Eyeliner doesn’t need to match your eye colour to look incredible. From timeless black to muted olive green, there are seven shades that flatter every eye colour, skin tone, and eye shape. These hues offer a refreshing alternative to standard brown and black, without compromising on ease or wearability.
Most people learn early on that eyeshadow is often chosen based on eye colour. Those colour-coded palettes promising to make eyes stand out are usually a first makeup milestone. The formulas rarely change: warm shades for blue eyes, lilac for green, olive for brown. But when it comes to eyeliner, the rules are far more flexible. While guidelines can still apply, classic black and brown remain universally flattering staples.
If you’re feeling uninspired by the usual options, there’s good news. These seven editor-approved eyeliner shades can be swapped in depending on your mood, and each one looks polished and flattering across the board.
Black
A true classic, black eyeliner works on absolutely everyone. Apply it boldly for dramatic impact, or use a light hand and smudge for softness. Its versatility makes any eye colour stand out depending on the technique. Tightlining the upper waterline can deepen the lash line and subtly boost lash volume, even without mascara. Paired with mascara, black eyeliner is a fail-proof combination.
Bronze
A warm, medium-toned brown with a hint of shimmer adds a soft glow to every eye colour. Similar to how bronzer warms the complexion, bronze eyeliner brings a sun-kissed effect to the eyes. The subtle reflective finish helps bounce light, making eyes appear brighter and more awake. It also doubles beautifully as an eyeshadow when blended across the lid.
Chocolate Brown
A deep brown liner delivers drama without the intensity of black. It creates a smoky, defined look while keeping the face fresh and natural. Espresso-toned shades can sometimes appear black from a distance, but up close they subtly enhance eye colour, especially when the undertone stays balanced rather than overly cool or warm.
Navy
Navy eyeliner functions like a softer version of black, offering depth with added visual interest. Think of it as the polished, modern alternative to classic black. A navy wing or a swipe along the lower lash line instantly refines your makeup with minimal effort.
Burgundy
Burgundy sits perfectly between brown and plum, which makes it exceptionally versatile. Its blend of warm and cool undertones flatters nearly every complexion and eye colour. The richness of the shade prevents it from appearing red, while often making the whites of the eyes look noticeably brighter.
Cool Taupe
A cool-toned grey eyeliner offers a subtle, wearable edge. Instead of blending black into a softer shade, starting with taupe delivers definition with less effort. It’s ideal for daytime wear and can soften the appearance of fine lines around the eyes compared to harsher black liner.
Olive Green
Olive green is a quiet standout. From afar, it can resemble black or brown, but up close it adds a muted, golden depth to the eyes. While green liners are often suggested for brown or hazel eyes, olive’s warm, toned-down hue makes it striking on nearly every eye colour.
