Your eye colour can be a starting point for eyeshadow inspiration, but it does not limit the shades you can wear. Contrast, depth and finish all change the overall look. Try the suggestions below as options, not rules about what is flattering.
Brown Eyes: Explore Warmth and Contrast
Compare bronze, copper or brown for a tonal look, or try purple and blue for a different contrast. Gold or champagne-inspired finishes are another option. Dark brown is not automatically a colour to avoid; placement and the result you enjoy matter more than a strict shade rule.
Blue Eyes: Try Warm or Cool Combinations
Peach, copper, warm brown and terracotta-inspired shades offer one direction to explore. Blue, grey and other cooler colours are valid choices too. Matching the iris does not mean a shade is wrong for you.
Green Eyes: Compare Purple and Earthy Tones
Try mauve, plum, burgundy-inspired or earthy colours, or explore olive and green for a tonal look. Grey and silver are not off-limits. Check how different finishes and placements look with the rest of your makeup.
Hazel Eyes: Choose the Details You Enjoy
Try brown, bronze or copper, then compare them with plum, purple or green. Hazel eyes vary, so do not expect a particular shade to emphasise the same colour on everyone.
Grey Eyes: Explore More Than Cool Shades
Charcoal, lavender, silver-inspired shades and navy are options for a cooler look. Warm brown or peach can offer a different contrast. There is no need to avoid warmer colours if you like the result.
Compare One Change at a Time
- Pick a shade family and decide whether you want a matte or shimmering finish.
- Start with a small amount in one area of the lid, following the product directions.
- Use a blending brush to soften edges where you want them softer.
- Add depth or another colour gradually rather than assuming every look needs a transition shade.
- Check your eyes relaxed and open, then compare in different lighting.
A detail brush can help with smaller areas. Use cosmetics only as directed; not every eye-area product is suitable for the waterline, and not every glitter is intended for the eyes.
Read More
- Matte vs Shimmer vs Glitter Eyeshadow
- How to Create a Bold Purple Eyeshadow Look
- What Is a Transition Shade in Eye Makeup?
Explore Eyeshadow and Brushes
Browse our eyeshadow palettes and check the individual photos and descriptions for the actual shades and finishes. No palette is reserved for one eye colour. Compare eye brushes by the placement and level of detail you want to try.