Hello, beautiful people. Today I’m sharing the best eyeshadows to enhance blue green eyes, aka cyan eyes. My eyes are a unique shade of cyan, shifting between blue and green depending on what I wear. Some people think they’re grey, while others insist they’re always green. Even my official IDs list them as blue! But honestly, I don’t usually focus on enhancing my eye color when I choose eyeshadow. As a Bright Winter in seasonal color analysis, I prefer to have fun with vibrant, bold, and editorial looks that let me express my creativity.
This post contains a mix of PR samples and products purchased by me. All opinions are my own.
Color Theory for Blue Green Eyes
Let’s take a quick refresher on color theory to elevate your makeup game! 🎨
At the heart of the color wheel are the primary colors: blue, yellow, and red. These are the pure hues from which all other colors stem. Mixing primary colors creates secondary shades:
- Blue + Yellow = Green
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Blue + Red = Violet (Purple)
Taking it a step further, combining a primary color with a neighboring secondary color gives us tertiary shades:
- Yellow-Orange
- Red-Orange
- Red-Violet
- Blue-Violet
- Blue-Green
- Yellow-Green
Understanding this color spectrum is more than just art class nostalgia—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your natural beauty. Warmer shades like red, orange, and yellow can add a vibrant glow, while cooler tones such as blue, green, and purple offer a soothing elegance.
By mastering the color wheel, you can effortlessly choose eyeshadow shades that complement your eye color and skin tone. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle daytime look or a bold evening statement, this knowledge empowers you to make choices that highlight your features beautifully.
Some Color Theory Definitions
- Hue – another name for color
- Tint – any color plus white
- Tone – any color plus grey
- Shade – any color plus black
- Cool colors – violets, blues and greens
- Warm colors – reds, oranges and yellows
Complementary, Monochromatic, and Analogous Color Schemes
Ready to elevate your eyeshadow game? Let’s explore three fabulous ways to pair colors: complementary, monochromatic, and analogous schemes. Understanding these can transform your look and make your eyes truly stand out.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are hues that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a vibrant contrast that makes both colors pop. Since my eyes are blue-green, the complementary color is reddish-orange. This means shades like warm coppers, terracottas, and rich corals are perfect for enhancing my eye color. Other stunning complementary combinations include pink and green, blue and orange, or violet and yellow. This technique is a classic go-to for making your eyes the focal point. So, if you have green eyes, reaching for red-violet or plum eyeshadows can really make them shine.
The Natasha Denona Mini Zendo Palette is good at making my cyan eyes pop blue.
Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic schemes use variations of a single hue, playing with different tints, tones, and shades. To enhance my blue-green eyes, I often stick to a silver and grey palette for a sleek, sophisticated look or I go bold with bright fuchsia pink that matches my hair. For a fun twist, I’ll opt for teal, navy, and icy blue to create depth and dimension. Monochromatic palettes have become my favorite way to wear eyeshadow lately—they’re effortless yet impactful.
Bellabeautébar Basic Witch Palette is what I often use for pink monochromatic looks because I love how it makes my eyes pop. Glinda, Conjure, and either Hecate or Coven are perfect for a monochromatic moment, especially with Witch Please on the lid. (use code CORDELIA to save 10%)
Natasha Denona Xenon Palette is perfect for icy silver and greys. Very elegant!
The Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Palette is another semi-smoky cool-toned option with greys, nudes, and browns. See my swatches here.
Analogous Colors
Analogous color schemes involve pairing colors that are neighbors on the color wheel, typically in groups of three (sometimes four). This approach creates a harmonious and visually pleasing effect. It usually features one dominant color complemented by one or two secondary colors. For instance, a palette of red, red-orange, and orange offers a warm, fiery look. Alternatively, combining blue, blue-green, and green can evoke a cool, serene vibe. This method allows for creativity while maintaining balance in your makeup.
I picked up the Bellabeautébar Recently Deinfuenced Palette for Fall this year because of its vibrant reds and sparkly multichromes.
The best color palette that I own for analogous color schemes is, by far the Blend Bunny Lure Palette. The 24 shade cool-toned eyeshadow palette contains depth, mid, and transition tones in blues, greens, purples, pinks, and is my favorite palette that Blend Bunny has ever created.
