I remember the first time I wore an aqua dress to a party – I was so excited about the color but had no idea what makeup to pair it with!
After trying a few different shades, I finally settled on a makeup look that really made the dress shine. Now whenever I wear blues or aqua, I have a few color combinations in my back pocket that I know will work.
I wanted to share some of my favorite makeup shades to wear with an aqua dress so you can feel confident on your next night out.
I’m here with 15 specific makeup colors that will look gorgeous with your aqua dress!
Dusty Rose Lip
A softly shimmering dusty rose is one of the most flattering lip colors to pair with an aqua dress. The subtle rose tones complement the blue hue without being too bright or bold. Dusty rose acts as a neutral alternative to typical ‘nude’ lip shades.
The pinky beige tones in a dusty rose lip color help to balance out the cooler undertones of aqua.
While aqua can sometimes look harsh against cooler skin tones, the touch of warmth from rose pink helps it appear more vibrant and youthful. It also adds a lovely feminine glow to your features.
I find MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Passionately to be a perfect dust rose shade for aqua dresses. The formula is comfortable and long-lasting, with a touch of pearl that reflects light beautifully.
It makes your lips look plumped and full of life without being overly dramatic. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk is another award-winning option – the subtle shimmer enhances lips’ natural color.
Whether your aqua dress has more blue or green tones, dusty rose acts as a lovely neutral that complements both. It won’t overwhelm or clash with the dress like a brighter pink might.
The pale rosy tint also looks flattering against many different skin tones from fair to olive.
So if you want to make a statement with your aqua dress without lipstick being the main focus, dusty rose is an elegant choice. It flatters lips and enhances your whole look in a subtle, harmonious way.
I’d recommend keeping the rest of your makeup Soft like light blush, mascara and groomed brows to let the dress shine through!
Coral Lip
Coral is such a gorgeous pop of color that pairs beautifully with aqua dresses. While aqua is a cooler-toned blue-green hue, coral adds just the right amount of warmth to balance it out.
The touch of peach or orange in a coral lip color picks up on the subtle yellow undertones that are often found in aquas.
Rather than wearing typical “nude” lips that can wash you out, coral is a fun alternative that makes your complexion look lively and glowing. It draws attention to your lips in a flattering way versus blending in too much with your skin. The color contrast between the coral lip and aqua fabric is also very eye-catching without being harsh.
Some of my favorite corals to pair with aqua include NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman and MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Feel The Fenty. These shades have a true coral tone without veering too pink or too orange. The velvety matte formulas ensure the bright pop of color last all night.
When wearing coral lips, I like to keep the rest of my makeup neutral like lightly lined eyes and peachy cheeks. This allows the focus to remain on the bold lip. Coral also matches a variety of aqua tones whether more blue or green-leaning. It’s a universally flattering option for many different skin colors too.
So if you want to take your aqua dress to the next level, consider a corral lip for a look that’s radiant, summery and guaranteed to get noticed!
Barely-There Pink Lip-gloss
For a fresher, more subtle lip look with an aqua dress, a pale pink gloss is an absolute stunner. While you want your stunning dress to shine, a little color and shine on the lips can pull the whole look together.
A pinky nude gloss adds luminosity without being the center of attention.
Shades like Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow and NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight are ideal. They provide a soft wash of shimmering pink without being too high-impact.
This allows your dress and natural beauty to take the spotlight. The gloss also creates an illusion of fuller lips without too much pigment.
The pale pink tones in these glosses act as a seamless complement to aquas of all shades, whether more green or blue based. They pick up on the springtime feel of the fabric in a very natural way.
And the shimmer adds flattering dimension without overwhelming matte or satin dresses.
On no-makeup makeup days, this lip gloss is all you need to pull together your aqua outfit. It gives a hits of refreshness while barely changing your own lip color. I like pairing it with subtle mascara and rosy cheek tint too.
Your fresh face and flowy dress will charm everyone!
So for an effortless pop of look, gloss is your secret weapon when paired with aqua.
Lavender Smokey Eye
If you want to make a color statement with your eyes when wearing an aqua dress, a softly smoky lavender eye look is gorgeously feminine and striking.
Pale purple shades pair beautifully with blues and pick up the lighter undertones in many aqua fabrics.
