I recently bought a stunning cobalt blue dress for a summer wedding, but I was stuck on which makeup colors to wear with it.
I tried a few different eye shadows and lipsticks at home, but nothing seemed to really make the dress pop.
After some trial and error, I finally landed on 15 makeup shades that beautifully accentuated the cobalt without being too matchy-matchy.
Did you know that cobalt blue actually complements a wide variety of makeup colors?
Unlike some colors that only pair well with neutrals, cobalt is versatile and works with everything from soft pastels to rich jewel tones.
This makes finding the right makeup fun instead of frustrating.
Navy Blue Eye Shadow
The subtle contrast between navy and cobalt makes both colors really pop.
Navy is a deeper, darker blue than bright cobalt. So instead of looking matchy-matchy, the two shades play off each other visually.
While cobalt is a cooler-toned blue, navy has cooler and warmer undertones that blend nicely with cobalt’s color profile.
This tonal compatibility is part of what makes them suit each other so well.
Monochromatic looks that stay within the same color family, like navy and cobalt blues, tend to be quite flattering.
The similar hue keeps the focus on your features instead of competing colors.
Navy shadow adds depth and drama to the eyes when worn to an event in a cobalt dress.
During the day, a light wash of navy all over the lid keeps it soft yet stylish. In the evening, darkening up the outer lash line with navy creates sultry smokey eyes.
The navy and cobalt color pair is very on-trend right now for summer.
You’ll look polished and on-point when you complement your cobalt dress with navy shadow. It’s a classic combo that never goes out of style either.
So navy shadow goes with cobalt dresses because their related blues blend beautifully together through subtle contrast, tonal compatibility and on-trend monochromatic styling.
It flatters the eyes while accentuating the dress below!
Emerald Green Eye Shadow
The colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, so emerald green forms a vibrant yet harmonious contrast to cobalt blue. This contrast makes both hues really pop without looking clashy.
Both colors are jewel tones, with cobalt being a rich blue and emerald being a lush green. Their similar color intensity and saturation level means they hold their own against each other visually.
Emerald green offsets the cool undertones of cobalt blue without overwhelming its brightness. The green brings an element of warmth that provides balance to the cobalt coolness.
Sweeped across the lids, emerald shadow demands attention in a eye-catching yet sophisticated way. It adds depth and intrigue to simple cobalt style.
Lightly dusted in the crease as a gradient, emerald green blends seamlessly into the cobalt blue of the dress below for cohesion.
Emerald shadow works equally well for day or night when paired with neutral lip colors like nude, mauve or peach to accentuate the eyes.
Worn to a summer party or garden wedding, the nature-inspired emerald and cobalt color combo feels fresh and on trend.
So, emerald shadow complements cobalt with its balancing pop of brilliant green contrast, while respecting the dress’ color through similar intensity and gradual blending techniques.
Lilac Eye Shadow
As a fashion designer, I can tell you lilac eye shadow is the perfect palate partner for our cobalt blue dresses this season.
While cobalt is a show topping shade, lilac adds an air of romanticism that keeps the look soft and feminine. As a pastel, lilac blends effortlessly with our dress without being too bold. This makes it ideal for daytime client presentations and meetings.
Color-wise, lilac balances cobalt’s cool undertones with a touch of purple warmth. Their complementary vibrancy and tonal harmony is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Lilac also flatters all complexions equally without any clashes.
I recommend a light, diffused wash of lilac across the entire lid for an ethereal effect. Alternatively, pressing it just onto the inner corners brightens up eyes. Either way, it lifts one’s gaze to play off the dress below.
My research shows customers want versatile, easy pieces they can style multiple ways.
Lilac eye shadow allows just that – one can rock these cobalt numbers to the office with dramatic lashes alone. Then amp it up after hours by lining upper lash lines and adding mascara.
With lilac shadow lending an atmospheric feel, our cobalt blue dresses meet the needs of modern women everywhere.
