33 bright eyeshadow looks, to revive your makeup routine

Our favorite bright eyeshadow looks will inspire you to try something new - wave goodbye to that repetitive smokey eye

Bright eyeshadow looks are a great way of transforming your makeup routine. It’s so easy to get in a rut—we all have those fail-safe looks that we stick to, but you’ll be amazed at the difference a few bright ideas make to your whole look—and mood!

Easy makeup looks are still achievable when you’re going all-in with eyeshadows. If anything, the easiest thing to do is focus on one area, like your eyes rather than going with an entire dramatic new look. You can still achieve natural makeup looks while trying something lighter and brighter, it’s all about finding the tones that work for you.

I have to admit, I have a bit of an addiction to the best red lipstick, which often means that my lips take center stage rather than anything else. When pairing eye makeup with red lipstick I’m guilty of reaching for the same old one-tone eyeshadow. But I’m determined to get out of my rut and go for full-blown bright eyeshadow looks this season.

Going for a whole new look can be intimidating, and it’s hard to know where to start. So I spoke to iconic makeup artist Ruby Hammer (opens in new tab) to get her fail-safe tips on embracing bright eyeshadow looks.

How to make bright eyeshadow looks work for you, according to MUA Ruby Hammer

* Ease in gently: “Only you know how bold you can go. How you try bright eyeshadow looks all depends on how you usually wear your eye makeup. Start with a block color, but don’t try and add a rainbow if you're not ready."

* Throw out the rule book: “I’m not a great believer that eyeshadows have to match specific eye colors as I think anybody can wear any tone, depending on the texture and your level of confidence. Experiment with tones that spark joy."

* Anchor the look: "Colors that are similar to your natural eye look most wearable, or use a contrasting shade to make your eyes pop. Anchor brights with a black mascara or pencil near the lash line."

* Use the right tools: “Which eyeshadow tool you use depends on their textures, but generally you need three brushes. A wider one to buff and blend, a smudger to work closely to the eye for definition and drama, and a tapered one to do crease work."

33 bright eyeshadow looks to try this summer

1. Kermit green

When I say bright, I really mean it, and it doesn’t get much bolder than this neon green. If you're a beginner, it's better to stick to one block color, to let the bright tone speak for itself. It’s a great eyeshadow shade for brown eyes. It is easy to be green when you take the leap.

2. The neon clash

I can’t feature a bright eyeshadow looks roundup without featuring MUA Katie Jane Hughes, who creates the most gorgeously artistic makeup effects. She doesn’t shy away from the bold and the bright but is a pro at making scary-seeming shades feel wearable. Case in point is this combination of neon pink and green, toned down by glowing skin and nude lipstick.

3. Periwinkle pop

Of course with periwinkle being named pantone color of the year 2022, it would be remiss of me to leave this off the list. I’ve seen this color recently, from interiors to beauty. It’s a great way of balancing cool tones with warm skin tones. Blend a few different shades of purple to give it extra depth.

4. The Priscilla Presley

If you, like me, have had pictures of Priscilla Presley’s wedding on your Pinterest board since your early teens (what can I say, I’m a forward planner), you’ll recognize this retro 1960s-inspired look. Cornflower blue would look gorgeous on its own, but the extra level of artistry with the graphic liner makes it extra swoon-worthy. If knowing how to apply eyeliner isn't a strength of yours, start with a simple flick to begin with, then work yourself up to the more intricate styles.

5. Tequila sunrise

The combination of orange and red is something that shouldn't work, but it just does, and it can look really effective. The thing about this sort of style is that you really have to commit - don’t shyly tone it down, go for the boldest, most pigmented colors, and just lean all the way in. The best makeup palettes will have lots of combinations of colors for you to experiment with.

6. Rose gold

For the shy, this is a wearable way of doing bright eyeshadow looks. Copper is the ideal eyeshadow for blue eyes, making your peepers really pop. Up the ante by adding gold eyeliner flicks, for another layer of shimmer. Pair with pink blush and matching lipstick.

7. Neon coral crush

The easiest way to dip your toe into the world of bright eyeshadow looks is to swap your best eyeliner for a bolder, brighter tone. You don't have to use eyeliner either - use a pointed eyeshadow brush to cheat the effect. Who could resist this pop of coral? Putting it on the upper and lower lash line creates a vibrant, eye-catching style.

