If you have brown eyes, you probably already know that they can be pretty darn versatile when it comes to makeup. With the right shades, you can make them pop or easily enhance them in any situation – from a day at work to a night out on the town. So if you’re looking to switch up your eye makeup look, look no further! From classic looks to more daring styles, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. Get inspired with over 27 of the best eye makeup looks guaranteed to make your brown eyes stand out in no time at all!
*** I’d like to give a special shout-out to all the extremely talented makeup artists who created these looks! ***
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How To Enhance The Natural Hues Of Brown Eyes With Eyeshadow
When it comes to brown eyes and your eye makeup, one option is to pick eyeshadow looks using colors that bring out their warmth. To do this, you’ll want to select shades that reflect their natural tones.
So, consider browns, earthy tones & warm neutrals. Think chestnut brown, caramel, cinnamon, chocolate, mocha, mahogany, rust, tan, sienna, terracotta, amber, taupe, auburn, clay, etc. While this won’t make them stand out or pop per se, it will enhance them in quite an attractive way.
You may also pick colors that match the subtle undertones found in your eyes or the flecks visible in your iris. Doing this will highlight your eyes beautifully and can often brighten them too.
You see, most brown eyes have either an undertone or flecks in their iris that appear somewhat yellow, red, or orange. So you could opt for shades with yellow, red, or orange undertones (aka warm neutrals).
And for a brightening effect that brings out the sparkle of your brown eyes, you should consider makeup looks that incorporate metallic eyeshadow like copper, bronze, or gold.
For more tips on amplifying those flecks and undertones in your brown eyes, check out this article on Eyeshadow Palettes For Brown Eyes!
How To Make Brown Eyes Pop With Eyeshadow
While brown eyes are versatile, that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain colors that are better than others for making them pop. So, if this is your ultimate goal, then using blues, purples, or greens is the best way to instantly create the most contrast with your natural eye color.
Therefore, trying eye makeup looks featuring these colors will give you that eye-popping effect and show off the beauty of your brown eyes best!
27+ Looks For Brown Eyes To Elevate Your Eye Makeup Game!
Now that we’ve addressed some of your best eyeshadow colors, let’s get to the fun part!! Here, you’ll find our favorite eye makeup looks that use a variety of shades to either make brown eyes pop or enhance them.
Whether you would like a natural look or prefer something more dramatic, there is an option here for you! Scroll through the gallery below now and start creating some gorgeous new looks today! If you see one you like, don’t forget to pin it for later!
Disclaimer: A few of the recommended products in this post were not the specific ones used for the creation of these looks. They are my suggestions as a professional makeup artist of products one can use to create something very similar. However, for some of the images featured, you will find that the products listed were used to create the looks, as you will see if you decide to click through.
Earthy Tones, Browns, & Warm Neutral Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes
Time for some brown eye-enhancing, flavorful & spicy shades! Let’s first focus on a range of browns and colors that have red, yellow, and orange undertones to accentuate the natural beauty of your eyes!
Look 1: Everyday Dusty Rose
For natural daily makeup looks, a rosy neutral eyeshadow like this adds a delicate softness to the face and is especially lovely when paired with brown eyes. Make sure to define your lashes, as this will also help your eyes stand out against this dusty, warm shade.
Add a hint of eyeliner very close to your upper lash line, just enough to make the lashes appear denser at their roots. Use your favorite mascara products on your upper and lower lashes. Then pair this eye makeup with a light, rosy blush, and warm nude lips!
To create something similar, try the Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette or Retro Eyeshadow Palette.
Look 2: Bronzed & Sun-Kissed
A smoky mix of coppery-bronze and warm browns can work together to bring a seriously smoldering look for brown-eye beauties! Add in soft contouring and the glow-up highlighting of this makeup look, and it’s giving off gorgeous goddess vibes!
Finish the look off strong with a copper-nude lip, dark eyeliner, and a few swipes of mascara! The Natasha Denona Tan Bronze & Glow Palette was used to complete this bronzed look.
Look 3: Bold Winged & Glam
Of our list of eye makeup looks for brown eyes, this particular one has spring and summer written all over it! This whole style is all about nudes & glow while elongating those eyes with a bold fox liner!
