There are no "set-in-stone" makeup tips for brown eyes but there are some very useful general guidelines. A simple set of suggestions is often all you need to feel comfortable enough to experiment and really begin playing up your brown eyes.
Keep in mind that variety is the spice of life, and if you really like a color there is no reason why you shouldn't try it. You may be surprised how good it looks on you. Experimenting is one of the most enjoyable parts of using makeup. These tips are merely guidelines to help you when you're standing in front of 300 colors and have no idea where to start. Just because a certain color isn't mentioned does not automatically exclude it from the list.
Makeup
Choosing An Eyeshadow
The most popular question is "what eyeshadow can I wear with my eye color?"
General makeup tips for brown eyes always include browns, beige, and neutral tans. Grays and charcoals look good with this eye color, as do violet and lavender. If there is any green at all in your brown eyes the purple spectrum colors will bring it out.
Khaki and olive green are a great color combination. Browns with green highlights or copper highlights are always a fun option. Try copper and even gold. If your eyes have a tinge of green choose green eyeshadows as well.
Maybe you've heard you should never wear an eyeshadow the same color as your eyes. That isn't true at all. You'll quickly find that brown shadow looks very complimentary on brown eyes. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the "right" shade, though. While most brown eyeshadows are pretty safe, avoid those with reddish undertones. That slight bit of red can leave your eyes looking puffy and swollen.
Black is out; don't use it as an eyeshadow.
The main idea is try, try, and try again. Keep at it until you find a color you like. You'll know when it's right- trust your instincts.
Colors To Avoid
There are very few "blacklisted" eyeshadow colors. However, in some cases it's good to have general colors to avoid.
Pinks and mauve, for the same reason as red-based browns, can cause eyes to look swollen or puffy. It isn't true for all women or for all pinks, either. However, if you'd rather play it safe and not risk it, avoid pinks and mauve.
It may be because women with brown eyes tend to have more yellow skin tones, making them warm complexioned, and pinks and mauve are definitely cool colors. The clash is unmistakeable when it is there. The blue undertone in pinks can react with the yellow skin tone and produce a washed out, or garish, effect.
Now, this is not a tip specifically for brown eyes, but you may want to avoid blue eyeshadow also. There's the misconception that blue eyeshadow is "out", but the case more tends to be how it is worn. Play it safe and skip this color.
Silver is not a good color for brown eyes. They tend to cause a "washed out" look. Like blue eyeshadow, leave silver for blue eyes.
Eyeliner Colors
While not everyone that wears eyeshadow wears eyeliner, it's always good to have a few tips in your back pocket. The list is simple and straight forward.
Brown eyes always look good with dark brown and black eyeliner. Apply with a light hand, though. A thick, black line can give the appearance of raccoon eyes; that's a big no-no. Not only is it passe, but it is unflattering to the eye as well.
Maybe you have small eyes and are worried eyeliner will only make them look smaller. Never fear! You too can wear liner. Line the first third of your eyelid (from the inside corner) with white or ivory and the rest with dark brown.
Navy, forest green, violet, and copper are also great eyeliner choices. Play around with the different colors and pick the ones you like best.
Eye makeup should be fun. It can be a great way to express yourself. It can boost your self esteem when you've highlighted your eyes the right way. Practice and try something new and you'll be surprised how much fun it can be to play up brown eyes.
Makeup Tips For Brown Eyes
Lynn Starner founded Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics ( http://www.beautyblisscosmetics.com ) in 2004.