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:
“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.”
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Versatile
Cons:
- On the pricier side