Bored of Black? Here’s Why Brown Eyeliner is Your New Best Friend
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Time to read 5 min
Let’s talk about a makeup staple so ingrained in our routines that we barely even think about it: black eyeliner. It’s the little black dress of our makeup bag - reliable, classic, always there for a bit of drama. It was likely the first one you ever bought, and it’s probably the one you reach for every single day.
But what if I told you there might be an even better fit for you?
As we settle into the cosy, warmth of autumn, it’s the perfect time to rethink our routines. And making the simple switch from black to brown eyeliner is one of the most understated yet transformative changes you can make. It’s less of a radical overhaul and more of a sophisticated tweak - a secret weapon for looking effortlessly put-together.
So, why is brown eyeliner suddenly getting all the attention? Let me break it down.
The Case for Brown: It’s More Than Just a Colour
It Defines Without the Harshness: Brown liner offers a beautiful definition that’s softer and more forgiving. It frames your eyes without shouting, giving you a look that feels modern and intentional.
It Makes Your Eye Colour Pop:
For Blue & Green Eyes: The warm, reddish undertones in most brown liners create a stunning contrast that makes blue and green eyes look incredibly vibrant and bright.
For Brown & Hazel Eyes: It creates a gorgeous, tonal harmony, adding depth and richness that makes brown eyes look like pools of melted chocolate.
It’s Unbelievably Versatile: A sharp black wing is a specific look. A brown liner, however, can do it all. It can be drawn into a precise flick, smudged out for a 30-second smoky eye, or subtly pressed into the lash line for a "no-makeup makeup" effect. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker.
Three Perfect Browns to Get You Started
For the Lover of the Liquid-Liner Flick
GUERLAIN Mad Eyes Intense Liquid Eyeliner in 02 Brun
If you live for the precision and drama of a liquid liner, this one is for you. Don't let the word "intense" fool you; the beauty of this liner is its sophisticated power.
The Shade: This isn't a flat, muddy brown. It's a deep, rich espresso with a subtle satin finish that catches the light beautifully.
The Applicator: The tip is incredibly fine and flexible, allowing it to glide effortlessly along the lash line. You can draw the thinnest, most delicate line or build it up for a bolder wing without it ever skipping.
The Verdict: This is your tool for creating that sharp, elegant flick, but with the softness and warmth that only a perfect brown can deliver. It’s pure Parisian chic in a tube.
For A Quick, Fool-Proof Flick
Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in 02 Chocolate
If your makeup style is more about speed and smudginess, meet your new holy grail. This is one of the most versatile pencils on the market.
The Shade: A true, deep chocolate brown. It’s incredibly pigmented and flattering on literally every skin tone.
The Formula: It’s a creamy, long-wearing gel in a pencil format. You have about 30-40 seconds of playtime to smudge and blend it to perfection before it sets and becomes completely waterproof—perfect for the waterline!
The Verdict: This is the ultimate one-and-done product. Scribble it along your lashes, flip it over, and use the built-in smudger to soften the edge for an instant smoky eye. It’s foolproof.
For the Effortlessly Cool, Lived-in Look
Yves Saint Laurent Crushliner Waterproof Eye Pencil in 2 - Deconstructed Brown
If Lancome is your classic trench coat, the YSL Crushliner is your perfectly worn-in leather jacket. It delivers a smudgy, rock-and-roll vibe that feels intentional and effortlessly cool.
The Shade: The name "Deconstructed Brown" says it all. It’s a deep, complex brown with an incredible richness that gives it a dimensional, almost-but-not-quite-black depth from a distance.
The Formula: This pencil is packed with pigment. It offers an intense, single-swipe colour payoff that glides on like a dream and lasts most of the without budging.
The Verdict: This is for the person who wants that slightly undone, smudgy look without any effort. It’s perfect for creating a lived-in wing or for smoking out the lower lash line for a bit of sultry, high-fashion edge.
Final Thoughts
Black eyeliner will always have its place, but it doesn’t have to be your only option. Think of brown eyeliner as a secret style upgrade a simple switch that softens your look, enhances your eyes, and adds a touch of modern warmth.
So next time you reach into your makeup bag, maybe pause and give brown eyeliner a try. I havent looked back.
Do I need to wear brown mascara with brown eyeliner?
This is such a great question! You definitely don't have to, and it really depends on the look you want.
For a softer, more natural look: Pairing a brown liner with a brown mascara is a beautifully cohesive and gentle way to define your eyes. It’s perfect for daytime or for those with very fair hair and skin.
For more definition: I actually love the contrast of a brown eyeliner with a classic black mascara. The brown liner softly frames the eye, and the black mascara makes the lashes themselves really pop. It’s a modern, expert-level combination.
Can brown eyeliner really be dramatic enough for a night out?
Absolutely, and here’s how. To dial up the drama for the evening, it’s all about application. Use a richly pigmented pencil, like the YSL Crushliner or Lancôme Le Stylo, and apply it generously. You can create a thick, smoky wing or really smudge it out along the upper and lower lash lines. Pairing it with a metallic eyeshadow—think bronze, gold, or a deep plum—will also instantly elevate the look for nighttime.
I have a deeper skin tone. Will brown eyeliner even show up on me?
It's a common concern, but the key is to choose the right brown. You’ll want to avoid anything that’s too light or chalky. Instead, look for deep, highly pigmented shades like the ones featured. The Lancôme Chocolate and YSL Deconstructed Brown are both fantastic because they have a rich, espresso-like depth. Browns with a slight metallic or bronze shimmer can also be stunning, as the shimmer catches the light and creates a beautiful contrast against deeper skin.
I'm not very confident with eyeliner. Which of these would be the easiest to use?
If you're a beginner or just want something foolproof, I would point you directly to the Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner. The formula is incredibly creamy and forgiving, so it doesn't drag or skip. Plus, the built-in smudger on the other end is your best friend—if you make a mistake or your line isn't perfectly straight, you can just gently smudge it out for a soft, smoky look in seconds. It’s practically mistake-proof.
Chelsey, Escentual Beauty Editor
With over 18 years of working in the beauty industry, I'm here to bring that experience directly to you, offering expert advice to achieve your personal beauty goals.
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