The 5 best blue cosmetics: From Illamasqua to Nails Inc

The vogue for blue eye make-up is a trend that returns every few years albeit with a modern spin

Nailkale polish in Richmond Park Gardens, £14, Nails Inc, boots.com

Be it a lipstick, a new pair of shoes or an armchair, so much of what we, or at least I, covet hits a sweet spot between nostalgic and novel. Take the vogue for blue eye make-up, a trend that returns every few years albeit with a new interpretation or a modern spin. I swore that I would never succumb to something that's been the punchline to so many visual gags and I'm certainly old enough to know better. And yet…

The current way to wear blue is as a bold sweep across the lash line, or as a densely pigmented shadow staining the lids. It helps this lover of the "natural look" that striking use of colour speaks for itself and actually looks best with minimal make-up; a barely-there base and hint of blusher, say, rather than the chalky foundations and tiger-striped bronzer of the 1980s. It's perfectly feasible that one day I'll look back at this blue period and wonder what I was thinking, but for now I'm just going to live a little and enjoy it.

Powder eyeshadow in Victim

£16.50, illamasqua.com

This vibrant cerulean is kept modern thanks to its matte finish and will look particularly great against fair colouring.

Frost eyeshadow in Deep Truth

£13, maccosmetics.co.uk

Deep navy is undeniably sophisticated, while a hint of sparkle adds just enough of a suggestion of the good old days of disco.

Long-wear eyeliner in Abbey Road 8054

£19, narscosmetics.co.uk

This creamy pencil glides on to ensure a smooth and steady application and the iridescent colour won't budge or smudge.

Line designer waterproof eyeliner in 04 Blue Fix

£28, By Terry, spacenk.com

How could you feel anything but cheerful with a feline flick of this sparkling azure blue gracing your lids?

Nailkale polish in Richmond Park Gardens

£14, Nails Inc, boots.com

If eye make-up really isn't your thing, why not opt for a bold royal-blue nail colour? This range uses extract of kale to condition nails.