In 2025, bold and colorful eyeshadows are back in style in Korea. For a long time, soft tones and natural makeup were the trend. But now, bright colors like neon yellow, hot pink, and green are taking over. This new trend is led by Gen Z K-pop girl groups, in particular rapidly gaining popularity KiiiKiii.

© Instagram @kiiikiii.official

When KiiiKiii made their debut promotional activities, their makeup stood out right away. Each member wore colorful eyeshadow in fun and bright shades—green, yellow, hot pink, and more. They didn’t try to match the colors perfectly. Instead, they used different colors to show their own styles and personalities. Many people started paying attention. The way KiiiKiii used bold eyeshadow made this look cool again, not old-fashioned.

© IMDb

This isn’t the first time Korea has loved bold eye makeup. In the late 1990s and early 2000s – also known as the Y2K era – bright and colorful eyeshadow was a big trend. One of the most famous examples was singer Lee Hyori during her U-Go-Girl era. She wore bold blue and green eyeshadow and became a style icon. Back then, makeup was fun, flashy, and full of personality. But by the mid-2000s, trends changed. People started to prefer clean skin, soft colors, and a more natural look. As a result, colorful eye makeup slowly disappeared from the mainstream.

Now, things are different. Gen Z doesn’t just want to look pretty – they want to show who they are. Makeup is not about following rules anymore. It’s about standing out. And girl groups like KiiiKiii are leading this new trend. They use makeup to express creativity and confidence. And many young people are following their lead.

© Instagram @kiiikiii.official                                  © Instagram @imnotningning                                          © Instagram @_imyour_joy

Want to try this trend? Here are some simple ways to do it:

• Use Opposite Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix colors that are very different. For example, green eyeshadow with pink blush can make your look pop.

• Try Different Styles: You don’t have to put eyeshadow only on your eyelids. Try drawing lines above your crease or adding color to the inner corners of your eyes.

• Keep the Skin Natural: Let your skin look fresh and clean. This helps the eye makeup stand out more.

• Be Creative: There are no rules. Play with shapes, lines, and bold color combos.

© WAKEMAKE

How to Pick the Right Colors

Choosing colors can also be fun! Here are some tips on that:

• Match Your Mood, Not the Rules: Pick colors that speak to how you feel, not what “suits” your skin tone.

• Complement, Don’t Compete: Choose one bold color as your focus and let the rest of your makeup support it.

• Use Color Theory: Want contrast? Use complementary colors (like blue and orange or green and red) for extra drama.

• Try Before You Commit: Use stick-on swatches or try shades digitally before going all in.

                   © rom&nd Slide In Single                         © WAKEMAKE Soft Blurring Eye Palette 19 Blue Sand           © DASIQUE Mood Shadow Palette #05 Cotton Powder

The return of bold color eyeshadow isn’t just a beauty trend—it’s a cultural shift led by a generation that values creativity over conformity. With girl groups like KiiiKiii at the forefront, we’re witnessing a new era in K-beauty—one that’s vibrant, experimental, and undeniably Gen Z. So why not give it a try? Pick your favorite colors and make your own style!