You’ll need a highlighter to get those cheeks poppin’, a neutral eyeshadow palette with a warm toasty brown (like cinnamon brown), and a black liquid liner. Pair with nude lipstick to make sure your eyes steal the show!
Look 4: Brazen Browns
You can enhance your natural brown eye color by using a neutral, rich brown. However, you may want to avoid going too dark with your brown or applying too heavily so that it doesn’t compete against your natural hues. To prevent your eyes from appearing too flat, be sure to add in some shimmer. For recreating this makeup, you’ll need Fenty Beauty’s True Neutrals Snap Shadows Mix & Match Palette.
Look 5: Rosy Coral Smooth
This eye makeup look combines dreaminess with elegance! Using muted pink (red undertone), corals (orangey-red undertones), & burgundy (red undertone) brings out the warmth of her medium brown eyes.
If you’re in need of a lovely spring and summer makeup style, give this one a try, ladies! You’ll need the Mini Zendo Eyeshadow Palette to complete it!
Look 6: Cranberry Gold Twist
If you’re searching for something with a little more kick, this sultry glam makeup look will be a hit! And it’s perfect for those brown-eyed beauties who love to experiment with daring color combinations.
The shimmering gold eyeshadow pairs beautifully with the vibrant cranberry shade. While the fox eyeliner adds an edgy twist. Don’t forget to finish with a generous coat of mascara to enhance the lashes and bring depth to this audacious look!
Look 7: Orange & Cinnamon Spice
Grab Urban Decay’s Naked Heat Palette to create this cinnamon spice with everything naughty & nice seductive look! Use a peachy or tawny blush and nude lipstick. We love this makeup idea for Fall since it brings in the beautiful colors of the changing leaves during that season.
Here’s An Insider Makeup Tip: When selecting your eyeshadow colors, keep in mind that the more red or orange in tone an eyeshadow is, the more it will accentuate the natural orange-brown or red-brown hues you have in your eyes.
Look 8: Berry & Gold Vibes
What does one get when they mix rich berry eyeshadow shades (red undertones) and gold?? Sparkling, irresistible, come-hither brown eyes that slay come date night! Since the eyes are total showstoppers in this look, soft, simple lips and cheeks are a must!
To create something similar to this look, here are a few eyeshadow suggestions: the Naked Cherry Palette, L’Oreal Eternal Sunshine, or even half-baked from Urban Decay, & this deep aubergine shade for the outer lower lash line.
Look 9: Hotter Than Fire
You can’t possibly go wrong with a little extra warmth. Rich coppery reds, a hint of burnt terracotta, and warm browns are a recipe for instant fieriness! Your brown eyes will be the envy of all with a look like this.
And, if your hair happens to be a medium brown shade with a slightly reddish tone (hints of auburn), then these shades will undoubtedly warm up your overall look even more so. Grab the Naked Heat Palette to replicate this makeup idea!
Here’s a PRO Tip: Copper & red-based shades are a few of the best colors for those gals with brown hair with reddish tones.
Look 10: Peach Cream & Tangerine Dreams
Let this be an embrace-the-monochrome peachy orange kind of day! You can pack a powerful punch and make an undeniable statement by pairing bold peach tones with your brown eyes! Notice how the peach picks up the hints of orange in her iris?
This makeup is a definite update to the traditional blush draping technique as it carries the blush into the eye area! You’ll want to sweep that peach above the crease, under the outer portion of the lower lash line, and add a hint to the outer lid! Then, the pink liner applied to the waterline sets the whole style off beautifully!
Look 11: Brown & Dusty Warm Nudes
If you find yourself, perhaps, in need of a romantic look that’s not too bold but is still impressive & noticeable, you’ll love this!
Using a combo of warm neutrals (browns, rosy nudes, & coral shades), this eye makeup looks fantastic on brown eyes, whether they are dark, medium, or light. To recreate it, you’ll need the Natasha Denona Mini Biba Eyeshadow Palette.
