The 7 Most Flattering Eye Shadow Colors for Brown Eyes

Sharing an eye color with half the world's population doesn't mean you're destined to blend in with the crowd. Makeup artist Emily Kate Warren recommends these six shades to make brown eyes seem like the rarest of them all.

By Julie Giusti and Gillian Fuller

July 31, 2017

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Greenish Gold Shadow
For a pretty eye-makeup look that's neither drab or cuckoo-bananas, go green. "And don't be afraid to try different finishes," advises Warren. "Green tones come in a wide range of matte and metallic shades — they'll all pick up any flecks in brown."
Our pick: Kat von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thrasher.
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Copper Shadow
Warm up a neutral shadow shade, like bone or taupe, with a layer of copper shadow on the outer halves of your lids. "It will highlight your eye color, and the shimmer will add a little texture," says Warren.
Our pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Shadow in Golden Copper.

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Cobalt Shadow
"Brown is a mix of all the primary colors, so there are a lot of options," says Warren. She recommends a vibrant blue shadow for rich, dark brown eyes. "An electric shade really makes brown eyes pop — I just love the contrast."
Our pick: Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Chaos
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Gold Shadow
Warm metallics, simply put, make brown eyes glisten. "They highlight even the slightest hint of gold undertones," says Warren.
Our pick: Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow in Interstellar.

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Eggplant Mascara
Purple shades best enhance brown eyes with hazel flecks, says Warren: "The eyes already have a variety of tones, so you don't need a dramatic shade to create a striking contrast." But you don't have to stick with shadows. Try a rich plum mascara. It will flatter brown irises and make the whites of the eyes look seriously bright.
Our pick: Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara
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Navy Shadow and Liner
Deep blue is the best bet for daytime, office-appropriate cat eyes — it also animates brown eyes without looking severe (as black sometimes does). "It creates a slight but eye-catching contrast," says Warren.
Our picks: MAKE Beauty Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Woad and Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Indigo.