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Most of us consider black eyeliner a makeup bag essential— but there’s another staple we’ve been swearing by: brown eyeliner. Black liner may deliver the drama, but brown liner’s superpower is its versatility, explains makeup artist Noel McKinnon. “Unlike its bold black counterpart, which can sometimes appear harsh, especially on lighter skin tones, brown eyeliner offers a softer, more natural look.”
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award-winning makeup artist
Making the switch can be a little jarring if black is your go-to, but you may love the toned-down look. “The subtlety of brown can enhance the eyes without overwhelming them, allowing for a more balanced overall appearance,” McKinnon says. So, how do you find your holy-grail brown eyeliner? We’ve rounded up 12 of the best for every vibe and budget with help from McKinnon.
Our top 12 brown eyeliners, at a glance:
- Best overall: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro in The Perfect Brown, $24
- Best for sensitive eyes: Physicians Formula Eye Booster, Lash-Enhancing 2-in-1 Eyeliner Serum in Deep Brown, $12
- Best for mature skin: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyelinerin Brown, $16
- Best for easy application: One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Busty Brown, $19
- Best versatile pick on a budget: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick in Deepest Brown, $9
- Best for long-wear: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Brown Denim, $11
- Best smoky look: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal in Cocoa, $34
- Best two-in-one: Tarte Double Take Eyeliner in Brown, $26
- Best budget: Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Chocolate, $3
- Best for tight-lining: Shiseido MicroLiner Ink in Brown, $22
- Best kajal formula: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner in Cheeky Chiku, $20
- Best metallic: Julep When Pencil Met Gel in Chocolate Brown Shimmer, $12
Shop the best brown eyeliners:
Best overall: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro in The Perfect Brown — $24.00
“The perfect brown eye pencil,” according to McKinnon. “One of the standout features of this eye pencil is its long-lasting formula. Once applied, it resists smudging and fading throughout the day,” she says. The shade of brown is also really versatile, McKinnon adds. “A perfect option for various looks, from natural daytime appearances to dramatic evening styles.”
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Versatile
Cons:
- On the pricier side
Best for sensitive eyes: Physicians Formula Eye Booster, Lash-Enhancing 2-in-1 Eyeliner Serum in Deep Brown — $12.00
Part liner, part serum, this pick does double-duty with a smooth liquid line that conditions and strengthens at your lash line.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Conditions lashes
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Best for mature skin: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyeliner in Brown — $18.00
Created specifically for mature skin, this liner’s ultra-smooth, creamy texture goes on without bumps or tugging, even on crepey eyelids.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Some reviewers had issues with the tip breaking off
Best for easy application: One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Busty Brown — $19.00
McKinnon loves the smooth application of One/Size Point Made. “The gel formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, allowing for precise lines without tugging or pulling,” she says. And it dries down in just 10 seconds, locking in your look all day.
Pros:
- Smooth application
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a built-in sharpener
Best versatile pick on a budget: NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick in Deepest Brown — $6.00
You don’t have to splurge—this pick fromNYX stands out as a formidable contender, says McKinnon. “With its rich pigmentation, versatile application, and affordability, this liner is truly a bang for your buck.”
Pros:
- Affordable
- Rich pigmentation
Cons:
- There can be a learning curve with liquid liner
Best for long-wear: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Brown Denim — $11.00
This one is all about longevity, says McKinnon. “The pencil is designed to resist smudging and fading, making it suitable for long wear—from early morning to late night. Many users have reported that it holds up well against sweat and humidity, which is a common concern for makeup wearers.”
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Smudge-resistant
Cons:
- Some reviewers wish the application was smoother
Best smoky look: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal in Cocoa — $34.00
Of course Victoria Beckham would nail it when it comes to the perfect eyeliner for that smoky look. The built-in smudger makes it easy to achieve, but the liner’s ultra-smooth application also makes waterline application and cat eyes just as easy.
Pros:
- Creamy formula
- Waterproof
- Built-in smudger
Cons:
- On the pricier side
Best two-in-one: Tarte Double Take Eyeliner in Brown — $26.00
This double-sided liner offers a liquid liner on one side and a gel pencil on the other, so you have options. Use the self-sharpening pencil along the inner rim of your eyelid for definition, or opt for liquid for a defined wing in a semi-matte finish.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Waterproof
Cons:
- You may run out of one side before the other if you have a favorite
Best budget: Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Chocolate — $1.00
Waterproof, smooth application, and bold color—all for just three bucks? Can’t beat that. Plus, reviewers say it truly does stay put, even on oily eyelids.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Intense color
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Reviewers say it doesn’t stay put on the waterline
Best for tight-lining: Shiseido MicroLiner Ink in Brown — $22.00
This micro-fine liner will give you a super-thin, precise line or wing without skipping—or, dot it between lashes to fill out your lash line. The formula creates a flexible, water-resistant film that helps it last.
Pros:
- Ultra-thin line
- Great for precise looks
Cons:
- Reviewers say it’s pricey for the amount of product
Best kajal formula: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner in Cheeky Chiku — $20.00
For a bold, silky line with this liner, first glide along your lash line from the inner to the outer corner. For a softer vibe, gently smudge it out with your finger—and don’t touch it! Give your liner 20 seconds to set, and once it’s there, it won’t move (until you want it to, of course).
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Versatile
Cons:
- Reviewers say to be careful not to twist up too much of the liner as it can break off
Best metallic: Julep When Pencil Met Gel in Chocolate Brown Shimmer — $12.00
When you want a little extra pop, the shimmer in this Julep liner is perfect—a little extra something without feeling juvenile. The gel formula is made with a wax blend that applies well to both the top lash line and the inner waterline.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Waterline-friendly
Cons:
- Requires a separate sharpener
What to look for in a brown eyeliner
“One of the most significant advantages of brown eyeliner is its adaptability to different skin tones,” McKinnon says, compared to black, which can read a bit harsher on some people. So, you should shop with your skintone in mind.
If you have fair/light skin:
“For individuals with fair or light skin, brown eyeliner can complement their skintone without creating a stark contrast, which can often occur with black eyeliner,” McKinnon says. Look for warm browns, she suggests. “They can provide a softer definition, making the eyes pop gently without appearing too dramatic.”
If you have medium or olive skin:
McKinnon says that brown eyeliner can enhance your skin’s natural warmth if you have a medium or olive skin tone. “It adds depth to the eyes while maintaining a harmonious balance with the skin’s undertones. And you have your pick of browns—whether you want to keep it toned down and natural-looking or go for a more intense or shimmery brown, you can pull it off.
If you have dark skin:
Opt for deeper browns if you have dark skin. “Darker skin tones can also benefit from brown eyeliner, especially in richer, deeper shades like chocolate or espresso, which can provide definition without the intensity of black,” says McKinnon.
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