Using a mix of lilac and lavender shadows smoked out along the lash line and creased adds a dreamy, ethereal vibe.
For this look, I love blending shades from the ColourPop It’s My Pleasure palette like Note to Self and Friendly to create dimension.
The super blendable formula makes it easy to build up soft washes of color.
Sweep the palest lilac on the lid and blend a slightly deeper lavender into the outer corners and lower lashline. Gently smoke it out with a fluffy brush.
Don’t be afraid to layer multiple shades to deepen the hue or blend out harsh lines. Top with black or gray liquid liner and mascara for definition.
The delicate lavenders offset an aqua frock beautifully without competing for attention like brighter hues might. They work with dresses that are more blue or green-leaning as well. It also flatters many skin tones from light to deep.
Pair with neutral lips and cheeks to let the dreamy violet eyes take center stage. This ethereal beauty look is guaranteed to complement an aqua dress perfectly wherever you wear it!
Gray Smokey Eye
Gray is such a chic, versatile shade that pairs beautifully with aqua. A gray smokey eye acts like a neutral that helps the color of the dress truly stand out. Where some hues may compete with aqua, gray seamlessly supports it as the star.
Smoke out taupe, platinum and pewter tones like those found in the Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette. Start with a medium taupe through the crease as your transition shade.
Then darken the outer V using the pewter and a small, dense brush. Blend along the lower lash line as well for smokiness.
The cool undertones in gray echo those in aqua without being matchy-matchy.
Together they create an elegant, monochromatic effect. Gray also flatters many different skin tones whether fair, Olive or deep. It makes aquas pop without distracting from your natural beauty.
Keep other makeup neutral like pale lips, rosy cheeks and well-groomed brows. Gray shadow allows your gorgeous dress and features to shine through.
Swipe on black mascara or try smudging a pale lavender along upper lashes for added dimension.
A chic gray smokey eye acts like the perfect canvas for any aqua garment. It’s a look that’s minimal yet oh so striking. Complete the style with stacks of dainty silver rings and you’re ready for an event!
Crystal Highlight
One of the most ethereal makeup moves when wearing aqua is a crisp highlighting glow that mimics the way light hits crystal. A highlighting shade with subtle iridescent chrome pearls is dreamy against the cool aquatic vibes of the fabric.
I love how Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone reflects light.
The subtly prismatic formula bounces flattering pearlized pigment onto cheekbones, brow bones and cupid’s bow without being overly glittery. It creates a soft lit-from-within radiance that flatters all skin types.
The milky champagne base tone in Moonstone melds seamlessly with aquas both green and blue-toned. It brings a warm, crystalline shimmer without clashing colors.
The highlight also helps features stand out from afar in photographs!
For nights when all you need is a hint of glam, swipe Moonstone on high points of the face to let the aqua frock take center stage. It transforms your face into an understated work of glowing art. Complete the look with muted pink lips and mascara for an elegant sparkle.
So whether your dress is satiny, matte or textured, a crystal highlight flatters its cool aquatic vibe with an otherworldly sheen. It’s the perfect makeup move for any spring or summer event in your stunning aqua number!
Soft Peach Blush
Peach blush is such a lovely color pick-me-up to pair with an aqua dress. While you want your outfit to be the focal point, a gentle dusting of peach on the cheeks balances the cooler tones beautifully.
Peach blush adds a youthful, sun-kissed flush of warmth that flatters aqua dresses in a way pink or red might not. Shades like Nars Orgasm contain both soft pink and gold shimmer to reflect light in a lovely, natural way.
The hint of shimmer also enhances your dress and features.
Sweep a light layer across the apple of cheeks and blend backwards towards the hairline. Be generous without going overboard – you want the blush to enhance your existing skin tone rather than overwhelm it.
The peachy glow brings out undertones in aqua fabric in a very flattering, feminine way.
With its balance of pink and gold tones, peach blush works for aquas on the blue or green side of the spectrum. It also suits many different complexions whether fair, olive or deep. Pair it with minimal lips and eyes for a fresh, summery pop of color.
So for a quick way to bring radiance to your aqua dress look, peach blush is a beautiful, no-fail choice that flatters with warmth and light.
