If blue eye makeup makes you think of the 1980s, it’s time to realize that this look is actually ultra modern. The trend is getting a new twist these days, with awe-inspiring effects that work for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re looking to rock this color for a coffee date or an evening bash, here’s how to master it:

From day…
Black eyeliner can look harsh on some, and blue might be just the solution – it’s can define the eye but is far subtler than ebony. Start with a pale neutral eyeshadow on your lids, like champagne. Then carefully trace your lower lashline from the inner corner out toward the outer edge with a teal pencil. The result is a wide-eyed yet alluring look.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even sweep a bit of bright blue mascara onto your lashes for bright, playful peepers.

You can also use blue to liven up a metallic lid. Use an eyeshadow blush to apply a sheer icy silver base. Then layer on a slate blue shadow to give your eyes a pop of cool color. If you want a more intense finish, you can dampen the brush so that the pigment goes on more opaque. Pair this winter-ready look with a powder pink gloss and a dab of highlighter on your cheekbones.

…to night
If you’re sporting a sleek cat-eye or a sultry smoky eye, try sweeping a slender line of rich cobalt pencil underneath the bottom lashes and smudging it slightly for some added intrigue.

Looking for a little more drama? Combine two different blue shadows. Apply the softer color from the lid all the way up to the browbone. Then swirl your brush in the deeper shade and blend it into the crease. An angled brush can help you to create a V-shape in the corner, thus enhancing the depth and magnifying the shape of your eyes.

If you go for blue shadow, it’s best to go light with the rest of your cosmetics. Bright colors on your lips will compete with the vibrancy of your eye makeup, so stick with shades that are within one to two shades of your natural lip color. A nude or sheer rosy lipstick will give your pout just enough pigment without drawing attention away from your eyes. Since orange is opposite blue on the color wheel, a subtle coral gloss will actually intensify the impact of your eye makeup.