Brown Eyeliner — Not Just for Daytime Anymore

Softer than black but still impactful, brown eyeliner is becoming a go-to for glam looks that feel polished and wearable.

Jacky Lam @jphotony.

Brown eyeliner has long been thought of as the softer, more natural alternative to black — something you reach for during the day, then swap out at night. But lately, it’s showing up in full-glam looks, too, offering definition without the harsh edge.

Interestingly, makeup artists say most clients don’t ask for brown eyeliner by name. “I think most people don’t even realize it’s an option,” says Marie D’Onofrio of Marie Angelique Beauty. “But when a client wants their eyes to pop without looking overdone, I almost always recommend brown.”

Compared to black, brown eyeliner creates contrast in a subtler way. “Brown allows any eye color to stand out and draws focus to the eyes in a more natural, effortless way,” D’Onofrio explains. While black liner is timeless and dramatic, she says brown often feels fresher — especially in glam looks where skin, lashes, and lips are doing more of the heavy lifting.

That softer effect is why brown eyeliner works on just about everyone. “It’s truly universal,” says D’Onofrio, noting that she especially loves it on mature skin, fair complexions, lighter hair colors, and eye colors like blue, green, and hazel, where black can sometimes feel too stark.

courtesy of Marie Angelique Beauty

A Softer Way to Define Eyes

Makeup artist Amber Taylor sees the same shift. “Clients aren’t necessarily asking for brown eyeliner specifically, but they are asking for softer, more neutral eye makeup,” she says. “Brown fits seamlessly into that. It gives definition without feeling bold or heavy.”

Taylor often reaches for brown liner when creating diffused eye looks or lining the lower lash line. “It’s great for smaller eyes, since black can sometimes make the eyes appear more closed off,” she explains. “Brown keeps everything light, balanced, and flattering.”

Another reason brown eyeliner is having a moment: versatility. From deep espresso shades to warm, bronzed browns, the range allows artists to tailor the look. “You can keep it subtle for daytime, then deepen the lash line or even layer a touch of black for evening,” says D’Onofrio. “You get drama without it feeling too dramatic.”

Amber Taylor Artistry

Brown Eyeliners Makeup Artists Swear By

Marie D’Onofrio, Marie Angelique Beauty

• Stila Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner in Damsel Dark Brown and Lionfish Bronze
  “These do not move, so you never have to worry about smudging.”

• ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Busty Brown
  Known for its precision felt tip and long wear.

• Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Longwear Eyeliner in Limitless Brown and Endless Cacao
  A multi-use staple she uses as eyeliner, lip liner, or brow pencil for effortless glide and rich pigment.

Amber Taylor, Makeup Artist

• MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Teddy
  Her longtime favorite for its warmth, softness, and versatility across skin tones.

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Corrupt, Bourbon, and Demolition
  Go-to shades she keeps in her kit to customize tone for different clients and looks.

Editor’s note: I recently started wearing brown eyeliner most days — and nights — and I have to say I love the look. I use a liquid liner (NYX Epic Ink Liquid Eyeliner in Milk Chocolate) with a slight uptick in the outer corner.