The Ultimate Guide to Flattering Makeup for Brunettes

Like many hair colors, there are countless shades that fall on the brunette spectrum. From caramel and golden brown, to chocolate mauve and bronde, the options are virtually endless. Despite the many colors within the brown family, one fact remains the same: There are some hues that, plain and simple, can make brunette hair look even more alluring than it does on its own. If you’ve ever stood in the makeup aisle wondering which palette, eyeliner, or blush would help complement your brown hair color best, we’re here to help. Below, we share an easy start-to-finish makeup routine for those with brown hair.

Step 1: Perfect Your Base

First things first, you’re going to want to put together a flawless-looking canvas before you move on to applying any color. Since your dark tresses serve as a contrasting frame to your face, all eyes will be on whatever is happening from forehead to chin. So, it’s a good idea to start your makeup routine with a primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, to help create a smooth base. Then, follow up with a buildable foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Cushion Foundation, so that you can control the level of coverage.

Step 2: Add Dimension to Your Face

Once you’re done with primer and foundation, it’s time to get sculpting! First, use one of the darker shades in the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Concealing and Contour Kit on your cheeks and nose. Then, use one of the lighter hues to add brightness to the bridge of your nose, under your eyes, and the tops of your cheekbones. Apply the concealer with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender, blending it all out for a natural-looking finish. Bye, bye contour streaks!

Step 3: Get Flushed

To further brighten the look of your complexion and add a fresh hint of color to your face, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Blush palette. Lightly blot your color of choice onto the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion. If you have green eyes, opt for a peachier hue, whereas brown and blue can benefit from a truer pink. And remember: When it comes to blush, a little goes a long way.

Step 4: Create a Statement Eye

Here’s where you can really make your brown hair pop. While neutral golden shades, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude, are always a safe bet for all brunettes, the true stunning looks happen when you pick colors to complement your eye color.

If you have blue eyes…try using grayish shadows, like the ones found in the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette in Silver Couture, to create a two-toned eye look.

If you have green eyes…try pairing them with a solid wash of taupe to bring out any hazel flecks. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe will do the trick.

If you have brown eyes…try using multiple purple shades to create an alluring look. The dual-ended L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eye Shadow in Shady Violet comes with a lighter and darker purple hue so you can play around.

Once you’ve created your shadowed look, don’t forget to follow it up with a coat of mascara! Use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara.

If you’re looking for other colors to experiment with, you can never go wrong with bronze, coral, aqua, and green. The bright colors help make eyes pop while tying your entire complexion together for a seriously smoking hot finish.

Step 5: Frame Your Eyes

With your entire face made up, you can’t go neglecting your brows—especially since full ones are totally on-trend these days. To finish your look, simply use the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Frame & Set to shape your brows to fit your face. Dip the brush into the pomade, outline your brow and define the arch, draw in brow hairs in sparse areas with the angled tip, and fill in your desired intensity. Comb and blend your brows with the spoolie and you’re good to go!