Spring Eyeshadow: 6 Colors to Try

If you want a lighter alternative to the smoky eye try multi-dimensional shades of taupe shadow like Olivia Palermo. Start with a pale shade of beige shimmer on your inner eye and then melt the color into a deeper brown toward your temple. Then smudge a soft black pencil liner on the top and bottom lids and swipe an illuminating highlighter on your undereye and upper cheekbone to finish off the look. The soft look pairs well with a neutral gloss and dewy cheeks but would also work with a deep burgundy lip stain for evening.

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If the idea of wearing bold color on your lids give you pause, check out Ginnifer Goodwin. We love the swipe of pale mint shimmer that starts heavily in her inner eye and covers her entire lid. The key ingredient is to concentrate on the lower lid, not the brow bone. Goodwin also illuminated her undereye by gliding a highlighter beneath and adding a few false lashes at the top. This made the entire eye a statement. Take your cue from Goodwin and play down the rest of your makeup when your eyes are this bright.

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At the 2012 Grammy Awards, Fergie sported an unexpected shade of orange eye shadow to match her eye-popping Gautlier gown. Why did the funky hue work? For one, the golden tones play up the shape of her eyes and the strength of her brow bones. Orange also subtly conveys energy and enthusiasm -- both characteristics this lively singer innately possesses.

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Harsh lines are usually a no-no when it comes to eye shadow, but Ashanti's bold blue look has us reconsidering. The singer rocked a shimmery cerulean shadow with winged out liner. We love how the color gives off an unexpected edge without being reminiscent of the '80s. When creating a graphic look like Ashanti's eye shadow primer is key. Smooth on the primer beforehand so that the bold color has something to grip onto, and keep the rest of your makeup light so your eyes can take center stage.

If a smoky eye in inky black is too severe for you, try to create the look in a color. Mila Kunis got it right with a smoldering shade of plum. The look worked especially well with her deep purple lace dress. Start with a silvery layer of lavender dabbed along the top and bottom lashlines. Then top it off with the darker tone of shadow and a liner over the water line. Try a smoky gray eye with a platinum dress or a matching navy eye and gown on your next big night.

If you find a dark black smoky eye too intimidating (or just too severe for your taste) take a page from Katie Holmes' book. We loved the way she layered slate gray shadows with silver metallic to create a dimensional eye that was dramatic but not over the top. To get the look, start with a pale powder and fill in the inner corner of your lids. Glide a hint of silver underneath your waterline. Now, using a flat liner brush, tap an outline of a deeper shade of smoke over your outer eye and add a few false lashes to complete the look.