Even if your eyeliner collection is filled with a rainbow of shades, we've all got that trusty neutral we turn to for everyday wear. For some, it's a barely-there brown; for others, it's a drama-inducing midnight black. While both have benefits, the question remains: In the battle of brown versus black eyeliner, which reigns supreme?
According to makeup artists, the answer is the classically frustrating yet liberating "both"—it just depends on the look you're trying to achieve. The good news is that you don't have to choose just one. Read on for everything to consider when it comes to brown and black eyeliner, straight from makeup artists Tomy Rivero and Carly Giglio.
Meet the Expert
Benefits of Brown Eyeliner
Delivers a more subtle look
Brown shades are inherently lighter and more subtle than black, and according to Rivero, "[are] great for creating a softer presence on the eyes." If you're going for a natural, no-makeup makeup look, then brown liner is your best bet.
Flatters fair features
While anyone can wear any shade of eyeliner they please, makeup artists say brown tones are particularly flattering on lighter features because they're less harsh than their inky-black counterparts. "Green and grey eye colors and very fair skin tones with pink undertones are best suited for brown eyeliner," says Rivero.
Tons of shades to choose from
With black liners, your options are essentially limited to "black" and "blacker." But with browns, you've got a full range of shades to choose from. "There are variations of brown liner—you can opt for ones that have a little more red or bronze, for example, which is where you can really play to your eye color," says Giglio. "Think about the color wheel and opposites that will make the eye color pop."
If you have green eyes, for example, she recommends picking a reddish-brown (like Stila's SmudgeStick Eyeliner in Spice, $22). If your eyes are blue, she suggests going with something with warmer, more copper tones (like Victoria Beckham Beauty's Kajal Liner in Cinnamon, $32).
Benefits of Black Eyeliner
Adds drama
From Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, black eyeliner has solidified its place in history for its ability to add drama to any look. "Black eyeliner is a statement!" says Giglio. Rivero notes that more glam looks, like cat and smoky eyes, tend to look best when created with black liner.
Looks great on anyone
Unlike brown tones, which tend to pop more on lighter eyes and skin tones, anyone can use black eyeliner to amp up their look. "Pretty much anyone with any eye color can wear black liner—it's up to preference," says Giglio.
Available in multiple formats
Though black liners are fairly monotone, that doesn't mean you can't experiment with them by way of different formats. Liquid formulas are great for creating seamless graphic lines, while pencils can deliver a softer look. "I like pencils for smudging or even blending and building out shadow for a smoky eye, and liquid liners are great for a clean, crisp line," says Giglio.
What to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
How va-va-voom you want your look to be
By nature, black is a more intense shade than brown. "Whether it's a smudged liner or crisp wing, black will stand out stronger," says Giglio. With that in mind, opt for black eyeliner when you want a more statement-making look, and stick with brown for your more understated makeup days.
Your eye color and skin tone
While both shades can work beautifully on anyone, you'll want to consider the contrast they create with your natural features (and the vibe you're going for) when choosing between them. "If you have light eyes and light skin, black liner will show up more dramatically on you," says Giglio. Simply put, "If you're very fair-skinned and don't want the drama of a black liner, opt for the brown."
Your eyeliner skills
Liner rookies, this one's for you. If you make a mistake with liquid black liner, you're stuck scrubbing away at it with makeup remover—ultimately sacrificing the rest of your look. That's not the case with brown shades, which makeup artists say are a whole lot more oops-proof (and thus, beginner-friendly) thanks to the fact that they're closer to your natural skin tones. "If you're new to liner, brown is a great way to dip your toes in," says Giglio. Once you've got that winged line down pat, you'll be ready to upgrade to Onyx.
The Final Takeaway
When considering brown versus black eyeliner, "It's really about preference and wearability," says Rivero. "Everyone can wear black eyeliner, and everyone can wear brown liner." The good news? You don't have to choose just one. Test out both and see which feels right for you (spoiler alert: it might be both!), and know that you can swap between the two as often as your heart—and your makeup budget—desires.
Although many associate colorful eye makeup with the polyester jumpsuits and hairspray of the 1980's, using color on your eyes can help the 'windows to your soul' stand out. However, choosing the right eyeliner color to compliment your eye color can be difficult. We're here to help! We've broken down each eye color with recommendations on the shades that will complement your eyes the most. Scroll down to see 2-product eye makeup looks for your eye color or read this post to learn more about how to choose the right eye makeup for your eye color!
Brown-Eyed Girl...You lucky doe-eyed ladies can wear almost any color eyeliner you like. From purples to bronzes, to greens, to blues - the world is your oyster! Try making your eyes stand out by using blue eyeliner. Use Midnight Blue Eye Pencil and smudge using Blue Hour PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple for an extra shot of blue. If blue is not your color, try using purple. Line your eyes with Amethyst Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner and smudge with the shimmery plum shade in Ravishing PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple. Whichever color you choose, finish your look with a healthy coating of PureLash Lash Extender & Conditioner and the jane iredale mascara of your choice.
Midnight Blue Eye Pencil $20
Blue Hour PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple $32.00
Amethyst Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner $26.00
Ravishing PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple $32.00
Behind These Hazel Eyes... The best eyeliner for hazel eyes are colors from the pink and purple families. Try reddish, bronze, rust and mahogany eye shadows.The best eyeliner colors for green eyes are similar to the colors for hazel eyes – purple and pink eyeliners.To bring out the green hues in your eyes try applying an eggplant eyeliner, like ourAmethyst Mystikol. Don't forget to finish off your look with a healthy coating of black mascara!Check out our makeup tutorial for green eyes for more color inspiration.
Amethyst Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner $26.00
Baby Blues...Our eyeliner tips for blue eyes…opt for golds, bronzes, and warm browns. These shades will make your eyes sparkle. Try layeringDark Topaz Mystikol with ourBrown Sugar PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple. Mix and smudge the powdered eye shadows on top ofDark Topazfor added drama. Bring a thin line of eyeliner onto your lower lash line for a completed look. For more makeup tips for blue eyes, read our blue eye makeup tutorial.
Dark Topaz Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner $26.00
Brown Sugar PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple $32.00
If your eyes have some gray in them, you can enhance the color by matching them with an equally smokey and cool-toned eyeliner: Smokey Quartz Mystikol. Layer a thick line of Smokey Quartz on your upper lash line and smudge with Silver Lining PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple. Complete the look by bringing the eyeliner onto your lower lash line in a thin line. Finish with mascara.
Smoky Quartz Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner $26.00
Sundown PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple $32.00
If you try out any of these eyeliner tips on your eyes, whatever color they may be, don't forget to share your look with us using the hashtag #TheSkincareMakeup.For even more information on the best makeup for your eye color, check out our blog post about the best eyeshadow for your eye color. Now that you know how to find the perfect eye color for you, check out our post on finding the perfect concealer.