Left to right, from top left

1. CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Brightening Eyeshadow Palette in Radiant Blues ($7.50; drugstores): A rich cobalt looks beautiful smudged along the upper lashline.

2. Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in Solaris ($25; department stores): Saffron yellow is gorgeous on dark skin—see the photo at right for proof.

3. Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Tango Night ($12; Sephora.com ): This shadow works beautifully when wet (as a dramatic liner) or dry (as a sheer wash over the lids).

4. Flirt! Dreamy Eyes Eyeshadow in Aztec Aqua ($12; Kohls.com ): A true teal with a touch of sheen flatters all complexions.

5. Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in Fresco ($25; department stores): This shadow is finely milled to create a soft blue shade that melts over lids.

6. CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Brightening Eyeshadow Palette in Radiant Blues ($7.50; drugstores): Blend a shimmery beige under your browbone to offset a bold color on your lids.

7. Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Night Butterfly ($56; department stores): This color is saturated, but with a hint of shimmer to brighten the whites of your eyes.

8. Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Wildflower ($7; drugstores): A purple so subtle, it's almost a neutral.

9. MAC Eye Shadow in Violet Trance ($14.50; MACCosmetics.com ): One layer leaves a wash of soft lavender; two or three create a deep blue-purple.

How to: Get the step-by-step guide to play with colorful eyeshadow

Next: 6 rosy blushes