Green eyes are a rare and beautiful eye color. They have a subtle mixture of yellows and greens (and, for some, hints of brown) that can be hard to pull off with makeup if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not to mention, finding the right makeup colors to complement them can be tricky. Well, ladies, today, we’re going to show you how to slay all day with over 21 gorgeous makeup looks that are perfect for your green eyes!
After scouring high and low on the internet, we’ve pulled together the best eyeshadow ideas that will effortlessly enhance them, make them pop, and help you look absolutely radiant from head to toe!
So Beauties, whether you’re going for all-out glam or just want to look your best, we’ve included plenty of attractive options to give your eye makeup game a new twist. Keep reading for all the details!
*** A special shout-out to all the other makeup artists who created some of these looks! ***
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What eyeshadow colors to use for green eyes…
Selecting the best makeup colors can be one of the most challenging parts of doing makeup. For those of you with green eyes, when picking appropriate eyeshadow colors, you’re faced with two considerations: what accentuates their natural tones and what creates enough contrast to make them pop.
- Shades similar to your eye color and the subtle mixtures of color you see in your iris will accentuate their natural beauty (green, gold, browns, bronze, copper, etc.).
- While colors that are across from green & yellow on the color wheel create more contrast (shades with red undertones & purples).
Using this guideline, let’s take a look at our top makeup looks for dazzling green eyes, where we’ll explain further some of the best colors to do each of the above!
Related: Eyeshadow Tips For Beginners
Disclaimer: Some of the product recommendations in the article were used for creating these looks, while others were not the specific ones used for these looks. In those instances, the products listed are simply my suggestions as a makeup artist of what one could use to create something similar.
Red-Based Makeup Looks For Green Eyes
Rockin’ red-based eyeshadows are all about bringing the heat to green eyes. But don’t let the word red send you into full panic mode. We’re not talking fire engine red per se — unless that’s your thing. Think rust, burgundy, brick red, burnt sienna, red-browns, pinks, rose, rose gold, pink, and so on.
Now, here’s a quick recap along with a few makeup tips to keep in mind as you scroll through these next looks, ladies…
- Based on the color wheel and on color theory, red is the polar opposite of green.
- Colors that fall directly opposite one another create the most contrast with each other.
- Therefore, with eye makeup, of all the possible options of colors, those that are red-based will create the greatest level of contrast with green eyes. Ultimately, this will get you those eye-popping results!
1) Fiery Cayenne & Sizzlin’
If you wish to spice up a stagnant makeup routine, try this sultry eye makeup look! The specific eyeshadow palette used is Urban Decay’s Naked Heat, which has a glorious mix of red-based shadows along with warm, earthy tones (terracottas, burgundy, browns, and coppery shades).
Try using a matte shade like the “en Fuego” wrapped around the eyes. Then, if you need a little more oomph, add a bit of shimmer to your lid with one of the metallics like “Scorched” or “Dirty Talk.” Most importantly, don’t forget to blend, blend, blend… 🙂
2) Rusted Rose With Orange Pop
Rusted rose with a pop of metallic orange makes a smashing addition to a green-eyed makeup look. The rosy hue will complement the green in your eyes, while the metallic orange will add a touch of brightness.
For this eye makeup, you will need…
- Eyeshadow in a dusty rose color or cranberry shade… Depending on your skin tone, try Anastasia’s Sangria eyeshadow or the Dusty Rose eyeshadow).
- An eyeshadow in orange with a metallic finish.
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
3) Givin’ Me A Warm Rustic Glow
This radiant makeup idea is a lovely option for a summertime fresh-face look. Your green eyes will be seriously brought to life with this rust & metallic pink eyeshadow mix.
To recreate it, you’ll need Danessa Myrick’s Colorfix in Rustic and her Romance shade. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal with dewy skin, glowy cheeks, and warm-toned nude lips.
4) Brown, Burgundy, & Rosy Gold Look
This eyeshadow look is a dream for green-eyed beauties who love to flirt with a bit of color. To create it, sweep a deep burgundy on your lid and in your crease, blending up towards the brow.