Their blend of vibrancy and subtlety creates the perfect color story for the season ahead. I have no doubt lilac and cobalt will become our biggest selling duo!
Gold Eye Shadow
As a makeup artist, I can see why metallic gold eye shadow would be the ideal eye makeup complement to a cobalt blue dress.
Gold is a neutral shade that pulls similar undertones from both warm and cool colors like cobalt blue. This means it blending effect brings together rather than clashes against the dress hue.
The shimmering quality of gold helps make eyes stand out and sparkle. When doing makeup for events like parties or nights out, you want the eyes and look to have dazzling impact. Gold provides that perfectly.
On the lids, a swipe of gold in the center helps make eyes look wider and brighter. It reflects light beautifully off the cobalt blue canvas of the dress below.
In the crease as a subtle contour shade blended out, gold adds depth and dimension to the makeup without muddying colors. Its a dimensional enhancer.
You can’t go wrong with classic metallic shades like gold that elongate eyes without dating the look. Five years from now, gold shadow will still pair elegantly with cobalt dresses.
Subtle day looks or richer evening applications, gold is universally flattering on all skin tones and eye colors paired with cobalt.
So in summary – metallic gold eye shadow meshes Cobalt’s unique undertones while making eyes dazzle at events. Its a surefire color combo that flatters with timeless luminosity!
Coral Lipstick
Coral is a vibrant yet approachable shade that complements without competing with cobalt.
Its warm undertones complement the cooler cobalt hue beautifully.
The pinky-orange color pops against cobalt in a summery, youthful way. This makes the wearer appear fun and carefree.
Coral flatters virtually every skin tone, bringing out natural glow.
It avoids the risk of makeup washing one out like overly bright hues could.
The monochromatic navy-teal-cobalt family can run the risk of looking dull or severe if not enlivened properly. Coral does just that through its injection of joyous color.
Whether keeping eyes simple or amping them up smoky, coral works wonders as a color anchor. It ties the look together seamlessly.
Come evening, coral pairs gorgeously with romantic floral or nature-inspired cobalt designs. During the day, it dresses up casual styles too.
In the hands of an expert, coral lipstick stylishly flatters one’s personal features when photographed.
It captures that effortless summertime vibrancy when paired with whimsical cobalt blue. I’d highly recommend this dynamic duo!
Mauve Lipstick
Mauve is a more mature, polished shade than bright colors. Its subtlety complements formal cobalt beautifully.
Its neutral pink-lavender hue works for all seasons, situations and skin tones. No one will be washed out.
The similar undertones in mauve and cobalt allow them to blend seamlessly yet distinctively.
Whether keeping eyes natural or amping them up with glitter, mauve pairs elegantly day or night.
The glossy flush it lends cheeks complements cobalt in a naturally vibrant way without color clashes.
A single swipe evens out skin tone while barely looking like makeup at all. No touch-ups needed!
Such a put-together, flattering combo will ensure you’re remembered elegantly rather than for your outfit alone.
In short, mauve lipstick modernizes cobalt from one event to the next through its chic understatement.
It allows personality and confidence to shine through unique features better than bold hues ever could.
For these reasons, it’s sure to become your new signature shade!
Raspberry Lipstick
Raspberry is a bright, vibrant shade that stands out against cobalt for maximum visual interest. This will draw attention to the face.
While related in tone, raspberry’s fuchsia pinks provide enough distinction from cobalt without clashing. They complement each other beautifully.
The playful pop of raspberry imbues an air of fun liveliness to cobalt, making one appear casually glamorous and carefree.
Unlike some reds, raspberry works on all seasons, skin tones and ages. It brings out natural beauty without overwhelm.
Whether worn to a day wedding or evening gala, raspberry dresses up casual or formal cobalt equally with one shade.
Paired with everything from soft Smokey eyes to bold liners, the lipstick is not seasonally or stylistically limiting.
