Brown may statistically be the most common eye color, but it's far from boring—and I would know. I have brown eyes myself, and I wear a soft, smokey eye nearly every day. As a beauty editor, this means that I've tested and swatched them all: subtle shimmers, pigmented mattes, creamy textures, and even bright, metallic colors and effects. Through all those different eye looks, I've learned that the best eyeshadows for brown eyes can completely transform my makeup look, bringing out my eyes' natural dimension.
Brown-eyed individuals have unique tones and details, like subtle flecks of gold, honey, black, or copper, which can be amplified with eyeshadow. The right eyeshadows for brown eyes will not only make eyes both brighter and sparklier, 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.
Whether you're looking for an everyday color or eyeshadow palette, or are interested in experimenting with fun shades and textures for a little excitement, we’ve compiled a guide to the best eyeshadows for mahogany-hued eyes—from drugstore eyeshadows to liquid formulations.
Best Eyeshadows for Brown Eyes
- The Best Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes Overall: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Original
- The Best Multi-Functional Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette
- The Most Pigmented Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Mothership XII Eyeshadow Palette: Petalmorphosis
- The Best Glitter Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel for Eyes & Face
- The Best Shimmer Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes: Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Eyeshadow Palette
One of Kaplan's favorites, the 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.
What I Love: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Blendable; Won't crease throughout the day
What I Don't: Only includes matte shades
Shade(s): 12
Finish: Matte
Review for MC: "For over 10 years, I was loyal to a discontinued Lorac PRO palette. When I finally hit pan, I was lost—until Makeup by Mario launched the Master Mattes Palette. It's the perfect cool-toned nude eyeshadow palette for building my soft, smokey eye. The blendability is top-tier, and the longevity is incredible (it lasts all day even with my oily eyelids!). I use it for the whole look—even the deep shades as eyeliner with an angled brush." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano uses Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Original.
This palette contains both warm and cool nude shades that vary in depth, making any eye look foolproof. The formula is velvety smooth and can be blended easily, even without an eye primer. But the genius behind this palette is that it includes two cream eyeshadows—one black, and one a deep brown. They can be used as a base or as an eyeliner, and they're both concealed under a plastic covering, ensuring the powders don't mix.
What I Love: Includes powders and creams; Creams won't get muddied from powders due to protection within packaging; Blends like butter
What I Don't: The creams can easily smudge as they take a moment to dry down
Shade(s): 12
Finish: Matte
Review for MC: "This eyeshadow palette is unbelievable. With one row of warm tones and one row of cool tones, I have created countless eyeshadow looks for both day and night. With a preference for warmer hues, I tend to swirl the darker shades from the top row into my crease and pat on the lightest nude color onto the inner third of my lid. The product has one of the blackest black eyeshadows I've ever tried and a black cream shadow so that I can layer the two together for an incredibly sharp and long-lasting wing. There's barely any fallout or fading, and the colors blend seamlessly. It's truly my secret to professional-looking makeup!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette.
As beauty lovers and editors know, Mother—also known as Pat McGrath—makes some of the most stunning, pigmented eyeshadows that blend, layer, and last beautifully. Each of Pat McGrath's palettes is ethereal, but this one, in particular, contains jewel-toned shades of greens and blues that pop against deep brown eyes.
What I Love: Incredibly intense pigment; Blends like butter; Layers easily
What I Don't: The most expensive option on this list
Shade(s): 10
Finish: Matte and shimmer
Review for MC: "Pat McGrath's Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes are the crème de la crème of eye makeup. They're a little pricey, but when you find your signature colorway, it will become your new workhorse palette pretty much immediately." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker uses Pat McGrath Labs Mothership XII Petalmorphosis Eyeshadow Palette.
Look to the Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Flakes for a truly unique formula and color. The gel-based texture can be applied sparingly for a soft sparkle effect, with a flat brush and tapping motion for a scattered foil effect, and again, with a flat brush, but swiping motion for a full-on foil effect. The color is a multi-dimensional color that reflects in the light.
What I Love: There's no fallout despite being a glitter; Can be applied with alternate methods for three different looks
What I Don't: Bit of a learning curve when first applying, some testers note; Can easily dry out if not kept airtight
Shade(s): 1
Finish: Glitter
Review for MC: "When I first got my hands on these glitters, I recall tears genuinely welling up in my eyes—they were that beautiful. This unique chrome-suspended-in-gel formula creates a duochromatic shift on the eyelid that is truly like nothing else on the market. You need at least one of these in your eyeshadow collection at all times." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel for Eyes & Face in Hot Lava.
This palette is my go-to for a shimmer eye look that's wearable enough for every day. The shades increase in intensity—two matte colors work for a base, then there are three super subtle shimmers that contain just a hint of sparkle, one metallic, and three foiled, wet-effect shades. Translation: there's a different finish for any occasion. Whether applied on the inner corners as a little accent or all-over for a bit of extra dimension, brown eyes pop with a little shimmer in the mix.