Use this rosy gold shadow (shade alien) directly on the main part of your lid (stay below your crease). And using an eyeliner pencil, apply a chocolate brown to your lower lash line.
For your upper lash line, try using a liquid liner to create a thin line. The goal is to keep it slim, as you only want to use enough to make the lashes appear denser (at their roots). Then, a few swipes of your favorite mascara should do the trick!
5) Metallic Rust & Gold Look
A metallic rust paired with gold is always a winner when it comes to makeup looks for green eyes. The gold brings out the yellow-toned flecks in her iris while the rust creates a stunning contrast to make them pop! To recreate this impressive makeup, you’ll need…
- A metallic rust eyeshadow & a soft gold for the inner corners of your eyes
- Eyeliner for upper lash line & lashes (or mascara if you prefer)
- A peachy-tone blush
- Caramel nude or subtle terracotta nude lipstick
6) Pink Glam With Purple Accent
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite makeup looks, and it’s an absolute showstopper when paired with green eyes. For those who like to be a little less obvious, the trick to adding some red vibes without red eyeshadow is to go for a pink shade. Then, use a touch of purple eyeliner along your waterline to create double the contrast.
For this makeup, you’ll need two shades of pink: a matte pink for the crease, outer lid, and lower lash line, and a lighter, shimmery pink for the remainder of the eyelid. Elevate your style with fabulous false lashes, give your lower lashes a little love with mascara, add a pop of blush, and seal the deal with some luscious lip gloss!
Related: Prettiest Pink Eyeshadow Looks From Soft & Subtle To Statement
7) Warm Neutral Shimmer
Not familiar with warm neutrals? Generally, when you hear this term, it refers to eyeshadow colors with red, yellow, or orange undertones.
Now, if you want to amplify your green eyes and make them sparkle, a look with rosy brown and a warm shimmer like this might be precisely what you need! BTW, you could try a rose gold or champagne pink for the warm shimmer.
For this makeup look, the smudged-out black focused just on the outer 2/3 of the eye creates that gorgeous elongated eye effect. You’ll need a subtle antique gold liner for your lower waterline…And if your eyes are at all like hers, it will accentuate the natural golden flecks around your iris.
Purple Eye Makeup Looks For Green Eyes
Purple looks wonderful on everyone, every skin tone, hair color, and eye color. In fact, a fun way to give your eye makeup a quick upgrade is to try using your most flattering eyeshadow colors based on both your eye color and hair color.
Our in-depth Eyeshadow Guide covers all the best options for different hair colors because it can pull everything together with your overall makeup look so beautifully!
Now, here’s a quick refresher and a few essential tips concerning purple and green eyes…
- Hints of yellow or gold are commonly found within the iris of green eyes.
- Remember, purple falls directly opposite yellow on the color wheel.
- Purple eyeshadow will, therefore, contrast nicely with the hints of yellow and gold in your iris.
- Additionally, purple has those red undertones we just talked about. 😉 Therefore, purples are an excellent option for green eyes when considering eye makeup looks.
8) Pink & Purple Poppin’ Look
As far as eye makeup looks for green eyes, we just adore how this one uses two powerful colors, pink (red-based shade) and purple, to make them pop!
We recommend using soft shimmery lavender for the inner portions and a matte medium to dark purple for the remainder of the eye. You’ll also need a bold pink for the crease region. Then add black liner and a few coats of mascara for the finishing touch!
Related: How To Apply Mascara Properly: 23 Insider Tips & Tricks
9) Purple, Red, & Copper Eye
A bold and dramatic eye is a great way to make an entrance. This purple and red combo ignites some major passion for seductive-looking green eyes! While this copper eyeshadow adds just the right amount of flash without being too much.
Guaranteed, these bold hues will catch everyone’s attention in the room! They’re also complemented by the equally dramatic red lips, making this the complete vixen party look!
10) Smokey Purple & Plum
A deep royal purple & plum eyeshadow look is a must-have if you’re looking to set off your green irises in all their glory! Blending these two together will give you the most intense gaze that is sure to turn a few heads. Add mascara and a daring lipstick, and you’ll be all set for a night out on the town!
11) Brilliant & Fuchsia Bright Look
Ahh Fuchsia – the beautiful meeting point between pink and purple! This fuchsia look is just the thing for those days you want to feel girly. Green eyes will be instantly recognizable, thanks to this vibrant pop of color.
The key is to keep your eyes the focal point, so the rest of your makeup should be low-key. A little mascara, lip gloss, and rosy cheeks are all you need! To recreate this makeup, use Danessa Myrick’s Colorfix in Blossom.
12) Cool Purple Smokey
Accentuate your cool-toned green eyes with an unstoppable pop using a cool-toned purple smokey eye! You’ll need a dark purple eyeshadow, like an eggplant shade, in both matte and shimmer to create a similar look.
Try Anastasia’s Enchanted for under the lower lash line and MAC It’s Vintage for under the lower lashes, the crease, and the outer lid. Then, you could opt for a deep purple shimmer like Set List from Urban Decay for the lid.
13) Warm Berry Cat-Eye Look
For gals with green eyes, this warmer-toned berry eyeshadow makeup is definitely one of our favorite looks! And, of course, a bold black cat-eye is the perfect way to add seductive flair! For a similar vibe, try using a palette like Natasha Denona’s My Dream Eyeshadow Palette or the Retro Palette. Then, finish the look with black eyeliner and a few coats of mascara.
Related: Smoldering Purple Eyeshadow Looks To Try All Year Round!
Browns & Metallic Makeup Looks For Green Eyes
With makeup, we believe it’s important to play around with different colors and shades to find what works best for you. That said, you’ll find that some of your best eyeshadow options, aside from the purples and reds (burgundy, pink, rose, rust, & rose-gold), will include browns and metallics (gold, copper, bronze).
14) Beautifully Copperized
There’s nothing better than a brown, smoky eye! We recommend using a copper shadow with a coffee brown or caramel brown shade, which will complement your green eyes beautifully.
The copper placed on the lid right above the iris and at the center portion of the lower lash line creates a ravishing glow that highlights the hints of brown around her pupil. Make sure you use a touch of silver at the inner corners of your eye to get the full effect!
15) Soft Gold & Bronze Glow With Green Liner
What’s the fastest way to illuminate your green eyes?? Go for the gold, gals!!! 🙂 Use soft gold on the inner eye area and bronze as you move outward along your eyelid. Add a pop of dark green eyeliner to your waterline for an extra special touch. Then, finish with a coat of mascara for extra volume and length.
What’s terrific about this look is that it uses green, bronze, and gold, which all happen to be excellent shades for brunettes as well. So, if you’re looking to play up your tresses and perk up your eyes (kill two birds with one stone), a makeup look like this is what you need!
16) Winged & Golden Glam
With green eyes, nothing sets off your unique hue quite like a touch of gold. This golden eye look is all about embracing the warm brilliance of gold and brown shades to make your emerald irises truly sparkle. Not to mention, it’s a versatile style perfect for day or nighttime events.
The real drama comes from the winged eyeliner. Use a jet-black liner for a stark contrast that will bring all focus to your eyes. The winged shape extends your eye line, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look. Paired with a few coats of volumizing mascara, your green eyes will be the center of attention.
17) Soft Brown Contoured Eyes & Bold Lip
Nude and neutral shades are always a classic choice for makeup, and they work especially well with green eyes. A light to medium brown, warm taupe, or deep beige shade contoured at the outer “V” and crease can pair nicely with a robust red lipstick! It’s an ideal option when you want to enhance & add definition to your eyes but not compete with your lips.
18) Bronzed Brown
If you notice little hints of brown in your green eyes or you have blue-green eyes, go for an eye makeup style like this! When you look closely, her eyes have a combination of mostly green, a hint of blue, yellow, and a tiny bit of brown in her iris close to the pupil.
To create an eye makeup look like this, you’ll need a bronzy brown shade for sure and a hint of eyeliner (enough to give your lashes a denser appearance). Then add a touch of peachy blush to your cheeks, apply some mascara, & go for a minimal lip. Of course, if you want to take this look further, you can always add some fab lashes!
