Last year when I was getting ready for my friend’s wedding I was so excited but also totally stressed about what color makeup to wear with my navy blue dress.
I have brown eyes and wasn’t sure what would make them pop without looking like a clown!
After trying about a million color combos, I finally landed on the perfect shades.
Did you know that blue and brown are actually an underrated but gorgeous color combination for eyeshadow?
The cool tones of navy are beautifully offset by warm browns and taupes.
I was so pleased with how the look turned out in photos too.
Gold Eyeshadow
The warm undertones of gold help bring out flecks of gold and amber in brown eyes. While brown eyes may appear mostly cool-toned, they often have hints of warmer colors that gold helps emphasize.
Navy blue is a cooler, bright color on the color wheel while gold has rich, warm tones. The contrast between the cool navy and warm gold makes brown eyes really pop without any harsh clashes in colors.
Gold acts as a neutral that doesn’t overwhelm the eye look but adds luminosity. While some may think bright colors are needed to stand out, more muted tones like gold let the eyes take center stage without competition.
Shimmery or metallic gold shades are especially flattering as they catch the light and make eyes appear larger and more awakened. The subtle sheen adds glamour to brown eyes without need for heavy pigmentation.
Gold works for every skin tone when paired with navy. Whether fair, medium, or deep complexions, gold finds the warmest notes in brown eyes without looking out of place.
In summary, gold is a gorgeous complement to brown eyes and navy blue dresses because its warm undertones make eyes sparkle while providing flattering contrast to the cool navy hue.
Both the dress and eyes are allowed to shine with golden eyeshadow as the star pairing.
Copper Eyeshadow
Much like gold, copper eyeshadow choices complement the varying tones found within brown eyes. From chocolate to caramel to amber, copper emphasizes the warmer flecks.
Navy blue and copper pair nicely through analogous color pairing on the color wheel. Both colors are near each other, with navy being a cooler complement to copper’s warm richness. This makes for harmonious eyes and outfit.
The reddish undertones in copper flatter brown eyes without looking too bold. Often browns can appear dull, but copper adds lively dimension through its tonal variation.
Softly blended copper eyeshadow looks elegant rather than overdone when paired with a simple navy dress. The hue allows eyes to stand out beautifully without committing to a fully colorful look.
Both matte and shimmery copper formulas are flattering, with the former being ideal for daytime and the latter perfect for evening. The metallic finishes lend themselves well to complementing festive navy attire.
Copper eyeshadow is universally becoming, suiting all skin depths and complexions handsomely when working with navy blue. Its neutral reddish tone makes it an inclusive makeup choice.
In summary, copper is a stellar eyeshadow shade for brown eyes and navy dresses because it enhances the warmer eye notes through thoughtful analogous pairing without overwhelming the simple outfit aesthetic.
Both eye-catching and wearable, copper is a go-to option.
Caramel Eyeshadow
The medium-toned brown shades of caramel shadow accentuate the central hues found in many brown eyes. They help tie the whole look together seamlessly.
Much like a caramel treat, the hue is approachable, neutral and non-threatening. It won’t distract from conversation or photo opportunities like some brighter shades might.
Naturally warm but not overtly vibrant, caramel echoes the blue-brown color wheel relationship of navy and brown eyes beautifully. The analogous tones complement each other.
On the eyelids, caramel creates dimension and depth without heavily altering one’s natural eye color. It simply polishes brown eyes like a finishing touch.
Caramel blends in well whether kept matte on the lid or smoked out slightly in the crease area. This makes it suitable for work events or weddings alike.
The creamy texture of most caramel eyeshadow formulas applies and wears comfortably on the mobile eye area all night. No luck is needed!
Most importantly, caramel simply enhances without overwhelming either the eyes or the classic black-and-navy combo. It’s the perfect neutral bridge between the two.
In summary, caramel eyeshadow is ideal because it flatters brown eyes with emphasis on their true tone, while pairing harmoniously with navy through its understated warmth. A versatile editorial pick!
Chocolate Bronze Eyeshadow
The rich brown-bronze undertones in this hue pick up on complementary shades already within brown irises, bringing out their natural depth and dimension.
