10 eyeshadow color combinations for dark skin

Just because you love makeup doesn't mean you don't occasionally get stumped when it comes to figuring out what eyeshadow color combinations would look good on you. As a dark-skinned person, this feat can be daunting as a fair amount of eyeshadow palettes do not have colors that work well with darker tones. We recognize that this is a challenge, so to help you out, we've put together ten eyeshadow color combinations specifically for dark skin. With these, you never have to feel stuck when putting together a makeup look ever again.

1. Rust Red, Deep Brown and Bronze

Picture this, it's night time in the summer, the weather is a pleasant mix of warm and breezy, and you're out on the town having the time of your life. If a night like this is something you're looking forward to, you need the perfect eyeshadow to suit the aesthetic. You can achieve this exact look using the Huda Beauty Rich Nude Obsession palette. The combination of rust red, deep brown, and bronze is precisely the color combination you're searching for. It would be best if you start by applying a good eye primer on your eyelids as a base for the shadows. 

Next, use an eyeshadow applicator brush to apply the rust-red shadow on your eyelids and crease. Follow up with the deep brown shade, applying it with a brush on the outer V area for that beautiful contour look. The bronze comes in next; use a brush or your finger to apply it to your middle lid and inner corners to achieve a subtle glow. Finish up by brushing a little of that rust-red on your lower lash line, and if you're a little bit extra, complete this look with a liquid liner on your upper lash line. 

2. Matte green and Shimmery gold

There's something so glamorous about a green eyeshadow, especially a flawless one. Regardless of whether you've tried out green eyeshadow before or not, this is a good look if you are ready to step out of your comfort zone. Everything you need for this look is present in the Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette in Armed & Gorgeous.

Even more, if you are looking for a new look to attempt, this combination of green and gold will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you go. To slay it, start by applying primer all over your eyelids. Once that's done, the next step is to use the matte green eyeshadow on the crease, outer V, and outer lid of your eye. Don't worry if it gets near the middle because you'll get a chance to correct that. 

With the green shadow applied, you'll need to go in with some concealer and a flat brush. Apply concealer on the brush and swipe from the inner lid to the middle lid. This move is called a cut crease, and it works to wipe off any excess green eyeshadow on the applied areas. Once the cut crease is done, apply the shimmery gold shadow on the places you applied concealer, for some shine. Finish this look using the green on your lower lash line, swiping on some liquid liner, and popping on some dramatic false lashes. 

3. Deep Blue and Copper

Nothing screams elegance quite like a deep blue eyeshadow. Unfortunately, many dark-skinned people actively avoid this color because they think that cool, jewel-tone only suits people with cool undertones. The truth is that regardless of whether you have a cool or warm undertone, a deep blue eyeshadow still looks stunning on your dark skin, and more so when it's combined with a mesmerizing copper eyeshadow. The Uoma Beauty Black Magic Color Palette in Posie is a great palette to achieve this, and the 'Black Y'all,' 'Yemoja,' and 'La Sirene' shadows are perfect for this look.

The remarkable thing about this color combination is that it is pretty straightforward, and it's a look that's easy to achieve. All you need to do is start with your base primer and then go in with the copper shadow on your eye crease. Next, apply a darker shadow, like a deep brown or black on the lower crease and outer V, just below the copper. This technique ensures that the copper shadow doesn't get lost in the blue.

Once that's done, you can then apply the deep blue eyeshadow on the inner, middle, and outer lid. Apply some of that black shadow (or black eyeliner) on your water line, and some copper on your lower lash line. You can end it there, or go the extra mile with some eyeliner and mascara or falsies. 

4. Pink and Purple

Let your inner child run free by embracing bold and bright eyeshadows. What better way to do that than with a pink and purple color combination offered by Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Palette in 'Supernova,' 'Hot Mess', and 'Ultraviolet'? 

The mix of a down to earth, jewel-toned purple, and a playful pink is nothing short of stunning on dark skin. This color combination is youthful and fun, but can still look sophisticated when done the right way. Even better, achieving this look is incredibly simple. You'll need two different matte shades of pink and shimmery purple eyeshadow. 

Once you've set your base with your primer, you'll want to apply a light pink shadow on your upper crease, near your brow bone. Next, go in with a brighter (hot pink) shadow on your crease, just below the lighter pink. Next, it's time to apply the shimmery purple shadow on your inner, middle, and outer lid. Swipe your lower lash line with that hot pink shadow, and use some shimmery purple shadow near your eye's inner corner. To balance the look, pop on some lashes and mascara, and you're done! 

5. Yellow, Burnt Orange and Gold

Yellow and orange are just two colors that always look incredible on dark skin, regardless of skin tones. Combining both these beautiful colors to pull off a look is one thing that should go without saying. Add gold to the mix, and you've got yourself a winning blend. This look can be pulled off with the Makeup Revolution X Tammi Tropical Carnival Eyeshadow Palette in 'Dusk,' 'Sunrise,' 'Sunset,' and 'Candlelight.'

