16 Best Brown Eyeliners Perfect for Every Eye Color

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
Best Brown Eyeliners Perfect For Every Eye Color
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While most people consider black eyeliners to be a necessary component of their makeup routine, befriending the best brown eyeliner can really provide you far more artistic liberty to play around with your makeup and enhance your overall appearance. The best brown eyeliner has the ability to compliment a light skin tone and accentuate the beauty of brown and gold flecks in hazel eyes. Furthermore, its popularity is also increasing for its softer and more subtle looks and the array of shades it has to offer. Be it cocoa, chocolatey, or cinnamon — each shade is versatile, intense, and approved by every celebrity makeup artist. When compared to the very evident black Kohl eyeliner, some people prefer the buildability that brown liner offers. Other folks adore the lighter, warmer, and more understated appearance that brown liner gives their makeup. In any case, if you've worn makeup for years and have always insisted on using traditional black eyeliner, take this as your cue to experiment with winged eyeliner and sharp lines, and of course, challenge your makeup looks.

??Having said that, it is important to note that no two brown eyeliners are the same. Whether you're looking for a cinnamon brown, a chocolate brown, or a universal brown, to honor any eyeliner as your ride-or-die, it needs to offer results that are eye-catching. The best brown eyeliners are often chosen as the ideal intermediary color that somehow flatters everyone. They are the warmer sibling to their bold counterpart, black eyeliner. Brown eyeliners can give you smokey eyes and yet seem soft. They can also give your eye makeup a striking look without being garish. Eyeliners can be really game-changing as Paris-based makeup expert Ali Andreaa attests, “I have small eyes. They're so small that if I am not wearing at least mascara everybody thinks I'm either tired, or I've just woken up. I've actually started to do  this type of eyeliner makeup probably when I was in college because it was so quick to do it!” In terms of eye makeup, we'd say it's essentially a foolproof necessity. So, take your pick from the list we’ve accumulated.

16 Best Brown Eyeliners

NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil in the color Bronze is one of the best creamiest brown eyeliner pencils that suits eyes of every color. It has a creamy consistency with deep pigments that can be applied like liquid eyeliner but feel light and does not weigh the eyes down. The best part is that you don't even have to keep sharpening it. It has a slightly blunt tip but is easy to use and lasts for hours. With just a twist of this retractable eyeliner, you can achieve a well-defined eyeliner look with intense pigmentation. It is the best drugstore brown eyeliner you can get your hands on before it runs out! 

Cons
  • Best Precision Eyeliner

    Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil

    Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil
  • Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil is yet another creamy brown eyeliner that comes in a retractable packaging. This waterproof eyeliner pencil glides on smoothly to create bold strokes and strong colors that stay for 36 hours without fading or flaking. The eyeliner is sharpenable so you can achieve the desired edge, which enables accurate definition. The rich pigment in the formulation makes it an ideal tint for every mood, from timeless nude looks to sexy seductive looks, you can have it all. All you need is a simple beige eyeshadow and this Maybelline brown eyeliner pencil to create a flawless and smooth eye makeup that will capture everyone's attention.

    Pros
    • Smudge and fade resistant
    • Smooth application
    • Precision
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • May cause irritation
  • Best Waterproof Brown Eyeliner

    Rimmel Scandaleyes 24 Hours Brown Eyeliner

    Rimmel Scandaleyes 24 Hours Brown Eyeliner
  • Rimmel Scandaleyes 24 Hours Brown Eyeliner is not your typical brown liner; it has copper undertones and a subtle but lovely glittery look when applied. Applying the soft, smudge-proof precision pencil is simple. This means, you can have a fool-proof look without having to touch up or worry about your makeup getting ruined. This beautiful, versatile eye pencil is perfect for those who want to make a statement without putting in too much effort. The eyeliner is perfect if you need to line your waterline too, but it has to be applied a couple of times to achieve the darkness. The eyeliner is ophthalmologically tested and is suitable for contact lens wearers and those who have sensitive eyes. It is also incredibly easy to wash, leaving no trace of the eyeliner for the next day.