Related: Best Eyeshadow Palettes For Brown Eyes + Eye-Popping Single Shades
Purple Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes
Ready to get those browns popping!!!?? If you want to go bold, using purple shadows will give you an edgier look! From eggplant to lavender, violet, plum, amethyst, or lilac, there are a lot of options for you brown-eyed gals!
Now, you might be surprised to find out purple is a color that can work with a variety of skin tones. However, if you want to really play it safe, you can always opt to select a purple based on your skin’s undertones. For example, for a cool undertone, you could go with a cool-based violet. And for a warm undertone, you could try a warm-based purple like lilac or lavender.
Look 12: Daringly Deep Purple…
Serve a royal purple vibe & make it positively alluring with this makeup look! Smoke out & blend your purple shades all around your eyes, leaving the space near your tear ducts free. You’ll want to use light antique gold with a soft metallic finish there.
Did you know that if your brown eyes have a yellow undertone or you notice subtle golden flecks in your iris, purple is the best color to create the greatest level of contrast for you?
Yep, that’s right! It’s a core concept I cover in The Master Your Eyeshadow Guide. Not only can you use those flecks in your iris for picking out colors to enhance your lovely brown eyes, but you can use them when selecting colors to make them pop too!
Look 13: Purple & Magenta Epic Pop!
This purple & magenta eye makeup is perfect for giving your brown doe-eyed look a fearless edge! You’ll want to use a soft, light purple in the inner eye areas, a magenta center lid, and deep purple on the outer portions of the eye.
If you’re on the hunt for an eyeshadow palette with vibrant purple and pink hues, consider this Colourpop Purple Eyeshadow Palette!
Look 14: Purple & Berry Temptation
Deep red-toned berry shades combined with purples can take things to the next level for brown-eyed gals! This awe-inspiring makeup idea is one you should certainly keep in mind for a night out or a festive party!
Make sure to add a touch of shimmer in an eyeshadow shade that is close to your skin tone, right near your tear ducts, for this look. Use a black liner on top (enough to make your lashes appear thicker & darker) and a metallic purple pencil eyeliner in your waterline.
Look 15: Passionate Plum
For a dramatic, alluring look that’s sure to turn heads, opt for a plum smokey eye! But the boldness doesn’t stop there! Pair your plum with an equally bold lip for a truly daring look. Choose a rich burgundy or deep reddish berry lipstick that complements your sultry eye makeup.
This makeup is perfect for an evening out or any event where you really want your brown eyes to pop! Just remember to keep the rest of your face makeup minimal to prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Related: Smoldering Purple Eyeshadow Looks To Try All Year Round!
Look 16: Purple & Green Combo
For those of you looking to show off your makeup skills, why not bring some serious pop to your brown eyes with a look like this? You’ll want to use a shimmery green for your lid and for under your lower lash line, with purple swept into your crease and blended upward towards your brow.
Then add a hint of gold shimmer to your inner corners and apply a vibrant blue liner for your waterline to triple the eye-popping effect! Try out this makeup for an evening out or a special event; it will surely make your eyes stand out!
Green & Blue-Green Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes
Green is a gorgeous, iconic color that can create any number of different eyeshadow looks. From deep jewel tones like an emerald to forest green, olive, pale sage, or blue-greens like turquoise & teals – there’s a shade of green for everyone!
Look 16: Enchanting Hues Of Mystic Green
For brown eyes with a slight yellow undertone (or light brown eyes veering in the direction of hazel), eye makeup looks with a combo of green, olive, yellow-based neutrals, and warm browns can be absolutely bewitching. No one will possibly be able to turn away from your spellbinding gaze! Try to keep your lips relatively nude so your eyes become the focal point!
For a healthy dose of green, try the Gemini Eyeshadow Palette from Melt Cosmetics.
Look 17: Bold & Gorgeous Green With Bronze!
Dark brown eyes look amazing with deep, dark greens, especially when paired with metallic eyeshadow. Using the bronzy-gold shade at the lower lash line will beautifully open up your eye area. While the green shadow and terracotta can be used to create additional depth and dimension to the eyes. With a bold, powerful eye, at times, it can be best to opt for a nude lip while keeping the rest of your makeup understated.
