How to Create the Perfect Brown Eyeshadow Look

Some major makeup inspo ahead.

Undisputed makeup artist-approved fact: Beautiful brown eyeshadow looks never go out of style. From subtle neutral browns to more dramatic pops of brown, the options are endless and ever-so-versatile.

“I think [brown eyeshadow] looks beautiful with every and any look, especially playing with the tones for daytime using a lighter color brown [and] for nighttime amping it up and smoking it out with a chocolate brown,” says makeup artist, Shannell Sorrells.

Exhibit A? “The most popular brown eyeshadow look that really went viral recently was the latte eyeshadow trend,” says Sorrells. “It’s super easy to achieve a very warm or cool tone and it looks very beautiful, minimalistic, and flattering on every skin tone.”

Does Brown Eyeshadow Work For All Eye Colors?

“The beautiful thing about browns and the makeup industry that we're in today is that I don't think makeup is really a one size fits all type of thing like it used to be back in the day,” says Sorrells. “There's so many beautiful shades of brown that suit so many.” If you have green or hazel eyes, she recommends using a reddish tone brown. For blue eyes, you can use a cooler brown to make the eyes pop. Sorrells likes to use all different shades of brown for brown eyes. 

How to Create A Brown Eyeshadow Look

Looking for the best product base to start? Sorrells recommends Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow ($36, sephora.com) for easy application. Apply the liquid eyeshadow on the lid and buff it out with a brush. “One of my tricks is setting it down with a little bit of bronzer. So whatever bronzer shade you're going to be using on your face, go over it with a bronzer on your eyes, and it just ties into the whole look together so beautifully. If you want something a little darker, I like to use a matte brown eyeshadow on top of the cream,” says Sorrells.

“I would recommend investing in an eye tint or a user-friendly eyeshadow stick,” explains Sorrells. She uses Lancome Ombre Hypnôse Stylo Shadow Stick Matte Metallics in the shade bronze ($25, ulta.com) for a dramatic brown shade with a hint of shimmer. “Swipe it all over the eye and if things get a little messy, you can take a Q-tip and just clean it right up and you're ready to go.”

Related: Ask a Beauty Editor: How to Apply Eyeshadow Like a Pro

5 Trending Brown Eyeshadow Looks

From natural looks to shimmery smokey eyes, there is a brown eyeshadow look for everyone. Recreate these makeup styles as they are or add your own inspiration.

1. Bronzed Smokey Eye

Channel your inner golden goddess with this bronzed smokey eye look. Blend a medium shimmer brown shade into the crease and a lighter brown shimmer color on the lid. Seek out eyeshadow shades with subtle shimmer for a glam style. Finish the look with smudging a very dark brown eyeshadow as winged eyeliner and lower lash line.

2. Natural and Subtle

Embrace the natural look for an effortless style. Sweep a light to medium brown eyeshadow shade across the crease, lid, and lower lash line. Finish the look with a subtle highlight on the inner corner to brighten up the look.

3. Burnt Orange

This burnt orange brown eyeshadow look makes for a bold statement. Pick a matte burnt orange brown eyeshadow for the crease and winged style. Transition to a lighter burnt orange brown color with subtle shimmer for the lid. For an added touch, highlight the inner corner with a light shimmery color.

4. Shimmer and Glam

For your next special occasion, turn to a shimmery, glam look. Start with a medium to deep matte brown shade on your crease as a base for the shimmer eyeshadow. Next, apply a matte light tan shadow color followed by a bold light brown shimmer shade to sweep on the lid.

5. Latte Smokey Eye

Incorporate the latte makeup trend into your makeup routine. Place a deep brown shade along the crease and smudge for a smokey effect. Use a light shimmer eyeshadow on the lid to illuminate the look. To highlight the brow bone, place a light eyeshadow shade under the brow arch to have the brow appear more lifted.

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