Picture this: a timeless beauty icon from the 1980s, Princess Diana, effortlessly blending elegance with a hint of rebellion through her striking blue eyeliner. But here's the twist – this sapphire sensation is roaring back into fashion in 2025, and it's more captivating than ever! If you're intrigued by how a simple makeup trick can transform your look, keep reading to discover why it's not just a trend, but a bold statement of self-expression that's ready to brighten your beauty routine.
Back in the late 1980s, Princess Diana was inseparable from her signature blue eyeliner, which offered a playful yet sophisticated escape from the stiff norms of royal aesthetics. It injected a burst of individuality into her minimalist makeup style, making her stand out without overwhelming the natural vibe. Fast-forward to today, and that cool, ocean-inspired stroke along the lashes still feels incredibly fresh and modern. In 2025, the aqua shade is dominating the scene – think of Dua Lipa's dynamic cobalt accents or Zendaya's sleek navy contours – as top celebrities flaunt this electrifying pop of color. Even the fashion runways are onboard, with designers like Victoria Beckham and Paul Castello showcasing models in waves of cerulean washes and subtle indigo blurs, solidifying blue eyeliner as the season's most daring beauty comeback. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about nostalgia; it's a nod to how makeup can evolve while staying true to its roots.
© AFP via Getty Images
Diana herself preferred a straightforward technique, applying the shade primarily to the inner edge of her lower lash line to enhance the brightness and size of her sea-blue eyes. Yet, in today's world, blue eyeliner opens up endless possibilities for making your eyes truly pop. For beginners, this means experimenting without fear – it's easier than you might think, and a great way to add fun to your routine without needing advanced skills.
Nowadays, many opt for pencil eyeliners to craft those classic cat-eye flicks, but instead of razor-sharp precision, the vibe leans toward softened, blended edges. This creates a seductive, mysterious allure rather than a formal polish – perfect for those smoky, lived-in looks that feel effortless and alluring. Beauty enthusiasts are also going bold with extreme, artistic designs, drawing graphic patterns and shapes that let your creativity shine. We're absolutely smitten with these ideas, as they prove makeup is as much about personal storytelling as it is about enhancement.
© Kulfi Beauty
As revealed by Princess Diana's longtime makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, Diana adored Elizabeth Arden's Blue Khol 636 pencil for her lower waterline. Sadly, that exact shade has been discontinued, but don't worry – we've hunted down top-notch substitutes that will elevate your autumn makeup game. From rich pencils to fluid liquids and smooth kohls, here's our curated list of the finest aqua-toned products available right now, each chosen to help you channel that iconic Diana energy.
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© Victoria Beckham Beauty
Satin Kajal Liner - Jeans
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Trust Victoria Beckham to elevate blue eyeliner to an art form of effortless style. This luxurious, deep denim hue applies like a dream with its creamy texture, delivering the soft, imperfect smudge that's become everyone's go-to for a natural yet trendy edge. It complements every eye color beautifully and shows that navy can indeed replace black as the ultimate wardrobe staple for makeup.
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© Dior Beauty
Diorshow Liquid Liner - Satin Indigo
Dior Beauty
For those who crave pinpoint accuracy, Dior's Diorshow liquid liner is your secret weapon. Its deep indigo pigment shimmers subtly under light – striking enough to command attention, but polished enough for daily wear. With just one application, you achieve that high-fashion intensity that Dior masters so expertly.
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© Charlotte Tilbury
Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo - Super Blue
Charlotte Tilbury
Why settle for one when you can have two? Charlotte Tilbury's innovative dual-ended pencil combines a deep navy with a vibrant sapphire shade, instantly illuminating your eyes and making the whites stand out vibrantly. It's versatile too – blend it for a festive glow or keep it crisp for an everyday elegance that's always on point.
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© Kulfi Beauty
Kajal Kohl Eyeliner - Daydream
Kulfi Beauty
This pencil is a burst of pure delight. Its sky-blue tone radiates playfulness and boldness, standing out as the most vivid in our selection, while the smooth, buttery formula ensures easy, streak-free application. It's the ideal choice when you want to boost your spirits (and your entire makeup vibe) with a single, joyful stroke.
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© L'Oréal Paris
Signature Liquid Eyeliner - Blue
L'Oréal Paris
A budget-friendly gem that exceeds expectations in every way. The precise felt tip simplifies creating wings, and the lively blue pigment introduces just the right level of excitement. Consider it your quick fix for reviving weary eyes – sharp, empowering, and utterly enhancing.
How we chose:
Performance and personal testimony: These top blue eyeliners are handpicked based on the expert opinions of our beauty writer, Aaliyah Harry, who has tested them thoroughly and speaks from firsthand experience.
High performance and consistent use: Every recommendation has been tried and used regularly, ensuring reliability. As informed beauty professionals, we've carefully vetted options ranging from affordable high-street finds to premium luxury items, all united by their exceptional quality and effectiveness.
But here's where it gets controversial – is reviving a look from decades ago truly progressive, or could it be seen as clinging to outdated ideals? Some might argue that bold colors like blue eyeliner empower individuality, while others wonder if it's just a fleeting social media trend that risks overshadowing more subtle, everyday makeup. And this is the part most people overlook: makeup isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a personal choice that can spark endless debates. What do you think – should blue eyeliner become a staple in every makeup bag, or is it better left as a nostalgic throwback? Do you agree with our picks, or do you have a favorite alternative? Share your views in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
