Green eyes are both striking and relatively rare: According to the Cleveland Clinic, only about 2% of the world’s population has them. While they stand out all on their own, you can make your emerald eyes pop even more by using eyeshadow for green eyes. While there are no set rules when it comes to makeup, the best eyeshadow colors for green eyes tend to be warmer shades that contrast with your eyes’ natural cool tones (think: rich burgundies and bronzes). Earthy tones can also help accentuate the golden flecks in your irises.
If you need some inspiration on the eye makeup front, keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite eye makeup looks for different shades of green eyes. Plus, we’ll clue you in on the best eyeliners and eyeshadows for green eyes to add to your makeup bag.
1. Neutral Cat Eye
Nude eyeshadow is the perfect choice for when you want your green irises to take center stage. To create this flattering look, swipe a matte, neutral-toned eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Alluring Rose, onto your lids. Then, draw a sharp wing along your upper lash line to add definition and make your eyes appear wider and more lifted. If you’re not well-versed in eyeliner application, start with the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner—its 0.4mm tip and no-skip formula make this waterproof liner incredibly easy to use.
Shop the Products
2. Bronze Smokey Eye
Bronze is one of the best eyeshadow colors for green eyes. The warm tones highlight any natural golden flecks in your irises, making the green appear even more vibrant. To achieve a bronze smokey eye, sweep L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze all over your eyelids. Then, apply a darker shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss, to the crease and blend it upward and outward with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. This combination creates a rich, dimensional look that's sure to pull focus onto your eyes.
Shop the Products
3. Soft Mauve Eyeshadow
Makeup for green eyes doesn’t have to be neutral to be eye-catching. In fact, some of the best eyeshadow colors for green eyes include colorful hues like pastel pink and soft mauve. Creating a flattering eye makeup look with these romantic colors is easy, too. Start by swiping the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Mauve onto your lids, blending upward and outward for a diffused effect. Then, highlight your inner corners with a silver-toned highlighter or eyeshadow, and add a few coats of black mascara to complete the feminine look.
Shop the Product
4. Burgundy Lashes
Burgundy mascara is trending in a big way right now—and that’s great news for you, as the reddish-purple shade emphasizes green eyes beautifully. Create a subtle yet flattering everyday look by forgoing your usual black mascara in favor of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Burgundy. Wear it alone, or pair it with a striking wine-toned wing for added oomph.
Shop the Product
5. Olive Green and Gold Gradient
Olive and gold are a perfect pairing for accentuating green eyes. To achieve this earthy yet glam look, apply a medium-toned green eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Golden Emerald onto your eyelid, blending the pigment just past the crease. Then, darken your outer corner with a darker olive or deep brown eyeshadow, and brighten your inner corner with a shimmery gold shadow (we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine). Finish the look by tracing your lower lash line with the olive green shadow, blending well for a diffused, smokey effect.
Shop the Products
6. Cobalt Eyeliner
Blue may not be the most obvious choice for playing up your green eyes, but the tonal pairing of cobalt and green can be ultra-flattering, especially for those with darker green eyes. If you’re not ready to go full steam ahead with blue eyeshadow, consider swapping out your usual eyeliner for a rich cobalt or navy shade for a subtle yet flattering pop of color.
7. Emerald Cat Eye
Surprisingly, the best eye makeup for green eyes could be green eye makeup — specifically, jewel tones like emerald. Echoing your natural eye color can help make your eyes stand out, and the colorful hue is great for putting the focus on your eyes. To create a bold and eye-catching look, forgo your usual liner for a vivid green hue, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Emerald Green. Trace the pigmented formula along your upper lash line, adjusting the thickness of the line as you see fit. When you get to your outer corner, flick the liner upward (toward the tail of your brow) to create an elongated wing shape. When you’re done, mist your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to help lock your look into place.
Shop the Products
8. Silver and Charcoal Smokey Eye
If you’re on the hunt for flattering eye makeup for green eyes to wear on a fancy night out, consider a silver smokey eye. Metallic shades like platinum, gunmetal, and charcoal make emerald irises pop (especially when paired with plenty of black liner). To create an edgy look, coat your lids with a bright silver eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil. Then, darken the crease and outer corner with a shimmery gunmetal hue and tightline your eyes with matte black eyeliner for contrast and definition.
Shop the Product
9. Rose Eyeshadow
Red sits opposite green on the color wheel, which makes these two hues complementary colors. When placed side-by-side, red can help make green pop. While we love red eyeshadow, we understand that it may not be the most approachable color. Luckily, you can achieve a similar eye-brightening effect with softer eyeshadow colors, like rose and peach. For a simple five-minute eye makeup look, swipe the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Cloudy Rose onto your lids and blend with your finger. You’ll get a soft wash of color that perfectly complements your earthy green eyes.
Shop the Product
10. Lavender Lids
For an ethereal vibe that makes green eyes seem more enchanting than ever, experiment with soft purples like lavender and lilac. Achieve a dreamy watercolor effect by sweeping the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Violet Luster onto your lids, extending the color slightly past your natural crease. Then, highlight your inner corners with the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle and add a few coats of lengthening mascara for an airy look perfect for day or night.
