These Are Our Favorite Brown and Black Eyeshadow Looks

This holiday season, set your colorful eyeshadow aside, and give moody neutral hues a shot. We are specifically calling out black and brown eye-shadow combinations as a pairing to try. It’s sophisticated, smokey, and instantly adds depth to your eyes. Ahead, we’re sharing six brown and black eyeshadow looks worth adding to your makeup repertoire.

#1: HALO EYES

The halo eyes trend is one of our favorite black and brown eyeshadow looks for a good reason. It’s all about placing a shadow shade on the center of your lid and surrounding it with a contrasting color to create a halo effect. As a result, this look gives your eyes the illusion of a brighter gaze. This eye makeup look is perfect for those looking for ways to make their eyes look bigger with makeup. Not to mention, this trend is ideal for your next virtual party look or days when you want to add extra glam into the mix.

How to get the look: Grab your favorite brown and black eyeshadow picks and read our article, What Is Halo Eye Makeup? Here’s How To Rock This Buzzy Makeup Trend for inspiration.

#2: SMOKEY EYES

A classic eye makeup look always holds a special place in our hearts, and the smokey eye is no exception. This timeless trend features a gorgeous blend of matte and shimmery eyeshadow that works to enhance your eye shape. While some smokey eyes are only reserved for special occasions, switching things up with brown and black eyeshadow can add versatility to your look.

How to get the look: Start by applying a thin layer of eye makeup primer to your lids. Paint your lids with brown eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Pain Au Chocolat. Using a fluffy makeup brush, sweep the Noir Cest Noir (black eyeshadow) onto your crease. Be sure to blend well for a seamless transition between shades. Dust your lower lash line with the black shadow and gently smudge it out for a smokey effect.

#3: CUT CREASE

The cut crease continues to be one of the most coveted makeup looks in the beauty world, and combining brown and black eyeshadow into the look makes it super wearable. The trend involves defining the crease of your eye by cutting across it with a darker shadow or eyeliner and barely blending it out. It’s a chic way to show off a precise contrast of color and embrace your inner MUA skills.

How to get the look: Click through to our article, How To Create a Cut Crease, for a step-by-step tutorial.

#4: OMBRÈ EYES

If we had to name one black and brown eye look that will turn heads, the ombré eyes trend gets our vote. This multi-colored trend allows you to show off your blending skills to achieve a playful look. It also gives you a gorgeous gradient that adds depth and dimension to your eye makeup look. This number is perfect for date night and days when you have a full-glam makeup look in mind.

How to get the look: Apply the matte brown shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eyeshadow Palette in French Biscuit to the inner corner of your lid. Next, sweep on the shimmery brown shade onto the center of your lid. Follow up by dusting the black shadow on the outer corner and blend evenly where each shade meets.

#5: METALLIC EYES

Glitzy makeup looks are always on-trend and rocking metallic eyes is the perfect way to hop on the bandwagon. Metallic eyes can be worn with a solo shade or multiple shades painted all over your lids. However, pairing it with brown and black eyeshadow allows you to take a neutral yet eye-catching approach to the look. This shimmery eye look is a solid option for New Year’s Eve makeup and virtual parties.

How to get the look: Dust a shimmery brown shade onto your lids and lower lash line, making sure to blend until even. Follow up with a black shimmer shadow along your crease and into the outer “V” of your eye. Finish up with a few coats of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable, onto your lashes to score blown out lashes.

#6: MISMATCHED EYESHADOW

There’s no denying that bold makeup looks are in and mismatched eyeshadow goes hand-in-hand with the trend. This look features different eyeshadow hues on each of your eyes, without having to worry about matching. It’s a way to step outside-of-the-box and bring the cool-girl aesthetic to life.

How to get the look: Simply apply a dark-brown eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Royal Onyx onto one of your lids, making sure to blend until even. Follow up by dusting a black eyeshadow on your remaining lid to complete the look.

Next: How To Get a Neutral Makeup Look That Works For Any Occasion