The 12 Best Eyeshadows for Brown Eyes in 2024

Brown may statistically be the most common eye color, but it's far from boring. Brown-eyed individuals have unique tones and details, like subtle flecks of gold, honey, black, or copper, which can be amplified with eyeshadow. The best eyeshadows for brown eyes will not only make eyes sparkle, but they'll also create dimension and depth.

Darker eyes also have the luxury of pulling off just about every color. “Brown eyes are extremely versatile when it comes to color pairings," says celebrity makeup artist Zara Kaplan. But, certain hues—like jewel tones and brick colors—will have more impact than others. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a guide to the best eyeshadows for mahogany-hued eyes, from drugstore eyeshadows to luxury eyeshadow sticks.

Best Eyeshadows for Brown Eyes

Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow Palette

While this eyeshadow palette is on the pricier side, it contains an array of colors that flatter chocolate-hued eyes. Filled with bronzes, warm-toned neutrals, rosy shades, and even a fun purple color, you can create multiple looks with one palette. Each shade also has a one-swipe color payoff and will stay put the entire day. 

Pros: Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of shimmery, metallic, and matte shades; Long-wearing; Blendable; Goes on smoothly; Includes 15 shades. 

Cons: A few colors are very similar to each other. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow in Ocean Eyes

Liquid eyeshadow is an excellent option for those who can't be bothered to blend and layer shadows for more than a few minutes. Swipe one over the lid for an easy one-and-done look or dip an eyeliner brush to use along the lash line. This mega-watt glitter eyeshadow would look electrifying against dark eyes. If this blue is too "out there" for you, try coppery Flirty Bird or the rose gold Pinky Swear for a more subdued look.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Under $10; Blendable; Vegan. 

Cons: Takes longer to dry; Lighter colors need to be built up

Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Neutrals

Kaplan says Dior's Backstage palette has "such amazing color choices, with a mix of shimmers and mattes" and we're inclined to agree. These neutral shades look great on those with gold or reddish-brown shades flecked through their eyes because of this palette's warm tones.

Pros: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Includes eye primer; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades. 

Cons: Reviewers note the matte shades can feel a bit chalky.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow in Virgin

Try a warm taupe if you’re looking for something a little more neutral for day-to-day. "It will add subtle definition and depth while still complimenting brown eyes," says celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta. This single-pigment shadow from Urban Decay is ideal, with a matte finish that won't clash with the rest of your makeup. It has a long-wear formula guaranteed to last through the entire workday.

Pros: Compact and easy for travel, subtle; long-wear

Cons: Only one shade

Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Neutrals

One of Kaplan's favorites, this Master Mattes palette has every essential shade. With a warm and cool-toned palette inspired by a range of skin tones, it's perfect for day-to-night looks. These creamy shades blend together beautifully for an easy, multi-dimensional look. "They even work alone as an eyeshadow base," she adds.

Pros: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Includes over 10 shades; Goes on smoothly

Cons: Only includes matte shades

Also Recommended

Colourpop All Amethyst Pressed Powder Palette

Cooler colors can tone down the warm tones in chocolate-colored eyes, but Mehta notes that adding a neutral shade to the creases of your eyes adds balance. "When using such colors, always add warmth to the look by buffing a warm brown into the crease," she explains. This affordable palette from Colourpop contains all the shades needed to get the icy, '90s-esque look, from a shimmery white to a bold taupe.

Pros: Affordable; Goes on smoothly; Long-wearing; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades

Cons: Lighter colors are less pigmented than darker shades

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil in Dark Pearl

Eyeshadow sticks are a makeup beginner's best friend. I can personally attest to just how smooth and creamy this Charlotte Tilbury pencil glides across the skin, making any eye makeup look a breeze to achieve. Cinnamon-hued eyes will love that this can be used along the lash line for a daytime look or smudged out for a sultry smokey eye. 