In short, raspberry lipstick gives an effortlessly put-together aesthetic that will never fail to turn heads.
Its lively complement to cobalt ensures you leave a vibrant impression long after the event!
Rose Gold Eye Shadow
The pretty pink hue brings a soft, romantic vibe, while the metallic sheen adds just the right amount of glamour.
Rose gold flatters all complexions, bringing out the best in one’s natural beauty. It’s a universally flattering shade.
When swept on the lids alone or used in the crease, it adds lovely depth and dimension to makeup looks.
While making eyes pop, rose gold’s muted rose undertones complement without competing with cobalt’s vibrancy.
Unlike trend-driven shades, rose gold is a classic metallic that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
With its single swipe application, rose gold delivers big impact with minimal effort. It’s forgiving on imperfect application too.
Whether natural or dramatic lids, rose gold pairs elegantly with daytime looks or evening smoky eyes alike.
Rose gold eye shadow infuses just the right touch of romantic glitter and glamour to illuminate eyes beautifully alongside a cobalt blue dress.
It’s sure to flatter at any event!
Lavender Lip Gloss
The pale lavender tint gives lips an otherworldly yet pretty wash of sheer color that brightens up one’s overall look.
Unlike some bolder shades, lavender complements without overwhelming the cobalt hue due to its gentleness.
The flattering undertone flatters lips on every complexion without risk of lip color mismatching one’s skin.
Whether pairing with neutral or colored eyeshadow looks, the gloss adds an effortless touch of sparkle wherever needed.
It can be worn alone for a barely-there tint or layered over lipstick to enhance existing shades ever so subtly.
The ethereal purple infuses an enchanting aura of femininity, liveliness and youth that suits both cocktail attire or casual summer style.
Being a conditioning gloss, it provides lasting comfort and moisture and won’t feather or bleed like some mattes throughout photos and events.
Overall, lavender lip gloss casts an otherworldly spell that harmoniously complements rather than clashes with cobalt for a look that’s as sweet as it is striking.
Plum Lipstick
Plum is a rich, pigmented shade that demands attention with its wine-colored boldness. It will sharpen one’s features against cobalt.
While different, plum pairs harmoniously with cobalt through their similar intensity and saturation. This makes a high impact visual contrast.
The deep tone adds nuanced dimension to lips, accentuating their shape for a sculpted look.
Plum’s undertones compliment both warm and cool complexions beautifully without ever looking harsh.
It exudes sensuality and flair perfect for nighttime cocktail parties or special events.
The contrast augments eyes, lips and facial structure for striking photographs that will be memorable.
A single swipe is all that’s needed to dazzle – it won’t smudge or feather.
In summary, plum lipstick infuses sophistication, drama and vibrancy to any cobalt look, ensuring you own every room you enter in a shows topping fashion.
Aubergine Lipstick
Aubergine is a rich, vibrant purple that creates high contrast with cobalt blue in a eye-catching yet elegant way.
The reddish undertones in aubergine compliment both cool and warm complexions without looking too harsh.
The deep shade defines lips naturally while bringing dimension to the face against the bright cobalt background.
Compared to basic nudes or reds, aubergine exudes an upscale, trendy vibe that’s perfect for cocktail events or night outs.
The rich color stands out magnificently in pictures, making memorable impressions.
It allows flexible eye makeup from neutral lids to subtle rose gold Smokey eyes.
Whether pairing with colorful or neutral eye looks, aubergine is universally flattering on all ages, textures and features.
In essence, aubergine lipstick imbues one’s cobalt blue ensemble with sultry vibrancy and high drama in a chic way. Its rich yet nuanced purple elevates any evening appearance seamlessly.
Mauve Blush
Mauve’s pinky-lavender undertones blend beautifully with cobalt for a harmonized look rather than clashes.
The pale shade mimics a natural flushed look when swept lightly on cheekbones. It doesn’t look overdone.
The soft blush lends a lively, youthful glow that enhances one’s natural beauty when photos are taken.
