When it comes to choosing an eyeliner, most people instinctively reach for black eyeliner—it’s classic, bold, and undeniably striking. But what if we told you that switching up your eyeliner shade could actually make your eyes *pop* in a way that black eyeliner can’t always deliver?
Finding the right eyeliner shade can help to enhance your natural eye color, complement your skin’s undertones, and even add a touch of vibrancy to your makeup look. By understanding which shades of eyeliner work best for your eye color and skin tone, you can transform a simple swipe of liner into a game-changing beauty trick.
Whether you’re looking to subtly enhance your natural tones or create a dramatic, eye-catching effect, selecting the right eyeliner is key. We’re breaking down the best eyeliner shades for every eye color, so you can lock in your perfect match and make your eyes stand out like never before! Read on for a lesson on all things eyeliner.
Why Choosing the Right Eyeliner Color Matters
Ever wonder why certain eyeliner colors work while others just feel off? That’s color theory in action! Understanding how colors interact can help you choose eyeliner, eyeshadow, and even lipstick shades that help your features stand out effortlessly.
Let’s talk complementary colors—they sit opposite each other on the color wheel (think blue and orange or green and red). When paired together, they create high contrast, making eye colors appear brighter and more vibrant. That’s why choosing an eyeliner shade that contrasts with your eye color can make them truly stand out.
On the other hand, analogous colors—those next to each other on the color wheel—create a softer, more harmonious effect. These shades enhance natural tones in a subtle, glowing way. And let’s not forget skin tone! Warm, cool, or neutral undertones can all influence which eyeliner shades complement you best.
Best Eyeliner Color for Blue Eyes
Blue-eyed babes, take note! While black liner or other very dark-hued liners are classic, they can sometimes overpower blue eyes, making them look less vibrant. Instead, try colored eyeliners that enhance your eyes’ natural brilliance.
Tones like bronze, copper, and warm brown shades are magic for blue eyes. Because they sit opposite of blue on the color wheel, they create a stunning contrast, making your eyes look even brighter and more defined. These earthy, golden tones add warmth and depth without feeling too harsh.
For a softer, cooler effect, greys and metallics—like pewter, silver, or slate—can make blue eyes sparkle with a modern, luminous touch; they really enhance the cool tones in blue eyes without overpowering them.
So, while jet-black liner has its place (think special occasions or nights out), swapping it for warm, glowing shades or soft metallics will let your blue eyes be the feature that shines.
Best Eyeliner Color for Green Eyes
While black liner is a staple, using colors designed to complement green eyes can take them to the next level!
Enter the purple, plum, and burgundy categories—they’re the ultimate green-eye game-changers. A deep plum or burgundy liner can bring out the golden and hazel flecks often found in green eyes, by adding both warmth and dimension. Even a soft lavender or mauve can enhance their natural brightness in a subtle, yet striking way.
So, if you want your green eyes to turn heads, swap out the black and experiment with these rich, jewel-toned hues!
Best Eyeliner Color for Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are like little chameleons—they can shift between green, brown, and gold depending on the lighting, your outfit, or even your makeup. But the trick to making hazel eyes truly shine is choosing an eyeliner color based on which tones you want to enhance.
Want to play up your green tones? Reach for plum, burgundy, or deep purples. These shades contrast beautifully with green, making it appear richer and more intense. Even a soft mauve can enhance those hidden emerald flecks.
If you love the warm, golden-brown hues in your hazel eyes, go for rich browns, warm coppers, or bronze. These earthy shades add depth and warmth, emphasizing the brown tones for a sultry, glowing effect.
Best Eyeliner Color for Brown Eyes
While black liners tend to look great with brown eyes (we love our kohl eyeliner pencil for a classic black!), switching it up with bold, jewel-toned shades can really turn up the vibrance.
Navy, cobalt, and teal are game changers for brown eyes. These cool-toned shades create a striking contrast that makes the richness of brown eyes stand out. They also bring a fresh, modern twist, while adding lots of depth.
