Have you ever had an exciting event come up, only to worry and think, “How am I going to do my makeup?” or thought to yourself “Geez, if only someone could tell me what eyeshadows look best on me…” Well, you’re in luck, because today we are going to discuss how to choose the best eyeshadow hues for every eye color. This means that your sister, your mom, and your best friend can use this guide too, even if all of you have different colored eyes from each other.
This article will be split up into four sections. Each section will be focused on one eye color at a time. We will list the best eyeshadow hues for each eye color and briefly discuss how these shades will add to your natural beauty. We will even fill you in on some Moody Eyeshadows you can use just in case you want to dive in and try these tips out for yourself!
Brown eyes are the only color we will talk about that isn’t limited by complementary hues on the color wheel. This is because browns are a neutral shade (not belonging in either the warm or cool color family). However, after conducting research based on what many beauty publications and professional makeup companies recommend, here are the most popular recommendations for brown eyes:
● Bright Green and Blue - Use brighter shades to give you a pop of color and accentuate your eye color. These types of bright shades look great on all skin tones as well! Try a teal or bright blue.
● Deep Purples - Shades like plum or eggplant add a bit of drama to brown eyes. For those of you with warm mahogany tones or flecks of golden, it is complemented by deep purple shades and will give your eyes a beautiful and warm glow.
● Browns - Brown eyeshadows colors will naturally accentuate the brown in your eyes. Lighter, cool browns can be used as a highlighter, while medium to rich browns will emphasize more depth.
● Coppery Orange - Goes great with brown eyes. Its rich warmth really brings out the fire and passion of brown eyes.
It’s one thing to perfect a glowing foundation or sculpting contour, but mastering an eye look can be especially tricky. More specifically, understanding how to choose eyeshadow colors that bring out your eyes and complement your overall complexion.
“Whatever color you wear on your eyes—whether it be eyeliner, mascara, or an eyeshadow—can truly make your eye color pop by using a specific color that complements [them],” says pro makeup artist Melissa Hurkman, who says that this philosophy translates to outfits too, as it relates to color theory. “On a color wheel, you can find your specific eye color and directly across from that color will be the complementary shade for your own eye color.”
Because of this, some colors will better enhance your natural eye color, resulting in a more illuminated, vibrant look. Although Hurkman, who has worked with brands from Savage X Fenty to Nudestix, believes that the color itself is most important, don’t be afraid to play with shadow textures. “As far as texture goes, using a shimmer, metallic, or glitter will accessorize the look and do more to enhance your eye shape.”
Below, the eyeshadow colors to wear based on your eye color and the makeup products to shop.
Per Hurkman, warm browns, golden shades, purples, and blues will do your brown eyes justice. So, Huda Beauty’s Brown Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in toffee is a solid option for its assortment of golden caramels and pigmented honey shades. Otherwise, she loves a burgundy mascara, like L’Oréal’s Voluminous formula in deep burgundy, to make the eyes pop.
Orange and other warm shades will complement blue eyes well. For a look, Hurkman reaches for the Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in amber neutrals for its assortment of blendable coppery tones. If you’re sticking to liner, she recommends Makeup By Mario’s pencil in soft brown, or another warm brown, applied to your waterline.
Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Neutrals
Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil in Soft Brown
According to Hurkman, those with hazel eyes should reach for purples, browns, golds, and greens in their makeup. She’d recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Vintage Vamp—a buildable shadow quad consisting of warm purple and red tones. For eyeliner, try Chanel’s Stylo Yeux in prune intense to bring out your eye color.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Vintage Vamp
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Prune Intense
Green eyes will be complemented best by warm oranges, reds, and golds, which makes the Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow Palette a smart buy especially ahead of summer. Like brown or hazel-eyed counterparts, those with green eyes should have a burgundy mascara or liner on hand. Hurkman recommends Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner for its iconic blend of berry and brown.
Hurkman notes that warm browns, golds, oranges, “or even a dark charcoal smokey eye” would make gray eyes stand out. For her clients, she is a fan of the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal Eyeshadow Palette filled with radiant jewel and gold tones. “For blue and gray eye colors, I love using a warm brown liner in the waterline,” she says. “You can also smudge this out to use as a cream eyeshadow all over the lid.” For the smokey look, Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner in ash works wonders, though Makeup by Mario’s soft brown Liner is the ultimate warm brown.