We have more baby doll tees, tube tops, and flared jeans than anyone could ask for, but have you perfected the Y2K makeup? Although this trend exploded on TikTok earlier this year, it’s still extremely prevalent today as many are taking it upon themselves to master the frosty blue makeup trend. This style is the defining beauty look that was ruled during the early 2000s by OG pop culture queens like Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, Tyra Banks, Britney Spears, and more.
What is the trend’s catchy name? The 2023 version was rebranded to washed denim because of the use of iconic smokey blue eyeshadow which is vital to mastering this look. Today’s it-girls like Dua Lipa, Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion, and Dua Lipa are seen blatantly endorsing this matte blue moment on their lids. No matter what approach to the ‘washed denim’ eye makeup trend you take, one thing is clear: blue eyeshadow reigns through decades of glamorous party girl looks. In 2023, any shade of denim or any finish from frosted to matte can be your true blue.
Here’s everything you need to know about the makeup trend, including how to do it yourself.
What’s The “Washed Denim” Eye Makeup Trend?
Think of this aesthetic as an “enhanced neutral,” just like the fabric itself. There isn’t much on the eye—just a wash of light denim-blue eyeshadow applied to the lids, blended just past the crease, and along the lower lash line. Maddie Ziegler, Adwoa Aboah, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber are just a few of the celebrities who have already embraced the “washed denim” eye makeup trend. The makeup style was first worn by Taylor Swift on the album cover of “Midnights,” and it was thereafter donned by Quannah Chasinghorse and Iris Law for fashion’s biggest night of the year, the 2022 Met Gala.
The “Washed Denim” Eye Makeup Trend
Blue is not an easy eyeshadow color to work with so we recommend starting with an eyeshadow primer to enhance the pigmentation and ensure utmost longevity. From there, take your fluffiest eyeshadow brush and a frosty blue shade to blend out all across your lids. For your convenience, we recommend this eyeshadow palette from Clé de Peau Beauté as it contains all the various shades of denim a girl could ask for. Now, use a smaller eyeshadow brush to go in with a deeper shade of blue, concentrating this below your crease and on your lower lid. Tie the eye makeup look together with a navy-hued pencil liner – also applying it on your waterline. To up the ante, you can use a liquid eyeliner to create a wing although this is optional.
No makeup look is complete without mascara. Use an ultra-lengthening formula for a doll-like finish. Alternatively, you could also opt for a blue mascara if you want your eyes to pop. Not only is the washed denim makeup easy, but it’s a surefire way to ensure you make a statement wherever you go.
Primp Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup extremely modern with radiant, highlighted skin; if your foundation is too matte or your blush is too intense, this could give off an “80s ice skater” vibe, which is not the intended effect.
No matter what approach to the ‘washed denim’ eye makeup trend you take, one thing is clear: blue eyeshadow reigns through decades of glamorous party girl looks. In 2023, any shade of denim or any finish from frosted to matte can be your true blue.
