Between 55 to 79 percent of the worldwide population has brown eyes, making it the most common eye color in the world—but that doesn't mean it's boring in any sense. Brown is created from a mix of all primary colors, which means you have an endless palette to work with when it comes to choosing eyeshadows, lipsticks, and complexion products.
With so many makeup options, where do you even start? From neutrals to pops of bold color, getting creative with your makeup can really help brown eyes to shine in so many different ways, so we recommend experimenting with looks to match every situation and aesthetic. Ahead, find 40 of our favorite makeup ideas for brown eyes.
01 Neutrals All the Way
To recreate this neutral, monochromatic look, try using shades close to your skin tone and using the same product across your lids, cheeks, and lips.
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02 Purple Monochrome
Purple shades complement brown eyes really well, as they highlight the richness of your irises. Create the monochrome look by applying a plum to purple shade all around your eyes.
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03 Neon Lights
An easy way to introduce neon colors into your makeup look is to try adding it as a colored liquid liner. Consider using this look for a festival or party, or a day when you feel like being that extra glam.
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04 Bold Blue
Bold, electric shades and brown eyes are a real winning combination. Keep the rest of the makeup look simple and apply the shadow across your full eyelid as well as the lower lash line. Blend, blend, and blend a bit more for a seamless finish. Try Nars Single Eyeshadow in Showgirl ($19).
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05 Extra Nude Lips
I've personally found that too many "nude" lipsticks are too light for my skin tone. Make the look work for you by using a darker lip liner and using the lighter lipstick in the center of the lips only. Top off with a lip gloss and you’re good to go.
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06 Warm Tones
Add the summer warmth to your skin by applying a lightly shaded bronzer across the highest points of your face. Use a similar shade on your eyes to add a radiant shadow, then complete the look with mascara and a warm nude lipstick.
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07 Fresh Freckles
Freckles have a way of adding fresh-faced allure to any look. If you already have freckles, embrace them by taking a lightweight approach to your makeup that celebrates your unique features rather than concealing them.
No natural freckles? Simply use an eyebrow pencil to draw them on over your foundation—freckled beauties who prefer a full-coverage base can also take this approach to redraw their natural look.
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08 Sunset Vibes
Embrace a dramatic glow with red lipstick, warm eyeshadow, and the perfect highlighter.
09 Mellow Yellow
Bright yellow eyeshadow is a stunning makeup look that really pops with brown eyes. Keep the rest of your look relatively minimal to make your sunny color choice stand out.
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10 Floating Eyeliner
Make classic eyeliner more interesting by embracing a more modern silhouette. Try black around the outer crease like Zendaya, then add rosy tones to the rest of your face for a fresh, romantic look.
11 Smoke it Out
Sultry and dark, a smoky eye is great for added drama on a night out. Smudge out the bottom lash line and extend the shadow beyond the eyelid to the outer edge, creating a soft wing. You can go as subtle or bold as you like, and the smoky chocolate tones here really help to show off your brown eyes. Defined brows and nude lips complete the look.
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12 Minty Fresh
Light, pale shadows create an amazing contrast with brown eyes. Combined with fluttery lashes, a mint shade feels both nostalgic and modern.
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13 Just Peachy
Peach complements every skin tone and eye color, including brown eyes. Embrace a monochrome look by choosing similar shades for eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick.
14 Pops of Sparkle
A darker eye color allows for lots of play when it comes to your eyeshadow. Recreate this look by applying a shimmering shadow all over your top eyelids, a touch of neon liner in the same hue, and your favorite mascara. Keep the rest of your look simple and glowing, and you're sure to turn heads all night.
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15 Bubblegum
When I was a kid, bubblegum ice cream was my favorite flavor of all time. This makeup look seems very much inspired by it, and is most definitely worth a try. Matching cotton candy hair like Cardi B is not required, though it's certainly welcome.