8. Silver surfer

Vivid metallic is a bright, fun way of doing neutrals. Silver will go as well with your matte red lipstick as it will with your high shine orange gloss. Pat a little into the corners of your eyes to cheat looking wide-awake. Finish off with lashings of the best mascara.

9. Multicolor magic

For fully blown fun bright eyeshadow looks, combine a few different tones. Keep them in the same family of colors to keep it cohesive (blues with purples, pinks with reds), or clash all pastel shades for a glorious, all-out-bright look. This is for the brave - wallflowers need not apply.

10. Heavy metals

Metallics are usually reserved for smoky eye looks, but opting for shiny, almost iridescent tones here creates a seriously bright eyeshadow look. This finish is best achieved with the best cream eyeshadow - just sweep it straight on with your fingers. Pair with pink lips for an 80s-inspired look.

11. Ombre purples and pinks

Blending two tones in the same family of colors can create a really gorgeous, wow-worthy look with very little effort. It's a great place to start when you're wondering how to apply eyeshadow. Dab a purple in the inner corners of the eyes, then go in with a fuschia or any pink along the rest of the lid. Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend together. Finish with a wash of glitter on top to complete the look.

12. Golden touch

Gold is known as being pretty neutral, but it’s the tone that makes this colorway into one of the easiest bright eyeshadow looks. Chunky glittery gold takes this neutral-seeming hue to the next level. A hint of pink also adds extra interest - apply to the brow bone, and under the lash line.

13. Toned down tangerine

If you’re intimidated by orange or tangerine tones, just think of them as brighter versions of bronze and gold. This looks creates that multi tonal smoky eye look (darker on the line, cut crease, lighter accents) but with vivid orange shades for a stunning effect.

14. Sharp ultramarine

This is one of the most irresistible spring makeup looks I've seen. You can make colors look more pigmented by applying them with a wet eyeshadow brush. This look can be achieved at a more entry level with blue eyeliner, swapping your black cat eye flicks for a bolder color. For this dramatic effect, use the wet eyeshadow trick to cover the lid, and use a small detailing brush to create those sharp lines.

15. All-out Barbie pink

From being a daily brown eyeshadow wearer, all of a sudden I find myself becoming quite addicted to pink eyeshadow. It makes sense, with it being essentially a bolder version of copper, which is one of the best eyeshadows for blue eyes. A little dab of pink brightens my complexion, makes my eyes look bluer, and lifts my mood. Add some gems or glitter, like this look, to up the joy factor.

16. Sticker effect

Now, this is a real joy sparker. What looks a bit wild at first glance is actually surprisingly wearable. You don’t have to cover the whole eye area, try a few gems or stickers along the lash line, for that Euphoria-inspired style. Ok, so it’s unlikely to be your everyday look, it's definitely more of a fleeting makeup trend. But, I’m all about inspiration on all levels, and this one really had my imagination running wild.

17. Walk the line

Who says eyeliner detailing has to always be on the lash line? This striking graphic look feels so modern and fresh, and a whole new take on bright eyeshadow looks. I love the combination of sky blue with a deep red lip, I’ll definitely be giving this a go.

18. Sunset shades

This color combination is certainly one of the best eyeshadows for brown eyes. The yellow brightens the area, while the orange warms things up. False eyelashes add another dimension and up the ante, making this ideal for formal events like weddings and big parties.

19. Studio 54

A small gasp left my mouth when I saw this. I love this unapologetic, fun glitter-coated effect, and I don’t even think this needs to be relegated to parties or big nights out. Imagine this paired with a rose pink lip, your best white t shirt, and jeans. Irresistible.

20. Pink flicks

Add another element to block color by layering bright eyeliner on top. It adds an extra dimension to the look and allows you to show off your makeup skills. After all, learning how to apply eyeliner flicks is a skill that takes time to master - so once you have, you should really show it off as often as you can.

21. Soft lilacs

Bright eyeshadow looks don’t have to always be bold and brash. This wash of lilac is still really effective - I think it’s down to it coating the whole eye, as well as the lower lash line. Pair with your favorite pink lipstick and lashings of mascara for an easy daytime look.

22. The shiny show

There's sparkle, and then there's sparkle. The iridescent glitter adds real fun factor to these classic cat eye flicks. Finish off with the best false eyelashes and you've got the ultimate makeup look sorted for any fancy soirees you have coming up.

23. Pink and purple accents

Combining two similar tones, like pink and purple means that the shades will blend together nicely. Apply the darker shade along the lash line - in this case, a purple - then blend the lighter shade with an eyeshadow brush. The best makeup brushes will make blending easy - pick a longer, fluffier brush for a flawless finish.