By mastering these color pairing techniques, you can customize your eyeshadow looks to enhance your natural beauty and express your personal style. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or subtle elegance, understanding complementary, monochromatic, and analogous colors gives you the tools to make your eyes truly pop.
Ways to Make Other Eye Colors Pop
While I’ve mostly focused on blue green eyes (my cyan eye color) I’ve got tips for other eye colors too!
For Brown Eyes
Many makeup artists agree that brown eyes can wear the widest variety of flattering hues, allowing for endless creativity and fun. Brown eyes are incredibly versatile because they don’t have an exact opposite on the color wheel, which means they pair beautifully with almost any shade. The colors most frequently recommended for brown eyes include purples, blues, teals, greens, greenish golds, golden greens, and deep cobalt blue. Below are the best eyeshadows to enhance brown eyes.
Color Recommendations
Purples and Plums: These shades create a stunning contrast that makes brown eyes appear warmer and more vibrant. Deep eggplant or rich violet can add depth and drama, perfect for a smoky eye look.
Blues and Teals: Cool tones like sapphire blue, teal, and turquoise offer a striking contrast that brings out any golden flecks in brown eyes. A pop of blue eyeliner can make your eyes sparkle without overwhelming the look.
Greens and Golden Greens: Earthy greens, olive tones, and golden greens complement the warm undertones of brown eyes. These shades can enhance any subtle hints of hazel or amber in your eyes.
Greenish Golds and Coppers: Metallics with warm undertones, like gold and copper, amplify the natural warmth of brown eyes. They add a touch of glamour and are especially flattering for evening looks.
Deep Cobalt Blue: This bold shade provides a high-contrast effect that makes brown eyes stand out. It’s a fantastic option for a dramatic eyeliner or a daring eyeshadow look.
Brown Eyes Product Recommendations
The Natasha Denona Mini Triochrome Palette has beautiful blues that would be flattering on brown eyes. Both the Natasha Denona Golden Palette and Natasha Denona I Need a Warm Palette contain beautiful golds and coppers.
The Beauty Bay Midnight 9 Color Palette has beautiful blues and purples.
The Cosmic Brushes Undergrowth Palette contains gorgeous grungy golden greens, coppery hues, and greenish golds.
For Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are uniquely captivating, often displaying a mesmerizing mix of brown, green, and gold flecks. This dynamic combination allows for a versatile palette of eyeshadow colors that can highlight different aspects of your eye color depending on the shades you choose. Below are the best eyeshadows to enhance hazel eyes.
Color Recommendations
Rich Golds and Warm Browns: Golds and warm browns enhance the golden and brown tones in hazel eyes, making them appear brighter and more vibrant. Apply a shimmering gold on the lid and blend a warm brown into the crease for a subtle yet stunning everyday look.
Greens and Olive Tones: Greens draw out the green flecks in hazel eyes, emphasizing this often-overlooked aspect. Experiment with olive or moss green shades on the lid or as an eyeliner to make the green in your eyes pop.
Bronze and Copper Shades: Metallic bronzes and coppers complement the warm undertones of hazel eyes, adding depth and warmth. Use a metallic bronze on the lid with a soft copper in the crease for a glamorous evening look.
Eggplant and Deep Purples: Purples provide a beautiful contrast to the warm tones in hazel eyes, enhancing their multifaceted color. Apply a deep eggplant shade to the outer corner and blend into a lighter lilac towards the inner corner for a sophisticated smoky effect.
Deep Navy and Indigo: Deep blues create a striking contrast, making hazel eyes stand out while emphasizing any subtle blue tones. Line your upper lash line with a navy eyeliner for a subtle yet impactful enhancement.
Burgundy and Plum Shades: These hues amplify the green and gold in hazel eyes, adding richness and warmth. Sweep a plum shade across your lid and blend with a neutral brown for depth.
Because hazel eyes contain multiple colors, combining different eyeshadow shades can highlight various facets of your eye color. For example, pairing a gold lid with a green lower lash line can accentuate both the brown and green tones. Incorporating metallic or shimmer finishes can reflect light and make your eyes appear brighter and more awake. While black mascara is a classic, consider trying a dark brown or even a plum mascara to subtly enhance your eye color.
Hazel Eyes Product Recommendations
Natasha Denona I Need a Warm Palette is definitely one that will help make hazel eyes pop.
