Brown may be the most common eye color, but it's far from boring. Brown eyes come in so many stunning shades, like amber, chestnut, chocolate, honey—I could go on. And when the sunlight hits those golden-flecked peepers, boy, do they sparkle. While brown eyes are a sight to behold on their own, there’s nothing like some amazing eyeshadow to make them pop from a mile away.
Luckily, brown-eyed babes can pretty much run the gamut of eyeshadow shades. According to celebrity makeup artist Zara Kaplan, “Brown eyes are extremely versatile when it comes to color pairings.” Fellow professional makeup artist Amrita Mehta agrees, "I don’t think there are any parameters when it comes to shadows for brown eyes. Wear what you’re drawn to!"
However, both Kaplan and Mehta agree that some colors bring out the beauty in brown eyes more than others. Thus, we’ve compiled a guide to the best eyeshadows for brown eyes, from subtle neutrals to vibrant jewel tones, drugstore eyeshadows to luxury eyeshadow sticks.
What to Look For in Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
- Color
First, Mehta reminds us that no matter your eye color, it's best to consider your skin tone and undertone when choosing an eyeshadow color. Having a warm, cool, or neutral undertone can impact whether a color flatters you or washes you out.
But no matter your undertone, Kaplan says that neutral colors and warm tones (like red, orange, and even pink) make brown eyes stand out the most. “I always seem to gravitate towards gorgeous copper tones and rich bronze shades to really enhance brown eyes,” she says. "Something about a slightly orangey bronze tone on a brown eye just really makes them pop.” Mehta agrees, explaining, "Bronzes and coppers lend warmth while gold shadows will lighten up and bring luminosity to your lids."
But if you're a bigger fan of bright colors, never fear. Mehta also recommends deep shades of green and purple, and Kaplan says that blue eyeshadow can make brown eyes look divine. "The contrast of these jewel tones will really make brown eyes pop and add lots of richness to any eyeshadow look," says Mehta. And contrast is, indeed, key: Brown is technically a dark shade of orange, which sits opposite blue and purple on the color wheel.
Finally, for an earthy look that's just a bit more lively than monochromatic brown, Kaplan says to go for olive green, calling it an "unbelievable" shade for any and every shade of brown eyes.
- Finish
The right eyeshadow texture boils down to personal preference, but different finishes can have different effects on brown eyes. Typically, deeper matte shades are used to define the eye shape, while lighter shimmery shades are used to highlight it. Of course, you can mix and match finishes to create your desired eye makeup look, but keep in mind that Kaplan says shades with a little shimmer makes brown eyes especially pop.
Best Eyeshadows for Brown Eyes
- Best Budget Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
- Best Luxury Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Neutrals
- Best Single-Shade Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow
- Best Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes Overall: Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow Palette
Best Budget Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
Liquid eyeshadow is a great option for those that can't be bothered to blend and layer shadows for more than a few minutes. Simply swipe one over the lid for an easy one-and-done look or dip an eyeliner brush to use along the lash line. This mega-watt glitter eyeshadow would look electrifying against brown eyes, especially darker shades. But if this blue is too "out there" for you, might we suggest the coppery Flirty Bird and the rose gold Pinky Swear for a more subdued look?
Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Under $10; Blendable; Vegan.
Cons: Takes longer to dry; Lighter colors need to be built up
Customer Review: "Love the sparkle of this product. I love that it stays put and dries very well and doesn’t smudge. A little also goes a long way, too, so that’s good." -E.L.F. Cosmetics
Best Luxury Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
Kaplan says Dior's Backstage palette is another great pick for brown eyes because it has "such amazing color choice with a mix of shimmers and mattes." We're inclined to agree. These neutral shades would look great on anyone with brown eyes, but especially those with gold flecks or reddish-brown shades because of this palette's warm tones. This one also includes an eye primer to ensure your eye makeup is extra pigmented and stays all night.
Pros: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Blendable; Includes eye primer; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades.
Cons: Reviewers note the matte shades feel a bit chalky.
Customer Review: "Beautiful coverage, applies smoothly and evenly, no powder falls on your face when brushing on. Long-lasting coverage. Does not crease. Blends beautifully. Color palletes are flattering combinations that go from day to play." -Sephora
Best Single-Shade Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
"If you’re looking for something a little more neutral for day-to-day," says Mehta, "a warm taupe will add subtle definition and depth while still complimenting brown eyes." This single-pigment shadow from Urban Decay is ideal for such a look, with a matte finish that won't clash with the rest of your makeup and a longwear formula that's guaranteed to last through the whole workday.