24. Ultra Violet

Easy block colors can look bolder by taking the shade on the lower lash line. It's a '60s-inspired trend that's really come back around, and I can see why. It's a really simple look to create - minimum effort, maximum impact. The liquid eyeliner flicks add some extra dimension, but it'd look just as lovely with mascara alone.

25. Graphic liner combo

Getting artistic with eyeliner is a great way of adding extra interest to bright eyeshadow looks. You don't have to stick to one tone - this dynamic design combines two tones of blue as well as pink eyeliner for a seriously futuristic effect.

26. Sunflower yellow

Yellow eyeshadow may sound scary, but if you're feeling brave, you may be surprised by how much you like it. It'll look especially gorgeous against dark skin, and warm skin tones should go for vivid, bright shades. If you're paler, go for gentler pastel shades.

27. Neon coral

If you have dark eyes, a vivid color like this zingy coral will help your eyes pop. Keeping things monotone, by opting for a matching blusher and lipstick will pare down the look and make it feel more wearable. Swirl onto a fluffy brush and sweep onto the apples of your cheeks, then dab the eyeshadow onto lips and top with a balm.

28. Paintbrush patterns

This is one of those looks that you'll probably want to play around with at home before committing. This means it's not the type of style you should attempt before a big night out with the taxi on route - you'll need time, patience and a steady hand. If you don't want to buy lots of multicolor eyeliners, use a pointed eyeshadow brush dipped in water to cheat the sharp lines.

29. A twist of lime

Greens pair perfectly with brown eyes, and these different tones of lemon and lime create a really stylish, almost superhero-inspired look. Keep the rest of your makeup look neutral, to let your eyes do all the talking. If you're a pro at how to apply lashes, add a set on to make the look feel formal.

30. Ruby red

Sparkly red eyeshadow isn't just for Christmas makeup looks - this metallic tone will work all year round, especially when paired with your best cream blusher and the best tinted moisturiser, to make it feel wearable for every day.

31. The Chameleon

Combine golds and greens for a rich combination of earthy tones. It'll suit all eye shades, but work especially well as eyeshadow for green eyes. This will match beautifully with a barely-there lip tint, to tie the look together without looking OTT.

32. Full-blown fuschia

Deeper tones of pinks will look so gorgeous against dark skin tones, especially with this shiny, shimmery finish. Apply a block color to the whole lid, then top with glitter to add extra depth and gloss. It's one of those low-fuss, but deeply gorgeous bright eyeshadow looks.

33. A peek of sapphire

Little touches can have the biggest impact, like the navy blue detailing on the inner corner of this model’s eyes. It’s a great way of testing out bright eyeshadow looks without having to go the whole hog. This would work for most eyeshadow colors but works particularly well as a way of testing out bold shades you’re intimidated by.

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The Podcaster Who Accidentally Revealed He Earns Over $10 Million a Year

The popular host Joe Budden recently made headlines after accidentally sharing a screenshot that revealed he earns close to $900,000 per month—and later confirmed that his podcast network is on track to generate over $20 million in revenue by 2025. Budden represents a growing trend among independent audio creators who are trying to reduce their reliance on the industry’s major players—an industry that, according to new data, now generates $7.3 billion annually.

A Billion-Dollar Boom for Podcasts

According to a recent report from research firm Owl & Co, the global podcast industry brought in $7.3 billion last year—more than double most prior estimates. This surge reveals that podcasting, still a relatively young entertainment format, is bringing in far more money than many insiders had previously realized.

Advertising accounts for the bulk of these revenues, with the rest coming from paid subscriptions. These numbers do not include live events, such as the wildly popular British political podcast The Rest is Politics, which sold out London’s O2 Arena for a live taping.

Joe Budden’s Accidental Disclosure

In this booming market, one of the most surprising success stories is that of Joe Budden, a former rapper once dubbed “the Howard Stern of hip-hop.” Last month, Budden unintentionally posted a screenshot from Patreon—a subscription platform where fans can pay creators directly. The image showed over 30 million views in 30 days.

While the revenue figures were blacked out, internet sleuths edited the image and discovered that Budden had likely earned over $900,000 in that single month, backed by more than 154,000 active subscribers. The figures quickly made headlines. Budden’s latest Patreon update and podcast episode even referenced the leak with a title that cheekily reads “Blackout the Numbers.”

