Whether it’s a day in the office or a night out with friends, I make sure to cater my eye color to the occasion – where I’m going, what I’m wearing, and the overall ‘vibe’ I’m going for. Do I want a natural eye makeup look or would I prefer to be bold and stand out? Eyeshadow shades and colors are merely personal preference but understanding the basics of color theory doesn’t hurt.
If you’re looking for the best eyeshadow palette for brown eyes, you should know there are a lot of factors that make up a good palette. The colors, the palette’s versatility and variation, the finish, and the applicator or brush are just a few of them. With these features in mind, I review and summarize some of the best below.
If you want to find out what made the cut for a brown-eyed girl like me, go ahead and read along!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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What Eyeshadow Colors are Best for Brown Eyes?
Brown is the most common eye color in the world. While it is tested and true that brown-eyed people can pull off any eyeshadow color and shade, there are shade options that will complement your eye color more and will even help your brown eyes stand out from the rest.
If you’re going for subtle, professional eye makeup looks, you can never go wrong with shades or browns and neutrals. These shades will surely flatter brown eyes while keeping things simple yet alive. How rich or how light the shades of brown goes depends on what you want and the vibe you’re going for. Generally, varying shades with brown hues like copper, bronze, mocha, or beige will also flatter brown eyes.
If the eye makeup look you’re going for is one that will make the world’s most common eye color pop or stand out, colors contrasting your eye color shall do the trick. Considering the color wheel way back from our art classes, shades that are placed opposite your eyes’ shade of brown will give them the ‘pop’ you’re looking for. In the case of the variety shades of brown eyes, blues and purples are considered complementary and are good choices.
These blues and purples don’t need to be bright and bold, any shades with underlying tones and hues of blue or purple shall do the trick. Shades of greens or grays are also great choices for those with brown eyes.
As a general statement, nobody can really tell you what eyeshadow shades you should or should not wear. Deciding what shades or colors you go for today all depends on self-preference and what makes you confident. Remember to prioritize shades that make you feel good about yourself and ones that will help boost your self-confidence.
The Best Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes
1. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best eyeshadow palette for brown eyes is the Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette! The shadow palette features 12 cherry, neutral shades with a variation of shimmer, metallic, and matte finishes for all of your makeup needs. The cherry neutral shades range from ivory to rose gold to deep black cherry and provides much versatility – allowing you to achieve a variety of eye makeup looks from natural and soft to bold and loud with just a single palette.
The Urban Decay eyeshadow palette offers vibrant and rich colors that are all highly pigmented with every swipe, as one would expect from a palette from the brand. Each shade boasts of a velvety texture that is extremely blendable. Each shade also has amazing staying power thanks to its all-day staying formula without creasing or fading. With this in your makeup routine, you are sure to end the day with the same quality eyeshadow you started it with.
Going back to what we have discussed earlier on in the article, shades of purples are on the opposite side of shades of brown aka, they contrast each other. Wearing a variety of purple hues on your eyelids will make sure that your brown eyes, no matter how dark or light they are in shades and tones, will stand out and have that certain ‘pop’. There are also shades of pinks and peaches in the palette that can offer you soft and neutral shades on some days you prefer it.
The Urban Decay cherry palette comes with a built-in mirror and a double-ended vegan eyeshadow brush. With these features, you can conveniently take this with you in your bag when you travel. And staying true to the Urban Decay brand, the eyeshadow brush it comes with is also made to meet high-quality standards as it applies the shadows smoothly and evenly. And as many users have shared, the quality of the brush alone makes the palette worth buying.
Urban Decay promises that all shades included in the palette are all cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. If this is something of major importance to you as a consumer, be sure to check this one out.
Pros:
- Includes 12 cherry, neutral shades
- Versatile shades for a variety of looks from neutral to bold
- Combination of matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes
- Highly-pigmented shades
- Velvety texture that are extremely blendable
- All-day staying power
- Comes with built-in mirror and double-ended brush
- High-quality vegan brush
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens, sulfates, phthalates
Cons:
- None
2. Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette – Best Basic Palette!
Our next favorite eyeshadow palette for brown eyes and our top pick for the best basic palette is The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette from beauty brand, Maybelline New York! If what you’re looking for is an eyeshadow palette that has all the basics and a variety of nudes and browns, you might want to read on for this one. Featuring a variety of 12 shades from beiges to sands to bronzes and to taupes with shimmer, matte, and satin finishes, you are sure to achieve versatile looks that will definitely flatter brown eyes no matter the occasion.
The Maybelline New York palette is a good choice for those looking for a lot of browns and neutrals but still able to achieve a variety of looks from subtle nudes to bold smokey. You can conveniently wear one shade alone or combine shades of your choice. Thanks to the nude colors the palette has to offer, you can easily mix and match different shades – there is basically no right or wrong way to do it. But if you’re new to the whole mixing of shades scene, no need to worry because there is a guide provided to help you figure out great color combinations.
