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Why Brown Eyeliner Belongs in Your Makeup Bag

Makeup has the power to transform both your look and your confidence, and eyeliner plays a starring role. There might be no other product in your arsenal that can give such an instantly impactful effect as liner can. But if your default liner shade is black, you’re missing out on a multitude of flattering looks that you can create with our latest favorite: dark brown.

Dark brown eyeliner can emphasize your eye color, looks flattering on people of all ages, and can be customized to create any look, from natural to bold. Let’s take a closer look at why brown is the new black—and why it belongs in your makeup bag.

The Right Brown Flatters All Eye Colors

Who should wear brown eyeliner? The short answer is: everyone. But it needs to be the right brown eyeliner to complement your eyes.

With so many different browns to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one will suit you best. Want to make the decision foolproof? Choose a brown with a universal undertone that works with all eye colors.

The experts at RevitaLash® Cosmetics created our new Dark Brown shade of Defining Liner to flatter every eye color: brown, blue, green, hazel, and everything in between. How? Our team used color theory to identify the perfect neutral undertone. Then we recruited real people with various eye colors and skin tones to test-drive a variety of brown shades.

The result is our perfect Dark Brown, which earned rave reviews from our diverse group of testers. This deep chocolate shade with notes of rich mahogany intensifies brown eyes, makes greens and hazels pop, and helps blues look their bluest.

Of course, our new shade is the same richly pigmented Defining Liner formula that’s become a fan favorite of makeup lovers everywhere. The satin glide pencil applies effortlessly without skipping, pulling, or tugging. Its moisture-locking formula features vitamin E, which provides natural conditioning and powerful antioxidant benefits. And it even comes with a built-in smudger and sharpener, giving you everything you need to customize your look on the fly.

The verdict is in: There’s never been a brown eyeliner quite like this one before.

Brown Liner Enhances Natural Beauty at Any Age

Need another reason to love brown eyeliner? Here’s one: The shade doesn’t just flatter all eye colors, but it also looks beautiful on people of every age.

As we age, we naturally lose color and definition in our features. Hair and eyebrows begin to turn gray or white, pigment fades from our cheeks and lips, and lashes can become sparser. But eyeliner can add definition to eyes and help avoid a “washed-out” look.

Black eyeliner can read too harsh on mature faces, since it creates such a stark contrast. This look can actually make you appear older. Brown (or gray) eyeliner, on the other hand, creates a softly defined look that complements mature features. Use a smudger to blend and diffuse the color for the most flattering results.

Brown Eyeliner Can Create a Multitude of Looks

Another reason brown liner belongs in your makeup bag: It’s highly versatile. You can use this shade to create any look, from a natural, daytime eye to a sultry and smoky look that’s perfect for a night out.

Three looks we love with brown eyeliner are a classic cat eye, an on-trend “latte” smoky eye (as seen on TikTok), and vintage-inspired cut crease liner. Here are our expert tips on how to get each look.

Get the Look: Cat Eye with Brown Liner

Cat eye liner is classic for a reason: it accentuates most eye shapes, and works as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a formal dress. This version swaps out black liner for dark brown, which creates a softer, more wearable effect.

Step 1: Curl your lashes with our Signature Eyelash Curler.
Step 2: Use a large, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply a wash of neutral color all over both eyelids.
Step 3: Trace Defining Liner in Dark Brown along your top lash line. Extend the outer part of the line just outside your eye, creating an upturned flick.
Step 4: Clean up any stray eyeliner with a pointed cotton swab soaked in makeup remover.
Step 5: Apply Double-Ended Volume Set primer and mascara to lashes.

Get the Look: Latte Smoky Eye

You’ve surely seen the latte makeup trend all over TikTok. This look uses browns, nudes, and bronze tones to create a warm, glowy vibe. Brown eyeliner, of course, is the star of the show.

Step 1: Apply Defining Liner in Dark Brown along your top lash line, making the line slightly thicker at the outer corner of your eye. No need to be precise; you’ll be blending the color next.
Step 2: Use Defining Liner’s built-in smudger to soften and blend the liner, diffusing the color up toward your eyelids.
Step 3: Use a large, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply a warm brown eyeshadow all over your lids, blending thoroughly.
Step 4: Use a smaller brush or your fingertip to tap a light, shimmery shadow onto the center of your eyelids. (We love gold, rose gold, or bronze for this step!)
Step 5: Blend everything one more time with a clean eyeshadow brush. Blending is the secret to making this look soft and sultry.
Step 6: Finish by applying Double-Ended Volume Set primer and mascara to your lashes.

Get the Look: Cut Crease Liner

This vintage-inspired look nods to the ‘60s, but with a modern twist courtesy of brown eyeliner. It’s the perfect way to make an eye-catching statement.

Step 1: Prep your eyelids with eyeshadow primer or concealer. This will help keep your cut crease look sharp and long-lasting.
Step 2: Use Defining Liner in Dark Brown to trace the line of your eyelid crease, extending slightly past the outer corner of your eye.
Step 3: Blend the liner with the convenient built-in smudging tool.
Step 4: Apply a light-colored shadow to your eyelid below the crease. Blend the shadow into the crease to soften the transition between the two colors
Step 5: Draw another line of Defining Liner in Dark Brown along your top lash line, extending past the outer corner of your eye with an upward flick. You can make this line slightly sharper and more defined than the line in your crease.
Step 6: Apply Double-Ended Volume Set primer and mascara to your lashes to finish the look.

Defining Liner gliding on white background

The Bottom Line: Dark Brown Is the Ultimate Eyeliner Shade

There’s no denying the power of eye makeup to boost your confidence. And with a shade as universally flattering and versatile as dark brown, you truly can’t go wrong. Brown eyeliner—particularly our Defining Liner in Dark Brown—looks beautiful on every eye color and on people of all ages. Plus, you can use it to create a multitude of looks, from natural daytime makeup to statement-making smoky eyes. What’s not to love?

Show Us Your Look

Now that you’re ready to add brown liner to your makeup bag, we want to see how amazing it looks on you! Join us in our goal to showcase our new Defining Liner in Dark Brown on eyes of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Whether your go-to look is soft and subtle, or you’re inspired to try a trend like latte makeup or cut crease liner, we want to see it. Share your unique liner look on social media with the hashtag #howidefine. We’ll repost a few of our favorites from our community on our accounts. Plus, follow the hashtag to connect with fellow lash and makeup enthusiasts like you. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should wear brown eyeliner?

Everyone! Brown eyeliner with a universal undertone complements brown, blue, green, and hazel eye colors. Try Defining Liner in Dark Brown for the perfect rich chocolate shade with tones of mahogany.

Is black or brown eyeliner better for mature eyes?

Brown eyeliner can look more flattering on mature eyes than black. Brown creates a softer look, while black can appear harsh on mature features and make eyes look tired.

Does brown eyeliner make your eyes look bigger?

Yes, brown eyeliner can make your eyes look larger and more defined. Apply brown liner along the top lash line and extend it past the outer corner of your eye to enlarge the look of your eyes. Avoid applying liner to your waterlines, which can make eyes appear smaller.