How To Wear Brown Eyeliner—Plus 11 Looks To Try

Brown eyeliner is often hailed as a softer alternative to classic black, perfect for no-makeup makeup looks. And while that’s true, brown liquid eyeliner is far more versatile than it gets credit for. Like the traditional onyx hue, brown eyeliner can be used to create a bold cat eye, frame a shimmery smokey eye, or take center stage in a graphic eye makeup look.

Its neutral tone pairs well with just about every eyeshadow color, though it’s particularly well-matched with warm hues like gold and bronze. If you need proof of the power of brown liquid eyeliner, keep scrolling. We’re revealing the benefits of this makeup bag staple and sharing 11 brown eyeliner looks we love.

What Are the Benefits of Brown Eyeliner?

There are several reasons why you may want to reach for a brown liquid eyeliner instead of your classic black. Here are a few noteworthy benefits.

• It adds soft definition: Like black eyeliner, brown liquid eyeliner can help define your eyes, but the end result is subtler. That makes it a great pick for a softer take on your go-to cat eye.
• It’s extremely versatile: Brown eyeliner works well around the clock. The earthy hue is soft enough for laid-back daytime situations but also packs plenty of punch for more dramatic nighttime looks.
• It’s more forgiving for beginners: The softer contrast of brown eyeliner can make mistakes less noticeable, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to master a sharp wing.
• It is ideal for mature eyes: As skin matures, sharp black lines can sometimes appear harsh. A rich brown provides definition with a softer, more flattering edge.
• It flatters all eye colors: Brown eyeliner is one of the best choices for brown eyes for a natural look. The shade’s warm undertones also create a beautiful contrast with blue and green eyes.
• It pairs well with every complexion: Pure black eyeliner can sometimes feel harsh against fair complexions. Brown eyeliner provides definition without as much sharp contrast, while still beautifully complementing deeper skin tones.

Brown Eyeliner vs. Black Eyeliner: Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between brown eyeliner vs. black eyeliner usually depends on the specific intensity you want to achieve for your final look. Both options have their place in a well-rounded makeup kit, but they offer very different results based on the occasion and your natural features.

Here are some things to consider:

• Softness vs. intensity: While black offers high-impact drama and a sharp edge, brown eyeliner provides a more natural, diffused appearance that looks lived-in and effortless.
• Day vs. night: A brown liquid eyeliner is perfect for professional settings or brunch, whereas black eyeliner often excels under the bright lights of an evening out.
• Skin tone suitability: Those with very light hair or fair skin may find that brown eyeliner looks more harmonious and less startling than deep black.

How To Apply Brown Liquid Eyeliner

Mastering the application of your brown liquid eyeliner involves a few key techniques like tightlining for depth, creating a sharp wing for lift, or smudging for a smokey effect. If you have never applied liquid eyeliner before, it can feel a little intimidating, but the process is actually quite straightforward. You simply have to follow a few simple steps to nail your application and achieve professional-looking results.

Choose the right formula

The first step in your journey is selecting the right format for your needs. While brown liquid eyeliner is the gold standard for precision and sharp wings, a brown eyeliner pencil is often more beginner-friendly because it allows for easy corrections and blending. If you prefer a creamy texture that stays put, a brown gel eyeliner is a fantastic hybrid option. For those who need their look to withstand humidity or long days, a waterproof brown eyeliner is an absolute necessity.

We recommend the L'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Brown for those who want a sharp, defined look. This felt-tip liner features a 0.4mm tip that allows for an ultra-precise application, whether you want thin or thick lines. The no-skip formula glides on easily and wears for up to 30 hours without smudging. If you prefer a pencil format, the L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner is a great alternative. This kohl pencil is designed for smooth application and is perfect for creating smudged, sultry looks or lining the waterline.

Prep your eyes

After selecting your liner, you should prep your lids with an eye makeup primer to help ensure a smooth, even application. This step is crucial for oil control and ensures the longevity of your makeup throughout the day. If you do not have an eye makeup primer on hand, you can dot a bit of concealer onto your lids instead. Just make sure to use a light hand and blend it out well, perhaps even setting it with a touch of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder to create a matte canvas.

Trace along your upper lash line

Next, uncap your liner and position yourself in front of a mirror. Looking at the mirror straight-on, begin tracing along your upper lash line while keeping the tip of the liner as close to your lashes as possible. For beginners, using short, feather-like strokes is often easier than trying to draw one continuous line. If you are having trouble keeping your hand steady, try propping your elbow on a hard, immovable surface like your bathroom counter for stability.

You can also try sketching out your desired shape with a pencil eyeliner before tracing over it with your brown liquid eyeliner. We are especially fond of the L'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner for this task because of its incredible control. Another excellent option is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Brown. This pencil offers long-lasting wear and a creamy texture that makes it easy to map out your wing before going in with a liquid formula.

Optional: Line your lower lash line

Lower lash liner is not a must, and it actually may not be suited to everyone or every makeup look. The distinction between the lash line (below the lashes) and waterline (the inner rim) is key; lining the waterline creates a more intense, dramatic effect then the lash line. If you are open to the idea, try a little brown waterline eyeliner to help enhance and define your eye shape. Using a pencil liner, gently line your lower lash line starting from the outer corner and working your way inward. You can use a small brush to smudge the line for a softer, more romantic finish.