What I Love: Shades increase in shimmer intensity; Different shimmer finishes; Won't crease throughout the day
What I Don't: Experienced some fallout
Shade(s): 9
Finish: Matte, shimmer, and metallic
Review for MC: "Glitter girls, this one's for you. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Eyeshadow Palette has shimmer shadows that pack a very glittery punch. Plus, the pink-toned shades are stunning and impressively highlight my dark brown eyes. I especially love the iridescence of the middle three colors, which can be seen shining on my lids from miles away. I used the two toasty red shades in my crease with a fluffy blush and swiped on the iridescent pink and champagne shades across my lid with my finger for a more intense shine. There was a bit of fallout, but nothing a few swipes of a big, fluffy brush under my eyes couldn't fix." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses the Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Eyeshadow Palette.
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.
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Under $10; Blendable
What I Don't: Dries quickly, so needs to be blended fast
Shade(s): 1
Finish: Glitter
Customer Review: "I love this stuff so much! It’s so easy to apply and lasts practically all day. It dries quickly, so you do need to blend it in fast. It’s not overly pigmented, which I actually love because I’m not looking for heavy glitter—just something light and subtle. It’s also super easy to remove and doesn’t end up all over your face like other glitters. It adds such a pretty touch to my natural makeup look! Please, never stop making this product!" — Amazon
Kaplan says Dior's Backstage palette has "such amazing color choices, with a mix of shimmers and mattes," and I'm inclined to agree. Because of this palette's warm tones, these neutral shades look great on those with gold or reddish-brown shades flecked through their eyes.
What I Love: Pro-approved; Highly pigmented; Includes eye primer
What I Don't: Reviewers note the matte shades can feel a bit chalky
Shade(s): 9
Finish: Shimmer, matte
Customer Review: "I'm a neutral girl and I find I always look too extra in other palettes with bright, warm colours. I tried one look with this and it layed down effortlessly, blended like a dream, and looked beautiful and perfect for everything. If you prefer more pigmented looks, this may not be for you, but if you find you look best with minimal, subtle but chic makeup, she's your girl. Looking forward to this being my go-to." — Sephora
A bright purple metallic glitter may not be a shade that you typically imagine pairing well with brown eyes. However, this one from Bodyography does it differently, thanks to its genius one-swipe application with the intensity of a loose pigment, blendability of a cream, and velvety powder finish. The shade Aura Glow is that unexpected pop of pearlescent color that just makes my brown eyes stand out.
What I Love: No fallout; Can be layered and blended with just your finger; Lasts all day without creasing
What I Don't: Purple is definitely a statement, so if you're not ready for a full eye, the inner corner is a great start
Shade(s): 1
Finish: Metallic shimmer
Customer Review: "Love this pigment. Super fine! I’m a makeup artist, and this is beautiful on a bride for just a little timeless sparkle!! Also great alone to add a little something when you’re in a hurry. I apply with my fingertips…perfect!!" — Bodyography
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 complementing 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.
What I Love: Compact and easy for travel; Long-wearing; Looks great on its own or as a topper
What I Don't: Testers note that some colors appear slightly different in person than they do online
Shade(s): 1
Finish: Shimmer
Customer Review: "UD has knocked it out of the park again. This has great pigment. It works as a great eyeshadow but also as a highlighter. It’s the perfect champagne colored satin that can be used on natural looks or can make a formal look pop." — Sephora
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.
What I Love: Affordable; Goes on smoothly; Long-wearing; Includes a mix of matte and shimmery shades
What I Don't: Lighter colors are less pigmented than darker shades
Shade(s): 9
Finish: Matte, shimmer
Customer Review: "Love this palette! I have consistently reached for this over the course of a year for some nice purple smoky eyes and shimmery lavender looks. Blends very nicely and has some great color payoff, especially with a white eye primer." — Ulta
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.
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Includes a double-sided brush and mirror; Goes on smoothly; Blendable
What I Don't: Can wear off throughout the day
Shade(s): 12
Finish: Shimmer, matte
Customer Review: "This palette is absolute perfection. I don't even wear/buy eyeshadow, and I've done my makeup every single day since I've bought this. Seriously, ladies and gents, just add it to the cart. The amount of looks you can create with this palette is endless." — Ulta
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.
What I Love: Highly pigmented; Includes a mix of matte and metallic shades; Goes on smoothly; Blendable
What I Don't: Glitter shadows are a bit lighter in intensity than the matte
Shade(s): 10
Finish: Matte, metallic
Customer Review: "My new favorite pallet!! This is gorgeous, the colors pop so strongly, and the staying power is outstanding. I grab for this pallet more than any other I have." — Nordstrom
What Eyeshadow 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 shade. Mehta explains that a warm, cool, or neutral undertone can impact whether a color shade flatters 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 terracotta 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. 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.
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How We Tested
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
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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