19) Metallic Pop
An eyeshadow look that marries coppery bronzes, warm browns, and chocolate is a mesmerizing choice for green eyes. This beauteous combination promises to make those green gems of yours shine like the rare jewels they are!
To recreate it, use a palette with multiple shades within the metallic realm. Though this palette was not used to create this, you could try Natasha Denona’s Bronze Eyeshadow Palette for something similar, as it has a load of metallics. Then, finish off your riveting look with voluminous mascara and a soft, peachy nude lip.
20) Cool Brown Metallic Brilliance
For shimmer-loving sirens with green eyes, this cool brown, metallic gold, and bronze look is the golden ticket. The medley of these hues works in harmony to create a rich, earthy base that magnificently offsets the lush green of your eyes while emphasizing the subtle yellow or brown flecks in your iris.
The cool brown provides a sophisticated depth, while the metallic gold and bronze dance on the lids, catching the light in the most enchanting way. The extremely talented makeup artist Natasha Denona used her Mini Glam Palette to create this breathtaking look.
Green-Based Makeup Looks For Green Eyes
Choosing a green eye makeup look with green eyes means striking a balance. It’s about enhancing them rather than overpowering them. If you’re worried about this happening or that using greens may cause them to appear dull, here are a few tips to help…
- Use green eyeshadow with gold. It’s a popular & trendy color combination.
- Try just accenting with green, like look #24 below.
- Opt for eye makeup that uses green with another color that creates contrast for green eyes, like looks #22 and #23.
- Go with shimmery green over matte, as mattes can lead to a more dull-like appearance.
PRO Tip: You can brighten up darker green eyes if you go with a pale or light green that mimics the lightest tones found closest to your iris.
21) Murky Grey-Green & Blue-Green
Ready to give them some green-eyed envy!!?? Shimmering metallic olive green in the waterline, a vibrant metallic blue-green on the eyelid, and a smoky grey-green eyeshadow angled sharply at the outer eye come together to create an absolutely tantalizing look for green eyes.
The greenish tones in the liner and eyeshadow work marvelously to enhance the natural hues in your eyes, while the metallic blue-green adds an unexpected punch of color that further boosts the green in your eyes. The key to mastering this look is blending – ensure the transition between the blue-green and grey-green is seamless for a truly captivating effect.
22) Olive, Purple, Warm Brown, & Antique Gold Mix
Pairing green eyes with an olive green eyeshadow might seem like a bit of an overkill, but hang tight because we are about to create an explosion of colors! The idea here is to use the dark purple to create a contrast that’ll make your eyes pop, while the olive green and antique gold subtly enhance the natural green and yellow tones in your eyes.
You’ll need to sweep olive green across your lid. While the warm metallic brown should be applied delicately in the crease. With a smaller brush, focus the purple on the outer lid and corners of your eyes to add depth. Use a touch of antique gold under the lower lash line at the inner section for that ultimate sparkle. Then complete this eye-catching makeup look with a dark green liner applied to your waterline!
23) Light Green with Coral
For those eyeing makeup looks that are striking, unique, & chic, this combination of light green eyeshadow and coral (slightly red-based color) will make your green eyes stand out like nothing else!!
Start by applying the light green matte shadow all over your mobile lid. The light green mirrors the lighter tones in your eyes, highlighting their natural beauty. Next, pick a matte light coral eyeshadow and blend it from the crease upwards. This creates a fiery contrast that will make your green eyes pop!
To top it off, use a nude liner in the waterline. This not only brightens up your eyes but also creates a softening effect that balances out the boldness of the eyeshadows. Complete the look with coral lips that match flawlessly, and add either fluttering lashes or a touch of mascara. Voila! Absolute perfection!
24) Pop Of Green
Now, last but certainly not least of our top green-based makeup looks, this combo of warm hues with a pop of green liner looks ravishing with green and blue-green eyes! For those who aren’t comfortable going bold with green, this makeup idea is a more subtle approach than applying a green shadow all over your lid.