This Maybelline New York might seem like a simple palette but rest assured that you can achieve a variety of versatile looks for all your daily needs. Many of the browns in the palette also go well with brown eyes, complementing them and helping them stand out. The shades are also well-pigmented while boasting of an all-day wear formula. The powder formula goes on smoothly and evenly. It blends well on your lids and with other shades in the palette as well.
Many users have shared that the palette itself is quite small in size. But you can think of it as the perfect travel palette size you can conveniently bring along with you in your bag wherever you travel to. Some lighter shades would also require more layers to get great color payoff.
Pros:
- Ideal basic palette
- Variety of nude and brown shades
- Shimmer, matte, satin finishes
- Subtle nudes to bold smokey
- Guide for mixed shades and colors
- Browns and nudes compliment brown eyes
- Versatile palette for a variety of looks
- All-day wearing formula
- Smooth and even application
- Travel-size palette
Cons:
- Palette itself is quite small
- Other shades need more layers more pigment
3. UCANBE Twilight & Dusk Eyeshadow Palette – Best Budget-Friendly!
The next item on our list of the best eyeshadow palettes for brown eyes and our choice for the best budget-friendly option is the UCANBE Twilight & Dusk Eyeshadow Palette! If what you’re looking for is an eyeshadow palette that will not give you amazing shades for brown eyes but one that will also not bore a hold in your wallet, you might be in for a treat with this one. Featuring a variety of 18 shades with 10 matte, 7 shimmer, and 1 metallic glitter finishes, this has everything you need for all your daily makeup needs without the feeling of guilt!
The UCANBE palette offers its users smooth matte shades of peach and pinks to vibrant metallics to dramatic glitters so you are sure to achieve a wide variety of makeup looks going from natural to bold. Whether you’re going for subtle professional to bold and dramatic, this palette has got you covered. Each shade also has serious staying power so you don’t have to worry about fading throughout the day. The formula is easy to blend allowing you to conveniently and easily mix and match shades for your needs.
Each shade in this Twilight & Dusk shadow palette offers highly pigmented results with every swipe. All shades also blend easily and well, so beginners wouldn’t have trouble achieving their desired looks. Because of the versatile shades you get in a single palette with all the essentials, you can easily achieve a wide variety of eye makeup looks from neutral and subtle to dramatic and bold and everything in between. Each shade promises to flatter your brown eyes as well.
Keep in mind though, as with many other palettes, some shades would need to be built up with more layers to achieve the pigment and results you’re going for. Overall, this has great quality while offering versatile shades at an unbeatable price. Imagine a single palette that allows you to achieve a variety of makeup looks but you wouldn’t have to break the bank!
Pros:
- Ideal budget-friendly palette
- All shades flatter brown eyes
- 18 shades with matte, shimmer, and metallic glitter finishes
- Variety of looks from natural and neutral to bold and dramatic
- Long-wearing formula
- Easy to blend and apply
- High pigment results
- All essentials in a single palette
- Great quality and shades for the price
Cons:
- Some shades need more layers for pigment
4. Prism Makeup Supreme Seductress Eyeshadow Palette
Our next favorite eyeshadow palette that will surely flatter brown eyes is the Supreme Seductress Eyeshadow Palette from Prism Makeup! With a variety of 18 shades ranging from metallic, satin, and matte finishes, you are sure to achieve versatile looks day in and day out. Whether you’re going for subtle and neutral or bold and dramatic, you are sure to achieve it with just this palette in your hands and in your makeup routine.
Featuring a good number of brown hues, this Prism Makeup eyeshadow palette offers classic and timeless shades and are universally flattering, no matter the eye color you have. Each shade offers rich and highly-pigmented results with every layer. This palette allows you to achieve subtle or bold eye makeup looks by wearing one shade alone or combining different shades of your choice. This boasts of a creamy and blendable formula allowing for much ease during application – even for absolute beginners.
Each shade in this eyeshadow palette is formulated to be waterproof – promising an all-day wearing formula that lasts all day or all night. From burnt orange to dusty pinks to dark browns, each shade in this palette works amazing for brown eyes, complementing and giving them that pop you need. There is also very little fallout if there is any whenever you apply your eyeshadow. Overall, this offers great quality with an impressive range of shades for an affordable price.
As users have shared regarding the product, some people might need more layers for intense pigment with some of the shades in the palette. A primer or concealer can also be used to ensure that you have a good base for your eyeshadow.
Pros:
- 18 shades with metallic, satin, and matte finishes
- Neutral to bold eye makeup looks
- Timeless and classic browns
- Creamy and blendable formula
- Waterproof formula
- All-day staying power
- Shades complement brown eyes
- Very little fallout
- Impressive quality and shade range for price
Cons:
- Some shades need more layers for pigment
5. Docolor Gemstone Eyeshadow Palette
Our last pick for the best eyeshadow palettes for brown eyes is the Docolor Gemstone Eyeshadow Palette! With just a single purchase, you get a whopping 54 shades in 6 palettes with 9 shades each! Each palette has varying shades of purples, blues, reds, oranges, greens, and yellows with matte, satin, and shimmer finishes. Each 9-shade palette offers very pigmented results for all your makeup needs – allowing you to effortlessly mix and match any shade you choose out of your many choices.