Pros: compact and easy for travel, subtle; longwear
Cons: only one shade
Customer Review: "My go-to shade! Neutral with just enough color. Can’t go without it!" -Sephora
Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
While this eyeshadow palette is on the pricier side, it does contain every single color Kaplan mentioned to flatter brown eyes. Plus, Natasha Denona does not miss when it comes to eyeshadows, so this palette is a big winner in our book. Filled with bronzes, warm-toned neutrals, rosy shades, and even a fun purple color, you can create so many different looks with this one palette. Each shade has a one-swipe color payoff and will stay put the entire day.
Pros: Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of shimmery, metallic, and matte shades; Long-wearing; Blendable; Goes on smoothly; Includes 15 shades.
Cons: A few colors are very similar to each other.
Customer Review: "All the colors are creamy and very good pigmented, blend like a dream. Staying power is great too." -Beautylish
Best Icy Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
"They say to avoid icy shadows as cooler colors can take away from the warm tones in brown eyes, however, I disagree," says Mehta. "I think cool frosty shades can be a fun twist on a brown eye if done right. When using such colors, always add some warmth to the look by buffing a warm brown into the crease. This can be as simple as using your bronzer or any other warm brown eyeshadow to diffuse the edges up towards your brow bone and soften the look." This affordable palette from Colourpop contains all the shades needed to get the icy, '90s-esque look, from a shimmery white to a neutral taupe.
Pros: Affordable; Goes on smoothly; Long-wearing; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades
Cons: Lighter colors are less pigmented than darker shades
Customer Review: "Love this palette, colors are very nice, minimal fallout. And they stay put the whole day. Definitely recommend!" -Ulta
Also Recommended
Best Matte Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
"One of my most used palettes at the moment is the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes eyeshadow palette," says Kaplan. "It’s great because it’s got all of your essential neutral colors in there." That it does: This 12-pan palette is filled with timeless shades inspired by a range of skin tones that you can use for day-to-night looks. These creamy shades blend together beautifully for an easy multi-dimensional look, or they even work alone as an eyeshadow base."
Pros: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Includes over 10 shades; Goes on smoothly
Cons: Only includes matte shades
Customer Review: "So beautiful and pigmented. I feel like all of the different tones hold their own and don't end up all muddled together." -Kohl's
Best Eyeshadow Stick for Brown Eyes
For those who are a little eyeshadow-challenged, eyeshadow sticks are going to be your best friend. I can personally attest to just how smooth and creamy this Charlotte Tilbury pencil glides across the skin, making any eye makeup look a breeze to achieve. These shadow sticks are specifically formulated to make eye colors pop—the shade for brown eyes is a shimmery brown grey that can be worn from day to night. Use it along the lash line for a daytime look, then smudge it out for a sultry smokey eye.
Pros: Goes on smoothly; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Editor-approved; Multi-use; Waterproof
Cons: Expensive; May smear with oily eyelids
Customer Review; "I'm a former professional makeup artist and now a corporate drone (lol) and have used a diverse range of brands on myself and clients. This is hands down one of my favorites that I continue to use consistently even though I've left the pro makeup world. I have multiple colors and even keep an extra of a few colors stashed for when I finish one!" -Sephora
Best Green Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
According to Kaplan, olive tones are especially gorgeous on brown eyes, and after seeing a few brown-eyed beauties use this palette, we definitely have to agree. This palette by Melt Cosmetics has every shade you need to rock a green-focused look with some of the prettiest green shades I've ever seen. Along with the olive shades, you get five warm-toned neutrals that pair beautifully, plus a solid black to add drama. You'll also love how pigmented and buttery smooth each of these 10 shades is.
Pros: Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of matte and metallic shades; Goes on smoothly; Blendable
Cons: Over $50
Customer Review: "This one is great for any occasion the formula is great and very pigmented. A little goes a long way this will last you a long time I’ve had mine two years now and still haven’t hit pan." -Sephora
Best Warm-Toned Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes
While the universally flattering original Naked palette is no longer with us (RIP), the color story of the Naked Heat Palette is a great second option for brown eyes. With a range of neutral and bright colors, each shade is a lovely amber tone, which would make light brown and hazel-tinted eyes especially stand out. I also love how this palette comes with a double-sided brush and mirror. Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay raves, "I use this palette almost every single day. It has the perfect balance of bright, fiery shades and matte neutrals, making it the perfect palette to reach for on any occasion."
Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Includes a mix of shimmery and matte shades; Includes a double-sided brush and mirror; Goes on smoothly; Blendable
Cons: Over $50
Customer Review: "This palette is absolute perfection. I don't even wear/buy eyeshadow and I've done my makeup every single day since I've bought this. Seriously ladies and gents, just add it to the cart. The amount of looks you can create with this palette are endless. I'm not even joking. I have had an insane amount of fun planning different eye looks, and you can do all different kinds. I did a super beautiful natural look and a smokey warm shimmery copper one this weekend and I totally loved both and couldn't believe how good they turned out. I do my eye makeup last and have had basically zero fallout and I blend like a crazy person." -Ulta
Best Drugstore Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
This may look like your run-of-the-mill neutral eyeshadow palette, but each of these shades is going to look amazing next to brown eyes. If you look closely, each column gives off a different color story, meaning the range of looks you can create is nearly endless. For daytime, brown-eyed babes can stick to the lighter matte and shimmery shades, then use the darker matte and metallic to amp up the look for the night. This is also a great option if you're on a tighter budget, too.
Pros: Includes a mix of shimmery, matte, and metallic shades; Long-wearing; Great value; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Goes on smoothly
Cons: Some shades have fallout
Customer Review: "I have so many eye shadow palettes by designer brand but this is hands down my favorite one and go to one out of all of them. The colors are absolutely beautiful and they go on great!!" -Walmart
Best Bright Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
People with brown eyes are so lucky in that they really can have fun with colorful options, since they don't have to worry about shades competing with their natural eye color. Extra bright shades, like the ones in this Makeup Revolution palette, are going to look even more vivid when paired with brown eyes. This one includes the pinks, purples, blues, and greens Kaplan recommends and is one of her favorite drugstore palettes that "deliver really high-quality eyeshadows with rich pigments and great blendability."
Pros: Pro-approved; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades; Comes with 15 shades; Good value; Vegan
Cons: Reviewers note this palette can break easily
Customer Review: "Very pigmented palette with the perfect balance between mattes, iridescents, and glittery shades. The glittery shades aren't too loud, but can be used on top of a white shadow for more intensity. All the shades are very pigmented, so they're very powerful. For best results, use a primer first." -Beauty Bay
Best Pink Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes
For those of us who are not quite ready to give up the Barbiecore trend and have brown eyes, this palette is for you. This 6-pan palette of mauves, deep pinks, and berry hues work together to create stunning Barbie-inspired eye looks. Each shade is extra pigmented and easy to blend, making this a great palette to pick up if you're a beginner. This brand is also female- and POC-founded, and with most of their products coming in at under $20, what's not to love?
Pros: Highly pigmented; Blendable; Good value; Includes a mix of shimmery and matte shades; Black-owned brand
Cons: Shimmery shades need to be built up
Customer Review: "These colors are gorgeous! They are even more vibrant in person. They are very highly pigmented, a little goes a long way. This shadow is not dry or powdery at all. It's so rich!" -Ulta
Meet the Expert
Zara Kaplan is a British celebrity Makeup Artist currently living in Los Angeles. Having started her career in 2012, Kaplan has since gone on to work with globally renowned brands such as Chanel, La Mer, Louis Vuitton, Kosas Cosmetics, and many more.
Zara’s work has caught the eye of celebrity clients such as Alessia Cara, Stephanie Sheperd, Iskra Lawrence, Peyton List, Taylour Paige, Tylynn Nguyen, Raveena Aurora, and Ally Brooke to name a few, and her work has been recognized in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ID Magazine, Dazed Magazine, InStyle Magazine and Vanity Fair Italia.
Known for her ‘less is more’ approach when it comes to complexion makeup, she truly believes in enhancing ones beauty rather than masking it and is known for creating beautiful, breathable makeup looks, taking any opportunity to add fun pops of color or accents to any makeup look she creates.
Amrita Mehta is a professional makeup artist who has worked with celebrities, on editorial shoots, and backstage at runway shows. Over the course of her career, she has worked with big names like Pat McGrath and Patrick Ta, and has most recently collaborated with Maybelline. Originally from San Francisco, she is currently based in New York City.
Stay In The Know
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
- Gabrielle UlubayBeauty Writer
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