    Pros
    • Good for waterline
    • Shimmery touch
    • Glides easily
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Sharpener not included
  • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

    Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
  • Brown is the new black and it does not get any better than having an eyeliner that works like a pen but gives the effect of an eyeliner pencil. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner gives you dramatic looks with it easy to use pen. It glides on effortlessly and dries within seconds, saving you from the task of correcting smudges while applying.  You can easily draw thin, and precise lines that can be also thickened as per preference. There’s no way you can make an eyeliner mistake with this one!

    Pros
    • Precision liner
    • Strong pigment
    • Smudge-proof
    • True to color
    Cons
    • Not suitable for smokey eyes
  • Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

    Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
  • Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in the color Forest Brown is a perfect eyeliner for those lacking patience. It is a pen-type eyeliner with a precision felt tip and is super easy to apply on the eyelid. Once you’ve created your magic with the eyeliner, you can chill for the next 12 hours, because it will not fade or run out. Draw a smooth, even outline starting at the inner corner of the upper eyelid to the outer corner. You can get the details right with this precision tip, so go slow and make sure you get that wing that’s sought after. It will give any eye color an enhanced look.

    Pros
    • Ophthalmologically tested
    • Fragrance-free
    • Precision tip
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Does not dry immediately
  • Best For Smokey Eyes

    L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pencil Eyeliner

    L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pencil Eyeliner
  • L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible brown eyeliner pencil has a soft texture that glides on easily without irritating the skin. It’s an all-inclusive eyeliner that has a built-in sharpener and also a smudger. So once you’re done applying the eyeliner effortlessly, you can turn the pencil around and use the smudger to create a smoky effect. Even if you’re running late to the office, this eyeliner will make sure you line your eyes in a few seconds. The creamy formula is also waterproof and does not rub off onto clothes or hands once applied. While it may take a tad bit of patience to get this off your eyes at the end of the day, it’s worth the effort because it certainly holds your look all through the day– making it infallible!

    Pros
    • Mess-free
    • Built-in smudger
    • Ophthalmologically tested
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Light pigment
  • Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner

    Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner
  • The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil is a longwear brown eyeliner pencil that provides up to 16 hours of smudge-free wear. It is highly pigmented and provides an easy-to-apply creamy texture that ensures a smooth application. The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil is a brown gel liner that is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of drama to their eyes while keeping their makeup stay in place all day long. This eyeliner can be used to make precise lines or can also be smudged for a natural sultry smokey look. This highly versatile eyeliner is a must-have for any makeup lover, as you can draw out vivid wings or create a smokey eye, or if you're in the mood for a cat fight, you could also go for the feline eyes.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Smudge-resistant
    • Deeply pigmented
    • Suitable for contact lens wearers
    Cons
    • Not suitable for fine line
  • L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Super Slim

    L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Super Slim
  • L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Super Slim is your perfect choice if you want to give in to the designer trends and create ultra-thin lines on your eyelids. This is one of the best brown liquid eyeliners that have great precision control and are also richly pigmented. The tip is only 0.4mm thick and is super-soft on the skin. So you will not have to worry about pricking yourself. The brown eyeliner is a chestnut shade and works well on all complexions. It can be used as a final touch to complement a face with over-the-top makeup to neutralize the look while maintaining minimal drama on the eyes. This particular rollout of Maybelline’s super slim eyeliner pencil is available in 3 other shades if you wish to splurge.

    Related: Best Quick Dry Nail Polishes

    Pros
    • Drag-proof
    • Smudge-proof
    • Felt-tip precision
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Not suitable for smoky eyes
  • Most Lightweight

    Wet n Wild Breakup Proof

    Wet n Wild Breakup Proof
  • Wet n Wild Breakup Proof dark brown eyeliner pencil is a satin-textured eyeliner that will stay with you even if your significant other does not. As monikered, it is tear-proof, and will not smudge even if you cry a river. The satin gel formula glides onto lids without tugging or pulling, making it easy to be used even on mature skin. This highly pigmented eyeliner delivers color that lasts up to 16 hours so you can be wild and free. The retractable gel eyeliner is quite pocket-friendly too, so you can carry it with you wherever you go. It is also a great deal for a pack of two so we would advise you to hurry before you miss out on the chance.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Comfortable
    • Long-lasting
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Breaks easily
  • Most Cost-effective

    Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil

    Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil
  • Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil encourages you to play with your eyeliner to create different looks. It has a blender on the opposite side of the liner and offers a soft and easy blending of the brown eyeliner. The brown color of this eyeliner is inclined more towards the black spectrum than the brown. It is highly pigmented and dark and is best for evening looks. It can be used to create bold looks. It is also smudge-proof and dries gradually so that you can create the look you want. It needs to be sharpened from time to time to dispense more product.

