We are not afraid of color. Consider it part of the job, but here at MDC we’ve never been afraid to try plum lipstick, neon nails, or pastel shadows. Thanks to this knack for experimentation, we know a good color when we see it. A stellar hue flatters a wide variety of skin tones, plays well with other makeup shades, and boosts a certain je ne sais quoi. This season the hue that’s checking off all those boxes is none other than navy. The dark-but-not-too-dark color is not entirely new, but somehow, when worn with chunky gray sweaters, burgundy lips, and cool winter backdrops, navy suddenly feels fresh, modern and essential. Here are three reasons we can’t get enough of this cool-gal color.

1. Navy is the Perfect Baby Step for the Color-Shy

If you’re not one to usually dabble in color cosmetics, consider navy the training wheel of color. Just one step away from black, navy lashes or eyeliner offer a subtle pop that will complement your regular makeup without distracting. Right now we love a navy cateye liner with bold brows or navy eyelashes paired with a dark berry lipstick.

Product Recommendations: Lancôme Artliner in Navy; Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils in Deep Night

 

2. Navy Nails are Basically Magical

Navy is the perfect dark polish because it’s moody without being harsh.  You may remember us reporting on the navy nail trend we saw at New York Fashion Week Spring 2014, but we have a feeling we’ll be painting our nails navy throughout the year. To make your manicure even more modern, apply a matte top coat over your nail polish.

Product Recommendations: Essie Midnight Cami; Jinsoon Matte Maker

 

3. Navy Smoky Eyes are the Cat’s Pajamas

Who doesn’t love a sultry, confident cat eye? That said, our normal color palette of blacks and browns can get a little stale sometimes. Navy is the perfect alternative to your regular dark eyeshadow since it will blend well with the light shadows you already own (like peach and taupe) but give you a completely different look. Apply your navy shadow to the crease of your lid for a dramatic pop, or concentrate the color close to the lash line and smoke it out gently for a sex kitten look.

Product Recommendations: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Evidence; Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in Purpura

 

We’d love to know, are you on board with navy? What’s your favorite way to wear it? Fill us in below.

Photo: Thinkstock