If you’re looking to make your chestnut eyes the focus of your look, using eye makeup for brown eyes is a great place to start. While we champion the idea that everyone should wear whatever makeup they love, there's no denying how some shades just make dark brown eyes pop. Jewel tones like amethyst and bronze can help brighten your darker irises and bring out their underlying gold tones and, in turn, make your brown eyes even more alluring than they already are.
To help you pump up the wow factor of your beauty look, we’re sharing the must-have eyeshadow colors for brown eyes, along with eyeliner and even mascara to match. All you have to do is keep reading to find out how to best bring out your brown eyes.
Color theory, which is based on the color wheel, plays a crucial role in figuring out the best eye makeup for brown eyes. The color wheel is a circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship (you may remember it from grade school). According to color theory, pairing contrasting colors from opposite sides of the wheel creates the most striking and complementary effect.
For brown eyes, this means selecting eyeshadows in hues like blues, greens, and purples. These colors complement the subtle gold and amber tones in brown eyes and can help make them appear brighter and richer. Deeper golds and bronze tones, meanwhile, create a flattering and harmonious look, especially for those with deeper shades of brown eyes. For a detailed rundown on the best eyeshadow colors for brown eyes, keep reading.
Purple—and, in particular, amethyst—is among the best eyeshadow colors to accentuate brown eyes. Consider using a purple-toned eyeliner, such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Eyeliner Pencil in Aubergine, in lieu of your classic black for a hint of color, or go all in with a vibrant purple eyeshadow.
Those seeking a subtler but still impactful makeup look will be happy to know that bronze—which bridges the gap between deep brown and shimmering gold—is a stunning pick for brown eyes. This nearly-neutral shade helps create depth and dimension without adding too much color, so your eyes can be front and center. What’s more, this chic shade pairs equally well with both toned-down and more glam makeup looks.
For an easy and flattering brown eyeshadow look, swipe the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze directly onto your lids and blend it out with your fingers. This creamy formula applies and blends like a dream, delivering rich color that resists fading and transferring.
The best eyeshadow for brown eyes helps bring out those golden and amber flecks—something that deep, jewel-toned blue does perfectly. Bright blue eyeshadow can feel intimidating to those used to softer makeup looks, so if you’re hesitant, consider dipping your toes in with a blue mascara. We’re fond of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue, as it thickens, lengthens, and adds a bright royal tint to your lashes. Alternatively, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Cobalt to accentuate your eyes with a bold, bright blue wing.
If you’re looking for a nude eyeshadow look but want a little bit of glitz, go for gold. This regal hue is at once luxurious-looking and wearable, and complements the warmer undertones in light and dark brown eyes beautifully. See for yourself with the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose—this shimmering, pinky-rose shade is among our favorites for a subtle but still glam eye makeup look.
Like cobalt, navy blue can help draw attention to your eyes’ golden undertones—albeit in a softer, subtler way. We love how this inky shade blurs the line between blue and black and makes blue eyeshadow (or liner) wearable for the everyday. Embrace the classic hue with a navy blue eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Blue Jersey.
If you have light brown eyes with flecks of green, consider reaching for a ruby-toned eyeshadow. The rich red hue will help bring out the green in your eyes while helping to brighten and illuminate those richer brown tones. Of course, a bright red shadow can feel a bit harsh—instead, we recommend leaning into the look with a slightly softer red, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Cloudy Rose, which is infused with luminous golden shimmer. Alternatively, dry a rich red mascara, such as the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Mascara in Deep Burgundy, to help define and accentuate your beautiful eyes.
Make your dark brown eyes the star of the show with teal eye makeup. This bold, bright hue contrasts with the warmer undertones in your eyes to create an eye-catching (pun intended) look. Try tracing your upper and lower waterlines with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Turquoise and see for yourself how the vivid hue makes your eyes pop.
Oftentimes, how you wear your makeup is dictated by the occasion—bolder looks work well for nighttime, but may not be suitable for days in the office. Here, we’re sharing some of our favorite ways to wear the flattering hues mentioned above for day and night.
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