Being a universally flattering shade, mauve works for all ages and skin depths from fair to deep.
It adds mild definition and contours cheekbones ever so subtly without looking sharply painted on.
Whether keeping the look natural or layering other makeup, mauve transitions seamlessly from casual day to elegance at night.
As a cream or powder, it won’t slide or fade easily so touch-ups aren’t constantly needed throughout the event.
In essence, a soft wash of mauve blush brings luminosity and poise to any cobalt look in a barely-there yet truly effective way. Its pale subtlety ties the whole look together seamlessly.
Dusty Rose Blush
Dusty rose has warm undertones that complement cobalt’s cooler tones beautifully without clashes.
The pale pigment melts into the skin to add mild definition and structure to cheeks in a natural way.
It lends a lively yet subtle flush of color to cheeks that makes one appear fresh-faced and youthful.
Being a neutral pink, dusty rose works well with all skin depths and tones from fair to deep.
As a powder or cream, it stays put throughout photos and events without constant touch-ups needed.
Whether worn naturally or layered with other makeup, it ties looks seamlessly from day to night.
The muted pigment blurs imperfections for a naturally radiant focus on lips and eyes paired with cobalt.
Overall, dusty rose blush enhances natural beauty tastefully when set against cobalt blue. Its universal flattering tone makes for a go-to pairing.
Silver Eye Shadow
Silver creates visual contrast against cobalt through their opposing chromatic qualities – cool vs warm – in an eye-catching way.
The metallic shimmer brings just the right amount of gleam and glamour to fully showcase eyes paired with the dress.
It adds drama and visual interest without looking overdone like some brighter shades could.
Applied strategically in the crease or on the eyelid, silver helps define eyes for a sharp, sculpted look.
Unlike some colors, its neutral frosty tone works with all eye colors and complexions.
From natural day looks to smoky evening styles, the hue transitions seamlessly between occasions.
The reflection from silver truly enhances and photographs eyes beautifully against cobalt backdrops.
Silver eye shadow infuses elegance and luminosity to any cobalt ensemble, flattering eyes impressively for any special event.
Pale Pink Lip Gloss
The sheer, balmy gloss adds a delicate flush of color that looks very feminine and pretty.
Unlike vivid shades, pale pink mimics the natural flush of youth for a fresh-faced glow.
It ties the whole look together seamlessly since it’s similar to blush color but glossier for an effortless effect.
Being a subtle neutral pink, it compliments all complexions without looking overdone or harsh.
As a conditioning gloss, it provides hours of comfortable shine and moisture without needing touch ups.
Whether worn naturally for day or layered as a topper, it adapts seamlessly from casual to dressy.
The radiant sheer shine photographs beautifully and accentuates lips as the focal point against cobalt.
It can modify lip colors lightly or stand alone – and pairs gracefully with all eye makeup looks.
In essence, pale pink gloss infuses romantic femininity to any cobalt ensemble through its minimal yet truly effective touch of rosy sparkle.
When pairing makeup with a vibrant cobalt blue dress, less is often more.
Subtle, feminine touches of color in harmonious shades are key to looking polished and pulling the eye-catching outfit together without competing for attention.
Whether opting for delicate pinks like mauve, dusty rose or pale pink on cheeks and lips, or adding eye-catching pops with jewel tones like raspberry, plum or aubergine lipsticks – let the cobalt do the talking.
Sophisticated finishes like rose gold or silver shadows infuse iridescent glamour to light up eyes gently against the bright backdrop.
With mix-and-match options across complexions and occasions, these complementary makeup hues allow personality and natural beauty to shine through confidently.
More than trends or heavy coverage, the secret lies in customized minimalism that flatters and frames features seamlessly.
Remember – simple, well-curated colors in balance are what define true style.
Paired with cobalt, they celebrate femininity through understated flair fitting for any gala or function ahead. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to sparkle effortlessly from day to night!