is a hint of navy without a clear color line. I wrap it around the outer corners very carefully, smudging it into non-existence before I get a quarter of the way under my eyes.

For shadow I choose a medium-light color, similar to the shade that I used to achieve when tanning. My goal is to hide the veins and other things that I don't want to see and imitate the even color tone of more youthful eyes. I start at the lashline and blend up, stopping a little below my eye brows. I don't use a highlighting color because my eyes are all hanging, sagging lids and they don't need any emphasis. I think most women benefit from using a bit of a soft highlighting color under the brows, just to brighten the effect a bit.

Dark brown or brown mascara when I wear mascara. Black is a little harsh for me (NW15-20 here) but sometimes I play with it at night anyway.

I am feeling that the whole look is a little blah

Story of my life! I've long looked for ways to add a little something to my eye look without going over the top. That is why I have a small boutique's worth of makeup too. When I was younger I could wear more kinds of looks but I didn't have the time for them. In recent years I've had the time but, like you, feel like a simpler, more understated look is better.

[anne]

Blue-gray over here, too. I´ve got deep-set, hooded eyes, so not much room to play there.

I like the look of ivory / nude beige on lids, brown in the crease, peach above crease, ivory again under brows. Liner or eye shadow on upper lid - brown, black, or something else.

I find warm colors suit me and a bit on pink or peach above the crease bring my eyes alive.

[christinedenice]

Cougar, Styyna, Anne:

Thanks for your suggestions. All three of you recommend a lighter lid shade than I am using. Maybe that is the key to my dilemma!

I believe I have all of the colors you have suggested in my stash (except for brown mascara--shopping trip forthcoming  ), and am going to try each of your combos these next three days.

Will let you know how it goes.

[Styyna]

Will let you know how it goes.

Can't wait to hear.

[christinedenice]

Okay, so I couldn't wait 'til tomorrow to start trying your ideas.

Cougar, I just tried your colors and....yeah, much better! I think the gray/taupe shadow I was using on the lids was too drab. Cream is much better. And, the brown liner (actually, I used a bronze/brown 'cause that's what the stash yielded) is very nice.

Thanks!

Looking forward to trying the other suggestions.

[ILuvLucy]

I have blue eyes as well, and was going to say the same as Cougar.  Even though I look terrible in orange/rust clothing, an eye shadow close to that color makes my eyes look bluer.  And, now that I don't really wear much in the way of color on my eyes,  I try to make sure that the nude shade leans towards warm.  Also, (this might sound strange, but) a warm pink works the same for me. 

[Cougar]

I'd never thunk it til I tried it but pinks are great.
Bobbi Brown makes some of the nicest pink e/s.

[christinedenice]

Anne, I tried your color scheme today and really like the addition of peach above the crease. It does brighten the eye. Never would have thought of it. Thank you!

[Styyna]

Great reports, Christine. Your happy results are encouraging me to set aside some warmer eye shadow shades. I've tended to steer clear of warm colors because they contrast against my pink skin but maybe I can find a way to make them work.

As Cougar mentions, pinks can be great. That's one color I've tried in warmer shades without success but the neutral/cool ones have a brightening effect. Before my eyelids drooped as much as they do now (wish there was an anti-gravity machine for my whole body  ), soft, fairly light pinks were pretty and helped open up the eye area.

[makinalist]

I am so glad you started this topic, Christine!  Look how many of us have blue-gray eyes here!

As for me, my situation is a bit different because of my hair.  It is a silvery color, almost 100% now, so the browns that are supposed to make my eyes sparkle just make me look tired.  I can do a little in the crease, but that's about all.  (I am about NW20, so cool shades are best.) 

The only brown liner I ever use is Bobbi Brown Mahogany Ink -- it has a bit of gray added to the brown.  Even at that, I don't reach for it very often.

What does work for me are shades of navy and gray or combinations of the two.  I love my Bobbi Brown Denim Ink, MAC Powerpoints in Prussian and Grey Utility, Sephora Retractable Liner in Slate, and Colorescience liner pencil in Shades of Gray.

I have read all of the opinions that we should not match our liner to our eye color.  Sorry, but

On to eyeshadow: My favorite pink is Laura Mercier Morning Dew.  Peachy shades are Laura Mercier Sandstone and Paula Dorf Halo.  For a creamy ivory base I like MAC Blanc Type or Stila Ecru.  Any of these work for brow highlighters, too.

