The Best Eyeshadows for Brown Eyes Add Instant Depth

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. 

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

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.

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

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

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

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 

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

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 

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

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

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