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Looking at photographs from the 1980s, you can catch a bold streak in Princess Diana‘s otherwise very natural makeup look: electric blue eyeliner on her lower lash line that brings out her equally bright blue eyes.Diana’s longtime makeup artist Mary Greenwell has said Diana “loved makeup and loved experimenting,” and “she loved to exaggerate her gorgeous eyes,” however, “she felt no need to be showy, so she kept her makeup subtle and appropriate for the occasion.”The Princess of Wales’ style, including her makeup, is experiencing a resurgence. Just this month, Sotheby’s announced that her 1994 “revenge dress” is going up for auction for the first time in nearly 30 years, and the fashion press still treats her archive as an important reference point—including her go-to makeup.“Blue eyeliner and mascara are definitely making a comeback,” celebrity makeup artist Thynna Wagenblast, who has worked with Cardi B and Serayah, tells Parade.But Wagenblast doesn’t recommend copying Diana exactly. The eyeliner placement that worked in 1985 is what dates the look now, so she shares how to update it and which shades of blue are the easiest to wear.She also shares tips for hooded lids and mature eyes, along with her product picks.Related: This 30-Second Eyeliner Trick Instantly Lifts Mature Eyes, Celebrity Makeup Artist Says
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Is Blue Eyeliner Really Back in 2026?
“I saw a lot of colorful eye makeup during this September’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW), when artists and clients were more open to experimenting with editorial looks,” Wagenblast says.
For her client Amaya Espinal (aka Amaya Papaya), she built one NYFW look around the color. “We incorporated blue eyeliner and mascara to make the makeup feel more fun and vibrant to match a botanical-themed show,” Wagenblast says.
“You can make blue the focal point of the makeup or use just a touch of it as an unexpected accent,” she says.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Why Princess Diana Wore Blue Eyeliner in the ’80s
“Princess Diana’s makeup was generally soft and timeless, with a very natural-looking complexion,” Wagenblast says. “She often wore blue kohl pencil along her lower waterline and lash line, which emphasized the sapphire tones in her blue eyes and immediately drew attention to them.”
This was a major benefit, as she was often in the spotlight.
“Her eyes were one of her most striking features, and the liner made them especially captivating both in person and in photographs,” Wagenblast says.
And even though this makeup style was often overstated in the 1980s, she made the trend work for—not against—her.
“What dates the look to the ’80s is the bold color concentrated around the lower eye,” Wagenblast tells Parade. “Blue eye makeup was extremely popular at the time, but Diana found a sophisticated way to participate in the trend without wearing an overly dramatic eyeshadow look.”
Given the expectations surrounding royal beauty, it was “a subtle but memorable way for her to experiment with color while still appearing sophisticated,” she says.
Related: The Worst Eyeliner Mistake to Avoid, According to a Makeup Artist
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The Modern Way To Wear Blue Eyeliner
Today, this trend can be just as eye-catching, without appearing too dramatic.
“The modern approach is more versatile,” Wagenblast explains. “Rather than placing blue exclusively in the waterline, I might use it as a crisp wing on the upper lash line, apply it only to the outer corner or introduce the color through mascara.”
If you prefer more subtle makeup, you can wear blue mascara on the top lashes while keeping the rest of the eye neutral, she recommends. The rest of the face stays natural, but the blue sits up top or at the edges of the eye, where it opens it up instead of framing it from below.
To try out a blue mascara, Wagenblast recommends L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Mascara in Cobalt Blue. It’s a budget-friendly choice and also “a great beginner-friendly way to try the trend because mascara feels less intimidating than bright liner,” she says. “One coat creates a subtle flash of blue, while additional coats make the color more noticeable.”
How To Pick the Right Blue Eyeliner Shade for Your Eye Color
Blue covers a lot of ground, from navy through cobalt to teal and periwinkle. So, how do you decide which one to choose?
“The right shade depends on how subtle or bold you want the finished look to be,” Wagenblast tells Parade.
“Navy is the most universally wearable because it provides the definition of a dark liner while still offering a hint of color,” she explains. “[Cobalt] creates a much stronger statement, while teal and periwinkle feel more playful and editorial.”
Eye color can narrow it down further.
“Cobalt and navy create a beautiful contrast against brown eyes, while blue and teal tones can highlight the blue or green in hazel eyes,” Wagenblast says.
If your eyes are already blue, she explains, “I would choose a shade that contrasts slightly with the iris rather than matching it exactly so the eyes do not get lost.”
For a soft blue with a touch of dimension, she likes the Shades By Shan Gel Eyeliner in Berry Blue. “Its subtle shimmer makes the color feel approachable while still adding something special to the eyes.”
Related: The 12 Best Eyeliners for Older Women, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists
How To Wear Blue Eyeliner on Hooded Lids and Mature Eyes
Placement matters more than shade, Wagenblast says.
“For hooded lids, I would keep the liner thin and close to the upper lash line or use blue mascara so the color remains visible when the eyes are open,” she tells Parade. “On mature eyes, a softer navy pencil or mascara can provide definition without looking harsh.”
She suggests completely steering away from the ’80s placement.
“I would generally avoid applying a heavy, dark blue around the entire waterline, as that can visually close the eye and make it appear smaller,” she says.
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Thynna Wagenblast, celebrity makeup artist based in New York who has worked with Cardi B, Amaya Espinal (aka Amaya Papaya) and SerayahHence then, the article about princess diana made blue eyeliner iconic in the 80s a makeup artist says this is the modern way to wear it was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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