Check out Urban Decay’s Naked Wild West Palette for a bold brown-eyed look that’s sure to get you noticed!
Related: Jaw-Dropping Green Eyeshadow Looks To Spice Up Your Beauty Routine!
Look 18: Boss With Blue-Green
Blue-green-toned eyeshadows are also a great option for adding contrast if you have brown eyes, ladies! Try a layer of matte turquoise eyeshadow and apply it to the lid, moving up to the brow as shown here. Then, use a layer of shimmery turquoise shadow on the center of the eyelid.
After completing the turquoise, you’ll need to create a bold wing with a black liner and add a few swipes of mascara. A nude glossy lip pairs with this style of eye makeup perfectly! Try this NYX palette if you’re in search of a gorgeous turquoise!
Look 19: Double The Desire With Blue & Green Accent
Not ready for a full lid of green? Why not add some pop to your lower lash line with green eyeshadow and a light blue liner for your waterline? Placing these vibrant, cool-toned colors in this manner really stands out against her light, warm brown eyes.
Use a muted peachy-apricot shade along with deep rosy mauves on your upper lid. Then complete the look with black liner and volumizing mascara!
You could try a palette like this one here for the upper lid to create something comparable.
Look 20: Luscious Lime & Golden Green Glory
This gradient eye makeup look might not be your everyday choice, but it will certainly stand out and get people talking! Your brown eyes will be the envy of all with this golden-green combo! Try it for an evening look, night out, date night, or another festivity. Finishing touches? Nude color lips are the perfect balancing accessory!
Check out the Yucca Eyeshadow Palette for the perfect lime, gold, and dark green trio!
Metallic Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes (Gold, Bronze, & Copper)
Metallic eyeshadow colors like gold, copper, and bronze can be very illuminating for brown eyes. The way they reflect light makes them an excellent option to wear every day, whether it be for fun, work, or play!
Look 21: Brilliant Bronze Glimmer
For those seeking a bit of glimmer and shine, nothing beats the combination of rich, bronzy tones with pale gold and warm brown. This look is perfect for brown-eyed gals desiring a dramatic effect without veering too far from neutrals. Not to mention, metallic glowing hues like these can instantly ignite a spark that makes deep brown eyes come alive!
Add more warmth to your complexion with a peachy blush and lip! Then, if you want to jazz it up even more, you can add bottom lashes for an evening-appropriate look! Try these false bottom lashes to create something similar!
Look 22: Amplify With Yellow & Gold
Wearing bright yellow eyeshadow and a hint of gold like this is an easy way to bring out the yellow flecks or undertone in your brown eyes! And placing that extra golden hue under your outer lash line can really make your eyes gleam & glisten!
Use a brown eyeliner pencil and apply it as close to your upper lash line as possible. Then, smudge out a bit to give it a softer look.
Look 23: Copper Cravings
Do your eyes have copper-like flecks in the iris or an orange undertone? Eye makeup like this will bring out those dazzling coppery hues and highlight the beauty of your brown eyes. It also makes a superb autumn-inspired makeup style when fall rolls around!
For this, you’ll need a medium-toned warm brown, copper eyeshadow, and black liner. Add in that bold red power lip and lashes if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Related: Fall Makeup Ideas: Best Looks & Products To Easily Amp Up Your Style!
Look 24: Coppery-Bronze & Browns
Here’s a new way to show off your medium to light-brown peepers! Use a coppery-bronze shade along with deep chocolatey browns! Add a fierce winged liner with lush false lashes, and it instantly transforms into a dramatic look.
What we truly love about this makeup is how the coppery-bronze placed below the pupil picks up the hints of gold and orange in her iris while simultaneously picking up the warmth of her skin tone.
Blue Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes
When it comes time for a little extra sparkle and dash in your life, there are plenty of fun blues you can try out. Blue eyeshadow not only makes them pop but can make them look deeper and richer. From navy to cobalt, royal blue, electric blue, to sapphire – just pick one that speaks directly to your inner indigo goddess!
