Most people learn early on that eye colour is a big factor in choosing eyeshadow. The first step in makeup for many people is usually a colour-coded palette that promises to make eyes stand out. The formulas don’t change very often: warm colours for blue eyes, lilac for green eyes, and olive for brown eyes. But there are a lot more options when it comes to eyeliner. Even though there are still rules, classic black and brown are always flattering.
If you’re not feeling inspired by the usual choices, there’s good news. You can switch between these seven editor-approved eyeliner colours depending on how you feel, and they all look polished and flattering on everyone.
Black
Black eyeliner is a classic that looks good on everyone. Put it on thick for a dramatic effect, or use a light touch and smudge it for a softer look. Depending on the technique, it can make any eye colour stand out. Tightlining the upper waterline can make the lash line look thicker and add volume to the lashes, even without mascara. Black eyeliner and mascara are a sure-fire pair.
Bronze
A warm, medium-toned brown with a hint of shimmer makes every eye colour look softer. Similar to how bronzer warms the complexion, bronze eyeliner brings a sun-kissed effect to the eyes. The soft, reflective finish helps light bounce off of it, which makes eyes look brighter and more awake. When you mix it across the lid, it also makes a great eyeshadow.
Chocolate Brown
A deep brown liner adds drama without being as harsh as black. It creates a smoky, defined look while keeping the face fresh and natural. Espresso-toned shades can sometimes appear black from a distance, but up close they subtly enhance eye colour, especially when the undertone stays balanced rather than overly cool or warm.
Navy
Navy eyeliner functions like a softer version of black, offering depth with added visual interest. Think of it as the polished, modern alternative to classic black. A navy wing or a swipe along the lower lash line instantly refines your makeup with minimal effort.
Burgundy
Burgundy sits perfectly between brown and plum, which makes it exceptionally versatile. Its blend of warm and cool undertones flatters nearly every complexion and eye colour. The richness of the shade prevents it from appearing red, while often making the whites of the eyes look noticeably brighter.
Cool Taupe
A cool-toned grey eyeliner offers a subtle, wearable edge. Instead of blending black into a softer shade, starting with taupe delivers definition with less effort. It’s ideal for daytime wear and can soften the appearance of fine lines around the eyes compared to harsher black liner.
Olive Green
Olive green is a quiet standout. From afar, it can resemble black or brown, but up close it adds a muted, golden depth to the eyes. While green liners are often suggested for brown or hazel eyes, olive’s warm, toned-down hue makes it striking on nearly every eye colour.
Originally posted 2026-02-19 14:38:00.