Brown mascara is a wash for me.  I prefer soft black when I can find it.

[christinedenice]

I tried Stynna's color suggestions today: navy liner, brown mascara, medium tan shadow almost up to brow.

The navy liner seems too harsh on me, but it may be because I did not get the line thin enough. My upper eyelids are rather "doughy" at the lash line, and I had trouble getting the color nicely into the base of the lashes. I will try this look again sometime and try to get a thinner, smudgier line. I also think I need a second shadow shade in the crease area for definition. BTW, I needed to buy brown mascara for this look and picked up L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber. Not crazy about it--too goopy for my thin, sparse lashes. Lancome Definicils works much better for me.

Am intrigued by the pink shadow idea. Need to buy some! 

[Styyna]

You know, I never thought of navy as a harsh color but I think I can see that it might be.

Still, I'm glad you've had fun trying some different ideas - you sure took them to heart.

Please keep sharing your new experiences because you definitely provide food for thought.

[makinalist]

One thing you might try is navy eye shadow used as liner.  It usually looks softer when I do this.

[Styyna]

One thing you might try is navy eye shadow used as liner.  It usually looks softer when I do this.

Also, navy can encompass everything from almost a black-navy to something much bluer.

I like the idea of trying the navy eye shadow because blending can affect the depth of the color. Listy has such good ideas!

[makinalist]

Well, yes - also you can go over your liner with the shadow.  That works to soften the look as well as make it last longer.

I was thinking...although I don't wear browns well, I do like greige colors.  My favorite is Bobbi Brown Cement cream shadow - it's a no-brainer for an easy everyday look with no fuss.

Listy has such good ideas!

[makinalist]

Today I used two Bobbi Brown cream shadows - Cement on the lid and Ash in the crease - along with her Denim Ink liner.  I really like this for a polished and defined look that takes very little time or effort.

[Styyna]

I've been using Bobbi Brown Cement Long Wear Cream Shadow on my lids for a while now. I love it. Can't tell it's there but it covers all the imperfections and makes an even canvas if I want to add color on top (not that I do often).

[makinalist]

It's funny -- I don't like Cement for a summer look, but I love it the whole rest of the year!

Today I tried Laura Mercier Sandstone with the brown* from her Blue Hour palette for the crease color and Bleu Marine cake liner.  I don't think I like it quite as well as yesterday's look, but it's still pretty good.

*I really hate when palettes don't say what the colors are!

[Poppyfields]

*or when you fall in love with one of the colors in a palette and its limited edition and long gone.

[Styyna]

Gotta say that I love Laura Mercier's Bleu Marine cake liner.

Can you describe the brown or compare it to something else? Pretty please with sugar on top?

[makinalist]

I looked on her web site and the closest thing I saw was Coffee Ground - a cool charcoal brown matte.  That sounds about right. 

[Styyna]

A-a-a-n-n-n-d, another lemming is born. Thanks Listy.

[makinalist]

If that is the right brown, then it's available at ACW right now for $9.99.  Just sayin'...

[Styyna]

I see Sandstone is there too. . .do tell. Laura Mercier's site describes it as peachy-pink. I know I can wear cool, light pinks. I wonder if this would work for me. . .(enable away, $4.95 shipping doesn't change unless I hit $50 and that's not gonna happen).

[Cougar]

peaches contrast with blues (your eyes)
really

[Styyna]

peaches contrast with blues (your eyes)
really

Yes, I know because you have been mentoring me about this for years! But I don't have a good peach that I feel is versatile. And $10 is hard to beat if this is really a good color.

How have you been? Work still keeping your nose to the grindstone or are you coming up to air?

[makinalist]

Um...$50 is not that hard to reach.  Ask me how I know that...

[Styyna]

I saw pretty palettes that maxed the $50 in no time but guess what? I resisted!

It was also interesting that there were lots of Bobbi Brown palettes under the Palettes menu heading but not under the Bobbi Brown brand listing. ACW is a tricky site. I had to look hard to find the good stuff.

Well, except for the 2 eye shadows that I found.

Nonetheless, do tell how easy it it to spend $50.

[makinalist]

Last time I ordered, I got the Laura Mercier Sandstone shadow, Kiehl's Musk Oil, a Dior top coat for nails, and a travel size compact of Dr. Denese  Smart Concealer in Light.  I can get to $50 with one hand tied behind my back. 

