At the Anna Sui fashion show, Pat McGrath applied this turquoise shade to the models’ eyelashes, setting the tone for 2026 beauty trends
This summer of 2026, an unexpected shade is making its way onto makeup tables and into the collections of major fashion houses. Turquoise is making a strong comeback, and this time, it’s all about precision rather than excess. This resurgence says something about the times: a desire for color, lightness, and self-expression.
Turquoise: A shade with a story behind it
In December 2009, Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2010: PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise. The brand described it as “bright and appealing,” combining the serenity of blue with the vitality of green. The world was just emerging from the 2008 financial crisis, and this escapist shade came at just the right time.
Within a few months, color had taken over fashion collections, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and eyeliners. It was the era of colorful smoky eyes, charcoal-colored pencils, and bold, generous makeup looks. They never seemed to take themselves too seriously.
Yet that era seems like a distant memory. After years of minimalist, almost invisible beauty, makeup is now entering what professionals call its “fun era.”
Signs of a major comeback on the catwalks
At the Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show, makeup artist Pat McGrath adorned the models’ lashes with a dramatic mascara in this bluish shade. The message was loud and clear.
At Chanel, a beauty campaign centered on a deep denim blue reignited interest in blue-toned shades. As a result, searches for blue eyeshadow have increased on social media.
“Turquoise and blue are the most sought-after shades following years of black’s near-total dominance.”
Professional makeup artists confirm this widespread resurgence of colored mascaras. As a result, the trend is no longer confined to the runway—it’s making its way into everyday life.
How to wear this turquoise color in 2026
The difference from the 2010s is the approach to eye shadow. Gone are the days of applying eye shadow generously and without hesitation. The current look is more precise, more deliberate.
Apply it as colored mascara to the lower lashes only, for a delicate watercolor effect that catches the light without weighing down the eyes. It can also be applied as athin lineof eyeliner on the upper eyelid, replacing classic black, for an unexpected touch on an otherwise very natural face.
- Colored mascara on the lower lashes for a subtle watercolor effect
- A thin line of eyeliner on the upper eyelid instead of the classic black
- Solid-color nail polish with a creamy or slightly pearlescent finish
- A very natural-looking blend for a balanced contrast
- Worn on its own, without any eyeshadow on top
On the nails, the color makes a statement as a solid-color polish, worn alone, in a creamy or slightly pearlescent finish. This effect evokes semi-precious stones and lends the look a touch of true elegance.
Makeup that says something
This comeback is part of a broader trend. After several seasons dominated by neutrality, makeup is once again becoming a space for creativity and self-expression. Moreover, this collective trend stands in stark contrast to previous years.
The bluish hue is no longer just a trend we revisit out of nostalgia. It’s a beauty statement in its own right, reflecting a genuine desire for escape and lightness.
Sixteen years later, a transformed trend
In 2010, eyeshadow was applied generously, in a carefree, maximalist style. In 2026, the same color is applied with precision and intention. The shade is the same, but the application has changed.
What’s more, this relaunch isn’t limited to a single product. It includes mascara, eyeliner, and nail polish. Each product offers its own take on this vibrant blue shade.
On the other hand, eyeshadow applied all over the eyelid seems to belong to another era. Today, the modernity of the shade lies in its relative subtlety and precise application. It is this restraint that makes the look so effective.
So, having fun with makeup again doesn’t mean going back to the way things used to be. It means choosing colors with intention, applying them with care, and letting a single shade do all the work.