While navy blue leans cooler, chocolate bronze provides just the right amount of balanced warm tones to offset it visually. Their placement on the color wheel supports this perfectly.
Whether done up matte or with dimensional shimmer, the alloy-like finish of chocolate bronze casts eyes in a universally flattering, glowy light without overwhelming the face.
Its neutral undertones flatter all skin tones when paired with a classic color like navy. No one will feel left out of this pairing.
Applied across the lid and crease with control, chocolate bronze looks put together and polished rather than overdone for day or night.
Blending ability allows adjusting the depth to suit one’s preferences – from discreet day looks to smoldering evening statements.
Last but not least, it simply flatters the natural variety of brown eyes without competing with the dress’s solid hue. Both shine through for an harmonious look.
In summary, chocolate bronze is a match made in makeup heaven for brown eyes and navy dresses by bringing out their best complementary aspects through its versatile, universally flattering warm-neutral tones.
Taupes and Grays
While taupes and grays may seem like an unlikely choice, they actually complement brown eyes beautifully when paired with navy.
Taupe shadows bring out green and hazel flecks while cooler grays make eyes pop without competing with a dark dress.
Try a matte taupe all over the lid with a pencil brush of shimmery pewter in the crease. For a smudgy day look use Cool Grays from the Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette.
These shades are universally flattering for all brown eye colors and skin tones.
Rose Gold Eyeshadow
The rosy undertones in rose gold help emphasize warmer, ruddier brown tones within eyes and complement cool navy.
Their colors play nicely together.
Unlike some brighter pinks, rose gold’s depth and metallic finish make it a rich, flattering choice that won’t look juvenile paired with adult attire like navy.
Shimmery rose gold washes of color catch the light beautifully, making brown eyes really stand out against a darker dress without going overboard.
It balances femininity with polish, suiting both casual day looks as well as dressed-up evening ones without much adjustment needed.
Unlike stark yellow or orange tones, rose gold coordinates harmoniously and bringing out brown eyes’ warmth without competing with the outfit.
When blended out from the center of eyelids, it opens up eyes and makes them appear wider set and doe-like while complementing all skin tones.
Subtle and luminous, rose gold flatters eyes without dramatically altering their original beautiful brown hue the way some colors can.
In conclusion, rose gold is perfect because its romantic, rosy glow enhances brown eyes’ best features while contrasting elegantly with deep navy for a universally appealing makeup pairing.
Plum Eyeshadow
Plum is a richly pigmented shade that makes brown eyes positively sparkle and pop against a darker navy backdrop.
When applied smoothly from lid to crease, it brings dimension and frame to the eyes without looking harsh.
Plum’s depth is elegant and moodier than brighter purples, suiting evening affairs or formal daytime looks equally well.
Both matte and shimmery plum formulas flatter brown eyes naturally without drastically changing their hue like lighter shades could.
As a bolder alternative to neutrals, plum feels on-trend and makes a statement when all other elements are simpler like a lace navy dress.
Its Fall/Winter association suits pairing with navy well when cooler weather calls for dramatic eye makeup pops.
Plum’s tonality pulls double duty, suiting both cooler and warmer brown eye colors through deft blending along the lash line.
Overall the blend of plum and navy creates intrigue through their analogous color relationship for a stylish ensemble.
Burgundy Eyeshadow
Burgundy’s wine-colored tones enrich brown eyes, bringing out both cool and warm undertones beautifully against the cool navy backdrop.
The colors are analogous complements that sit right next to each other on the color wheel, ensuring a harmonious pairing.
When blended out from the lash line, burgundy amps up depth and definition without going over the top.
Its depth is elegant and moody, working for everything from casual day looks to evening affairs when paired with classic solid navy.
Bringing out dimension in brown eyes without skewing their overall color, burgundy acts as a rich accent rather than domineering the face.
Much like navy, burgundy feels autumnal and luxurious, evoking feelings of luxurious texture when worn together.
It suits both warmer, ruddier brown eye shades as well as cooler, chocolate-toned ones through deft placement throughout the crease.
The color intensity can be adapted via applications from sheer washes to sultry smoky khol lines to suit different skin tones beautifully.
