Which Eyeshadow Shades Look Best on You?

Most of us tend to haphazardly pick our eyeshadow shades and palettes based on the colors we like or wear.

And why wouldn’t we? It seems to make the most sense, right?

Sure, it’s totally valid. But there’s a better way to pick out your shadow shades.

Today, we’re going to help you pick your eyeshadow based on the actual color of your eyes. By choosing colors that complement, illuminate, and emphasize your eye color, you’re giving your eyes the spotlight they deserve.

Whether you’re a bold makeup-wearer or a fan of the no-makeup-makeup look, we’ve created this guide for you. Your eyes are beautiful and unique in their own way, so why wouldn’t you show them off?

You’ll have to play with these shades to find which ones really suit you, your eyes, and your skin tone. But this is a quick and easy guide to finding which colors to start with.

Eyeshadow colors that make brown eyes pop

Brown eyes are the easiest to match with: they go with just about anything.

Found on a glorious spectrum from dark, coffee-bean shades to light caramel colors, brown eyes aren’t as universal as they seem. Some have intense red and orange undertones. Others have flecks of gold.

The eyeshadow you wear can highlight the individuality of your brown eyes by bringing out the things that make them unique.

If you’re looking for bolder colors, use:

• Dark purples (violet, plum, eggplant)
• Dark reds (burgundy, merlot, garnet)
• Teal or turquoise
• Emerald green
• Sapphire blue
• Gold

These vibrant colors not only make a statement on their own, but they also make your brown eyes really pop.

For those who want neutral, every-day colors, stick to:

• Neutral browns
• Charcoal
• Terracotta
• Navy

The best part about brown eyes is that they’re almost impossible to dull. So, no matter which looks you go for, the actual color of your eyes will always look amazing.

What eyeshadow goes with blue eyes?

Blue eyes are rare and totally gorgeous—they’re just begging to be shown off.

Like brown eyes, blue eyes fall on a spectrum. They can be pale and icy blue, sky blue, electric blue, ocean blue, or anything in between. They’re often mixed with hints of green and gold, which makes them all the more dazzling. And, depending on what eyeshadow you wear, you can make your eyes appear brighter, bolder, and bluer.

If you want to brighten your eyes and make them stand out, choose warm, complementary shades like:

• Coral
• Copper
• Bronze
• Terracotta
• Pink

These warm shades are the perfect backdrop to make your blue eyes look more vivid and captivating.

To intensify the color of your eyes, match with other cool tones like:

• Turquoise
• Dark blue
• Silver
• Light/medium greys

Cool shades will make your eyes look bluer and more piercing.

The best neutral eyeshadow colors for blue eyes are:

• Warm matte browns
• Light nudes
• Pale peach
• Taupe

These gentle, soft shades compliment blue eyes without dulling them and make for great daily makeup looks.

Avoid super dark shades like dark grey and black—instead, opt for dark brown, which is more flattering on blue eyes.

Eyeshadow colors for green eyes

Green-eyed beauties—you’re up next.

With an eye color as gorgeous as green, you have to make sure you’re doing everything you can to emphasize your eyes. Seriously, it makes a world of difference.

Green’s complementary color is red, so eyeshadow shades with red and warm undertones are the way to go here. Whether your eyes are pale or emerald green, these are the bold colors that will make them pop:

• Dark purples (violet, plum, eggplant)
• Dark reds (burgundy, merlot, garnet)
• Pink
• Mustard yellow
• Rust orange
• Magenta
• Lilac and mauve
• Copper

These shades are awesome on their own—when paired with your stunning green eyes, they’ll be totally show-stopping.

For everyday makeup looks, use:

• Blush or petal pink
• Warm nudes
• Taupe
• Warm browns
• Charcoal

Any of these muted tones are sure to make your green eyes look incredible.

Pink and gold can bring out the gold tones in your eyes, while charcoal smokey eyes emphasize the green. And warm neutral tones have very soft red undertones and pull out the truest color of your eyes.

Colors that go with hazel eyes

Hazel eyes have unlimited possibilities.

Depending on the shades you use, you can change the color of your eyes. Well, not literally. But by emphasizing your unique undertones and flecks of color, you can make them appear completely different.

Most hazel eyes lean towards a “green” or a “brown” side. With the right shades, you can make them appear browner or greener than they really are. To make your eyes look browner, choose shades like burgundy or plum. If you want to make your eyes look green, go for dark and medium green shades.

Some bold colors—other than dark red and purple—that compliment both the green and brown tones in your eyes are:

• Light purple (lilac, lavender)
• Pink
• Copper and bronze
• Shimmery gold
• Fuchsia
• Mustard yellow
• Burnt orange
• Rose gold

These shades play very well with the different green and brown tones and undertones that are normally found in hazel eyes. They’ll emphasize and brighten, bringing out your true hazel color.

Here are some every-day shades for hazel eyes:

• Warm mocha brown
• Warm caramel brown
• Warm nudes
• Soft, rosy pinks
• Terracotta

Warm and simple, these shades are sure to make your pretty eyes pop!

Try not to use blue eyeshadow—blue shades tend to dull hazel eyes, which is what we’re trying to avoid!

Since masks are still a staple in every day life, why not spice up your eyeshadow game a little bit? The effect specific shades can have on your eyes is almost magical. Once you curate your eye makeup to your eye color, you’ll never look back.

Curate a brand new routine the easy way by signing up for Kinder Beauty Box! We send 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and clean makeup and beauty products right to your front door every month.

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