Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
Brown eyeliner is the understated essential that deserves a permanent place in every makeup bag. While black liner has long been the go-to for bold, dramatic definition, brown offers a softer, more wearable look that enhances the eyes without overpowering them. Whether you’re aiming for a barely-there daytime look or a stunning smoky eye, brown eyeliner adapts effortlessly to the occasion.
Another advantage of brown eyeliner is that it naturally complements a wide range of skin tones and eye colors. From deep espresso hues to warm chestnut and cool taupe shades, there’s a variation to suit every preference and undertone. Plus, just like any eyeliner shade, it’s easy to find a pigmented formula and finish that suits your fancy, from retractable pencils to liquid eyeliners.
Our Top Brown Eyeliners
- Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie, $23
- Best Waterproof: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso, $36
- Best Long-Wearing: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown, $26
- Best Affordable: e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee, $6
- Best Bronze: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze, $20
- Best for Smokey Eyes: Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Bronze, $11
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Who is brown eyeliner best for?
- Any tips for applying brown eyeliner?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Brown eyeliner is also incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned makeup lovers. Whether applied as a precise tightline along the lash line or gently blended out for a hazy finish, it delivers an effortless polish.
If you’re searching for a timeless, quietly impactful staple, the best brown eyeliners belong in your rotation. Ahead, read about Allure editors’ favorite formulas and shades.
Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie
Save to wishlist
Urban Decay
24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it’s worth it: A consistent crowd-pleaser (and 2025 Allure Best of Beauty winner), Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner is the kind of liner you’ll reach for on repeat for its versatile formula and long-wearing, no-budge finish. This gel eyeliner’s creamy, glide-on formula delivers rich, even pigment in every swipe, and Tootsie (a cool brown) strikes the perfect balance between soft and defining. This brown liner blends effortlessly for a diffused look, then sets to an impressive, all-day wear that stays put for up to 16 hours.
Hoffmann before applying the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Eyeliner in Tootsie
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
LargeChevron
“A subtle, semi-smoky brown liner with a straight wing has been my thing for years. A good brown liner pencil goes a long way. I use it all over, in my waterline, on my top and lower lids, I even work a bit into my lashes before applying mascara. Tootsie is my current shade of choice. It's a light, cool brown that wears and blends like a brown shadow to me. It's very casual, but it adds a lot to my everyday eye makeup.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: gel
- Brown shade options: 6
Best Waterproof: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso
Save to wishlist
Chanel
Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso
Chanel
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: When staying power is non-negotiable, this Chanel pick rises to the occasion. The silky, twist-up pencil glides on without tugging and sets to a budge-proof, waterproof finish that holds up against humidity, sweat, and long days. “Espresso” is a deep, rich brown that defines the eyes with a touch of softness and serves as proof that longevity doesn’t have to come at the expense of elegance.
Felbin before applying the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Espresso
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
LargeChevron
“I have pretty oily eyelids and don't often wear eyeliner because of it—while I'm all for some added definition, the color usually fades away just a few hours after I apply it. Chanel's Yeux Stylo majorly impressed me, though. Both brown options are dark and intense, perfect for drawing attention to my green eyes. I also love the small tip and firmer formula—it stays pretty sharp as you apply it, keeping your lines thin and even. But I was most surprised by how well it wore throughout the day. This liner stayed exactly where I put it and was pretty tricky to take off (it took both steps of my usual double cleanse, plus a final swipe of a micellar water-soaked cotton pad). It'll become my go-to for the summer heat or any event where I want to make sure my liner will not budge." —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: retractable gel
- Brown shade options: 2
Best Long-Wearing: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown
Save to wishlist
Makeup by Mario
Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown
Sephora
Kohl’s
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown
Kassidy Silva
Why it’s worth it: True to its name, The Perfect Brown delivers balanced, neutral depth that flatters just about every eye. “This pencil is truly universal: It sits in this true, rich brown, not warm, not cool, which makes it so flattering across so many skin tones and eye colors,” says Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City. “It’s long-wearing, smudges out gorgeously when you lay it down, but doesn’t budge once it’s dried down.”
A makeup-artist-developed eyeliner that’s loved by other makeup artists? Adding to cart. Our editors can attest that Makeup by Mario’s Pigment Pro Pencil combines intense pigment with serious staying power. It’s ideal for precise tightlining or softly smudged looks that won’t disappear by midday.
