Kerry Washington Proves Pastels Aren’t Just For Spring

When it comes to beauty rules, we're more for breaking them than making them. This is especially true with respect to seasonal colors — and Kerry Washington proves that she's on the exact same page. The actress wore bright baby blue eyeliner to the Elle Women In Hollywood Awards. The subtext of that choice? "Who says you can't wear pastels past spring?"

It's true — vivid hues are typically reserved for the warmer months. But, Kerry's technique shows that you can wear this all year-round. The blue is the only bright shade on her face — the rest is neutral, with strategic sculpting, a touch of pink gloss on her lips, and loads of mascara. That keeps things from getting too girly, and lends the shade a chic (and refined) edge. It's the same theory behind wearing a great, statement lip: One intense hue is really all you need.

In fact, the runways have been riffing on blues for the past couple of seasons, all to glorious and gorgeous effect. For its fall 2014 show, Giles sent models down the runway with a smudged-out, turquoise water line, while Honor opted for a winged-out cat-eye for spring 2015. Want to try the look for yourself? We suggest MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Hi-Def Cyan or Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Turquoise for a similarly vibrant result.

So, the next time you're sitting in front of your mirror debating whether or not you can wear that fuchsia lipstick or that crazy eyeshadow that's gone untouched in your favorite quad, just ask yourself, "WWKWD?" Then, swipe on, sister.