Look 25: Twilight Seduction
If you’re game for a dramatic, high-impact look that highlights brown eyes, try a blend of bright shimmery blue and dark purple eyeshadow! The beauty of using blues with purples is that these two pair very well together, making blending far easier!
Now, for a look like this one, a barely-there nude lip and subtle blush is a must! To create a similar look, you’ll need a matte dark purple, deep shimmery mauve, and a light blue with a metallic finish. You could try this palette from Juvia’s Place for the purple!
Related: 15+ Eyeshadow Makeup Looks For Your Most Captivating Eyes Ever!
Look 26: Striking Bodacious Blue
Those of you Beauties who want to stand out and make an impact, this idea is just what you need! While the blue makes your browns pop, this makeup style will also help elongate your eyes!
*Important: Your first step should be to draw out the shape’s outline. After doing both eyes, make sure they are consistent. If they are, then move on to filling in the form. Complete the look with a glossy lip and a few coats of mascara!
PRO Tip: Switch the blue for another bright color, and you have a completely new look!
Look 27: Gradient Blue With Hypnotic Shimmer
This bold blue eye makeup look will dress up your brown eyes and certainly make them more dramatic. It’s perfect for a glamorous evening event or night out when you want to leave a lasting impression! Grab an aqua glittery eyeshadow, deep & dark smokey matte blue shadow (or black), and try a bronze for the inner eye area.
FAQS & Common Questions About Eye Makeup For Brown Eyes:
What is the best eyeshadow for brown eyes and fair skin?
Again, you can go with pretty much whatever you feel like with brown eyes. Now, when you have pale skin, it’s best to steer towards lighter, paler, & sheerer versions of a color. For a purple, consider a lilac or light lavender. Or for a green, perhaps a pastel or soft green, like a mint. Try lighter and medium browns, taupes, champagne, muted peaches, soft pinks, rose gold, etc.
What would be the best eyeshadow for brown eyes and olive skin?
Generally, you’ll want to veer more towards warmer tones if you have olive skin and brown eyes. Warm neutrals & earthy shades in the red, brown, gold, bronze, copper & orange families are particularly flattering. The Natasha Denona Bronze Palette is excellent for medium to dark skin tones. Also, it works well if you have an olive or yellow undertone to your skin.
How should I do my everyday eye makeup for brown eyes?
For daytime looks, most prefer to stick to softer neutrals and browns. We recommend using something like this Tarte palette. There are several ways to use this palette for a day look, but here’s a quick example…
- Start with a matte light color that is close to your skin tone as your base (depending on your skin tone, something like Charmer, Flower Child, Smarty Pants, or Jet-setter, etc.). Apply all over your lid with a fluffy brush.
- Use one of the matte medium or medium to dark shades (depending on your skin tone) to define your crease. Optional: You could also use it lightly on the outer lid to contour your eye if you’d like.
- One of the shimmery colors can be used to add a pop of sparkle to the center of your lid.
- If you want to do more, try adding that shimmer to the inner eye area, right near your tear duct as well.
- Apply dark eyeliner, just enough to give your eyes a little more definition and make your lashes appear denser at their base.
- Swipe a few coats of mascara!
Which is the best eyeshadow for dark brown eyes and tan skin?
Again, brown eyes are a neutral color, so they pretty much work with everything. Warm tones will be most flattering with your complexion, like red-browns, copper, rust, bronze, gold, etc. Rich, vibrant purples, burgundy, & berry tones can look lovely as well.
What eyeliner makes brown eyes pop?
Just like eyeshadow makeup, eyeliner in blue, purple, or green looks best with brown eyes, if you want to make them pop. Take a quick peek at the image above…We’ll call this look #28…Notice how the mint green liner makes her brown eyes pop?
Eye Makeup Looks For Brown Eyes: The Wrap-Up!
We hope that you have found inspiration in this list of eye makeup looks for brown eyes. If you want to keep your makeup on point, it’s always a good idea to spend some time experimenting with new styles! Save the ones you love and remember them next time you want a fresh take on your makeup routine.
Ok, Beauties, go on, get out there, and show off your beautiful brown eyes! Let us know how they work out for you!
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thanks alot of information