For years, black kohl has been the undisputed champion of Indian eye makeup. But a softer, more versatile trend is taking over, championed by style icons like Kriti Sanon. It’s time to embrace the elegant world of brown eye makeup.
Why Brown is the New Black
Black eyeliner is classic,
dramatic, and bold. However, it can sometimes appear harsh, especially for daytime wear or on mature skin. Brown, on the other hand, offers definition with a softer, more natural touch. It enhances the eyes without creating a stark line, making it incredibly versatile. For Indian skin tones, warm and chocolate browns can be particularly flattering, adding depth and warmth without overpowering your features. Unlike black, which draws a distinct line, brown adds subtle definition, making people notice your eyes, not just your eyeliner. It's also more forgiving for beginners; a slightly smudged brown line often looks intentional and chic, whereas a wobbly black line is far more noticeable.
Celebrity Muse: Kriti Sanon's Signature Look
Kriti Sanon has frequently been seen sporting a stunning brown smoky eye, proving how glamorous the shade can be. Her signature look typically involves layers of warm brown eyeshadow, expertly blended to create a soft, diffused effect that elongates and defines her eyes without the severity of a traditional black smoky eye. The look often pairs a deeper brown close to the lash line, which is then smudged and blended outwards into lighter, warmer tones in the crease. This technique creates a beautiful gradient that makes the eyes appear larger and more expressive. Sometimes, a touch of bronze or gold shimmer is added to the centre of the lid to catch the light, adding dimension and a festive touch perfect for any occasion.
How to Achieve the Soft Brown Smoky Eye
Recreating this sophisticated look is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless finish. 1. Prep Your Lids: Start by applying a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or concealer on your eyelids. This creates a smooth canvas, prevents creasing, and helps the colours appear more vibrant. 2. Build Your Base: Sweep a light, matte brown or taupe shade all over your eyelid as a transition colour. This will help the darker shades blend more seamlessly. 3. Define the Crease: Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a medium-toned matte brown into your crease using back-and-forth, windshield-wiper motions. This adds depth and dimension to your eyes. 4. Add Intensity: Apply a creamy dark brown eyeliner or a dark brown eyeshadow along your upper lash line. Use a small smudging brush to soften the line and blend it upwards and outwards before it sets. You can also apply this along the outer half of your lower lash line for a more sultry effect. 5. Add a Pop of Shimmer: For a touch of glamour, press a bronze, copper, or gold shimmer eyeshadow onto the centre of your eyelid with your fingertip. This creates a beautiful highlight that makes your eyes pop. 6. Highlight and Finish: Add a touch of champagne shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten them. Finish with a generous coat of mascara on your upper and lower lashes to complete the look.
Choosing Your Perfect Shade of Brown
Not all browns are created equal. The key is to find the shades that best complement your skin tone and eye colour. Warm, chocolatey browns and rich espresso shades are universally flattering and look stunning on Indian skin tones. If you have brown eyes, shades with hints of bronze, copper, or gold can make the warm flecks in your iris sparkle. For a daytime or 'no-makeup' makeup look, a soft taupe or caramel brown provides gentle definition. For evenings, don't be afraid to go for deeper, richer browns like mahogany or even a blackened brown for drama that’s still softer than pure black. The finish matters too; matte browns are perfect for creating depth in the crease, while shimmer and metallic finishes are great for adding light and dimension to the lid.
