1- cobalt shadow
"Brown is a mix of all the primary colors, so there are a lot of options," says makeup artist Emily Kate Warren. She recommends a vibrant blue shadow, like Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow in Fire Sapphire, for rich, dark brown eyes. "An electric shade like this really makes brown eyes pop—I just love the contrast
2-egg plant mascara
Purple shades best enhance brown eyes with hazel flecks, says Warren: "The eyes already have a variety of tones, so you don't need a dramatic shade to create a striking contrast." We like Mally Beauty Volumizing Accents Mascara because it not only flatters brown irises, it makes the whites of the eyes look seriously bright.
3- greenish gold shadow
For a pretty eye-makeup look that's neither drab or cuckoo-bananas, go green. "And don't be afraid to try different finishes," advises Warren. "Green tones come in a wide range of matte and metallic shades—they'll all pick up any flecks in brown." Our favorite: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Sumptuous Olive.
4-copper shadow
Warm up a neutral shadow shade, like bone or taupe, with a layer of copper shadow on the outer halves of your lids. "It will highlight your eye color, and the shimmer will add a little texture," says Warren. Our pick: Josie Maran Argan Eye Shadow in Cinnamon.
5-navy shadow and liner
Deep blue is the best bet for daytime, office-appropriate cat eyes—it also animates brown eyes without looking severe (as black sometimes does). "It creates a slight but eye-catching contrast," says Warren. We like Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow in Indigo and Sonia Kashuk Eye Definer in Blue Jean.
6-gold shadow
Warm metallics, simply put, make brown eyes glisten. "They highlight even the slightest hint of gold undertones," says Warren. We like L'Oréal Paris 24 HR Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine.