No matter the genetics, you should always avoid using any shadow that matches your eye color. You can use a hue that’s a lighter or darker than your eye color to make the eyes stand out, but using the exact same tone dulls the sparkle effect.

Help brighten those baby blues with some light eyeshadow. Creams and tans work well, as do silvers and grays. Use the light tones in combination with other, darker, hues to avoid appearing washed out. Try mixing a tiny bit of black or brown directly into the lighter eyeshadow colors to create a smoky effect.

Use purple eyeshadow, such as violet, to play off your blue eyes. Only use the hue as accent, though. Not only does too much purple eyeshadow make you look like you have a black-eye, it can have the same dulling effect that using too much blue shadow can cause.

Any hue of brown is almost guaranteed to make blue eyes look vivid and sexy. The earthy brown makes your eyes really pop, bringing out each fleck of color. Use a combination of light and dark browns, such as camel and chocolate, to add depth to your eyelids and make your eyes seem bigger.

Blue eyes look best when accented with warm hues. Any colors that are slightly rosy or blushed will always appear flattering. You still don’t want to cover your entire eyelid in ruby eyeshadow, you just want a hint of warmth in the hue. Use both the brown and the warm eyeshadow colors to make your eye color stand out and dazzle.