The best eyeshadow for your eye colour

Ever wondered why your eyeshadow just doesn’t look quite right? It could be as simple as using the wrong tone for your eye colour. To help, we had a chat with Carol Mackie, Senior Makeup Artist for MAC Cosmetics and asked her for her top tips for picking the right one.

If you’ve got… brown eyes

Best match: Purple

Why: This versatile eye colour can wear any tone, however contrasting colours work best here. Mackie explains why: “Opposites attract, so steer towards purple eyeshadows in a mix of matte and shiny textures used together. If you’re feeling experimental, you can also try blue, aqua and pink.”

We recommend: 3INA The Eyeshadow in 507, Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Defining Eye Shadow in Infamous Orchid

If you’ve got… blue eyes

Best match: Peach

Why: Bright colours look amazing on blue eyes, “but if that isn’t your thing, try a subtle shade from the same colour family such as copper or warm brown”.

We recommend: MAC Cosmetics Soft Serve Eye Shadow in So So Saucy, Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Peach Cloud

If you’ve got… grey eyes

Best match: Blue

Why: Stick with soft, ashy tones that can intensify the natural eye colour. “Blue-grey eyes look great with cool tones similar to the shade of the eye, with a touch of metallic silver,” says Mackie.

We recommend: Revlon ColorStay Shadowlinks in Peacock, MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Tilt

If you’ve got… green eyes

Best match: Green

Why: This eye colour is surprisingly versatile, and suits a multitude of shades. “Green colours from pale to deep dark green in matte, shimmer and metallic finishes work well here. Or, even try burgundy or rusty red for something more fiery.”

We recommend: Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Colour in Lagoon, Napoleon Perdis Color Disc in Lucky Clover

If you’ve got… hazel eyes

Best match: Metallic gold

Why: Love shimmery shades? You’re in luck. “The colour gold can pick up the little reflecting colours in the iris for hazel eyes, so look for eyeshadows with a metallic finish,” recommends Mackie.

We recommend: Bourjois Little Round Pot Eyeshadow in Originale, Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24H Metal Eyeshadow in Bold Gold

Main image credit: Edward Urrutia

Inset image credit: Getty