Need a midseason mood boost? It’s time to put colourful eye makeup on your summer beauty bingo card.
“Colour is a symbol of celebration, joy and happiness,” says Lucas Drigues, a makeup artist in Toronto. “Given the world we’re living in, with so much heavy news and a fast, stressful lifestyle, many of us are craving more playful, uplifting moments.”
Bright lashes and lids have appeared during spring/summer 2026 runway shows, and eyes awash in rainbow hues have recently been adopted by celebrities such as American actor Keke Palmer, French music sensation Yseult and Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. “Colour is coming back strong, but with a certain lightness to it,” Drigues says. He notes that softer edges, less structured shapes and eyeshadows that melt into the skin have increased in popularity – unlike vibrant cut creases from past years.
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For Wenlan Nyenon, a makeup artist who works out of Umeglow Studio beauty boutique in Vancouver, colourful eyes also satisfy a yearning to express individuality. “We don’t all want to look the same, and we are breaking away from clean girl makeup,” Nyenon says. “To not try it at all, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”
The pros promise that experimenting with the trend is simple, thanks to user-friendly cream formulas and an emphasis on a soft effect. No major makeup skills or tools are required, either. “You can do it in a way that’s not overwhelming,” Nyenon says. “It’s not the first thing someone is going to see when they meet you.”
Nyenon and Drigues both consider coloured mascara as the best point of entry. “It’s definitely the easiest way, and works even for the corporate girlies,” says Nyenon. Try a purple, blue or burgundy mascara. “These shades can enhance your eye colour and add a subtle pop, while still being effortless,” Drigues says.
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A coloured eyeliner can be equally achievable. “It can be very subtle,” Nyenon says. “You can even just try it on your lower lash line.” As a low-lift eyeshadow technique for venturing further onto eyelids, she suggests playing with negative space. “Instead of doing the whole lid, just put a little bit in the inner and outer corners of the eyes,” she says. “It’s not so intense because you just have accents of colour.”
When it comes to selecting a shade, let intuition be your guide. “I honestly think anyone can wear any colour,” Nyenon says, but adds that blue is universally flattering. “There are so many shades of it, from navy to seafoam, and a blue can look nice on any skin tone.”
Drigues considers peach and coral tones, olive greens, and warm plum or berry shades to be among the most versatile and complimentary options. He often uses blush as eyeshadow on his clients, applying it with his fingertips. “Above all, it’s important to choose shades that make you feel good, comfortable and confident,” he says, “Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. It’s like dopamine dressing for your eyes.”
Six buys to try
Foolproof ways to try a colour – any colour – starting at $14.
19/99 Beauty Lash Tint Mascara in Blue
From a Canadian makeup brand that encourages quiet colour, this blue mascara tints lashes with a bestselling lightweight formula that won’t smudge or flake.
Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour in 66 – Sweet Pink
Designed for use as both an eyeliner or eyeshadow, you can use the pointed tip of this silky cream pen to glide along the lash line, and the flat side to adorn eyelids in a wash of soft pink with long-wear power.
Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Vignette
This soft seafoam green with a shimmering finish is delivered in an award-winning cream formula that’s earned a fanbase for crease-resistant, 12-hour wear. It’s also water- and sweat-proof.
Elate EyeLine Pencil in Celeste
Created by a B.C.-based beauty company dedicated to sustainability and an ethical supply chain, this matte cobalt colour is infused with vitamin E and rice bran oil for a smooth application. The pencil is made from sustainably sourced wood, with a cap derived from corn.
Annabelle Skinny Multi-Use Liquid Liner in Green
From a makeup mainstay out of Montreal celebrating 59 years in August, this pen features an ultra-fine tip with long-lasting, high-pigment payoff. It’s easy to experiment with this dark green liquid liner in one swipe, without any skipping or pulling along the lash line.
Violette_FR Plume Eyeshadow in Pluie Violette
The brainchild of Parisian-based makeup artist Violette Serrat, this sheer cream-to-powder eyeshadow accents lids in a matte, cool purple tone that’s easy to blend, buildable and has a soft blurring effect.
