They say that eyes are the windows to the soul, so it’s my duty as a beauty editor to teach you how to put yours on full display. While other makeup categories are equally important, they’re arguably less “fun” to play with—foundation is a basic essential, blush shades only stretch so far, and concealer paints a blank canvas. However, the options are far more expansive for eyes (especially brown ones!), making them some of the most exciting features to dress up.
If you’re lucky enough to have brown eyes, you have an array of eye shadow shades to choose from to play up the tones in your irises. “I personally love to do a warm-toned brown eyeshadow look on brown eyes,” says celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard. “The warm hues pull out the gold, honey, and copper tones you often see with brown eyes and really make the eyes sparkle.” From rich burgundies that enhance mocha tones to olive greens that make honey hues glow, we’ve unearthed a treasure trove of shades, palettes, and eye shadow sticks that make brown eyes pop. Keep reading for eight makeup artist- and editor-approved eye shadows that will change your makeup game for the better.
The Best Eye Shadows for Brown Eyes, At a Glance
Best Overall: Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
Makeup by Mario
Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Original
Pros: Everyday shade assortment, pigmented shadows, easy to blend
Cons: None I can think of
Shades: 12 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte
When the original Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette debuted in October 2020, it was essentially over for all other palettes. (Not really, but kind of.) “This eyeshadow palette has everything and more for a brown eyes queen,” says professional makeup artist Natalie Dresher. Outfitted in 12 warm-toned eye shadows, ranging from light to deep shades, this palette is made to complement all eyes and skin tones—but its earthy, skin-inspired range really soars against chocolate eyes. “The warm tones in this palette have me in a chokehold, and I end up using it on 90% of my brown eyes clients,” Dresher adds.
Customer review: “I have never in my 46 years used a more blendable eyeshadow formula. I pulled off a look that would normally take me 10 minutes in 3. It’s like the eyeshadow knows where it needs to go. It’s THAT crazy good.”
Best Warm: Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette
Patrick Ta
Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette
Pros: Highly pigmented, flattering shade range, includes several finishes and formulas
Cons: On the expensive side, some reviewers report fallout
Shades: 12 | Formula: Cream, powder | Finish: Matte, metallic
Spickard favors the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette for its assortment of warm shades that “work for all skin tones.” Similar to the Makeup by Mario palette, this upscale compact houses a variety of skin tone-inspired shades that work quite universally with all eye colors—but this palette offers a wider variety of finishes and textures, if that fits your fancy. The palette includes two covered cream shadows (to keep the powder pigments from falling inside) for a hydrated base, four warm neutrals in matte finishes, and six shimmer pigments, which oscillate between metallics and subtle sparkles. Consider this the glam sister to Mario’s everyday palette.
Customer review: “The quality is excellent, which you expect for the price, and it is worth it. Very easy to blend and work with. The shimmer/metallic shades look gorgeous applied with your finger (a more powerful and pigmented finish) or with a brush (more thin/less opaque). Love the versatility.”
Best Neutral: Hung Vanngo Beauty Color Story Eyeshadow Palette in New Neutral
Hung Vanngo Beauty
Color Story Eyeshadow Palette in New Neutral
Pros: Several finishes, easy to blend, potent pigment
Cons: Not as many shade options as first two picks
Shades: 8 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte, satin, metallic
If you’re not sure whether you prefer warm or cool-toned eye shadows (both Dresher and Spickard say cool tones can work depending on skin tone and personal preference), then this palette is the one to try. Storied celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo released his eponymous makeup brand this year, and after working with so many skin tones and eye colors over the years, we can assume this palette is the ultimate destination for universally flattering shades. Complete with eight “true neutral” shades (not too warm, not too cool), this mixed-finish palette offers a variety of everyday hues that can be played up or down for subtle, natural glam or bold evening looks. All of these colors fit the brown eye color palette, but I especially love a swipe of the bronzy shimmer to intensify chocolate orbs.
Customer review: “Gorgeous palette—packaging feels luxe and the product is incredible. Beautiful range and long-wearing. Everyone needs this palette!”
