15 Best Brown Eyeliners Must Try In 2024: Recommended By A Makeup Artist
Go subtle with your eye makeup while adding definition and boldness to them.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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The next best thing after a statement-making black eyeliner is a brown one. If you want a more natural look that creates a balanced and subtle appearance, you must have the best brown eyeliners in your vanity. Brown eyeliners might be a favorite of someone with brown eyes; however, this color works great for all eye colors and shapes. It complements all skin tones and makes your eyes look naturally beautiful.
In modern trends, a natural and neutral appearance is everything we are looking for. In these circumstances, a brown eyeliner helps you become the showstopper instantly. The color looks edgy and creates effortless looks in no time. Makeup artists swear by its versatility and carry many of them in their vanity. We have listed some of the best brown eyeliners to make your eyes pop flawlessly. Check them out below!
In This Article
Top 15 Best Brown Eyeliner For Your Eye Color 2024
1. Best Vegan:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Wear Eyeliner Stick – Deepest Brown
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Wear Eyeliner Stick in Deepest Brown is a long-lasting epic eyeliner stick that is richly pigmented and lasts all day and night. This brown gel eyeliner gives exceptional results in the form of a graphic impact on the eyes with a metallic finish. This high-impact brown eyeliner is not tested on animals and offers a bold, long-wearing color that goes with all eye colors and shapes. Display your celebrity-inspired liner artistry skills with this eyeliner that can be used to create a smudged smokey eye or a 60s winged look that looks perfect.
Pros
- Can last for up to 36 hours
- Easy glide application
- Vegan, cruelty-free, certified by PETA
- Waterproof formula
- smudge-proof, fade-proof
Cons
- The eyeliner may smudge a little on oily skin.
Quick TipAlways sharpen the eyeliner before applying for a precise application.
2. Best Waterproof:stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
The stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is one of the best brown liquid eyeliners that are available today. It helps to create a number of eye opening effects, from simple thin lines to bold dramatic looks. The formula used in this brown liquid liner glides on the eyes easily and does not smudge or run from day to night. This award-winning eyeliner has a fine marker-style precision tip that lets you apply the liner accurately whether you are a novice or a pro. Grab the pen and run it along your lash line for a precise thin line. If you need a bolder look, work the pen at an angle and apply the liner with a little more pressure. This multi-award winner formula helps draw statement-making looks and has received multiple positive reviews from users.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Buildable intensity
- Stays all day long
- This liquid pen eyeliner can also be used to create a cat eye with deep intensity and color.
- Quick-drying, perfect when you are in a rush.
Cons
- The eyeliner may cause tingling on sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 25,005 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Smudge-Proof:Maybelline New York Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner – Forest Brown
The Maybelline New York Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner in Forest Brown allows you to create sharp and precise lines with deep, intense color. Go for a soft approach for your eyes with this brown waterproof liquid eyeliner pen, irrespective of what your signature look is. The effect you will achieve is natural, soft, and balanced and the color of your eyes will be accentuated. This award-winning eyeliner has a 0.4 mm felt tip that lets you draw precise lines with the definition in a single stroke. The flow of the liner is continuous through the pen and you will never feel that the color is not pigmented enough. The brand does not conduct any animal testing, which makes this product a fur-friendly option for all.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Can last for up to 12 hours.
- Waterproof and smudge-proof.
- Tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.
- Ideal for sensitive eyes and wearers of contact lenses.
Cons
- The eyeliner may not dry on the eyes very quickly.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Wear Eyeliner Stick - Deepest Brown Best Vegan | stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Best Waterproof | Maybelline New York Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner - Forest Brown Best Smudge-Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | - | Dark Brown | 111 FOREST BROWN |
| Dimensions | - | 4 x 5 x 6 inches | 0.41 x 1.88 x 5.63 inches |
| Weight | - | 0.32 Ounces | 0.34 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,604 | 25,005 | 26,982 |
| Price | $8.12 | $23.0 | $7.98 |
4. Best For Smokey Eyes:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner – Brown
The L’Óreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner is a mechanical pencil brown eyeliner that is formulated to glide easily onto your eyelids and waterline. It delivers creamy texture, rich color and can be used to achieve classic and bold looks on the eyes that can complement every occasion or mood. It also includes an inbuilt smudger so you can create a natural smokey eye without needing additional eyeshadow and equipment. The liner itself blends well when just applied to smoke your eye perfectly. When it comes to brown eyeliner pencils, this possibly is one of the best brown eyeliners you can choose for your makeup routine!
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Fade-resistant
- Can be worn for up to 16 hours
- Includes a built-in sharpener for precise thin lines.
