While I don't believe that there are set-in-stone makeup tips for brown eyes, I do know some people like to have a set of "rules" to help them out. This article is going to cover some very basic steps that women with brown eyes can follow. Keep in mind that variety is the spice of life, and if you really like a color there is no reason why you shouldn't try it out. You may be surprised at how good it looks on you. In my experience, experimenting is all the fun. So, remember these are merely guidelines to help you choose colors when you're standing there in front of 300 colors and have no idea where to start. Just because I don't mention anything about a certain color does not automatically exclude it from the list.

The most popular question I get is "what eyeshadow can I wear with my eye color?" Listen up, and I'll tell you.

General makeup tips for brown eyes always include browns, beige and neutral tans. Grays and charcoals look good with this eye color, as do violet and lavender. You can mix it up with a lavendar and a violet.

Khaki and olive green are a great color combination. Browns with green highlights or copper highlights are always a fun option. Try copper and even gold. If your eyes have a tinge of green, or like mine are half green, choose green eyeshadows as well.

You'll find that even though you've heard that you should never wear an eyeshadow the same color as your eyes, that brown shadow can look very good with brown eyes and green shadow can look very good with green eyes. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the "right" shade. Brown eyeshadows are all pretty safe, so you don't have to worry too much about those. Colors like purple, green and blue require a bit more testing.

Black is out, so dont use it as an eyeshadow.

Keep trying until you find a color you like. You'll know when it's right- trust your instincts.

Like I said, I hate to rule anything out, but makeup tips for brown eyes should include that certain pink and mauve eyeshadows can cause you to look swollen or puffy around your eyes. It isn't true for all women or for all pinks, either. But if you're certain you don't want to risk it, avoid pinks. Mauves also fall into this category. It may be because women with brown eyes tend to have more yellow skintones making them warm complexioned and pinks and mauves are definitely cool colors. The blue in the pinks can react with the yellow of the skin producing an unattractive feature.

And while it isn't specifically makeup tips for brown eyes, you may want to avoid blue eyeshadow too. There's the misconception that blue eyeshadow is "out", but like I said, it really depends on who's wearing it. Playing it safe would include skipping this color.

Silvers are not a good color for brown eyes. They tend to cause a washed out look. Leave silver for blue eyes.

And now for the eyeliner colors. Brown eyes always should include dark brown and black eyeliner. These are very good choices for this eye color. Dont line your black liner too thick, though. Thats pass. Racoon eyes are a big no-no.

If youre trying to open small eyes, line with silver or white, especially the first third from the inside corner of your eyelid. Then finish with a dark brown.

Navy, forest green, violet and copper are also great eyeliner choices. Play around with the different colors and pick the ones you like best.

Lynn Starner

Lynn started Ultimate Skin Care Tips in May of 2004, when she saw a need for a comprehensive skin care and makeup tips site. The following Novemeber, 2004, Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics were born after close to a year of research and formulating. Now she works in her studio daily providing new and exciting products for her customers, while consistently adding new information to her skin care site.