Best Colorful: Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe in Navy Noir
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Eye Wardrobe in Navy Noir
Pros: Vibrant color, multi-finish, ultra-smooth blend, refillable
Cons: Most expensive on the list
Shades: 4 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte, metallic
“Brown eyes look fantastic in colors that give them contrast,” professional makeup artist Fatima Thomas says, listing “colors like deep blues, greens, and teals” as shades that fit the bill. This luxe, fashion-forward eyeshadow palette is a grown-up way to experiment with color, and the blue-hued shades inside were practically designed with brown eyes in mind. It includes wearable blue shades like slate and navy, which wear like neutrals and intensify brown eyes, and two bold shades (a royal blue and metallic silver) to offer even more dimension.
Customer review: “What a fabulous mix of luscious colours. Velvety, great quality eyeshadow 10/10.”
Hailey Bieber wearing light blue eye shadow.
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette in West 4th & Perry St
MAYBELLINE
New York Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow Palette in West 4th & Perry St
Pros: Moderately priced, travel-friendly, blendable formula
Cons: Only three shades
Shades: 3 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte, shimmer
If you don’t want to drop more than $15 to accentuate your brown orbs, you’re in luck. Spickard depends on this drugstore eye shadow stack from Maybelline to create gorgeous eye looks for a fraction of the price. This rose-tinted block, dubbed West 4th & Perry St., includes a small assortment of the rosy pink and chocolate hues that Spickard favors on warm, brown eyes, though he also recommends 82nd & Park for a more neutral look. “I love layering the shimmer on the lower lash line to really make the eyes sparkle!” he adds. Plus, its compact, stacked design makes this block easy to pack in a travel bag or pop in your purse for evening touchups.
Customer review: “Just what I was looking for. Nice color, but not too thick. Neutral colors that last for hours. I like the small size with three simple colors that you can mix and match. I’d buy again.”
Selena Gomez wearing rosy eye shadow.
Best Budget: Hard Candy Eyeshadow Stick in Purple
Hard Candy
Eye Def Eyeshadow Stick in Purple
Pros: Lowest price on our list, easy to blend, doesn’t crease
Cons: Bold color may be too statement-making for everyday wear
Shades: 12 | | Formula: Cream, stick | Finish: Matte, shimmer
One of the perks of having brown eyes is the wide range of colors that suit your earthy orbs. Dresher explains that purple looks fabulous on brown-eyed beauty lovers due to its placement across from yellow on the color wheel. Since brown eyes often have yellow undertones, purple or plum shades help bring these colors out of the shadows. But if colorful eye shadow makes you wary, it’s worth trying a budget-friendly pick first. “I love this relatively inexpensive shadow stick for fun colors that I may not reach for so often,” says Dresher of this Hard Candy shadow stick, which boasts a moisturizing, easy-to-blend formula and offers crease-resistant longevity.
Customer review: “This was exactly what I was looking for in a very inexpensive eye pencil. The color was beautiful and glided very smoothly on the eyelid. Shortly after application, it dried very well and did not smudge.”
Best Liquid: Danessa Myricks Nudes Colorfix Liquid Pigment
Danessa Myricks
Colorfix Nudes Liquid Pigment
Pros: Multipurpose formula, intense color payoff, long-wearing formula
Cons: Pricey for a single product
Shades: 50 | Formula: Liquid | Finish: Matte, metallic, high shine
If there’s one product that nearly all professional makeup artists keep in their kits, it’s these ultra-pigmented, multi-functional, long-wearing liquid pigments. Though they might be used most frequently as eye products (Spickard uses them as eye shadows and primers), they’re adaptable enough to moonlight as cheek and lip pigments, too. Spickard keeps these liquid shadows on hard in an array of nude shades for clients with brown eyes, and I can see why. Whether using the shade Nude 7 as a basic eye shadow base or the espresso shade Nude 12 to begin a deep brown smoky eye, these hues are perfect against brown eyes.
Customer review: “I love DM products; however, it’s the first time trying out the Colorfix. This color is so pretty over eyeshadow or by itself. It does not crease and lasts all day. In addition, I have sensitive eyes, and it doesn’t bother my eyes.”