Necromancy Cosmetica Swamp of Sorrows Palette is a good grungy green option too.
For Green Eyes
Green is the rarest eye color in the world. It’s also one of the most beautiful. Below are the best eyeshadows to enhance green eyes.
Color Recommendations
Purples and Plums: Purple is opposite green on the color wheel, making it a complementary color that creates a striking contrast. Apply a soft lavender shade for a subtle daytime look or a deep plum for a dramatic evening effect. These hues will make the green in your eyes pop.
Reds and Burgundies: Red-based hues provide a bold contrast that enhances the richness of green eyes. Incorporate burgundy or maroon shades into your crease or outer corner to add depth. A wine-colored eyeshadow can create a sophisticated smoky eye.
Warm and Dark Pinks: Warm pinks with red undertones complement green eyes by bringing out their natural warmth. Sweep a rosy pink across your lid and blend with a darker shade in the crease for dimension. A metallic rose gold can add a touch of glamour to your look.
Coppers and Bronzes: Metallic coppers and bronzes amplify the gold flecks often present in green eyes, adding warmth and sparkle. Use a copper shade on the lid with a darker brown in the outer corner for an elegant, earthy look. A touch of gold shimmer in the inner corner can brighten your eyes.
Darker Greens: Deep greens like emerald and forest green create a monochromatic effect that intensifies your natural eye color. Apply a darker green shade along the lash line or in the outer V of your eye to add depth.
Maroon and Wine Shades: These rich colors contrast beautifully with green eyes, making them appear more vivid.
Golden and Peachy Tones: Warm golds and peaches complement green eyes and add a radiant glow. Use a peach shade as a transition color or apply a golden shimmer on the lid.
Green Eyes Product Recommendations
The Natasha Denona My Dream Palette is a great choice for green eyes.
Both the Bellabeautébar Dead Roses Palette and Bellabeautébar Ultra Violet x Deandranicoleee Palette would make beautiful green eyes pop. The Dead Roses is on my wish list but I don’t know if it will be restocked.
If you’re a fan of eyeshadow singles, you can buy all of these hues from brands like Devinah, Lethal Cosmetics, Aromaleigh, Silk Naturals, and Sydney Grace Co. Save at Devinah, Aromaleigh, and Silk Naturals when you use my code CORDELIA.
For Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are captivating and range from icy blues to deep sapphires. The right eyeshadow colors can enhance their natural beauty, making your eyes appear brighter and more vivid. Let’s explore the best shades and techniques to make your blue eyes truly stand out. Below are the best eyeshadows to enhance blue eyes.
Color Recommendations
Warm Golds and Bronzes: Warm metallics like gold and bronze create a stunning contrast against cool blue eyes, making them appear more vibrant. Apply a gold shimmer across your eyelid for a radiant daytime look or layer bronze in the crease for added depth.
Rich Browns and Coppers: Earthy browns and coppers complement blue eyes by providing a warm backdrop that intensifies the blue. Sweep a matte brown in your crease and a copper shimmer on your lid for a versatile look suitable for day or night.
Oranges and Terracotta Shades: Orange is directly opposite blue on the color wheel, making it the perfect complementary color to make blue eyes pop. Incorporate terracotta or burnt orange shades into your eyeshadow palette for a bold, fashion-forward look. If you’re hesitant about bright orange, start with a peachy hue or a soft apricot shade for a subtler effect.
Purples and Lavenders: Purple hues, especially those with warm undertones, contrast beautifully with blue eyes and can add a touch of elegance. Use lavender shades for a soft daytime look or deepen it with plum for the evening.
Soft Pinks and Rose Golds: Light pinks and rose golds add warmth and femininity, enhancing the natural sparkle of blue eyes. Apply a rose gold shimmer on the lid and blend with a soft brown in the crease.
Deep Navy and Bright Turquoise: Using blue shades that are darker or brighter than your eye color can make your eyes stand out without blending in.
Blue Eyes Product Recommendations
Natasha Denona I Need a Warm Palette is stunning for blue eyes.
The Blend Bunny Lure Palette would be great for the pinks, purples, and blues to compliment blue eyes.