Pros: Goes on smoothly; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Editor-approved; Multi-use; Waterproof

Cons: Expensive; May smear with oily eyelids 

Melt Cosmetics Gemini Eyeshadow Palette 1

According to Kaplan, olive tones are incredibly gorgeous on darker eyes. This palette by Melt Cosmetics has every shade you need to complete a green-focused look. Along with the olive shades, you get five warm-toned neutrals that pair beautifully. Every hue is pigmented and buttery smooth, too.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of matte and metallic shades; Goes on smoothly; Blendable

Cons: Over $50

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette

The Naked Heat palette combines neutral and bright colors, including amber tones that make light brown and hazel-tinted eyes stand out. "I use this palette almost every single day. It has the perfect balance of bright, fiery shades and matte neutrals, making it the perfect palette to reach for on any occasion," says Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Includes a mix of shimmery and matte shades; Includes a double-sided brush and mirror; Goes on smoothly; Blendable 

Cons: Over $50 

Milani Bold Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

This may look like your run-of-the-mill neutral eyeshadow palette, but if you look closely, each column gives a different color story. For a more subtle look, stick to the lighter matte and shimmery shades, then use the darker matte and metallic to amp up drama. This is also a great option if you're on a tighter budget, too. 

Pros: Includes a mix of shimmery, matte, and metallic shades; Long-wearing; Great value; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Goes on smoothly

Cons: Some shades have fallout

Makeup Revolution Reloaded Palette in Euphoria

Extra bright shades, like the ones in this Makeup Revolution palette, will look even more vivid when paired with brown eyes. This palette includes the pinks, purples, blues, and greens Kaplan recommends, and is one of her favorite drugstore palettes that "deliver really high-quality eyeshadows with rich pigments and great blendability."

Pros: Pro-approved; Blendable; Highly pigmented; Comes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades; Comes with 15 shades; Good value; Vegan

Cons: Reviewers note this palette can break easily

Juvia's Place The Berries Eyeshadow Palette

Not quite ready to give up the Barbiecore trend? This 6-pan palette of mauves, deep pinks, and berry hues work together to create stunning Barbie-inspired eye looks. Each shade is extra pigmented and easy to blend, making this a great palette to pick up if you're a beginner. This brand is also female- and POC-founded, and with most of their products coming in at under $20.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Blendable; Good value; Includes a mix of shimmery and matte shades; Black-owned brand

Cons: Shimmery shades need to be built up

What Colors Are Best for Brown Eyes?

Regardless of your eye color, it's best to consider your skin tone and undertone when choosing an eyeshadow color. Mehta explains that a warm, cool, or neutral undertone can impact whether a color shade flatters you or washes you out. If you have a warm skin tone, opt for reds, oranges, and gold shades, and if your undertone is cooler, consider blue and purple hues.

Kaplan also adds that copper tones like orange and even a muted red make terra-cotta colored eyes stand out the most. “I always seem to gravitate towards gorgeous, rich bronze shades to enhance brown eyes,” she says. For an earthy look that's just a bit more lively, Kaplan says to go for olive green, calling it an "unbelievable" shade for dark eyes.

If you're a fan of bright colors, try deep shades of green, purple, or blue because the contrast of these jewel tones will add richness to any eyeshadow look, says Mehta.

What Eyeshadow Finish Should Brown Eyes Look For?

Eyeshadows come in a range of finishes. Powders are finely milled pigments loved by the pros for their long-lasting finish and buildable texture. Cream shadows are softer and finger-friendly, while glitter eyeshadows are great toppers or accents (Kaplan believes shades with a bit of shimmer are very flattering for auburn colored eyes). Ultimately, the best finish for you is based on your personal preference, so feel free to mix and match textures or commit to one.

It's also important to note that these finishes will affect brown eyes differently. Typically, deeper matte shades define the eye shape, while lighter shimmery shades highlight. Of course, you can mix and match finishes to create your desired eye makeup look.

Meet the Experts

Zara Kaplan is a British celebrity Makeup Artist currently living in Los Angeles. Having started her career in 2012, Kaplan has since gone on to work with globally renowned brands such as Chanel, La Mer, Louis Vuitton, Kosas Cosmetics, and many more.

Amrita Mehta is a professional makeup artist who has worked with celebrities, on editorial shoots, and backstage at runway shows. Over the course of her career, she has worked with big names like Pat McGrath and Patrick Ta, and has most recently collaborated with Maybelline. Originally from San Francisco, she is currently based in New York City.

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