The Eye Shadow Palettes To Enhance Every Eye Color
When it comes to wearing and applying makeup, the eyes are typically the main focus for me. I mean eyes are “the window to the soul” right?? So this is the area that most of us want to put the most emphasis on. And whether you have green, blue, hazel, or brown eyes, there are certain shades of eyeshadow that can make your eyes pop and accentuate their natural color!
This is where knowing a bit of color theory and getting familiar with the color wheel comes in handy.
TL;DR
Jennifer shares which eye shadows work for every eye color
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
The Eye Shadow Palettes To Enhance Every Eye Color
Color Basics
Here are the basics of how the color wheel works to your advantage with eye makeup. First, there are 3 primary colors - yellow, red, blue. Then, 3 secondary colors - purple, green, orange.
Then, there are “monochrome colors” that are near each other and considered within the same family, such as red, red-orange, orange, etc. So if you have green eyes, then you decide to wear shades of green or olive green eyeshadow shades, then you’re keeping your look very safe and monochromatic because you’re staying within the same color family.
Then there are “complementary” colors which are opposite of each other on the wheel and create contrast. A great example of this is how the Christmas season combo of red and green (which are directly opposite of one another on the wheel) make everything look so vibrant and cheery when placed next to each other - because of their contrast.
So using green eyes again, if you want to make them stand out more, then you need to look for their contrast color which is red again and even purple is nearby. Which translates into more wearable shades of red and purple like rich burgundy, maroon, eggplant, etc for eyeshadow.
This idea of complementary and contrasting shades is where you want to lean into when choosing your eye shadow palette choices that we are diving into today.
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Now raise your hand if you’ve been using the SAME eyeshadow palette for years?? Uh huh, I figured you had been. Well now is the time to feel confident in treating yourself to a new and improved eyeshadow palette to start playing with. Get out of that eyeshadow rut you’re in, you have no excuse because I’m telling you exactly what palettes will work for your eye color!
Green Eyes
Green eyes can often appear as true green, or as a blend of green, gold, and sometimes hints of blue. To enhance the green in your eyes, you want to choose its color opposite which is red and even purple (because red mixed with blue = purple). There are various shades of red that are easier to wear like pinks, purple, eggplant, plum, and mauve that compliment and intensify their natural hue.
Recommended Eye Shadow Palettes:
For shades of Purples: Shades like plum, violet, or lavender can really make green eyes stand out. The contrast between purple and green creates a striking effect. The Colourpop All Amethyst palette,$14, contains 9 shades of soft lilacs, icy amethyst, and vibrant purples along with a couple neutrals in creamy matte and shimmering metallic finishes that will give your green eyes that pop!
Subtle shades of Rose Gold: This neutral shade compliments green eyes without being overpowering by offering a subtle enhancement for those truly scared of stark purple or red contrast shades. The Urban Decay Naked3 Mini Palette, $35, offers a great low-key soft rosy neutral vibe.
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Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are often associated with serenity and depth. To make these cool colored eyes pop, you'll want to choose the color opposite to blue which is yellow. This translates into warmer eye shadow colors that contrast like coppers, golds, warm browns, bronze, and even peachy tones.
Recommended Eye Shadow Palettes:
For shades of Warm Browns: To get the bright-eyed blue effect, choose a palette like the iconic tarte In Bloom palette, $47, which offers a great variety of wearable warm-toned neutrals of bronze, peachy nudes, tan, and chestnut brown with shades of micro shimmers and mattes. You will not regret this purchase.
Subtle shades of Warm Browns: Are you scared of these super warm browns and don’t want to make a huge investment trying them out with an expensive palette? No worries, you can go for a soft warmer toned brown palette can that can subtly enhance the blue in your eyes without overwhelming them, like with the Colourpop Feelin’ Bubbly palette,$14, which has the pale yellow golds, champagnes, and caramel shades.
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Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are a beautiful mix of colors, often featuring green, brown, gold, and sometimes a hint of blue. So to bring out the different hues in hazel eyes, you have quite a few options since they straddle some contrasting colors of red, purple and orange. This translates into wearable shades of burgundy, maroons, and even apricots.
Recommended Eye Shadow Palettes:
For shades of Burgundy: Burgundies will help to highlight flecks of gold, greens, and browns for a romantic vibe you can get from the Natasha Denona Retro eyeshadow palette, $69. It contains some of the most buttery and highly pigmented shades money can buy of rosewood, various shades of light and dark maroon, and burgundy, with quite a few shimmery topper shades.
Subtle Shades of Earth Tones: Earth shades can complement the brown in hazel eyes and the Morphe 9M Midnight Dune artistry palette, $14, is the perfect low-key and low-cost way to do that.
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Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are very versatile, with a wide range of shades from deep chocolate to warm honey brown. The key with brown eyes is to choose colors that create contrast which typically comes in the form of light to charcoal grays and even shades of blue and navy. But even shades of purple also boost brown peepers!
Recommended Eye Shadow Palettes:
Many shades of Gray + Navy: Create a stunning contrast with brown eyes and make them pop with a palette like the Pat McGrath Mothership 1 Subliminal palette, $128. Not for the faint of heart, but gosh these velvety rich jeweled tones of sapphire, grays, and classic neutrals will no doubt bring your eyes to life!
Subtle + Smokey : Neutral shades like taupes, khaki, and steel gray can enhance the natural beauty of brown eyes with another Morphe palette 9W Smoke + Shadow artistry palette, $14. (these are great affordable palettes in so many color combos btw)
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General tips for All Eye Colors When applying Shadow:
- Use an eyeshadow base: Start with an eye shadow primer to create a smooth base and help your eye shadow last longer. You all know I’m a big fan of the Nars Pro Prime smudgeproof eyeshadow base, $26.
- Blend Well: Blend your eye shadow seamlessly to avoid harsh lines and create a polished look. Quality eyeshadow brushes are helpful with this, and I’d suggest investing in either BK Beauty brush sets, $60, or the Real Techniques shadow brushes, $19.
- Try a colored liner : If eyeshadow just scares you, why not try an eyeliner in one of these complementary shades instead to just swipe along the lash line! The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On eyeliners, $25, have the biggest variety of color choices where you will no doubt find the perfect shade.
- Storing your eyeshadow palettes: I own multiple of these cheap acrylic palette separators which make storing and organizing your palettes a breeze.
The rest of my outfit + look details: Blue + white one shoulder top, $9 // Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream in “Fenty Glow,” $22 // Makeup For Ever HD skin hydra glow foundation shade “ 2N22” $47. // GXVE beauty Line it UP eyeliner in shade “Bathwater,” $20
Remember, while these suggestions can guide you, makeup is ultimately about self-expression and creativity. Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you. Whether you're going for a natural look or something more dramatic, the right eye shadow shades can truly enhance your eyes and make them shine!
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Hi Jen…Love your posts! The eyeshadow tips for each color eyes is great!! I have blue eyes and already have the tarte pallet. Can you recommend another higher end pallet for blue eyes please? Thanks, Melanie
Hi Melanie! I’d suggest trying this NARS afterglow palette (I think it’s limited edition) as it’s has some really beautiful pigments for blue eyes! https://bit.ly/3Ka24BY
Hi…I have blue eyes also, but I don’t like warm colors on my eyes. I like cool colors. What should I do? Any suggestions on what cool palette could enhance my blue eyes?
Thank you Jennifer.
Hollis