For Cyan Eyes
Cyan eyes, a captivating blend of blue and green, are truly enchanting and relatively rare. This unique eye color can appear more blue, more green, or even grey depending on lighting and makeup choices. By selecting the right eyeshadow shades, you can enhance the multifaceted tones in cyan eyes, making them stand out brilliantly. Below are the best eyeshadows to enhance blue green eyes.
Color Recommendations
Peaches and Corals: Warm shades like peach and coral create a beautiful contrast against the cool tones of cyan eyes, intensifying their color. Apply a peach shimmer on the lid and blend a soft coral into the crease for a fresh, daytime look. A light touch of gold shimmer in the center of the lid can add dimension and catch the light.
Rich Coppers and Bronzes: Metallic coppers and bronzes enhance both the blue and green elements in cyan eyes by providing a warm backdrop. Sweep a copper shade over the lid and deepen the outer corner with a bronze for a sultry evening look.
Deep Purples and Plums: Purple hues, especially those with red undertones, are complementary to green and can make the green tones in your eyes more prominent. Apply a plum shade to the outer V of your eye and blend inward for depth. A lavender shimmer on the inner half of the lid can brighten the eyes and add contrast. And don’t forget that soft violets can subtly enhance both blue and green tones.
Golds and Honey Tones: Golds add warmth and luminosity, enhancing the blue aspects of cyan eyes while highlighting any golden flecks. Use a gold shade on the lid with a soft brown in the crease for a versatile look. Highlight the inner corners with a pale gold to make your eyes appear larger.
Teals and Turquoises: Shades that mirror the blue-green of cyan eyes can create a harmonious and striking effect. Use teal as a pop of color on the lower lash line or as a bold lid color for a statement look.
Earthy Greens and Olive Tones: Greens enhance the green tones in cyan eyes, making them appear more vivid. Incorporate olive or moss green shades into your crease or use as an eyeliner. Combine with gold or bronze shades for a warm, cohesive look.
Soft Greys and Silver Shimmers: Grey and silver shades complement the cool tones in cyan eyes, enhancing their brightness. Apply a silver shimmer on the lid with a matte grey in the crease for an elegant, understated look.
Cyan Eyes Product Recommendations
My Blue-Green Cyan Eyes
Here are my blue green eyes, which are cool toned. They’re more blue at the outside with green at the inner ring.
Peaches and Burgundy Hues
According to the color wheel and complimentary color theory, cool blue green is best enhanced by warm reddish orange. In the above look I used the Melt Cosmetics Love Sick Stack to bring out my eyes with Amelie (peachy gold) on the lid, Love Sick (burgundy red) in the crease, and Blurr (pale neutral from Dark Matter) to blend out the edges of shades. I feel like peaches, corals, coppers and burgundies work for this. True reds really bring out the blue. I also think orangey-bronzey-golds work well for warm shades too. Love Sick is no longer around, but the Melt Rust Palette is still available.
Purples and Violets
Purple is supposed to bring out the green tones in eyes. It’s also supposed to help accentuate blue eyes. Try the Blend Bunny Lure Palette for beautiful purples.
Silvers, Greys, and Cool Toned Browns
I also really like blue-green-gold eyeshadows like Urban Decay Zodiac or deep blue-black iridescent glitter like Urban Decay Spandex. I don’t believe any of these Urban Decay shades are around anymore, so I recommend trying Bellabeautébar Black Magic pressed eyeshadow.
I find that silvers and greys seem to make my eyes pop better than anything else. I think they’re the most flattering. So in my opinion, if you have blue-green eyes, you should try silvers and greys to bring them out. Try the Natasha Denona Xenon Palette or Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Palette for beautiful silver and greys.
Pink Makeup Inspiration
Vivid graphic pink eyeshadow and eyeliner. See the details.
Using the Bellabeautebar Basic Witch palette to create this look. See how to here!
Pink, purple and turquoise blue makeup inspiration.
Best Ways to Enhance Blue Green Eyes
Seasonal Color Analysis
You may want to check out Seasonal Color Analysis for more color theory information tailored to you. I’m a Bright Winter, which means I’m a high contrast person. I have naturally very dark hair that people mistake for black, very fair neutral cool skin tone, and cyan eyes. As a Bright Winter, I’m bright and cool and can pull off striking color combinations that might overwhelm others.
More to See
How do you make your eyes pop? Let me know!