You’ll need a warm, neutral palette for the colors on the lid, like Urban Decay’s Naked 3 Palette, black liner, metallic green liner for the lower lash line, and some slammin’ mascara to enhance your green eyes further! Try something like Urban Decay’s Mildew for the green eyeliner!
Related: Jaw-Dropping Green Eyeshadow Looks To Spice Up Your Beauty Routine!
Nude & Natural Makeup Looks For Green Eyes
Natural makeup looks are great for days when you’re not up for fussing with a whole lot of colors and want to keep it simple. Here are a few tips to help you stay au-natural while still adding a touch of glam.
- Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer.
- Go with eyeshadows in neutral colors like brown, beige, ivory, khaki, etc. These can be mattes or shimmers.
- Use eyeliner and mascara in black or brown instead of brights like blues or greens, etc.
- Stick with nude lipsticks and glosses in natural colors like pink, peach, rosy brown, coral, etc.
25) Soft & Natural
This is a great look to try out if your goal is for an overall softer and more natural effect. Not only that, it’s perfect for an everyday make idea! You’ll need a neutral eyeshadow palette with shimmery taupes. You could try using this one from ColourPop.
Make sure you carry the shadow onto your lower lash line and use a dark liner pencil to tightline your upper lashes. Then, focus on creating lush lashes using a volumizing mascara!
26) Natural & Nude Shimmer
If you’re looking for something pretty for day-to-day use, try a soft, warm brown, and shimmery nude eyeshadow on your lids! We love how this makeup looks subtle and understated but provides just the right amount of definition & dimension to her green eyes!
Warm cheeks, bronzer, black liner, pinkish nude matte lips, and mascara (or wispy lashes if you’d like) complete it exquisitely! Consider trying either the Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette or perhaps Huda Beauty’s Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette, depending on your skin tone and preference.
27) New Nude
If you’re searching for a soft nude look with that touch of glam, a semi-shimmery neutral swept across your lid, bronzer, and brushed-up brows is the way to go. This look is guaranteed to show off your natural beauty and make you stand out in the crowd.
Make sure you apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes to give them definition, add a hint of highlighter to your cheeks, and go with a rosy nude lip for the perfect finish.
Beauty Tips On Makeup Products & Looks For Green Eyes
Tip 1: Make Sure You Prep Before Application
Start by using a primer. A primer will make your eye makeup last longer, and it will also help make your eyeshadow look more vibrant.
Tip 2: Consider Concealer
When using a red-based eyeshadow, be mindful of whether you need concealer. For some, red tones can make any darkness they may have under their eyes more apparent. This, unfortunately, can make them look tired.
If you happen to notice this, make sure you use concealer under your eyes and go up to directly below your lower lash line. Apply at the inner eye area, focusing on where the corners of your eyes gradually meet with the bridge of your nose. Individuals who suffer from undereye circles will often have some darkening there as well.
Tip 3: Picking Your Eyeliner Colors
Brown and black are always classic choices when it comes to eyeliner for green eyes. But you may also experiment with colors like burgundy, auburn, rust, plum, violet, etc.
Tip 4: Picking Your Mascara
- Jet black mascara provides the most spectacular effect with the most profound depth and dimension.
- Brown or blackish browns are ideal for individuals with light lashes (blonde or red), a very light or fair complexion, or a “no-makeup” kind of makeup look.
- For makeup looks that include colorful lashes, ladies with green eyes should consider trying fun shades like burgundy or purple.
Best Makeup Looks For Green Eyes: The Wrap-Up
Choosing the right makeup colors is essential if you want to look your best. And as we’ve said for green eyes, there are definitely a few eyeshadow shades that will always look great! Of course, figuring out how to incorporate those colors into achievable makeup looks is not easy. But this post should indeed help. 🙂
We hope these outlined makeup styles & looks have inspired you with new ways to show off those pretty green eyes, ladies!?
If all of this seems intimidating and you’d like some more help deciding on your makeup shades or want step-by-step instructions for applying eyeshadow like a pro, our Essential Master Your Eyeshadow Guide (Eye Makeup Made Easy) is a great place to start! It’s assisted women of all ages, beginners and up!
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