With this Gemstone Eyeshadow Palette, you are assured you will not run out of colors and shades to choose from no matter the time of day or the occasion. Each shade also boasts of a smooth and creamy texture that just glades right on for an easy and even application. The wide variety of shades and colors ranging from bold to neutral allows you to achieve any look you want to create, basically giving the artist in you freedom.
Each shade in this Docolar eyeshadow palette is unique and you are assured you don’t get any duplicates. Aside from using the varying shades in the same palette, you can also conveniently mix and match from the different palettes as they all go well together. Each shade also blends well and evenly as you combine different shades to achieve your desired look. With this in your makeup routine, you are sure to achieve a look that will make your eyes pop. The formula is also long-lasting without fading throughout the day.
The only downside users have shared regarding this palette set is that some shades can be chalky. If you ever decide to go with this one, do keep that in mind. But aside from that minor downside, users have generally agreed that this is a worthwhile palette set that lets you be creative and play around with highly-pigmented colors.
Pros:
- 54 shades in 6 palettes with 9 shades each
- Matte, satin, shimmer finishes
- Each shade is very pigmented
- Versatile color choices for all occasions
- Smooth and creamy texture for ease of application
- Unleash your creativity
- Each shade is unique without duplicates
- Makes eyes pop
- Long-lasting formula
Cons:
- Some shades can be chalky
Eyeshadow Application Tips and Tricks
If you are eager to up your eyeshadow application game, read on below as we give you a few tips and tricks so you can achieve the perfect eye makeup look every single time!
Find the right palette
To ensure that you achieve flawless eye makeup every single time, it’s important that you have in your makeup bag a staple eyeshadow palette. The perfect palette should have all the basics and essentials you need along with some bolder shades that could take you from subtle to dramatic any time of the day. If you still haven’t found your go-to palette, be sure to check out our list of favorites above.
Use the right tools
Aside from making sure you have the right palette, it’s also important that you have the right tools in hand for flawless application. Generally, you would need a basic eyeshadow brush, a blending brush, and an angled eyeshadow brush for flawless results. Consider investing in quality ones too, and don’t worry, those are sure to last you for quite a few years.
Prime your eyelids
Priming the eyelids is especially beneficial for those with oily lids, but no matter your type of lids, it’s always a good choice to use primer before your eyeshadow. Doing so will allow you eyeshadow to stay on your lids for a longer time and will give you richer pigments as well.
Eyeshadow before foundation
Generally, it’s better to apply your eyeshadow first before your foundation. Doing so will prevent any eyeshadow fallout to fall on your already blended and set foundation. If it isn’t possible for you to do your eyeshadow first before foundation, make sure you use tissue or napkin to catch any eyeshadow fallout before they stick to your foundation.
Wet brush
Wetting your brush and tool during application will help intensify your eyeshadow’s pigment. If you want to achieve richer results, just dampen your brush before applying it on your eyelids.
Blend away
With the eyeshadow on your eyelids, blend away! Make sure you blend evenly on both eyelids to make sure you have even shadows on both. Also make sure you don’t overblend as this can just stray you away from your desired look.
How to Choose the Best Eyeshadow Palette for Brown Eyes
As there are so many available eyeshadow palette choices for us with just a single click, it’s very important that we know just exactly what to look for to make sure we get the perfect palette for all our makeup needs.
Colors and shades
The first thing you’d want to be looking at are the colors and shades available in the palette. How many are there and what are the shades you will get with your purchase? Consider if the colors and shades a palette offers is enough for your makeup needs and the looks you’re trying to achieve.
Versatility and variation
The palette’s shade variation and versatility is also an important factor you should keep in mind. Does the palette offer versatile shades and colors that will allow you to achieve a variety of looks from subtle to bold? Keep this in mind as you are going through your eyeshadow palette choices. Palettes for green eyes also complement brown eyes.
Finish
Eyeshadows often come in matte, satin, or shimmer finishes. Usually, a palette of shades offer a variety of finishes along with a variety of shades. Consider the shades’ finishes and make sure you are satisfied with what you will be getting.
Applicator and brush
Eyeshadow palettes can come with an included applicator or brush. If you are a beginner in the world of makeup and don’t have your own brushes yet, it could be a good idea to choose one that comes with an eyeshadow brush.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect eyeshadow palette can determine the eye makeup looks you can achieve every single day. Whether you’re looking for something that can give you subtle or bold looks, we have got you covered!
Our top pick for the best eyeshadow palette for brown eyes is the Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette thanks to its cherry, neutral shades that can give you versatile looks from neutral to bold any day! If what you’re looking for is a basic palette, you might want to check out Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette for its variety of browns and nudes that you can use for soft and neutral to smokey eyes. And the UCANBE Twilight & Dusk Eyeshadow Palette is our top choice for the best budget option as you get a good variety of colors and shades – basically all the essentials without breaking the bank!
We hope you were able to find your new favorite eyeshadow palette from our list and guide above! Here’s to endless makeup possibilities!