On Track for $20 Million+ in 2025

According to Ian Schwartzman, CEO of the Joe Budden Network, the platform is now averaging $1.04 million per month on Patreon. “We have around 70,000 paying subscribers, with subscription tiers ranging from $5 to $50 per month. Higher tiers offer access to more content, including exclusive spin-off shows,” Schwartzman told The New York Times.

Budden’s Patreon offers four subscription levels:

Homies ($5/month) – Ad-free episodes and bonus content.
Family ($10/month)
Friend of the Show ($25/month)
Part of the Show ($50/month) – Includes a chance to appear on-air and have your name in the credits.

These subscription revenues alone could exceed $12 million in 2025, making Budden one of the highest-earning creators on Patreon—a claim that a Patreon spokesperson has confirmed.

Advertising Still Adds Millions

But subscriptions aren’t Budden’s only income stream. Advertising also contributes millions in additional revenue, said Schwartzman. Notably, Budden’s team sells their own ads directly, instead of partnering with major networks like iHeart, Wondery, or SiriusXM, which often take a cut of ad revenues.

From $500 a Week to Industry Powerhouse

Budden’s journey hasn’t always been lucrative. Back in 2017, when he co-hosted a show on the media platform Complex, Schwartzman recalls that they were struggling to break even. Budden himself has said he was surviving on a $500-per-week stipend at the time.

From 2018 to 2020, The Joe Budden Podcast had an exclusive licensing deal with Spotify, which paid under $2 million per year and didn’t include ad revenue or equity.

Leaving Spotify: A Strategic Reboot

After a tense split with Spotify, Budden and Schwartzman began shopping for new distribution deals. But negotiations often broke down over exclusivity clauses. In one case, a potential $44 million deal was rejected because it required removing all content from YouTube.

“As the money goes up, so do the demands,” said Schwartzman. “We wanted someone who saw our value and would let us stay in the game.”

In 2021, they found their fit in Patreon—no guaranteed check, but equity in the company and advisory roles for both Budden and Schwartzman. “Joe is in a league of his own,” said Patreon CEO Jack Conte. “Earning $1 million a month on Patreon is extremely rare.”

A New Model for Creator Power

Since hitting that revenue milestone in November, the Joe Budden Network hasn’t slowed down. Conte credits Patreon’s creator-first model, noting: “Artists today have more leverage and control than ever before in the history of the arts.”

Trump Announces $550 Billion Japanese Investment and New Trade Agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines

The U.S. President disclosed new trade deals that include reduced tariffs and investment pledges from key Asian economies, with Japan committing $550 billion in U.S.-based projects

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a series of new trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, detailing what he described as transformative developments for the American economy.

According to statements released on his social media platform, Japan has pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States, with 90% of profits reportedly expected to remain within the country.

The trade agreement with Japan includes significant tariff adjustments, with Japanese imports to the U.S. subject to duties ranging between 15% and 19%.

In return, the Japanese market will open further to U.S. goods, including automobiles, trucks, rice, and other agricultural products.

Trump stated that the investment deal would generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Following the announcement, Tokyo’s stock exchange experienced a 3.5% surge, marking the highest closing since July 2024.

Additionally, Japan's 10-year government bond yield rose by 9 basis points to 1.60%.

The agreement with Indonesia entails the removal of 99% of tariffs on American industrial, technological, and agricultural products entering the Indonesian market.

In contrast, Indonesian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 19% import tariff.

The deal includes commitments by Indonesia to supply critical minerals to the United States and purchase American goods, including Boeing aircraft, agricultural exports, and energy products, in contracts valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

A similar framework has been established with the Philippines, where American products will be exported tariff-free, while Philippine goods entering the U.S. market will face a 19% tariff.

During a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, the two countries signed a trade agreement that also includes military cooperation initiatives.

These agreements come two weeks after Trump previously announced plans to impose higher tariffs on several Asian nations—32% on Indonesia, 30% on Japan, and 25% on the Philippines—due to the expiration of a moratorium on his proposed trade measures.

The recent negotiations have led to revised terms and apparent withdrawal from those earlier tariff levels.

Japanese and regional media outlets have prominently covered the announcement, with front pages in Tokyo highlighting the scale of the trade and investment commitments.

The agreements mark a shift in bilateral economic relations between the United States and several Asian partners, following extended negotiations involving trade liberalization and strategic collaboration.