If you’ve kept the same eyeliner in your makeup bag for years, it’s time to switch things up. Granted, that's easier said than done—there are so many questions. Such as: Should you stick with the classics or branch out to a bolder color? And how do you know if that shade printed on the packaging will actually look good when you apply it?
Our recommendation? Start by taking inspiration from your eye color. That hue can help guide you to the eyeliner shade that will perfectly complement your irises so they pop in all the right ways.
To get some help, we tapped Sallie Keena, pro makeup artist and stylist. She started as a painter, so working with color is her thing—and she's got great tips on how to make brown, hazel, blue, and green eyes look their best with the right shade of eyeliner.
Of course, if you want to give any shade of eyeliner a try, go ahead! Though these picks may be the most complementary hues for your eyes, it doesn’t mean you should feel limited by them. “I also believe in trying whatever inspires you,” says Keena. “I don’t have hard-and-fast rules. I say, 'Wear what you like with confidence and have fun playing with color.'”
(Finish off your look with Good Lash mascara from the Women's Health Boutique!)
While it is fun to play with color, standing in front of a display at Sephora with dozens of options can be downright overwhelming. That's why we’re here to help you weed through a multitude of choices and find the best picks for you. Play with your perfect shade of eyeliner to look professional for work, sass things up for happy hour, or look your best for a night out. Here’s how to choose:
Best eyeliner color for brown eyes: Almost black or dark brown
Brown eyes look gorgeous with contrast from dark eyeliners, says Keena. Aim for classic black, almost black, deep purple, or navy. Matte dark brown also adds a nice smouldering depth. NYX Cosmetics Slide on Pencil in BrownPerfection is a regular in Keena’s rotation because it glides on smooth but stays put.
Buy it: $5.99, amazon.com
Related: The Best Eyeshadow Palette For You, Based On Your Eye Color
Best eyeliner color for hazel eyes: Navy blue
“Hazel eyes can be a kaleidoscope of different hues, so you can choose what you want to complement,” says Keena. Want to pull out golden flecks? Reach for a deep plum. Want to enrich brown shades? Grab a navy blue. Try Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Blue, a navy with a fun green-blue undertone.
Buy it: $22, sephora.com
Find out how to draw the perfect cat eye:
Best eyeliner color for blue eyes: Copper
Golden tones are a great way to boost brightness, while a rich copper makes blues stand out. You’ll find three rich shades that fit the bill in Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Smog (a brighter golden-copper shade), Bourbon (a brown with golden flecks), or Whiskey (a deep brown with coppery undertones).
Buy it: $20, nordstrom.com
Related: We Asked 3 Dermatologists To Share Their Nighttime Skin Routines—Here's What They Said
Best eyeliner color for green eyes: Plum
Green and red are opposites on the color wheel, explains Keena. That doesn't mean you have to wear red eyeliner, but choose one with warm, reddish undertones. A copper works well here, but you can also go for a warm plum like the smudge-free waterproof MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Bordeauxline.
Buy it: $17, macys.com
Related: The $6 Product That Keeps Gwen Stefani's Hair Hydrated Despite WEEKLY Dye Sessions
Best eyeliner shade for any eye color: Black liquid liner
Don’t fear the liquid liner. “I’ve found that a thin black liquid line works to beautifully define eyes of all colors,” says Keena. Plus, a thin line will give the illusion of thicker lashes. Go for Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Liner in black. Her tip to get it right: Press the pen lengthwise as close to your lashes as possible; then, using the fine tip pointed toward the tear duct, swipe gently to create a thin line. Use the tip to finish the outer edge.
Buy it: $9, walgreens.com