Silva before applying the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
LargeChevron
“It took less than 15 minutes with Mario Dedivanovic to convince me to start wearing eyeliner again. After forgoing the product for years since it took too much time and gave me anxiety to get my lines even, I picked up the Master Pigment Pro liner and it's been a match made in eyeliner heaven. Plus, the pencil is ideal for beginners as the dual-tip pencil comes with a brush to smooth out any rough spots.
I start by tightlining my upper waterline and using a Q-tip to clean up an excess on my lower line. Then I slowly begin lining my upper lid from the outer corner and working my way to mid-lash. Using the brush, I smooth out my inevitable bumps and continue to layer and blend until I have the color I'm happy with. Once I've finished with a strong coat, I apply my shadow and then go back in with the eyeliner once I've finished to beef up the color and definition. In under 10 minutes, I have defined eyes and carry on with my base products.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: pencil
- Brown shade options: 2
Best Affordable: e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee
Save to wishlist
E.L.F. Cosmetics
No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Walmart
Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee
Melanie Curry
Why it’s worth it: This drugstore gem from e.l.f. Cosmetics proves you don’t need to splurge for performance. The creamy, under-$10 retractable eyeliner lives up to its “No Budge” name, offering smooth application and impressive wear at a budget-friendly price. Coffee is a classic medium brown that’s easy to use for everyday definition, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Curry before applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee
Melanie Curry
Curry after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner in Coffee
Melanie Curry
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
LargeChevron
“I typically use this liner when I'm wearing a natural or no-makeup-makeup look. The brown color is similar to my skin tone, so it gives my eyelids the perfect definition. I wouldn't recommend the liner for tightlining (the tip isn't precise enough) but it's amazing for creating a natural smoky eye or lining your upper lashes. The formula is super creamy so you can easily blend the liner and get that smudge effect. I haven't used it for more glam looks, so I can't speak to how it works there but I can say it's perfect for a natural eye look. Aside from tightlighting, the only other criticism I have is that the brown is not, well, brown enough. The brown color is the shade of my skin tone, so while it works perfectly for natural, no-effort looks, I do wish there was a deeper brown/espresso hue so I could really get that definition and shadow effect.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: retractable gel
- Brown shade options: 1
Best Bronze: Kulfi Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze
Save to wishlist
Kulfi Beauty
Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze
Sephora
Kulfi
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Kulfi Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: For those who want a little sparkle in their eye makeup, this bronzey shade from Kulfi delivers. Jamun Glaze adds warmth and dimension with a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully. Kulfi 101: Underlined is inspired by kajal eyeliner (or simply kajal), soft, creamy, and richly pigmented eye makeup originating from the Middle East and South Asia. This three-time Best of Beauty Award winner (2021, 2023, and 2024) comes in six unique shades—another favorite is Purply Pataka—that are equally suitable for waterline definition and a softly smoked-out lid.
Han before applying the Kulfi Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Kulfi Underlined Kajal Long-Wear Eyeliner in Jamun Glaze
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
“You’ll never catch me without my Kulfi liners within reach—whether it’s at home or in a travel makeup bag. While I always rave about Purply Pataka as my favorite, I love Jamun Glaze’s take on a classic brown almost as much. I never wear black eyeliner because it looks harsh and out-of-place on me, but some browns can also look too intense. Jamun Glaze is a softer bronzey brown that also contains a hint of gold shimmer for an more wearable, everyday look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: retractable gel
- Brown shade options: 2
Best Glide: Prada Beauty Pradalines Durable Gliding Eyeliner Pencil in Wood
Save to wishlist
Prada
Pradalines Durable Gliding Eyeliner Pencil in Wood
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: As the name suggests, glide is where this Prada Beauty Pradalines Durable Gliding Eyeliner Pencil shines. It melts onto the skin with zero drag, making application feel smooth and effortless, especially along delicate areas like the lash line. The shade Wood offers a refined brown that’s easy to build or blend, while the long-lasting, waterproof formula ensures your look stays polished all day long.
Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein
LargeChevron
“This liner glides on so effortlessly, and it’s incredibly creamy, super pigmented, and doesn’t tug at all. You get rich color in just one pass, and while it stays blendable for a minute, it sets down to a truly budge-proof finish. I love that I can sharpen a wing with a Q-tip or smudge it out for a softer, smoky look.” —Jennifer Hussein, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: pencil
- Brown shade options: 2
More brown eyeliners we love:
Best for Smokey Eyes: Revlon ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Bronze
Save to wishlist
Revlon
ColorStay Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
Amazon
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: If you love a lived-in, smoky look, Revlon’s blendable ColorStay Eyeliner—which won a Best of Beauty Award all the way back in 2003, cementing its icon status—is an affordable essential. The creamy formula gives you enough time to blend, diffuse, and smudge—it even has a built-in angled smudger on the other end. Once it locks in, this waterproof pencil stays put for up to 24 hours (yes, really), so your smoky effect won’t turn messy as the day goes on. “The pencil is thin enough to deliver a crisp, clean line but soft enough to smudge until smoky,” one tester noted. “The shade gives great intensity without overwhelming fair skin." Bonus: If you pull out the smudger end, you’ll find a pencil sharpener, so basically, this $8 liner more than pulls its weight.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: retractable gel
- Brown shade options: 1
Best Brown Shade Range: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Eye & Lip Liner
Save to wishlist
Make Up For Ever
Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Eye & Lip Liner
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: According to Grogan, variety is the standout with the Best of Beauty Award-winning Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil. “It’s super easy to apply and blend, and I love that they come in so many shades, so there are options for everyone,” Grogan notes. With an expansive range of brown tones, from cool taupes to rich coffee, this pencil lets you tailor your look with precision. The long-lasting, multiuse formula works beautifully on both eyes and lips, offering versatility alongside a truly inclusive shade selection.
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
LargeChevron
“My friends may or may not make fun of me for the way I hoard these eyeliners, especially the black shade. I will always reach for these over any other pencil liner because I know I will get the smoothest application and a beautiful, long-lasting finish, no matter which way I choose to wear it.” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: pencil
- Brown shade options: 10
Best Liquid Eyeliner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner in Brown
Save to wishlist
Rare Beauty
Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner in Brown
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: For sharp, precise lines, Jewels Grogan, a makeup artist based in New York City, says this liquid liner (one of Selena Gomez’s favorite Rare Beauty products, period) delivers unmatched control. “The superfine point tip allows you to get really close to the lash line,” she notes. The ultra-fine brush tip makes it easy to create everything from subtle flicks to bold wings, while the rich brown pigment offers a softer alternative to black. It dries down to a true matte finish that stays put without flaking or fading.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: liquid
- Brown shade options: 1
Best Warm Brown: MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Costa Riche
Save to wishlist
MAC
Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Costa Riche
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Costa Riche is a favorite amongst makeup artists like Spickard for a reason. This warm, reddish-brown MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil instantly brightens and enhances the eyes, especially for those with green or hazel tones. “It has rich, warm golden undertones that make all eye colors pop,” says Spickard. “It makes the eyes sparkle and is perfect for creating that warm sun-kissed monochromatic makeup look.” The soft kohl formula is easy to blend for a sultry finish, making it a standout choice for adding warmth and depth without harshness.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Type: pencil
- Brown shade options: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is brown eyeliner best for?
Brown eyeliner is one of the most universally flattering makeup products, thanks to its ability to adapt across skin tones and eye colors. “Brown eyeliner can work for anyone,” Grogan explains. “On deeper eyes it will be a softer, more subtle look, [while] on green or blue eyes it will really emphasize the color without being too strong or overpowering.” That versatility is exactly why it’s such a go-to for everyday wear.
Makeup artist Spickard adds that brown is ideal “when you want to create definition and intensity without something as stark as black eyeliner.” Its inherent warmth enhances golden and honey tones in both the eyes and skin, and it can even mimic the effect of a natural shadow—making it perfect for soft, dimensional looks.
Any tips for applying brown eyeliner?
Before applying your liner, New York City-based makeup artist Delina Medhin told Allure that finding a long-lasting liner with a no-skip, smudge-proof formula is a must. "The most important thing is pigment and that [the eyeliner] easily glides onto the skin," she said. "You don't want to use too much pressure on the eye."
When it comes to application, a light hand and thoughtful shade choice make all the difference. Grogan recommends keeping things simple: “[Draw] a very thin line along the lash line” that can either be blended out for a soft, smoldering effect or left clean and precise. For perfecting your look, she suggests using ultra-thin cotton swabs with micellar water to sharpen edges and clean up mistakes.
Spickard emphasizes the importance of undertone, noting that “brown isn’t just brown.” Warm shades with red or orange undertones create a sun-kissed, bronzy effect, while cooler browns like taupe or true chocolate mimic natural shadows and offer subtle sculpting. Choosing the right hue for your undertone ensures your liner enhances rather than competes with the rest of your look.
Meet the experts
- Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Jewels Grogan, a makeup artist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best brown eyeliners, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