    Pros
    • Blender included
    • Soft and creamy
    • Easy to apply
    • Pigmented
    Cons
    • No sharpener
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

    Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner
  • Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner is an oil-free gel eyeliner that is super concentrated. It is soft and creamy and glides on the eyelids like butter. It can be applied using a brush. Whether you’re a novice or an amateur, you can wing it! The high pigment in the gel allows you to stay carefree for up to 24 hours, as the look will hold without smudging, creasing, or flaking. The brown gel eyeliner is a bronze shade and will look wonderful with a bright lip or even a nude shade. This eyeliner is not for those who prefer light pigments because Maybelline’s Lasting Drama Gel Liner really lasts long, some reviews even say they have gone up to 2 days without retouching!

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Suits oily skin
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Super-long lasting
    Cons
    • Removal can take time
  • L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner

    L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Eyeliner
  • L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Last Brown Pencil Eyeliner is just a tad less glamorous than its former counterpart that’s super slim. This brown pencil eyeliner has a gentle tip that’s more like a crayon. It has a creamy texture and is easy to use, although it needs occasional sharpening. It comes in simple packaging with a cap and does not require professional makeup skills to use. The eyeliner lasts throughout the day and is also smudge-proof and waterproof. It does, however, take a minute to dry immediately after application. So be careful not to mess with your eyelids until it dries. The eyeliner can be used on your eyelids, waterline, or to create an eyeshadow effect.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Smudge-proof
    • Long-lasting
    • No tugging
    Cons
    • Sharpening may be difficult
  • Best Affordable Brown Eyeliner

    Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil

    Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil
  • Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil is a super-affordable and simple pencil eyeliner that can be used as a kohl or as a lip liner, either way making you look beautiful. It is a long-wearing liner that assures you 12 hours of unfettered awesomeness. It has a rich, hyper-pigmented color that adheres to the eyelids in an unbelievably smooth, creamy application. These liners are incredibly adaptable to create any look you want. It makes sense, why celebrities and makeup artists love them so much. Most young girls find their introduction to makeup with Wet n Wild and the company has leveraged the sentiments to make a kohl liner that’s suitable for girls and women of all ages.

    Pros
    • Does not irritate skin
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Good for makeup newbies
    • Can be used on lip
    Cons
    • Might smudge
  • Maybelline New York Define-a-line Eyeliner Makeup

    Maybelline New York Define-a-line Eyeliner Makeup
  • Maybelline New York Define-a-line Eyeliner Makeup has a precision tip that makes applying eyeliner effortless and quick. It is a very soft pen-type liner that goes on comfortably and is designed to smudge easily for blending and softening hard lines. The eyeliner comes with a blending sponge tool to help you with soft looks. This is the perfect eyeliner if you want to get your makeup done in seconds and are not looking to create hard lines because the tip might just glide way too smoothly. The brownish-black shade is a good mix offering the best of both worlds, giving you a soft yet rich look. A little bonus, you can use this to line your brows too!

    Pros
    • Super-soft
    • Precision tip
    • Built-in sponge
    • Suit all skin types
    Cons
    • May smudge if rubbed
  • Clinique Quickliner for Eyes

    Clinique Quickliner for Eyes
  • Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in the shade smoky brown is a sophisticated pack of eyeliner that is light on the pocket and is packed with all the qualities you need in the best brown eyeliner. It is a richly pigmented self-sharpening pencil that has all the vigor of liquid liner. When clinique has made it so simple to access the deepest and the most dramatic eyeliner pigments, there's no need to be subtle. We say, go all out creating the dramatic look you want in just one easy stroke. You don't need to be intimidated by liquid liners and struggle with them because this eyeliner has the texture of a liquid liner with the ease of a pen.

