The Best Eyeliner Shades To Try When You're Sick of Brown or Black, According to Your Eye Color

By Southern Living Editors
August 13, 2019
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We get it: It’s easy to fall into a boring eyeliner rut, especially when you finally find a black or brown pencil that smudges the exact way you like. But we’re here to make the case that you may be missing out on some seriously swoon-worthy results if you limit yourself to just that. We talked with Achelle Richards, e.l.f. Global Artistic Director, about which neutral and colorful eyeliner shades are most flattering based on your eye color. And it’s love at first sight.Here are the best eyeliners for your eye color. 
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If You Have Blue Eyes

Credit: Sephora

Best Neutral: Taupey Brown

Even if you’re tempted to stick with dark brown, use a taupe or champagne to intensify your gaze.

TRY: Sephora Collection12hr Colorful Contour Eyeliner in "Flirting Game" ($10); sephora.com

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If You Have Blue Eyes

Credit: Sephora

Most Flattering Color: Coppery Bronze

Have a metal moment: “Try contrasting colors that are opposite from blue on the color wheel like gold, copper, and peach, to help make the blue in the eyes brighter and bluer,” says Richards.

TRY: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Lucky” ($22); sephora.com

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If You Have Brown Eyes

Credit: Colourpop

Best Neutral: Navy Blue

“Navy reads softer on brown eyes than black liner does since it picks up natural gold flecks in the eyes,” explains Richards.

TRY: Colourpop BFF Liquid Liner in “Crzy” ($8); colourpop.com

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If You Have Brown Eyes

Credit: Ulta

Most Flattering Color: Bright Blues and Deep Reds

Brown-eyed girls have an advantage since a wide range of punchy colors (like green, amber, purple, and blue) play up their pupils. “If your brown eyes have flecks like blue or green in them, choose a liner in those complimentary colors to accentuate,” says Richards.

TRY: Urban Decay Naked Cherry 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Love Drug" ($22); ulta.com

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If You Have Green Eyes

Credit: Sephora

Best Neutral: Golden Brown

Go for the gold since it enhances lighter flecks in the eye and creates a brightening effect.

TRY: Milk Makeup Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in "Bonus" ($22); sephora.com

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If You Have Green Eyes

Credit: Sephora

Most Flattering Color: Plum Purple

"Layering any of these colors on a black or brown eyeliner will also help neutralize the color for a softer effect,” says Richards. 

TRY: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eyeliner in “Plum(Age) 60" ($25); sephora.com


 

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If You Have Hazel Eyes

Credit: Ulta

Best Neutral: Golden Olive

Accentuate the golden glow of your hazel eyes with a gold-flecked olive green. 

TRY: NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Eye Pencil in “Golden Olive" ($6); ulta.com

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If You Have Hazel Eyes

Credit: Glossier

Most Flattering Color: Peach or Magenta

Create a push-and-pull effect with the green flecks in hazel eyes and peachy orange in this eyeliner color. 

TRY: Glossier Colorslide in “Candyland" ($15); glossier.com


 

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By Southern Living Editors