Here is a list 10 brown eyeshadow looks that are just perfect for any season, each look features different shades of brown so hopefully you find you one that you enjoy.
Look #1 Classic Smokey Eye
This first look is a brown smokey eye, which really makes the eyes pop by accentuating the outer corner of the eye with the darker shades. I love this eye makeup look for my dark brown eyes; the neutral colors pair well without being too intense. This eye makeup look would work for everyone, no matter what color your eyes are. Whether your eyes are blue, hazel, green, or brown, this soft smokey look will make your eyes stand out. The best part is that the look is easy to apply. Follow the step-by-step tutorial I’ve included, and you’ll have the look down in no time.
Look #2 Tight-Lined Smokey Eye
This next look is a striking Smokey Eye that utilizes tight lining with a black eyeliner, which really makes the eyes stand out. For the eyeshadow palette, I used the Natasha Denona Glam Palette. The Glam Palette has a wonderful variety of cool and neutral shades, allowing you to create a wide range of looks from an everyday look to a classic smoky eye. It features 15 colors that include metallic shades and matte shades, enabling you to create all sorts of styles. For this look, I kept the eyeshadow on the softer side, using some soft brown and gold on the majority of the lid. I used a dark brown shadow on the upper lash line and lower lash line to really make the lashes look fuller.
Look #3 Soft Glam
Here is a soft glam eyeshadow look that is simple and easy to apply and could definitely be an everyday makeup look. The look is created with some beautiful warm browns and a lovely champagne-type shade on the majority of the lid. I used Em Cosmetics’ Moonrise Cosmic Pearl Dewy Eyeshadow, which has this buttery, creamy texture, and applied this all over the lid and inner corner. I also used Em Cosmetics’ Magic Hour Divine Skies Eyeshadow Palette for some of the browns in the look. I do have an affiliate code if you want to try some of the products: EM_ASHLEY for 15% off. For the upper lash line, to make them look fuller, I lined it with the Laura Mercier Cocoa liner and smoked that out with the Beefy eyeshadow from the Colourpop Wanna Be Palette.
Look #4 Smokey
For this look, it is slightly similar to our previous look, using cocoa liner on the lash line, but the look is structured a bit differently as it’s more of a fierce look with the tight lining. I really think this Cocoa liner makes brown eyes pop, as it has some chocolate reddish tones that really bring out those tones in brown eyes. It definitely isn’t limited to brown eyes though; I think this color would be flattering on other eye colors as well. If brown isn’t your cup of tea, there are other shades available in this liner. It goes on super creamy, and I really enjoy the formula.
To tie this look together, I love applying an inner corner wing, especially when I tightline, as it really connects the upper and lower lash lines. I have a tutorial on how to draw on the inner corner wing here.
Look #5 Winged Outer Corner
Next up, we have more of an edgy, creative brown eyeshadow look with dramatic outer corners. I loved these tones on green eyes and am wearing a pair of Desio contact lenses in the shade Delicious Honey here. The eyeshadow palette used is the Madelorian Palette from ColourPop, which has some awesome earthy-toned bold shades featuring matte and shimmer textures.
Towards the end of the tutorial, you might have noticed I applied white powder under my eyes; this is just loose setting powder. Some of the darker matte shades have some fallout, so the powder makes it easier to sweep it away from under the eyes afterward. Of course, you could just apply your face makeup after your eyes as well.
One tip I do want to mention that may help: when creating the large wing shape with the dark brown shade in the outer corner of your eye, you can place a piece of tape at the same angle as your lower eyelid, upwards towards the corner of your brow. This will help you get that sharp bottom edge without having to be super precise in the application.
Look #6 Half Cut Crease
Using all matte eyeshadow colors for this bold look featuring a half cut crease in the outer corner. I think this look is such a simple way to add dimension and attention to the eyes for a night out. The eyeshadow palette I used for this is also found at the drugstore at an affordable price point. It’s the Milani Cosmetics 110 Whiskey Business Palette, which features 6 all matte eyeshadows. You can also find the palette in 4 other color variation options, so you could totally switch up the whole look and use a different color story for this one to match your outfit!
Look #7 Graphic Liner
Glittery brown Smokey Graphic liner moment for this next look, this one may look complicated, but it’s actually very simple to apply. I start with a cream eyeshadow as a base on the upper lid which gets blended out. Then, I go in with a shimmery brown eyeshadow shade to set it in place and add dimension with some golden tones. I repeat this same process on the lower lid, connecting to the upper lid area in the outer corner, creating a V-like shape. For the inner corner of your eye, add a fun light shade or shimmer color to make it pop and brighten the look.
Once the eyeshadow is completed, I went in with some liner, first lining the upper lash line like normal, and then tightlining my eyes. For the graphic liner, I swoop the liner upwards, following the curve of my lower lash line, drawing on a wing-like shape, but then pulling that line in a cut crease-type shape, following the curve of my crease. To keep these lines as sharp as possible, I always sharpen my eyeliner pencil before starting.
Look #8 Warm Tones
Another all-matte look for look number 8, using warm-toned brown matte eyeshadow shades to complete this soft, blended-out eyeshadow look. I think this is such a perfect makeup look for the fall season; the shades remind me of fall foliage and really add warmth to the eyes. I have a full blog post about this specific look, including a YouTube video if you want to check it out for a more detailed step-by-step guide to recreating this one. I used the Too Faced Natural Nudes palette, which is an awesome palette for the fall season, featuring all matte shades.
Look #9 Soft Cut Crease
Similar tones to our previous look, here is a soft and subtle cut crease look using warm toned browns. I love a cut crease look to add an extra pop to the eyes, I also have a YouTube tutorial for this look that goes more in depth on creating this look. For the eyeshadow palette I used the Too Faced better than chocolate palette which has some beautiful brown shades as well as pops of color.
Look #10 Pop of Color
Last but not least, I wanted to finish off with a fun pop of color alongside a simple brown eyeshadow look. This look features some neutral-tone browns using the Natasha Denona Glam Palette, which we also used in look two, setting the stage for a fun pop of color. I decided to go with green, using the Hard Candy Stroke of Gorgeous liner in the shade Liquid Money. This liner also comes in various other shades to choose from; a dark navy blue would also look so pretty with this look, or maybe even a purple shade. You can use color theory to find a color to highlight your eyes. To find the complementary color to your eyes, find your shade on a color wheel and look directly across. For example, for blue eyes, golden yellow, orange, and golden warm tones, and for green eyes, purples and reds look really pretty.
That concludes my list of 10 brown eyeshadow looks I love for fall. If you’re looking for more brown eyeshadow looks, check out my Instagram, where I have more short-form content, or check out my YouTube channel, where I have more long-form content. I tried to feature a wide variety of shades, including bold colors and soft colors, so that you can find something that fits your liking and style. I hope you enjoyed all the looks. I also have a post of my 5 favorite fall lipstick looks for September that you might enjoy checking out, or even my Thanksgiving makeup idea list. Thank you for reading, and you’ll have to let me know in the comments which look was your favorite out of the 10!