    Pros
    • Smudge-proof
    • Rich-pigments
    • Double-sided tip
    • Silky formula
    Cons
    • Not for thin lines
  • Eyeliner Pencil by Almay

    Eyeliner Pencil by Almay
  • Eyeliner Pencil by Almay is infused with vitamin E to keep your eyes nourished while rocking an intense look. It is an ideal eye pencil, one that actually helps you achieve lines that last and that too without constant re-sharpening. Disappearing acts are great when it comes to magic, not makeup, and that's what makes Almay's eyeliner good. This long-lasting, water-resistant eyeliner formula does not disappear, so you can be confident that your eyeliner looks great all through the day. It is also oil-free so you can be unbothered about it sliding off your eyes.

    Pros
    • Has Vitamin E
    • Self-sharpening
    • Long-lasting
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Might be too matte for some

    Now that we have established that brown can look more flattering than black eyeliner, it’s likely that you could be caught in the confusing labyrinths of brown shades. Brown eyeliner creates the appearance of thicker, bigger, and farther-off eyelashes by acting as a contour for your natural lashes, so without any fear, you can add suitable brown drugstore eyeliner or any brown eyeliner to your makeup vanity. Fret not, we’ll help you with that too.

    That was all about the best brown eyeliners that you should think of investing in. Now, let us run you through the reasons and steps of using one.  Keep scrolling!

    How and Why Do I Wear Brown Eyeliner?

    Below are all the answers to wearing and using the best brown eyeliner. 

    Firstly, you should wear brown eyeliner for a natural-looking, subtle, and soft look. They are the best makeup products for everyday wear as compared to black-colored liners. Secondly, you should wear it to add dimension and definition to your eyes without actually overpowering their natural appearance. Now, let us acquaint you with a few more pieces of information to create flawless looks. 

    Classic Eyeliner Look: Pick the best dark brown eye pencil and begin creating a thin line on your upper as well as the lower lash line. 

    Waterline: Use the best dark brown eyeliner and run it on your lower waterline. It will define your eyes beautifully. 

    Underliner: Pick a rich, dark brown, or bronzy shade for creating a graceful underliner look. 

    Graphic Eyeliner Look: For a cut crease eyeliner or a floating eyeliner look, pick a dark brown eyeliner shade and get creative as much as you can.

    Winged Eyeliner Look: Use the best brown pencil eyeliner that comes in the darkest shade of brown to add drama to your eyes.

    What Color Eyes Should Wear Brown Eyeliner?

    People with green, hazel, light, and earthy brown color eyes should wear brown eyeliner for the following reasons: 

    • To enhance the natural beauty of your eyes
    • To prevent eyes from looking washed out and tired
    • To emphasize light flecks in the eyes
    • For a natural and subtle makeup look
    • To prevent makeup from looking overpowered 

    Now, let us help you in picking the best brown-eye pencil or the best brown waterproof eyeliner for everyday use.

    How to Choose the Best Brown Eyeliner?

    There are a few thumb rules to follow before buying any eyeliner. But if you’re venturing into the abyss of browns for the first time, here are a few guiding factors that you should consider. Whether it’s the best drugstore brown eyeliner or a professional eyeliner, the rules apply to all.

    Eye-makeup

    Before you choose the shade of brown eyeliner you would like to wear, it is recommended to first determine the eyeshadow or the base eye-makeup you would pair it with.  For instance, you should choose a light brown liquid eyeliner if your eyeshadow is brightly colored. 

    Pigmentation

    Pigmentation is important when looking for your new favorite brown eyeliner. The deeper pigments enhance darker complexions while lighter pigments are sufficient for lighter complexions.  Furthermore, if you're looking to create a subtle look, with a smoky or smudged-out effect, brown eyeliner with light pigments would be great. But, if you're in the mood for intense eye makeup, liquid eyeliners have the heaviest pigments you require.

    Texture

    When selecting an eyeliner, it is essential to take texture into account. Gel liners, for example, have a creamier texture than conventional liners and can slide across the lid more easily. Gel liners are great if you are digging an easy removal and application. On the other hand, if you want your eyeliner to stay put, it's better to consider liquid eyeliners. 

    Application Style 

    Consider your most comfortable application method when selecting the best brown eyeliner for you. Despite the fact that most people favor liquid eyeliners, many beginners may find these difficult to control and have a tough time (it's almost impossible to get a straight line in the first attempt). The simplest to apply are pencil liners, albeit they may not be very pigmented. Brown felt tip eyeliners are a reasonable option between the two application methods and can also be used to get those winged eyes that are almost impossible to perfect (unless you're a fashion goddess!).

