Most of us consider black eyeliner a makeup bag essential— but there’s another staple we’ve been swearing by: brown eyeliner. Black liner may deliver the drama, but brown liner’s superpower is its versatility, explains makeup artist Noel McKinnon. “Unlike its bold black counterpart, which can sometimes appear harsh, especially on lighter skin tones, brown eyeliner offers a softer, more natural look.”
Making the switch can be a little jarring if black is your go-to, but you may love the toned-down look. “The subtlety of brown can enhance the eyes without overwhelming them, allowing for a more balanced overall appearance,” McKinnon says. So, how do you find your holy-grail brown eyeliner? We’ve rounded up 12 of the best for every vibe and budget with help from McKinnon.
Our top 12 brown eyeliners, at a glance:
- Best overall: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro in The Perfect Brown, $24
- Best for sensitive eyes: Physicians Formula Eye Booster, Lash-Enhancing 2-in-1 Eyeliner Serum in Deep Brown, $12
- Best for mature skin: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyelinerin Brown, $16
- Best for easy application: One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Busty Brown, $19
- Best versatile pick on a budget: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick in Deepest Brown, $9
- Best for long-wear: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Brown Denim, $11
- Best smoky look: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal in Cocoa, $34
- Best two-in-one: Tarte Double Take Eyeliner in Brown, $26
- Best budget: Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Chocolate, $3
- Best for tight-lining: Shiseido MicroLiner Ink in Brown, $22
- Best kajal formula: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner in Cheeky Chiku, $20
- Best metallic: Julep When Pencil Met Gel in Chocolate Brown Shimmer, $12
Shop the best brown eyeliners:
Best overall: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro in The Perfect Brown — $24.00
“The perfect brown eye pencil,” according to McKinnon. “One of the standout features of this eye pencil is its long-lasting formula. Once applied, it resists smudging and fading throughout the day,” she says. The shade of brown is also really versatile, McKinnon adds. “A perfect option for various looks, from natural daytime appearances to dramatic evening styles.”
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Best smoky look: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal in Cocoa — $34.00
Of course Victoria Beckham would nail it when it comes to the perfect eyeliner for that smoky look. The built-in smudger makes it easy to achieve, but the liner’s ultra-smooth application also makes waterline application and cat eyes just as easy.
- Creamy formula
- Waterproof
- Built-in smudger
Best two-in-one: Tarte Double Take Eyeliner in Brown — $26.00
This double-sided liner offers a liquid liner on one side and a gel pencil on the other, so you have options. Use the self-sharpening pencil along the inner rim of your eyelid for definition, or opt for liquid for a defined wing in a semi-matte finish.
- You may run out of one side before the other if you have a favorite
Best for tight-lining: Shiseido MicroLiner Ink in Brown — $22.00
This micro-fine liner will give you a super-thin, precise line or wing without skipping—or, dot it between lashes to fill out your lash line. The formula creates a flexible, water-resistant film that helps it last.
- Ultra-thin line
- Great for precise looks
- Reviewers say it’s pricey for the amount of product
What to look for in a brown eyeliner
“One of the most significant advantages of brown eyeliner is its adaptability to different skin tones,” McKinnon says, compared to black, which can read a bit harsher on some people. So, you should shop with your skintone in mind.
If you have fair/light skin:
“For individuals with fair or light skin, brown eyeliner can complement their skintone without creating a stark contrast, which can often occur with black eyeliner,” McKinnon says. Look for warm browns, she suggests. “They can provide a softer definition, making the eyes pop gently without appearing too dramatic.”
If you have medium or olive skin:
McKinnon says that brown eyeliner can enhance your skin’s natural warmth if you have a medium or olive skin tone. “It adds depth to the eyes while maintaining a harmonious balance with the skin’s undertones. And you have your pick of browns—whether you want to keep it toned down and natural-looking or go for a more intense or shimmery brown, you can pull it off.
If you have dark skin:
Opt for deeper browns if you have dark skin. “Darker skin tones can also benefit from brown eyeliner, especially in richer, deeper shades like chocolate or espresso, which can provide definition without the intensity of black,” says McKinnon.
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