The Best Eye Shadows for Brown Eyes, According to MUAs

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.

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.