    Waterproof
    The most effective eyeliners are those that are waterproof. This is the ultimate goal of any eyeliner, to remain unfettered, come what may. A waterproof eyeliner ensures that you can brave even the sweatiest or most humid settings without worrying about looking like a raccoon.

    Durability

    The finest brown eyeliner is generally one that lasts at least half a day, before needing to be reapplied, making it a very practical choice for everyday wear as well.

    Blendability

    Make sure you get your hands on a good-quality brown eyeliner that blends easily and lasts for a prolonged period of time. It will give you the freedom to create multiple looks with utmost ease. For creating dramatic smokey eyes, pick the best brown eyeliner or a waterproof liner that smudges and blends in well. Further, you can complete your look with a winged liner.

    Shade Of Brown

    There is a wide range of shades when it comes to the best brown liquid eyeliner, dark brown eyeliner, and brown eyeliner pencils. You can vouch for cocoa, chocolatey, deep espresso, and coffee shades ranging from light to the darkest hue of brown to accentuate the glory of your eyes. Avoid shades that come with a reddish tinge as they might make your eyes look tired. 

    Quick Tip:
    As you begin to create art on your eyes, rest your elbow on a flat surface that keeps your hand steady.  It'll keep your hand from shaking or being unstable.  On the occasions that you make a mistake, don't go into panic mode. Just take a Q-tip dipped in a makeup remover and fix it. If there are minor flaws, just use a q-tip with concealer and hide it away. A good primer on eyelids will also ensure your eye makeup stays the way it's intended to.

    Conclusion:

    Brown eyeliners have got to be the most unappreciated cosmetic makeup magic wand out there. When you don't have the time (or the enthusiasm) for a strong eye look, this simple shade of brown may really pull an outfit together by providing subtle depth and definition. For basic, au naturel makeup, you must have a hue of brown in your cosmetic bag. In fact, the best brown eyeliner is thought to deflect from blemishes or dark circles and provide a more youthful glow, whereas black eyeliner is said to make them appear darker. You'd never know if you don't try, so let's give it a shot, what say? Vibrant espresso hues or warm chocolatey browns— whatever your pick is, we're sure brown eyeliners will be your new favorites.

    FAQ's

    Does brown eyeliner make your eyes look bigger?
    Yes. Brown eyeliners make your eyes look brighter as well as bigger.
    Is liquid brown eyeliner better than pencil?
    For creating super crisp and fine lines, liquid brown eyeliner is better than a pencil.
    When should you use brown eyeliner?
    Brown eyeliner is better to be worn during the daytime or when you wish to ace a natural look.
    Is black or brown eyeliner better for brown eyes?
    For a natural-looking makeup look, brown eyeliner is better than black one for brown eyes.
    Can you wear black and brown eyeliner together?
    Yes, only if you have bigger eyes so that every shade will help you accentuate the beauty of your eyes.
    Is brown eyeliner good for hazel eyes?
    Yes, brown eyeliner will make your hazel eyes pop.
    Does blue eyeliner go with brown eyes?
    Yes, blue eyeliner goes very well with brown eyes. They make your eye look flattering.
    Does brown eyeliner make you look younger?
    Yes, a thin stroke of a brown liner aids in adding more depth to the eyes and making you look a lot younger.
    Is brown or black eyeliner better over 50?
    Both of them look great when they are lighter in shade. i.e. light brown and charcoal black for someone who is over 50.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    As a makeup enthusiast, Sayantani reviewed the best brown eyeliners to find high-quality products that accentuated her eyes flawlessly. Brown eyeliners offer a versatile and natural look suitable for various occasions and skin tones. Through extensive research and personal testing, she sought eyeliners, such as Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil and Rimmel Scandaleyes 24 Hours Brown Eyeliner with excellent pigmentation, smooth application, and long-lasting wear. Her aim was to curate a collection of top brown eyeliners, providing her readers with reliable options to enhance their eye makeup effortlessly. By sharing her insights, she hoped to help others in finding the best brown eyeliners to enhance their makeup looks.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More