A model wearing a brown smoky eye in the Louis Vuitton S/S 24 show.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Best Stick: Tarte SmolderEyes Shadow Liner in Sultry
Tarte
SmolderEyes Shadow Liner in Sultry
Pros: Easy to use, blendable, hybrid product
Cons: On the expensive side for a single shade
Shades: 11 | Formula: Cream | Finish: Matte, shimmer
If you’re more of a smudge-and-go makeup applicator than someone who diligently blends powder pigments, you’re in luck. Dresher recommends this easy-to-blend, two-in-one eyeliner and eye shadow stick for a “smoky eye in 30 seconds.” Though it promises extra-long wear and no creasing (it’s waterproof, after all!), the formula is also infused with mineral pigments and carnauba wax, so it feels extra soft and smooth on the lids, too. Dresher spotlights this ancient bronze shade specifically for those with brown orbs: “Most of the shades of this Tarte product would look great on brown eyes, but this bronzey-toned one is just *chef’s kiss* for the brown-eyed beauties.”
Customer review: “You’ll love these! They remind me of the discontinued Smashbox Waterproof Shadowliner, which I loved also. Was heartbroken when it was discontinued. Easy to apply and stays put. Has a smudge tip, too.”
What to Look for in the Best Eye Shadows for Brown Eyes
- Shade range: When choosing the best eye shadows for brown eyes, you’ll want to ensure that the palette has a complementary shade range for your particular hue. Reference the color wheel: If your eyes pull more golden, try wearing purple, plum, or bronze shades to add contrast. You can also make this decision based on shade and light contrast. For instance, if your eyes are near-black, a pop of color like blue will look strikingly beautiful against your inky irises.
- Formula: While eye shadow formula is an entirely personal preference, some skin types may require one over the other. Some people may prefer cream eyeshadow for its ease and blendability, but those with drier skin types may prefer the hydration of cream shadows to powders. Alternatively, those with oily eyelids may experience more pigment deposits, slippage, or creasing when they wear cream shadows, so they should wear a primer and powder shadow.
- Price: As always, the price tag is one of the main things to keep in mind when picking out a new product. The picks above, recommended by professional makeup artists and myself, range from $6 to $75—offering a selection of eye shadow palettes, liquid shadows, and shadow sticks within that budget. While several celebrity makeup artists vouch for drugstore makeup, your budget (and preferences!) may lie and the luxe side, and vice versa. No matter your ideal price tag, have an option for it.
What eyeshadow colors make brown eyes pop?
“I love bringing out the lighter, warmer pigments in brown eyes with very warm tones like orange,” says Dresher. “Very warm, bronzy shades bring out the more yellow pigments in brown eyes,” she explains. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to stick to warm tones if you love the grungy, cool-toned makeup trend sweeping the fashion scene right now. “I love a cool-toned gray smoke-and-black on brown eyes, especially if we’re leaning into a 90s, early 2000s aesthetic,” adds Spickard.
However, if Spickard is going for color, he has a different approach. “I love to use rich olive green shadows and liners on brown eyes, which really makes them pop,” says Spickard. “I also find that rich burgundies and plums really complement brown eyes.”
Simone Ashley wearing a cool-toned eye.
What eyeshadow palette is best for brown eyes?
Any of the above are great options for people with brown eyes, but for a basic product that produces professional results, I suggest adding the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original to your cart. Its buttery powders are supremely easy to blend, offering even the most novice of makeup lovers a seamless result, and each is buildable enough to create sheer, natural eye looks or increase the intensity for something more glam. While it’s not the lowest-priced on this list, it offers the most versatility and bang for your buck.
What eyeliners work with brown eyes?
If you want to intensify your brown-eye-enhancing looks, then Spickard recommends the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liners. “They’re super creamy and gorgeous. For browns, go with Cocoa, Terracotta, and Cinnamon,” he urges. “Their green liner in Sequin Green is a gorgeous olive sparkle that makes brown eyes really pop, and for burgundy, you can’t go wrong with Bordeaux.”
How We Chose
I chose the best eye shadows for brown eyes after speaking with professional makeup artists who work regularly with people of all eye colors and skin tones, thus cultivating a deep understanding of which hues do (and do not) work on certain combos. Each product was chosen with the intention to fit a variety of brown eye shades and budgets, as well as formula and packaging preferences.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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