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Here's the good news about brown eyes: They're easy to play up, since brown is a mix of primary colors. This most common of eye colors is a gorgeous hue, and the right shade of eyeshadow can make it even more alluring.
Looking to build up your eye makeup kit? We checked in with makeup artists Nico Guilis and Sarah Tanno, who work with some of the biggest stars in H'wood, to get some straight-from-the-pros advice. Here, they show us their favorite shades for bringing out the depth in bewitching brown eyes.
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“Navy’s cool tones (or any blue, really) beautifully contrast brown eyes, making them stand out — and the whites of the eyes appear brighter as well,” says makeup artist Sarah Tanno, who has painted the faces of pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Fergie, and Kelis. “This palette is the perfect combination of shades. Plus, the blue is very on-trend right now.”
Dior 5-Colour Designer All-In-One Artistry Palette in Navy Design, $60, available at Nordstrom.
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The smooth blend of cobalt and electric violet is particularly flashy on deep chocolate eyes.
Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Electric Blue, $6.25, available at Maybelline.
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More of a liner person? Slick this cobalt blue hue along the upper lashline for a pop of flattering color. Go bold, or keep it subtle, depending on how thick, or thin you draw it on.
Urban Decay Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $22, available at Sephora.
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“NARS shadows are great and easy to blend. For a little shimmer, I love California, a beautiful copper brown that picks up flecks of gold hues in the eyes,” says Tanno.
NARS Shimmer Eyeshadow in California, $25, available at NARS.
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She recommends pairing the shadow with a similar shaded eye pencil to make your brown peepers really pop.
NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via De' Martelli, $25, available at NARS.
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"This warm-toned, chestnut brown is one of my go-to colors," Tanno says. "Use it in the crease or softly smudged into the lashline."
MAC Eyeshadow in Brown Script, $16, available at MAC.
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The brown shadow followed up with a generous application of mascara will automatically warm up the brown in your eyes.
Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara, $24, available at Benefit.
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"These pencils are amazing. You can use one as eyeliner, but I like to buff it out and use it as a shadow,” Tanno says. “This gorgeous olive green is a favorite color, and the metallic finish brings out highlights in the eyes."
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Stash, $20, available at Sephora.
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On a budget? This pencil will deliver the same result for less cash.
NYX Slide On Eye Pencil in Golden Olive, $7.99, available at Ulta.
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"These eyeshadow palettes are a new favorite, and the golds perfectly highlight the gold in brown eyes,” Tanno says of the thoughtfully appointed quads, which feature both sparkly and matte colors.
Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad in Cognac Sable, $80, available at Tom Ford Beauty.
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The shades in the original Naked Palette are perfect for brown eyes. And who doesn't love a variety of options?
Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette, $54, available at Urban Decay.
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“This is a great eyeshadow for everyday wear because it doesn’t turn greasy midday," Guilis says. "Glide it across the lower lids, like a pen, then use a brush to blend it in."
Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow in Constant Copper, $8.99, available at Drugstore.com.
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“This shade is a perfect elegant gold that highlights brown eyes," Tanno says. "It's perfect for the holidays."
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eye Shadow in Gold Blitz, $33, available at Bloomingdale's.
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And there's no reason to stop at just one golden shade in your arsenal. This yellow gold will do a great job of complimenting lighter brown eyes.
Tarte Tarteist Metallic Shadow in Hussy, $14, available online only at Sephora.
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“I’m a fan of brown shadow on brown eyes," Guilis says. "This palette has two brown shades along with two highlight colors." She uses a brown shadow on the lower lid, topped with a highlighter shade for a smoky effect.
Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Mystic Eyes, $61, available at Chanel.
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Sometimes the best thing for brown eyes is more brown, so try a subtle winged-out look with this gel liner. Less dramatic than a classic black liner, a nice, deep brown formula will accentuate the natural shades of your irises.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink, $26, available at Sephora.
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This matte, soft peach shade is the perfect hue to enhance deep brown eyes. The warm tone will highlight any golden flecks — and the pink-based color is perfectly on-trend.
Surratt Artistique Eyeshadow in Poudre, $20, available at Barneys New York.
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