But I don't do it very often - only when I really want to treat myself.  Usually late at night.

[Styyna]

I understand the late at night thing. LL Bean is just calling my name at night. Their $10 gift card for every $50+ order is 20% off and that's decent. So I've been breaking my orders into just barely $50 and putting one through each evening for a few evenings..

[makinalist]

That makes perfect sense to me!

[makinalist]

I was reminded yesterday of my all-time, favorite, go-to look for my blue-gray eyes...Bobbi Brown Cement cream shadow and Denim Ink liner.  Indigo Ink also works just as well, but Denim is a bit lighter and brighter.  This is a never-fail look for me, with anything I'm wearing and anywhere I'm going.

Thought I should say so.

[Styyna]

I have both. I will try tomorrow and let you know how it goes with my blue-gray eyes.

[christinedenice]

Listy, thanks, that combo sounds lovely. I don't own any of the products, but....sounds like a shopping opportunity! 

[Styyna]

Well, I don't have Denim but I have Indigo and I have Cement Cream Eye Shadow.

And I have all clean brushes. I was so excited that I washed them all so they will be all pretty and just waiting for me in the morning. There's something about having every brush at my fingertips, clean and ready to go, that motivates me. When I'm on a roll I'll wash those brushes that I use for creams each evening but, obviously, that had gotten away from me recently so I had to play catch-up. Ahh, what a good feeling.

[makinalist]

I just use my finger to apply Cement, but I imagine when it gets lower in the pot I will have to use a brush.  I hope a concealer brush will work -- I don't have anything special for cream shadow.

[Styyna]

A concealer brush will at least get the product out of the pot and on your lid. Then you could use your finger to spread it.

[makinalist]

Good point.

[Une Femme]

Blue-grey eye color here as well, although they can look almost navy at times.  I'm also a fan of Bobbi Brown's eye shadow cream in Cement.  It's a gorgeous and versatile greige that looks great with a blue eye. Incredibly long-lasting too, even through a workout.  My only gripe with it, is how difficult it is to get out of the pot once you get halfway through it.  My solution is to bend a Q-tip into a V and dip the base of the V into the pot and scrape out what I want.  Then I warm it up between my fingers.  This cream shadow applies well with either a brush or blended by hand.

Another color that I adore is Urban Decay's liner pencil in "Stash" (stupid name).  It's a beautiful olive green with a bit of gold.  I know that it doesn't sound as if it works with a blue eye but it does look fabulous. I only discovered this by accident, since my local Sephora was out of the brown / taupe UD liner shades, so I decided to take a chance on Stash.  I don't use any other color when using Stash; I just prime my lids with MAC's Painterly.  I also only use black or soft black mascara.

[christinedenice]

une femme: It's great to see another recommendation for BB's cement shadow. After reading so many enthusiastic comments about it, I finally ordered it, and coincidentally it is scheduled for delivery today  The UPS truck usually shows up in our neighborhood around 7pm, so only a few more hours to wait!

The olive/gold pencil sounds intriguing, and I'll bet it is lovely with your blue-gray eyes.

[makinalist]

More votes for Cement!  I haven't used mine down far enough to have trouble getting it out, but I can see that it will be a problem.  I must practice bending Q-tips right away!

Une Femme - I never would have thought of using Stash for blue eyes -- are you warm-toned, by any chance?

[Une Femme]

Une Femme - I never would have thought of using Stash for blue eyes -- are you warm-toned, by any chance?

No, I think I'm actually somewhere between cool and warm and can dip into both color spectrums.  I lean more towards cool though.

[anne]

I got a BB cream shadow in Cement from my Secret Santa (thankyou thankyou thankyou!) and I LOVE it!

I haven+t used Mac paint pots since.

It is a lovely primer color, looks very lovely, polished and natural. It also lasts and lasts.

[makinalist]

Cement has become a must-have for those of us with this eye color.  I wonder if it looks as good on everyone else?

[Tsjmom]

NW 20 with light blue-gray eyes and curly dk blonde hair.  Like everyone else I like the browns but I get the most compliments when I do purple on my eyes.  I find it really enhances and brings out the color of my eyes and makes the white whiter.  HTH

[christinedenice]

Tjsmom, it sounds like purple would be awesome with your coloring. Do you use it as liner, e/s, or both? Any shade/brand recommendations?