Shop the Products
What Colors Make Green Eyes Pop?
Anyone can (and should) wear whatever makeup makes them feel their most confident. But if you’re looking for the best eyeshadow for green eyes, there are a few hues that truly stand out. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Charcoal
Charcoal gray eyeliner can help add definition to your eyes without overwhelming them. This, in turn, will allow you to create a more natural look that lets attention stay on your irises instead of your waterline.
2. Ruby
As mentioned above, red tones can make all shades of green eyes stand out. While red eye shadow and eyeliner might seem a bit daring, you can always tone it down by opting for a muted red with brown undertones.
![InArticle Eye Makeup For Green Eyes VoluminousMascara](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=260&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=63FA814C78423E1D174B32811390A3F6A0957D50 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=320&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=F7B4F31F98ECDAF84C07279781D4EACFC8BEFBA3 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=660&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=ACB550FA6543F47DCD23652D512FA9DC7D4A6ADD 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=700&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=D56847C61E14684172D2247397FEA3709E9A9B72 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=810&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=354E17D9EE370E9BA4488359D2430A80B890A4AE 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=910&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=0D1DCB8EF7477C56EB99BA49A100512CC1F2E13D 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_voluminousmascara.jpg?w=1170&rev=10f478e9483b450b84b5f4e9b8648ebc&hash=CDA68759EE1362A41B6CF43131618633FD755CE6 1170w)
3. Warm nudes
Warm-toned nude shades, like beige and sand, are among the best eyeshadow colors for green eyes because they’re so subtle. Opt for these neutral tones when you want to make your emerald irises the focal point of your makeup look.
4. Taupe
Like nudes, taupe is a great eyeshadow color for green eyes. The ashy brown hue adds dimension without overpowering your look—and the color’s subtle cool undertones help bring your eyes’ golden flecks forward.
![InArticle Eye Makeup For Green Eyes MechanicalEyeLiner](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=260&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=C01E71845B12BD39DBC3064C7BB20231861AD889 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=320&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=171FF954ED77EA44362F0439BE500FA07564BB05 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=660&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=4CFE779168BB13051647D4E8D7D0C93B95B0BD1B 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=700&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=5A71309BB07C5547BC902A3F5A2D064C5754D577 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=810&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=37C42891284EAE933B871A86F610FB0DA0B0C74B 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=910&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=907EADBA5717910A7ECC1EBD4719045E0514A10A 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes_mechanicaleyeliner.jpg?w=1170&rev=6372131fc39d4af2833d526b47565133&hash=1F661C963CF7A4F60D4A9694E09EC92E3AF278E9 1170w)
5. Purple
Purple eye makeup is a natural pairing for green eyes because the colors sit (nearly) opposite each other on the color wheel. Plus, the color is far more versatile than you may think. You can create a pastel look with lavender or lilac shadows, as explained above, or swap your go-to black liner for an eggplant hue for a subtle pop of color.
6. Brown
Brown eye makeup enhances green eyes by providing a warm contrast, which makes the green color look more vivid. Brown mascara and eyeliner also help add definition without the starkness of pure black shades.
![InArticle Eye Makeup For Green Eyes LeShadowStick](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=260&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=74B6B6E89D34AB308B81238A76F5F4E6F06F343E 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=320&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=35C32ECED8A521A5479620DD9B6E4A9EE1240E9A 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=660&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=BBDEC0C8E7D5C036171BE69C5DA892A633D03F7F 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=700&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=F5567502F5B2DDE8969AB3FADE5F679EA9620F8C 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=810&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=67119F164A0BEB11760389A7B9D6B8242BA5CB31 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=910&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=1AEFF299194636351E7B0FC41CEF921C91BFB8AA 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/us/beauty-magazine/2024/jul/inarticle-eye-makeup-for-green-eyes-leshadowstick.jpg?w=1170&rev=511f8a1b2a434c3194661ae7c12293f2&hash=CA1BDF04B1E3338D8BFBFE380B1A7D8D48395F64 1170w)
7. Silver
If your green eyes have cooler undertones—more blue-green than emerald—silver eyeshadow is a must-try. The metallic hue can help brighten your eyes and make their tonal qualities even more apparent.
8. Green
You may have been told that matching your eye makeup to your eye color can wash out your eyes, but that advice is outdated—not to mention incorrect. Applying makeup of the same color as your eyes creates a monochromatic look that adds depth and dimension, making the eyes appear more striking.
9. Mauve
Mauve sits at the intersection of taupe and purple: it’s neither neutral nor overly pigmented. This soft shade provides a subtler way to play with purple and pinkish tones in your eye makeup without veering too far out of your comfort zone. Plus, the pastel-adjacent hue makes green eyes appear brighter and more vibrant.
10. Gold
It may come as a surprise to see gold eyeshadow on this list, seeing as we already explained that silver is among the best colors for green eyes. But both shades stun when paired with green eyes. Silver is ideal for when you’re after an edgier look, while gold can help lend your makeup an earthier (yet still glam) vibe.