The L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner is perfect for this area. It is a creamy kohl pencil that glides onto the delicate eye area without tugging. To use it, simply run the pencil along your lower lashes and use the built-in smudger or a finger to soften the edges for a natural look.

Tightline your eyes

Tightlining involves lining your upper waterline to provide subtle definition that makes your lashes look naturally thicker. This technique is a favorite for those who want to look polished without appearing to wear much makeup. By filling in the gaps between your lash hairs, you create a seamless transition from your eye to your lashes. This is a high-impact way to use your brown eyeliner pencil for an effortless everyday style.

Set your look

No matter what sort of makeup look you are after, it is a good idea to finish your look by setting it to help lock your products in place. A layering technique you can try is setting your liquid liner with a matching brown eyeshadow to prevent any potential smudging. This technique works across liquid, pencil, and gel formats to ensure maximum durability.

After completing your eye makeup, close your eyes and lightly mist the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist over your face for about three to four seconds. This fast-drying formula helps set makeup in place for up to 36 hours of transfer-resistant wear. It is the perfect final step to ensure your hard work stays put from morning until night.

11 Stunning Brown Eyeliner Looks To Try

Brown eyeliner can be used to create countless standout eye makeup looks, from exaggerated wings to mod-inspired vibes. Here are 11 of our favorite ways to wear this versatile shade for day, night, and every hour in between.

1. Soft wing

Winged eyeliner never goes out of style, and this chic look flatters every eye shape. Try a softer daytime take on the classic wing by using a light brown eyeliner to draw your wing, then lightly buffing out the edges with a similarly colored powder eyeshadow. The effect is glam but subdued, making it a gorgeous look for any occasion. Use the L'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Brown to get that perfect flick.

2. Smokey brown eyeliner

Soften your standard smokey eye by swapping out black for a rich, dark brown hue. Use the L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner to line your lashes and then smudge the edges with a brush. You can layer this with a dark brown shadow for added depth and a seamless transition.

3. Stacked wing

The only thing better than one wing is two wings. Start by drawing out a classic wing using a black liquid liner. Once it dries, use a thin-tipped brown liquid eyeliner to trace immediately above the first line for a two-toned stacked wing. The brown softens the contrast against your skin compared to a solid black look. This look is a great way to introduce color while maintaining the classic drama of black liner.

4. Sunset eyes

Brown eyeliner is the perfect complement to warm-toned eyeshadow. Swipe a bright pink or orange shade like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Cloudy Rose onto your lids. This shadow stick provides creamy, high-pigment color that is easy to blend. Finish by lining your upper lid with brown liner to balance the bold shadow tones.

5. Nude cat eye

Pairing a nude eyeshadow with a chunky brown wing is an ideal choice for a no-makeup makeup aesthetic. We love the way a neutral-toned matte shade helps draw attention to the chocolate-hued liner. Try a soft, almond hue with a matte finish for the perfect base for your brown eyeliner.

6. Colorblocked liner

Brown liquid eyeliner serves as the perfect backdrop for a pop of bright, vibrant color. To achieve this vivid look, create a thin wing at the outer corner of your top lid. Then, draw a second wing along your lower lash line with a bright, pigmented eyeliner pencil for contrast. We love how a vivid teal like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Turquoise pops against soft brown. This gel liner provides intense color and a smudge-proof finish.

7. Floating eyeliner

Floating eyeliner is a trend that involves drawing a thin, curved line above your crease. It is a funky and unexpected way to rock your brown liquid eyeliner and is surprisingly easy to execute. One tip is to line your upper lash line before doing your floating liner to help prevent smudging and provide a balanced look.

8. Sultry siren eye

The siren eye is similar to a cat eye, except the wing goes straight outward horizontally with little to no upward flick. For this look, a fine-tipped liner like the L'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Brown Leather is essential for reaching the inner corners. To finish, swipe through your lashes with the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Latte Brown. This mascara provides silky volume and a soft brown tint that perfectly matches your liner. Alternatively, use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara in Brown Leather for corner-to-corner volume and a fan-out effect.

9. Reverse cat eye

There is something effortlessly cool about a reverse cat eye. This look is best done with a pencil along the lower lash line. To create it, trace along your lower lash line with a brown eyeliner pencil and extend the liner past the outer corner of your eye toward your temple. We recommend the L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner for its blendability. You can also try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24 HR Pencil Eyeliner in Ivy, which has a unique greenish-brown hue for added interest.

10. Graphic ’60s liner

This mod-inspired look uses liquid liner for precision and a pencil for sketching the base. Create a cat eye and a floating crease, then connect the two. For extra impact, line your brown waterline eyeliner with a light shade or use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Nude to brighten the eyes.

11. Brown and burgundy liner

For a simple yet chic look, start with a brown liquid eyeliner on your upper lash line. Then, vamp it up with a burgundy liner on your lower lash line using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Burgundy. This pencil offers rich, creamy color that lasts all day. Finish with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Black Brown for bold volume. You might also suggest the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Extensionist Washable Mascara in True Brown to add incredible length to your lashes.

Next Up: 12 Brown Eyeshadow Looks That Are Anything But Boring

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris