Eyeliner is a great way to elevate your look while adding dimension and definition to your eyes — and there’s no better time than now to step out of your comfort zone and try a new shade. Why? Because brown eyeliner is trending (with over 148,000 Google searches this past month alone) — and makeup experts are raving about it.
"Brown eyeliner is timeless and a classic makeup staple," says Emma Elizabeth, a commercial and fashion makeup artist. "It will never go out of the style. Cool-toned browns are definitely trending,” she suggests.
Elizabeth continues, “I love showing whoever is in my chair that brown eyeliner can be just as stunning as black. Brown eyeliner is sophisticated and effortlessly chic."
Elizabeth, along with celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli, spilled the tea on finding the best brown eyeliners for fall and winter, providing us with their top recommendations to shop. We also asked our editors to share a few of their beloved liners that they can't live without.
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive list of the best expert-recommended and editor-tested brown eyeliners — starting at only $3.
Our top picks
The best brown eyeliners
Most budget friendly: Wet n Wild Waterproof Retractable Gel Eyeliner
What we like
- Very smooth
- Glides on easily
Something to note
- Mixed reviews on longevity
Form: Gel | Colorways: 3 | Waterproof? Yes
Scibelli says that for a budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with this Wet n Wild gel eyeliner in brick brown. "It goes on super smoothly and is also smudge-proof and waterproof," he explains. Satisfied customers speak to the affordability and easy application of this eyeliner.
Editor favorite: Almay Liquid Eyeliner
What we like
- Long-lasting
- Natural color
Something to note
- Applicator can be tough
Form: Liquid | Colorways: 4 | Waterproof? Yes
Associate editor Shannon Garlin recommends this brown eyeliner from Almay that she says is long-lasting. "Liquid eyeliner is my favorite and sometimes black can be too much for a daytime look," she explains. "If I want to look natural but still want to define my eyes, I love this brown shade from Almay. The pointed tip allows for precise wings, and it won’t fade throughout the day," she shares.
Affordable expert pick: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liquid Liner
What we like
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Brush may be thick
Form: Liquid | Colorways: 14 | Waterproof? Yes
"As someone who wore a cat eye every day for years, this was my go to," says Elizabeth. "The brown shade is super deep and borders on black. Great for those who feel that black is too harsh but still want drama!" she continues.
"The thin brush allows you to slowly build up line density and gives good control for a perfect flick. Super long-wearing formula is perfect for those with oily lids," suggests Elizabeth.
Lightweight and smooth: Laura Geller New York INKcredible Gel Eyeliner
What we like
- Goes on smoothly
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
Something to note
- May smudge
Form: Gel | Colorways: 8 | Waterproof? Yes
Scibelli calls himself a "longtime fan" of this lightweight gel eyeliner from Laura Geller. "They’re really easy to apply with a pointed retractable applicator and the formula is super smooth," he suggests. "The Brown Eyed Girl shade is the perfect rich brown, and it’s also humidity and waterproof! " shares Scibelli.
Smudge-proof: MAC Eye Kohl
What we like
- Strong staying power
- Natural color
Something to note
- Not as precise as liquid
Form: Pencil | Colorways: 8 | Waterproof? N/A
"I’m normally a liquid eyeliner girl, but for times when I want to wear that ‘clean girl aesthetic’ I opt for this brown eyeliner from MAC," shares Garlin. "Its super pigmented and has a strong staying power. I also appreciate that it doesn’t run or smudge throughout the day," she continues.
"I’ll even wear it under my eyes when I wear black liquid liner on top, because sometimes black eyeliner on the under-eye is too intense for me," Garlin says.
Soft and durable: Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner
What we like
- Long-lasting
- Creamy formula
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- May smudge
Form: Pencil | Colorways: 10 | Waterproof? Yes
"I have hooded eyelids and this Makeup Forever liner is the only eyeliners I’ve ever tried that doesn’t transfer," shares photo editor Vivian Lee. "It’s waterproof, but the application is soft and not waxy or hard to apply. I can be very light-handed, and it will stay on all day. Additionally, I’ve also worn it on my waterline, and it doesn't budge there either," she explains.
Shimmer and shine: Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color
Form: Pencil | Colorways: 27 | Waterproof? Yes
Elizabeth says this Nudestick eyeliner in burnish is her go-to shimmery bronze shade. "The chubby pencil is extremely easy to use (and comes with a sharper in the cap)," she explains. "This is a great color to wear on the top and bottom lash line or you can apply all over the lid and blend the edges with your fingers. Burnished is a gorgeous mid-tone bronze that really brightens the eyes," Elizabeth states.
All eyes on you: Rodial Eye Sculpt Liner
What we like
- Great staying power
- Soft application
- Blends easily
Something to note
- Pricey
Form: Pencil | Colorways: 1 | Waterproof? Yes
Scibelli says he has been absolutely loving this liner from Rodial. "It's the perfect warm brown, with copper and rose undertones. The color payoff is gorgeous. It’s also a gel liner, so it glides on super easily — and it’s waterproof. So, super long lasting!" he explains.
Splurge option: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
What we like
- Lightweight
- Very soft
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- May smudge easily
Form: Pencil | Colorways: 19 | Waterproof? Yes
"My favorite deep matte-brown eyeliner is from Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in cocoa," shares Elizabeth. "I have gone through many of these pencils, it is a staple in my kit. The formula is ultra pigmented, glides on effortlessly, and is long wearing. Cocoa is the perfect deep matte brown for defining the lash line or smoking out for a sultry look," she explains.
"I love how soft it glides on my eye and how easy it is to blend out," says commerce editor Vivien Moon. "As somebody with greenish eyes, the matte-cocoa shade has been a go-to for going out when I want to look like I put makeup on and know what I’m doing (I honestly barely do)," she states.
What to look for in brown eyeliner"When looking for a brown eyeliner, I look for rich color and great pigmentation," says Elizabeth.
She also says brown is a great color for teens who are just beginning to play with makeup and also for more mature eyelids where black may be too bold. "I recommend to start experimenting with a bronze color because it is universally flattering," she suggests.
"If you are feeling more adventurous, play with browns of different finishes and undertones. Copper browns for blue/green eyes and golden browns for brown eyes," Elizabeth recommends.
"Brown eyeliner compliments all eye colors and is a great daytime or evening tone," states Scibelli. "I personally love working with an eyeliner that glides on easily yet doesn’t run once it’s set. When it comes to brown liners, finding some with those copper, burnt orange and rose-gold undertones really make the eyes pop," he adds.
If you're looking for more of a matte finish, Scibelli suggests a chocolate brown, stating it is a classic.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re headed to a holiday party or dinner with friends this season, Scibelli offers solutions for taking your eyeliner from day to night. “Brown eyeliner can be worn as a traditional liner, but you can also smudge it out with a brush for more of a lived in, smokier look,” he says.
“You can also layer your brown liner in the evening for more intense color payoff,” Scibelli explains.
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best brown eyeliners by enlisting the recommendations of makeup and beauty experts. We also asked our editors to share a few tried-and-true favorites.
Meet the experts- Emma Elizabeth is a commercial and fashion makeup artist in New York, New York.
- Neil Scibelli is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist and on-air beauty expert.