You'll need a matte yellow shadow, matte orange, shimmery orange, and a shimmery gold shadow. Once you've got your base done, start by applying the yellow eyeshadow on your upper crease. Next, use the matte orange shadow on your crease, below the yellow shadow. Also, apply this color on your outer V for some contour. 

The following step involves creating a cut crease with your concealer and flat brush from the inner to the middle lid. When you have your cut crease, use a small brush to apply the shimmery orange shadow on to the outer lid. Then go in with the shimmery gold shadow on your inner and middle li. Finish this look with the matte orange on your lower lash line and some mascara, and that's it. 

6. Red and Burgundy

Red is known for being the color of romance and love, so if you want to pull off a flirty look, opting for red is one way to go. When it comes to color combinations, very few colors blend seamlessly with red like its distant cousin, burgundy. A red and burgundy eyeshadow combination allows you to pull off a romantic yet edgy look effortlessly. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 3 is the perfect palette to use for this look.

All you'll need is a matte red shadow, a matte burgundy shadow, and a primer. After applying your base with a primer, use a round brush to apply the red eyeshadow to your crease. Next, smoke out your eyes with the burgundy shade by applying it to your outer lid, outer V, and lower lash line. Finish the look by applying some mascara, adding a shimmery shadow to your eyes' inner corner.  

7. Brown and Burnt orange

Your everyday look probably consists of several shades of nude and brown, but what if you could elevate your everyday eyeshadow look by adding a pop of color? The combination of brown and burnt orange is a match made in heaven, and pulling this look off has never been simpler. You'll need a matte brown shadow, a shimmery burnt orange shadow, and a matte burnt orange shadow.  NARS Voyageur Eyeshadow Palette in Copper is an ideal palette for this.

Start by applying the matte burnt orange to the crease and outermost corner of your eyes. Next, go in with the matte brown on the outer V for a contour effect. Once that's done, use a brush to apply the shimmery burnt orange to the inner and middle lid. Then, complete your eye makeup with some mascara and the matte burnt orange on your lower lash line. As simple as this look is to achieve, its still a head-turner.

8. Black and Purple

A sultry nighttime look is always needed now and again, and the combination of black and purple screams sexy. To put this look together, you'll need a matte black eyeshadow and a shimmery purple eyeshadow. With the Fenty Beauty Snap Shadow Eye Shadow Palette in 6 Smoky, you can perfect this combination. 

First, make sure your eye base intact, then apply the black shadow to your eye's outer V. Use a rounded brush to smoke it out. Next, go in with the shimmery purple on the entirety of the lid. Smoke out your lower lash line with the black shadow and line your upper lash line with a liquid liner. If you're feeling a bit edgy, try out a cat-eye style. This look cannot be complete without some dramatic false lashes, so feel free to pop those on, and voila! You've got yourself a seductive look.  

9. Turquoise and Yellow

Turquoise is not a color that you see on dark skin a whole lot, but that needs to change because this hue looks perfect against dark skin. Combine that with the color yellow, which we already know by now is a gift to dark skin, and you have a beautiful, bold look. For this, you'll need a matte yellow eyeshadow, a matte orange shadow, and a shimmery turquoise shadow. 

Begin by applying the yellow to your upper lower lash line. Next, use the orange shadow on your crease, slightly below the yellow, and underneath the yellow shadow on your lower lash line for a sunset effect. Go in with the turquoise on the inner and middle lid, as well as the waterline. Swipe on some mascara or lashes, and your look is complete. The Juvia's Place Zulu Eyeshadow palette has all the colors you'll need for this look.

10. Black and Chocolate Brown

There's nothing wrong with going back to the basics with a classic black and chocolate brown color combination. A daytime favorite, this combination is perfect for those days when you want to look good without drawing unnecessary attention to your eyes with bright colors. To pull off this effortlessly stunning look, you'll need a chocolate brown shadow and black shadow. 

All you'll need to do is apply the brown shadow to the crease and lid. Then use a flat brush to apply the black on your upper lash line and outer V for a subtle smokey look. Finish this off with some mascara, and you're good to go. For this splendid look, the Morphe 35V Stunning Vibes Artistry Palette is all you'll need. 

FAQs

How can I make my eyeshadow brighter for dark skin?

There are a couple of ways you can get eyeshadow to look brighter on darker skin. One way to do this is by applying a primer on your eyelids before applying any shadow. The primer makes the eyeshadow look more vibrant when you use it. 

Another thing you can try is wetting your applicator brush with either water or setting spray before using it to apply your eyeshadow. All you need to do is wet it slightly and remove any excess liquid by patting it on a clean wipe. 