Light Pink Blush
For a barely-there flush of color on cheeks with an aqua dress, a light pink blush provides a natural pop without being overly bold. It enhances your existing flush in a very subtle, fresh way.
Pale milky pinks like Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam are ideal as they mirror the look of natural arousal. Sweep the lightweight cream formula across high points of cheeks and blend out for an airbrushed glow. Its subtle shif of pearl catches light beautifully.
Light pink peeks through aqua fabrics in a romantic, ethereal way. It flatters both cool blue and green tones alike. And because it’s such a faint flush, it serves as a neutral that won’t overpower the dress or compete for attention.
The soft color also makes a nice complement to pink or coral lips when wearing aqua. It brings nude eye makeup to new levels of fresh-faced loveliness. No one will guess your glowing skin required any product at all!
For an effortless pop of warmth, light pink blush is perfect for aqua. It creates a breathtaking canvas for your features to truly shine through without makeup ever being the focus. A natural beauty must-have all summer long.
Rosy Brown Lip
A rich rosy brown lip color is a unique choice that pairs beautifully with aqua dresses. While nude or pink lips are classic options, rosy brown adds dimension and edge to the look.
Shades like MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Ravish Me combine pinky brown tones that warm up cooler aquas without being too dark or bright. The rosiness echoes the blush of natural lips while the brown adds sultry depth.
It’s the perfect mix of colors to complement many aqua shades.
Rosy brown acts as a neutral that doesn’t fight with the dress for attention like pure pink could. It also makes teeth look whiter in comparison. The subtle shimmer lightly reflects light for a refreshed glow.
Because the tones are muted, it flatters both fair and deep skin tones beautifully.
Pair with minimal eye makeup like tightlined waterline and swipe of mascara. Sweep on light blush and let the unique lip be the standout focus. Complete with an effortless updo to showcase your elegant aqua number from every angle!<
So for a striking yet polished pop, rosy brown lips make a statement when paired with aqua in a way brighter hues can’t compare to. It’s the color chameleon your closet needs.
Taupe Eyeshadow
For a quick and easy daytime eye look with an aqua dress, sweeping taupe eyeshadow all over the lids is perfection. The nude tone seamlessly supports the dress without adding superfluous color.
Shades like Urban Decay Naked Basics “Faint” make the perfect taupe.
Its warm brown-beige undertones pick up on aqua’s own subtle yellow notes beautifully. Sweep across lids and blend along lower lash lines with a fluffy brush.
The matte formula lets your features shine without glare.
Brows and lashes frame your gaze while subtle taupe brings out eye color. As an all-over lid shade it also makes eyes appear wider awake.
Pair with barely-there brow gel and coats of mascara.
On cheeks, blend a touch of peachy blush. This soft makeup allows your stunning aqua frock to be the focus it deserves.
Whether your dress leans more teal or seafoam, taupe works its neutral magic. It’s the perfect “no makeup” makeup to show off your features and fabric to their best advantage all day long.
Mauve Lipstick
Mauve lipstick is a lovely muted pink-purple shade that pairs exceptionally well with aqua.
The subtle lavender and rose tones in mauve act as a neutral that complements both cooler and warmer aqua hues.
Lipsticks like MAC Powder Kiss in Pleasure Model offer a balmy matte formula in a true mauve shade.
It adds a kiss of feminine color without being too bright.
The slight shimmer also enhances your natural lip tone.
Mauve works with aquas whether they lean more teal, seafoam or robin’s egg blue.
The pale purple undertones pick up on the soft colors beautifully. It’s also universally flattering on multiple skin tones.
Keep other makeup minimal like groomed brows, hint of blush and mascara. Let the dress and unique lipcolor take the spotlight. Complete the look with dainty silver accessories for a polished finish.
So whether you’re running errands or going to brunch, mauve lips add lovely dimension that harmonizes perfectly with your aqua dress. It’s the chic, easygoing pop of color your spring and summer wardrobe needs.
Lilac Lipgloss
For a soft, ethereal look with an aqua dress, a lightweight lilac gloss is dreamy. While nude or pink shades are classic options, lilac elevates the look with an otherworldly aspect.
Glosses like Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat in Fuego Kiss add the prettiest sheer wash of purple shine. The reflective particles catch the light like mother of pearl. A swipe dresses up lips without heavy pigment.
Lilac picks up on the softer undertones found in many aqua fabrics. The hint of purple enhances natural lip tone and complements both blue and green aqua hues. It’s a gentle contrast that is flattering on all skin types too.
Play up the ethereal vibe with wispy lashes, glowing highlighter and bare cheeks. Subtle beauty lets your stunning dress take center focus. Finish with dainty layered necklaces and you’re red carpet ready!
So whether for day or night, lilac gloss brings a surreal quality to any aqua outfit. It’s the pretty popsicle kiss your lips and look desire.
Soft Yellow Eyeshadow
While colors like taupe and grey are safe neutrals with aqua, an olive or soft yellow eyeshadow adds a touch of sunshine. Used subtly, it picks up on the warm undertones in many aqua fabrics.
Shades like MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork are lovely cream formulas in a buttery yellow tone. Sweep across lids with your finger for an all-over wash of color. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly.
Yellow echoes the subtle hints of gold found in aqua without being too bright or bold. The warmer pigment also flatters green-toned aquas especially well. It brings out eye color and skin tones beautifully too.
Pair with a swipe of mascara, light blush and pink or nude lips. Keep brows natural so all focus stays on your lovely dress and feature-enhancing eyes.
Whether for brunch or beach days, yellow eyelids are a delicate pop of sunshine that flatters aqua in a subtle, feminine way. Fresh, effortless beauty for any spring or summer activity!
Iridescent Highlighter
For an otherworldly glow with aqua, an iridescent highlighter adds an ethereal touch. While natural or peachy shades look lovely, iridescent brings dimensional magic.
Highlighters like Essence Pure Nude Highlighter in Be My Highlight have ultra fine multi-chrome flakes suspended in a lightweight cream. It reflects pearlized pinks, blues and purples like a channeled ocean wave.
The iridescent sheen mimics the way aqua fabrics play with light. It catches your features from every angle for an ethereal, mermaid-like aura. No other highlighter compares!
Sweep on high points of cheeks, brow bone and cupid’s bow. Blend with your fingers for an otherworldly lit-from-within glow. Let it shine alongside minimal makeup and your stunning aqua ensemble.
Whether teal or seafoam, the organic prism effect flatters all. Complete with silver accessories and beach waves – you’ll feel like a water nymph ready for your close up!
Here’s one more makeup idea that would look great with an aqua dress:
Pale Gold Eyeshadow
Just like how iridescent highlighter picks up the sheen and shine of an aqua fabric, a delicate wash of pale gold eyeshadow also mimics the flattering way light reflects off the color.
A soft rose gold or antique gold shade sweept across the lids and blended into the crease would make eyes pop without overpowering the dress. The hint of warm shimmer recalls the subtle yellow or golden undertones in many aquas.
A cream or powder eyeshadow in a pale gold like MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork would be sheer enough to not seem flashy or distracting. It enhances natural eye color and shape while acting as a neutral companion to the dress.
Sweep it on alone for daytime or pair with delicate liner and mascara for night. Light application lets freckles or eyes shine through without makeup dominating the look.
The subtle warmth flatters both blue and green aquas equally. Pale gold makeup is a delicate finishing touch worthy of your stunning spring or summer aqua number.
Aqua is such a chic color for spring and summer dresses. Whether in shades of teal, seafoam or robin’s egg blue, an aqua frock is a wardrobe staple.
While the fabric itself is a stunner, applying complementary makeup can truly make your features pop.
A gray smokey eye acts as the perfect canvas to let aqua stand out.
Taupe lids create a “no makeup” makeup aesthetic.Crystal or iridescent highlights add fairylike luminosity.
Soft peach or light pink blushes bring natural dimension.Mauve, lilac or rosy brown lips add subtle dimension.
For a touch of sunshine, softly blended yellow lids pick up on warm undertones.And who can compete with the dimensional magic of iridescent highlighter?!
Whether your aqua dress is casual or cocktail attire, taking inspiration from the fabric’s tones will leave you feeling confident and ready to shine.
Let your features enhance the dress, not distract from it.
With the right makeup accentuating your natural beauty, you’ll feel perfectly polished in this spring and summer staple.
Explore different looks to find your signature Aqua Dress style!