Top 3 Brown Eyeliners to Consider

Which brown eyeliners are best?

While black eyeliner tends to steal the spotlight, brown eyeliner is often a more versatile choice. It’s essential for achieving a smoky eye and is subtle enough for everyday wear, making it especially suitable for mature skin where black can appear too harsh. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable brown eyeliner that complements any look, we believe the Tarte Double Take Eyeliner stands out as an excellent option.

Considerations Before Purchasing Brown Eyeliner

Waterproof Versus Regular

Both regular eyeliners and their waterproof variants each serve unique purposes, so it’s wise to assess your makeup habits. Regular eyeliners typically apply more smoothly, allowing for easier blending, while waterproof options are designed to withstand longer wear, especially during humid weather. If you’re diligent with your makeup removal routines, a waterproof option might be the way to go; otherwise, a creamy pencil could be more forgiving.

Pencil, Gel, or Liquid?

Pencil eyeliners are popular for good reason—they’re user-friendly and versatile. Gel eyeliners offer smooth application and are great for precise looks, while liquid eyeliners excel at delivering control for dramatic styles but can be tricky to apply evenly. For daily use, we recommend a dependable pencil, but for evening glamour, liquid options provide the most flexibility.

Choosing Between Warm and Cool Tones

Browns vary from warm, reddish shades to cooler tones that lean towards taupe or grey. Finding the right shade that complements both your skin tone and the eyeshadow you plan to wear can help create a cohesive look.

Key Features of a Quality Brown Eyeliner

Matte vs. Shimmer

The choice between matte and shimmer can significantly impact your overall appearance. Matte liners provide subtlety and depth, while those with a sheen draw attention and add a pop to your makeup.

Complementing Eye Colour

If you want to accentuate the colour of your eyes, consider a sparkly eyeliner in a shade opposite your eye colour on the colour wheel—for example, a warm copper can enhance blue eyes. Although brown eyeliner is often recommended for brown eyes, the right shade can bring vibrancy to blue and green eyes as well.

Moisturising Ingredients

Given that the skin around the eyes can be delicate and prone to dryness, opt for a brown eyeliner with hydrating properties if you wear makeup regularly or have dry skin.

Price Expectations for Brown Eyeliner

You can find decent drugstore eyeliners starting from around £3. However, premium options from renowned brands can cost £20 or more.

Brown Eyeliner FAQs

Is brown eyeliner suitable for brown eyes?

A: While brown eyeliner can complement brown eyes beautifully, it’s not exclusive to them. It provides warmth and contrast for all eye colours, making it a versatile choice for any look.

Is brown eyeliner preferable to black?

A: While some enthusiasts claim that brown is the new black, both have their merits. Black eyeliner excels in creating bold, defined looks, whereas brown offers a softer, more blendable option, especially ideal for daytime wear. It’s particularly flattering for mature skin, where black can appear overly stark.

Can I pair brown eyeliner with eyeshadows of different colours?

A: Absolutely! Brown eyeliner is a versatile alternative to black, blending seamlessly with a variety of shadows, including browns, greens, and trending shades like oranges and pinks.

Our Recommended Brown Eyeliners

Best Overall Brown Eyeliner

Tarte Double Take Eyeliner

Key Features: This eyeliner offers a rich colour payoff and versatility, catering to all your eyeliner needs.

What We Loved: The Double Take features two liners in one: a creamy pencil enriched with Amazonian clay for blendable, deep colour, and a waterproof liquid liner that stays put from dawn till dusk.

What to Note: For those aiming for a bold cat-eye with the liquid end, be prepared to apply multiple layers to achieve full opacity.

Where to Buy: Available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty

Best Value Brown Eyeliner

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil, Brown

Key Features: This eyeliner strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it a smart choice for makeup enthusiasts.

What We Loved: The vibrant pigment works well with a variety of skin tones and applies smoothly for effortless makeup application.

What to Note: Its creamy consistency can lead to smudging, so consider using a setting spray for longer wear.

Where to Buy: Available on Amazon

Recommended for All-Day Wear

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Whiskey

Key Features: Urban Decay is known for its exceptional eye makeup, and this waterproof eyeliner is no exception.

What We Loved: The creamy texture glides on smoothly, providing long-lasting wear that stands up to humidity.

What to Note: True to its waterproof claim, it can be tough to remove at the end of the day, so a robust makeup remover is advisable.

Where to Buy: Sold at Sephora