Want to explore even more? Try emerald green, deep blues, dark purples, or rich berry liners to add drama and dimension. These shades play off the warmth of brown eyes, highlighting their natural vibrancy. Whether you’re aiming for a playful pop or a sultry, smoky look, jewel tones are the perfect way to enhance your brown eyes without overwhelming them.
Colored Eyeliner Pencils
Ready to break out of the eyeliner norm? Some unconventional color pairings surprisingly complement every eye color—and with the right touch, they’re totally wearable for everyday.
Try teal on brown eyes or copper on blue eyes for a fresh, bold twist. Plum can beautifully contrast green eyes, while a soft emerald green brings out hazel eyes in the best way.
For everyday wear, keep bold colors subtle. Apply a thin line close to the lash line for a pop of color without going overboard. If you’re opting for a softer look, use a dense smudge brush and diffuse it out for a more relaxed finish.
Got evening plans and need your eyeliner to come along for the ride? Start with a light swipe during the day, then amp it up by layering for a more intense, dramatic look come evening.
Eyeliner Application Tips
Let’s break down the basics so you can apply eyeliner like a pro:
Start by choosing an eyeliner that complements your eye color and mood. For a bold, stand-out look, go all-in with a vibrant hue that best matches your eye color. If you want to ease into the trend, combining black liner with color is a perfect way to subtly enhance your eyes (and we promise it’s not that hard to achieve).
Next, apply black eyeliner along the upper lash line for definition, and then pop a colored liner along the lower lash line or in the waterline. This will deliver a fun, edgy vibe without looking overdone.
Now, let’s talk tools:
● Pencil liners are your go-to for a more natural, smudged effect. They’re easy to apply and great for soft looks, especially when you’re using a color like navy or plum!
● Cream & gel liners offer a smoother, more intense, pigmented payoff with a bit of a shine. They’re perfect if you want bold, defined lines that last all day—ideal for dramatic looks.
● Liquid liners are perfect for sharp, precise lines with a pop of color. They’re especially great for adding a bold accent to the upper lash line or creating a winged eyeliner look.
No matter the formula, just have fun and experiment with different combinations. Give your black eyeliner a break—the world of colored eyeliner is friendlier than you think!
Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing an Eyeliner Color:
Is black or brown eyeliner better for blue eyes?
Both black and dark brown eyeliners can look fantastic with blue eyes—your choice really depends on the makeup look you're trying to achieve. Brown eyeliner creates a softer, more natural appearance that complements blue eyes beautifully. This is especially flattering for everyday wear, or a more subtle makeup look.
Black eyeliner delivers a more dramatic, defined effect. It creates stronger contrast and definition, making it ideal for evening looks, special occasions, or when you want a more intense eye look.
What color eyeliner makes hazel eyes pop?
Purple and deep green eyeliners make hazel eyes pop most dramatically by enhancing the contrasting colors in your iris. Bronze and copper tones also work beautifully for hazel eyes—they bring out the golden elements while adding warmth and dimension to the eyes.
What color eyeliner for a natural look?
For a natural eyeliner look, opt for brown, taupe, or soft charcoal tones that blend seamlessly with your lash line without creating harsh contrast. Apply with a light hand, focusing on defining your eyes subtly rather than creating a bold line, which enhances your features without appearing too harsh or obviously contrasting with your features.
What color eyeliner makes brown eyes pop?
Navy blue and purple eyeliner for brown eyes creates a stunning contrast that may help your eyes appear richer and more dimensional. For a more subtle enhancement, copper, bronze, or forest green liners can beautifully complement and intensify the warm tones in brown eyes.
What color eyeliner makes blue eyes pop?
Warm copper, bronze, and gold tones create beautiful contrast that makes blue eyes appear even more vibrant and striking. Deep plum and rich brown eyeliners also enhance blue eyes by providing complementary colors that intensify their natural cool tones.
Can blue eyes wear black eyeliner?
Blue eyes can absolutely wear black eyeliner! Black liner on blue eyes creates a striking contrast that makes the blue appear even more vibrant and intense. For the most flattering effect, consider a slightly smudged application rather than a harsh line, which softens the look while still maintaining the dramatic pop black liner gives to blue eyes.