In essence, burgundy makes brown eyes pop through harmonious contrast while amplifying their natural beauty when accessorized with understated navy attire.
Smokey Quartz Eyeshadow
Smokey quartz is a unique taupe-gray hybrid shade that plays up brown eyes’ dimension without competing against navy.
Its cooler undertones pick up on hints of steely grays and olive within brown irises beautifully.
When blended out from the lashline, it frames eyes with an ethereal smokey effect that isn’t overly stark like black.
This unique neutral hue looks polished and pairs organically with both cool and warm undertone features in brown eyes.
It serves as a subtle accent to navy without hijacking attention from either the dress or eyes like a bolder hue could.
Both matte and satin finishes suit day or night and complement varying skin tones when used to accentuate eyes.
Applied lightly or darkened at the outer corners, quartz’ versatility allows customizing its impact for different eye shapes too.
Lastly, its pale intensity and taupe casts a soft glow on brown irises that flatters without intensely coloring them artificially.
Smokey quartz is a standout choice because its chameleonic quality brings forth brown eyes’ natural assets via organic contrast against complementary navy.
Emerald Green Eyeshadow
When applied very close to the lashline in a thin, blended-out line along the outer bottom lashline only, emerald green picks up the few golden-olive tones in some brown eyes without overwhelming the look.
It adds an element of surprise and intrigue without competing with the navy dress color. Just a hint of green draws attention to the eyes in a fresh way.
Lighter, more sage-toned emeralds emphasize brown eyes’ warmer flecks better than bolder greens, enhancing their depth subtly against navy.
Used as a complementary accent rather than full lid wash, emerald enhances brown eyes without altering their overall hue composition too much.
Matte emerald shades perform this trick best by not veering into costume territory like metallic finishes could.
It works for evening affairs when paired judiciously with little risk of reading as too bold next to dark navy.
However, heavy pigment on a large lid area or overpowering application techniques should generally be avoided with this unconventional twist. Moderation is key.
So in small, blended doses along the lower outer lashline only, emerald green can absolutely work to complement brown eyes paired with a navy dress for a stunning pops of color. Less is more.
Berry Eyeshadow
Berry is a reddish-purple shade that picks up the warmest undertones in brown eyes beautifully without overwhelming.
Its cool, bright color provides dimensional contrast to a navy dress without directly competing on the color wheel.
When blended smooth across the lid and into the crease, berry adds richness and definition to brown eyes against a navy backdrop.
Both matte and satin berry shades flatter eyes without skewing their natural color too much like some bolder hues could.
Its feminine association ensures berry feels appropriate without venturing into territory that’s too overtly trendy or stark.
Light application keeps the look polished while deeper pigment at the outer corners amps up evening drama when needed.
Versatile berry suits everything from daytime looks to nighttime formalwear equally well with navy blue.
Overall, it highlights the depth and vibrancy within brown eyes harmoniously rather than overwhelming either the eyes or dress.
So in moderation across the eyelid, berry provides beautiful contrast and amplification of brown eyes’ best features against a classic navy outfit.
Brown-based Reds
Shades like burgundy, wine, terracotta, and cinnamon have deep brown undertones that pick up on the natural warmth in brown eyes.
Their brown casts make these reds feel softer and more flattering as eyeshadow colors compared to brighter orange-leaning reds.
Matte finishes complement the navy better than shimmers, which can feel more intense.
Applied just on the eyelid and blended along the lower lash line, these earthy reds emphasize brown eyes’ depth without overwhelming.
They make eyes pop against a navy backdrop without directly competing on the color wheel.
Skin tone is an important factor – these shades will suit medium to deep complexions best paired with navy.
Light, deft application is key to avoiding a harsh look. Building color gradually ensures flattery.
For daytime, stick to more muted brown-reds like rust or cinnamon over brighter hues.
With brown eyes being naturally soft, these reddish browns inject warmth without altering their coloring too much.
Used properly, brown-based reds can complement brown eyes beautifully against a navy dress. Subtlety and undertones are what ensure flattery.
Amber Eyeshadow
Amber eyeshadow can be a lovely match for brown eyes paired with a navy blue dress, as long as it’s applied carefully.
