More than half of the world has brown eyes – it’s definitely the most common eye colour. But brown definitely doesn’t mean bland and boring! In fact, consider yourself lucky if you have brown eyes because you can pull off any eyeshadow colour you want!
Brown is a neutral that pairs well with any colour, and so having brown eyes means you can go big and bold with bright colours or keep it simple with some earthy tones. But if you’re new to the eyeshadow game, here’s a hint: you can’t go wrong with purple! Purple complements all skin tones, hair colours, and eye colours, so you’re sure to get a look that will make your eyes pop!
But if you want to experiment with other looks and colours, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of the best eyeshadows for brown eyes that you can try for your next date, night out, or even board meeting!
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Beyond Basic Brown
Just because it’s the most common eye colour doesn’t mean it’s the exact same shade for everyone! Brown eyes come in all shades: from lighter hazel to dark brown to almost black.

Brown-eyed folk can count themselves extra lucky because what really makes eyes brown is melanin! The more melanin you have, the darker your eye colour – blue, green, and other eye colours are just the result of having less melanin. Brown eyes translates to a number of health benefits, such as lowered risks of age-related macular degeneration and melanoma of the eye!
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages as well. Studies have shown that darker-eyed women are more susceptible to pain, as well as cataracts. Make sure to always keep your peepers safe and healthy by wearing UV-protected eyewear when out and about!
Best Eyeshadows For Brown Eyes
Purple
Like we said earlier, purple is a universally-flattering colour that will fit anyone! Another plus for brown-eyed gals: purple is one of brown’s contrasting colours, guaranteeing that your peepers will pop when paired with it! Experiment with different shades for different looks!

A lush eggplant shade will look bring out golden flecks in your eyes. Go with a deep but shimmery plum smokey eye for a fun and fierce night-out look!
This Norvina palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills features fourteen shades with purplish tones to help you achieve a gorgeous look. Go matte for your everyday look, and pile on the shimmer for date night!
Blue
Right beside purple on the colour palette, blue is another colour that can flatter brown eyes. If you’re feeling bold, go bright: electric blue, royal blue, or even azure! Wearing blue eyeshadow takes a lot of guts, but it definitely makes for an unforgettable look.
Blend different shades of blue to create a cut crease, which you can further define by adding a dark brown around it. A simple but bold look can also be made by using cobalt blue eyeliner to frame your eyes. For a more toned-down look, brush on a muted navy blue.

This LA Colors eyeshadow palette in Blue Denim can help you achieve a subtle blue everyday look. It’s an affordable palette that also comes in other colours, so treat yourself to more than one palette to experiment with different combinations!
Gold
For a gorgeous, semi-natural look that takes it one step further, go for gold! Gold will definitely bring out the warmth of your brown eyes. A light dusting of shimmery gold on your eyelids will make you radiant!
Use a more yellow-gold if your eyes are closer to hazel, as this will highlight the lighter flecks in your eyes. Blend in some dusky orange for a sultrier, smokier look, which you can finish off with a dramatic black eyeliner.
Morphe’s Day Slayer Artistry palette can help you achieve that golden girl look from “daytime to playtime”!
Green
If you’re blessed with brown eyes and olive skin, green is a colour that will give you extra oomph. Darker greens will go particularly well with darker eyes, but don’t be afraid to go for more vibrant shades! The different eye shadow finishes will also give you a lot of room to play with.
Emerald green with a touch of gold will bring out all the subtle shades in your brown eyes! Make sure to pair this with a nude lip though, so that your eyes can be the star of the show. A more playful teal, which plays in between blue and green, is great for more fun, casual events
Huda Beauty’s Precious Stones eyeshadow palette in Emerald will let you create a look that will make people around you green with envy! Shimmery greens will make your eyes sparkle, while toned-down mattes will make sure you stand out even during the day.
Honourable Mentions
Brown is one of the colours that go with practically everything, but here are some other brown eye makeup looks to inspire you:
Silver
Silver eyeshadow can be paired with a dark lip for an icy look.

Peach
Use peach for a fun, light day look!
Rust
In the middle of red and orange, you can build this up with a unique smokey eye, or keep it simple for an everyday look.
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