This allows the brush to pick up more product. You'll be sure to notice a difference when you do this. Finally, you can try layering your eyeshadow when you apply it. This means using the color twice or thrice to make it pop.

What colors go well with dark skin tones? 

Several colors complement dark skin tones very well, regardless of varying undertones. One-color that always looks good on dark skin is gold. Whether it's gold jewelry, gold makeup, or a gold item of clothing, this color makes dark skin glow. 

Another color that works well with dark skin is red. A color like this has a way of adding an extra 'oomph' to any look you put together. If you're one who's more inclined to neutral shades, then white is a great color to opt for. This hue looks great on darker tones, and the contrast in shades will make you stand out.

What eyeshadow do colors make dark brown eyes pop?

If you have dark brown eyes, using some eyeshadow colors might make your eyes look duller. If you are looking for colors that would make your eyes pop, there are a couple of eyeshadows you might want to try out. 

For one, cobalt blue is a vibrant color that would contrast your dark brown eyes and make them stand out. You could also go for a gold eyeshadow, or any warm metallic shadow, as they highlight your eyes. A rich, eggplant purple also works well to make your eyes look brighter, as they enhance any shade variations in the brown of your eyes.

What colors compliment dark brown eyes?

With dark brown eyes, you have the rare ability to slay almost any color. Various colors would complement your dark brown eyes, from bright orange to cool purple. For a more colorful look, you can opt for variations of yellow, orange, and red. 

You could also try out metallic tones like gold, bronze, and silver. Cooler shades like blue, green, and purple highlight your eyes' color, while darker shades like black and dark brown make your eyes look dimmer.

What eyeliner color is best for dark brown eyes?

While black eyeliner is usually the go-to color, it can get boring eventually. Trying out new eyeliner colors as a person with brown eyes can be tricky, as not all colors would work best with your eyes. There are specific colors that will accentuate the beauty in your eyes. 

Deep brown eyeliners would look great on you, but if you're looking for a little pop of color, then deep blue and amber eyeliners bring out any light flecks in your eyes. If you're not ready to go all out with vibrant color, try just lining your lower lash line.

Which skin color is most attractive?

Beauty and attractiveness come in all skin colors and shades. Besides, the concept of glamor is usually subjective, so it depends on an individual's taste and preference. Because of this, no one skin color is the most attractive over the rest.

What hair color is best for dark skin?

Switching up your hair color as a dark-skinned person can be nerve-wracking sometimes, as you might not be particularly sure what colors would suit your skin tone. However, don't fret, because several colors look great on your skin. 

A deep purple stands out against dark skin, makes it glow, and looks brighter. Light blonde and platinum hues also go well with your skin tone by complementing it. A blue hint is also a way to introduce vibrant color into your hair without going over the top with it.

What colors look best on dark skin?

With dark skin, you can get away with rocking just about any color in the right shade. Your skin tone matches with various shades, so if you want to try out some new colors, go right ahead! Bright colors like red, orange, gold, and yellow look amazing against dark skin. If you appreciate cooler tones more, then blues, greens, and purples would also work well on you. Make sure to balance out bright colors with more neutral tones for a more put-together look.

What is the best eyeshadow for dark skin?

Trying out new eyeshadows is a great way to discover colors that suit you. But if you're looking to save some time, a couple of shades work well with dark skin, it's written in stone with these hues. They include jewel tones like deep blue, purple, and emerald green, as they pop against your skin tone. 

Other shades of eyeshadow to consider are reds, burgundy, copper, and gold. These warm hues make your eyes and skin look brighter. Certain makeup brands like Naked, NYX, and Juvia's place have eyeshadow palettes with these tones.

How do I keep my eyeshadow from looking muddy?

There are a couple of reasons why your eyeshadow looks muddy when you apply it. But to combat these issues, there are a few things you can do. For one, you can start your eye look by using a good eye primer on your eyelids as this ensures your eyeshadow sticks to your eyes. You would also want to set your primer with a neutral shade. 

Setting the primer allows for optimal blending when you start applying your eyeshadow. You might also want to consider the quality of the eyeshadow you use. Higher quality eyeshadows are more pigmented and comfortable to blend, which prevents a smutty look.

How do you apply eyeshadow for beginners?

To apply eyeshadow as a beginner, you'll want to start with getting the right eyeshadow brushes. A flat brush, a shadow brush, and a blending brush is a great place to start. Next, you'll need to apply a base with an eye primer and set it with a neutral eyeshadow that matches your skin tone. 

Once you've done that, use a darker shadow on your eye crease, and a lighter one on your inner and middle eyelid. You can also line your lash lines with a dark color, like brown or black. Finish up by highlighting your brow bone and inner corner of your eyes.