Amber echoes the warm tones found within many brown eyes, enhancing their depth and richness.
Its golden bronze hue plays nicely against navy through analogous color pairing on the color wheel.
Applied softly on the eyelid and blended upward, amber opens up eyes without overwhelming them.
Matte or satin finishes work best to balance the intensity – shimmers could pull focus.
Light skin tones may need a more muted, taupe-toned amber to avoid appearing too stark.
Deepening the color only at the outer corners adds dimension safely.
Cool-toned brown eyes may prefer a blended brown-amber mix versus full amber.
Pairing with navy helps amber not wash eyes out, keeping it complementary.
Always starting with a light hand and building color gradually ensures flattery.
So in moderation across the lid area, a true amber eyeshadow picks up the flattering notes in brown eyes without clashing when anchored by navy blue attire. It’s all about balance.
Smoky Topaz Eyeshadow
Smoky topaz is a soft taupe shade with warm undertones that bring out the depth and warmth in brown eyes.
The taupe hue acts as a neutral bridge between the cool navy blue of the dress and the brown eyes. When blended across the lid and into the crease, it adds dimension and framing to the eyes without being too harsh.
Both a matte and subtle shimmer finish will flatter brown eyes without competing with the dress.
As a warmer neutral alternative to gray, it pairs beautifully with the rich navy blue.
Smoky topaz enhances brown eyes without skewing their natural color the way some bolder shades could.
It works for both daytime and evening looks when paired with understated navy.
The hue also flatters a variety of skin tones and different undertones within brown eyes.
Overall, smoky topaz eyeshadow elegantly complements brown eyes through subtle contrast against a classic navy dress.
So in summary, its versatile warm taupe tone is very flattering for brown eyes and navy blue ensembles.
Olive Green Eyeshadow
Olive green echoes the earthy, organic tones often seen in brown eyes. Used subtly, it enhances their natural beauty.
Its placement between blue and brown on the color wheel makes it a coordinating rather than competing shade against navy.
Applied lightly just in the outer corner and lower lashline, olive green adds depth and mystery to brown eyes.
A muted, army-green tone is generally more flattering than a bolder hue, allowing the eyes to remain the focus.
It works best with medium to darker brown eyes that have olive or green flecks to pick up on.
Matte finishes perform this trick most gracefully—shimmer could overwhelm the simple navy dress.
Olive green pops eyes open and makes them stand out against a darker backdrop without clashing jarringly.
Skin tone also matters—fair skins may opt for a grayer olive versus an army tone with navy.
So in moderation as an accent, olive green can absolutely harmonize brown eyes with a navy dress look. Understated is key.
TOP 15+ Makeup Colors for Your Navy Blue Dress and Brown Eyes
Color | Rank | Why it is a good match |
---|---|---|
Rose Gold | 9.5 | The rosy undertones help emphasize warmer brown tones and complement cool navy. |
Plum | 9.0 | The purple undertones pick up similar cool tones in brown eyes without competing with the dress color. |
Burgundy | 9.0 | Burgundy’s wine-colored tones enrich brown eyes, bringing out both cool and warm undertones against navy. |
Smokey Quartz | 8.5 | Its cooler undertones pick up hints of grays and olive in brown eyes beautifully against navy. |
Amber | 8.0 | Amber echoes warm tones in brown eyes, enhancing depth and richness against analogous navy. |
Berry | 8.0 | Berry is a reddish-purple shade that picks up warm undertones in brown eyes without overwhelming against navy. |
Brown-based Reds | 7.5 | Earthy shades like burgundy enhance brown eyes’ warmth without competing directly with navy. |
Smoky Topaz | 7.5 | Its warm taupe tone brings out depth and warmth in brown eyes elegantly against navy. |
Olive Green | 7.0 | Echoes earthy tones in brown eyes when used as an outer corner accent against navy. |
Emerald Green | 6.5 | Can work in very small doses along the lower lashline to pick up olive tones in some brown eyes. |
I hope these makeup color ideas help you put together the perfect eye look for your little navy dress! Experimenting is key to finding your personal best shades. Most of all, have fun with it! Your brown eyes will shine no matter what.