Cons
- The eyeliner may not be waterproof.
Quick TipCurl your toes while applying the eyeliner to avoid shaky hands and get perfect lines.
5. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil – Brown
The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil is a long-wear brown eyeliner pencil. If you are looking for a brown eyeliner pencil that delivers rich and intense color, this eyeliner is a great product to start with. The long-wear technology used to create this eyeliner, allows it to glide on your eyes effortlessly and sets quickly for defined drama. This eyeliner can be used to make precise lines or can also be smudged for a natural smoldering smokey look. If you keep losing sharpeners, don’t worry as this eyeliner pencil comes with its own pull-out sharpener that is made to size and gives the sharpest pointy tips for fresh and clean looks. If you are an absolute beginner, this tester’s experience in this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lasts for up to 16 hours
- Includes a built-in smudger
- Can be worn along with contact lenses
- Tested by an ophthalmologist
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Cons
- The pencil nib may break if you sharpen it too much.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 17,427 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best Long-Lasting:Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer – Rich Brown
The Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer is a rich brown eyeliner pencil that offers rich creamy color, smooth lines, and high definition. The retractable tip of the eyeliner pencil keeps it sharp and safe and a built-in smudger at the other end of the pencil helps to achieve smokey eye looks without needing to use your finger or eyeshadow. The tip of the pencil glides on easily and lets you create thin or thick lines based on your needs with no mess. The texture of the pencil is soft and creamy which makes subtle blending much easier so that you do not end up with too much liner on your eyes. Also, reviewers have praised how the eyeliner lasts throughout the day.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Includes built-in sharpener
- Can be worn for up to 10 hours
Cons
- The tip of the pencil may break when applied on wrinkled eyes.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 9,271 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best For Sensitive Eyes:BareMinerals Lasting Line Lasting Brown
The BareMinerals Lasting Line Lasting Brown eyeliner is a mineral-rich brown eyeliner pencil that has a special formula that makes it stay soft and creamy so that it can be blended in easily. This tried-and-tested brown eyeliner sets into a long-wearing finish on the eyes that does not budge for a very long time. It also includes a smudge tip which is shaped in an ergonomically-angled manner so that blending becomes smooth and effortless for you. The brown color of the eyeshadow is highly pigmented and is induced with a special blend of nourishing minerals as well as soothing vitamin C.
Pros
- Smudge, fade, and smear-free
- Easily blendable
- Includes a built-in sharpener
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes.
Cons
- It may not last long on oily skin and in humidity.
8. Best Organic:Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil – Fringe (Brown)
The Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil is a brown eye liner pencil that is completely natural and has a smooth as butter application. The natural formula contains plenty of beneficial ingredients that are craved by your skin and are ideal for all types of skins, including sensitive ones as well. This easy-to-blend eye liner is great for creating smokey eye looks above and below your eyes in a very natural and balanced way. The tip of the pencil also does not break easily as a result of which the product lasts a long time and does not get wasted. The brand does not conduct any animal testing to formulate this eyeliner.
Pros
- Parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, petroleum, mineral oil, peanut butter-free
- Organic, 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Infused with the goodness of jojoba oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, and shea butter.
Cons
- The eyeliner may not be long lasting.
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Physicians Formula Eye Booster Gel Eyeliner Trio- Brown
The Physicians Formula Eye Booster Gel Eyeliner Trio is made using a high-tech, expertly crafted formula that offers three different finishes, matte, shimmer, and satin. This set of 3 eyeliner pencils is also infused with botanicals and vitamin E so that even your lashes are nourished from the roots. This brown gel crayon eyeliner glides smoothly on your eyes and stays in place. Create a smudged grunge look, sophisticated cat eyes, or a simple straight line using this brown eyeliner for brown eyes. This eyeliner is free from any harsh ingredient that is normally found in most personal care products and can also be used at the inner corner of the eyes. Lastly, this gel formula features a Lash Boosting Complex that nourishes, strengthens, and enhances the appearance of your lashes.
Pros
- Lasts all day long
- Smudge and water-resistant
- Includes a sharpener along with the eyeliner
- Hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin and eyes.
Cons
- The eyeliner may settle at the corner of the eyes.
10. Best Highly Pigmented:Kat Von D Tattoo Liner – Rich Chocolate Brown
The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is a liquid eye liner that is enriched with a highly pigmented formula. The precision brush has a tip that can not only create super-fine lines but can also help make a bold impact on your eyes. The finish of the liquid formula is rich satin and the color is intense which works really well for making thick winged eyeliners. The brush tip is thick at first but peaks into a crisp tight point at the edge which allows you to create versatile styles using a single eyeliner. If you need thick defining lines all you have to do is drag the brush while pressing it hard on your eyelids so that it gets tilted into an angle near the lash roots. If you want a finer line use less pressure and see how thin and straight your liner will be.
Pros
- Mildly waterproof
- Narrow brush to create thin as well as bold lines.
- Easy to handle gel tip with a continuous flow of brown liquid eyeliner.
Cons
- The eyeliner may not be ideal for greasy eyelids.
11.Best Cruelty-Free: Jillian Dempsey Natural Kôhl Eyeliner
The Jillian Dempsey Natural Kohl Eyeliner is created by the famous celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey. This long-wear eyeliner is luxurious, ultra pigmented, and offers a super smooth application. The texture of the eyeliner allows you to blend it to achieve a smudged look with soft focus. Filled with the goodness of organic shea butter, jojoba oil and marula oil, this brown eyeliner pencil has a high color payoff that lasts long. The eyeliner pencil allows you to create fine and thin lines for an innocent and fresh vibe and also lets you draw thick and bold lines that can be blended or kept as it is, depending on the actual look you are going for. Use this eyeliner that is made using a naturally derived formula to create eye makeup that makes your eye color pop.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Organic and cruelty-free
- Includes a built-in smudger
Cons
- The eyeliner may not glide well on the waterline.
12. Best Non-Acnegenic:MAC Fluidline Eye Liner And Brow Gel – Brown
The MAC Fluidline Eye Liner And Brow Gel is a brown gel eyeliner that has the precision of a long wear liquid eyeliner but with a silkier, ultra soft, and smooth finish. The gel liner needs to be applied with a brush in a simple dip-and-stroke manner. This brown waterproof liner is smudge resistant and can be removed easily with a regular eye makeup remover. It has also been tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists and is safe for application on watery eyes as well. The advantage of this pot eyeliner is that you are in absolute control of how much product you wish to apply and the thickness of lines can be determined by the thickness of the brush you use.
Pros
- Non-acnegenic
- Dries very quickly
- Can be worn for up to 16 hours
Cons
- The application brush needs to be bought separately.
13. Best Moisturizing:Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil – Whiskey Matte
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil is a rich in color matte finish brown eyeliner pencil. This award-winning brown pencil eyeliner offers intense color that is long-lasting and does not budge once applied. The rich brown color of this eyeliner lights up eyes of any color and gives a natural finish that can be underplayed or overplayed depending on the occasion. The formula used to create this eyeliner is creamy and skip free so that the eyeliner glides on the eyes smoothly irrespective of your skin type and you can draw lines as thin or thick as you want. The eyeliner dries quickly so that even if you are in a rush you can achieve a neat finish. The creamy pencil also contains ingredients that moisturize like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and cotton seed oil, all of which have high hydrating properties. Not only do they make the liner creamy they also condition the skin for better health in the long run.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting eyeliner can last for up to 24 hours
Cons
- The eyeliner may be a little hard to take off.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 890 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
14. Best Sweat-Resistant:Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner – Chocolate Truffle
The Bobbie Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner is a brown gel eyeliner that delivers a comfortable and lightweight feel on the eyes. The color provided by this eyeliner is high in pigmentation and the eyeliner offers precise sharp lines whether you are a novice or a pro. The color stays true throughout the day and does not require any re-application. The twist-up design of the eyeliner is ideal for application and the built-in sharpener makes sure that each time you apply the eyeliner, the lines are as fine as possible. This makeup artist-approved brand manufactures eyeliners that are free of harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfate, and sulfite.
Pros
- Flake-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Humidity, sweat-proof
- Can be worn for 12 hours long.
Cons
- The size of the eyeliner is really small and may get over very quickly.
15. Best Paraben-Free:Esqido Gel Eyeliner Pencil – Brown
The Esqido Gel Eyeliner Pencil brings the best of both worlds and lets you enjoy all the qualities of gel eyeliner with the convenient use of a pencil. This brown gel eyeliner is formulated to last you all day long. The texture of this perfect eyeliner is absolutely smooth with rich pigmentation so you do not have to keep going over the lines multiple times. One single stroke is enough to achieve a rich and dark color payoff. The retractable dispenser is easy to use, saves the pencil from breaking while traveling, and also has a sharpener included at the other end of the eyeliner pencil. You can apply and blend the eyeliner very easily for a smokey effect or leave the line as it is for a classic eyeliner look.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to apply
- Vegan, cruelty-free, no animal testing
- Latex, sulfates, phthalates, parabens-free
- When not in use, the pencil shuts in an airtight vacuum
Cons
- The eyeliner may bleed on oily eyelids.
Brown eyeliner comes in a variety of application forms and shades. Follow the buying guide to help you choose the right brown eyeliner for your eyes.
Buying Guide For Best Brown Eyeliner
Brown eyeliner, like all other eyeliners, can be in liquid form, pencil form less pigmented, highly pigmented, waterproof, and cruelty-free or vegan. Know what your skin and eye need before you buy brown eyeliner for yourself.
How To Choose Best Brown Eyeliner
Before buying a brown eyeliner for yourself, look for the following features:
Application Style: When choosing the best brown eyeliner for yourself, go for an application style that you are most comfortable with. While some people prefer liquid eyeliners, many novices may find that hard to control and cannot make a straight line with it. Pencil liners are the easiest to use but they may sometimes not be highly pigmented. Brown felt tip eyeliners are a balance between both application styles and can help you create winged lines as well.
Shade Of Brown: Depending on the color of your eyes, you may have to decide the right brown shade for your eyes. If your eyes are closer to dark brown, then the darkest brown eyeliner will be suitable for you for a natural beauty look. However, if you use a lighter shade of brown it can help you create a smokey eye. If your eyes are light like hazel, then light colored brown eyeliner will appear more natural while dark brown eyeliner can be used to create a formal and party look. Some popular array of shades of brown eyeliner include light brown eyeliner, copper brown eyeliner, and forest brown eyeliner.
Waterproof: The best brown eyeliners are those that are waterproof. This makes them stay for a longer time in any environment and can even allow you to be in humid and sweaty situations without fear of your liner coming off.
Long Lasting: A long-lasting eyeliner, in general, is the best brown eyeliner because you can go for 12-13 hours without having to reapply the liner which makes it a very convenient option for daily office wear as well.
How And Why Do I Wear Brown Eyeliner?
Brown eyeliners can be worn everyday or for special occasions, depending on the style of eye makeup you are going for. You can wear brown eyeliner on both the top and bottom lid of your eyes that will make your eyes not only appear larger but also more natural in color. The best and most popular way to wear brown eyeliner is by smudging it on the top lid and around the bottom line to create a smokey look so that your eyes can pop out nicely.
Infographic: Makeup Tips For Wearing Brown Eyeliner
Brown eyeliner is a versatile and flattering option that can be used to create a variety of looks. You can try different techniques and shades to find the perfect brown eyeliner look for yourself. Check out the infographic below for some ideas.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
We regularly use black eyeliner, but it is the brown eyeliners that give you the most natural look. A brown eyeliner is the perfect shade to create a smokey eye or a smudged look and make your eyes look gorgeous. If you prefer an eyeliner stick over a liquid or pencil format, the NYX Epic Wear Eyeliner Stick in Deepest Brown is an excellent choice with an intense color payoff. The stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner with a precision tip is a quick-drying formula, while the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil – Whiskey Matte has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly. The brown liners on our list are made of organic ingredients, shea butter, and jojoba oils that give you long-lasting color. They are available in pencils, liquids, and crayons. They are water-proof, vegan, and cruelty-free. However, some products may not suit all skin types. Carefully go through the buying guide to choose a complementing eyeliner color based on your skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use brown eyeliner?
There is no such rule about when to apply brown eyeliner. However, if you want your eyes to appear larger or a more natural size and color, brown eyeliner is the best option.
Is black or brown eyeliner better for brown eyes?
Brown eyeliner can intensify your look when worn with brown eyes and can actually bring out the light flecks in them more than black eyeliner.
Can you wear black and brown eyeliner together?
Yes, you can wear both eyeliners together, one on the eyelid and the other on the waterline to create a more balanced effect, irrespective of your eye color.
Is brown eyeliner good for hazel eyes?
Yes, brown eyeliner looks very pretty on hazel eyes especially if you want to create a daytime natural look for everyday wear.
Does blue eyeliner go with brown eyes?
Blue eyeliner also has the ability to bring out the brown and gold flecks in brown eyes and is a great option for eyeliner color.
Is eyeliner and mascara the same thing?
No, eyeliner is applied on the top lid and bottom waterline of the eyes, while the mascara is applied on the lashes to make them look long and full.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Brown eyeliner is a useful addition to your makeup set. But finding the right choice might be a tough task. Our writer, Srijita De, a make-up and fashion enthusiast, has put together this post of the best brown eyeliners that will help you take your fashion game up by a notch. Chaitra has carefully selected these eyeliners after researching and reviewing them on various e-commerce websites.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
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