We proudly wear many things in our lives, from our pretty moles to our jarring scars, but rarely anything comes close to proudly wearing our eye color. This is especially true regarding amber eyes, those orangey-yellow pairs speaking of boldness with a strong hint of untamed and wildness.
Eyes, like the neon billboards, make statements of every kind- of our emotions, attitudes, and tastes in fashion. And as if things were less interesting, every day brings out new stories in us that want to be expressed.
By now, you must be wondering how to express yourself through your gorgeous amber eyes. We say enhance them by framing them beautifully through makeup.
1. Do You Have Amber Eyes?
Amber eyes combine yellow and orange colors with an underlying coppery tint. Think of the amber resin from Jurassic Park.
The colors on the eyes look pretty solid, meaning they do not look washed out or translucent. They look pretty uniform in their coloration without any interrupting hues or shades.
It is pretty standard for people to categorize amber eyes with hazel, light brown, or caramel eye colors. But once you see those unforgettable amber eyes, you will not confuse them for anything else.
More orangey and vibrant than honey/caramel eye color, much lighter than brown eyes, and utterly different from the multicolored hazel eyes or green eyes with their shallow flecks of green and brown, amber eye color is unique and unforgettable.
Eyecatcher! A few lucky celebrities with amber eyes are Justin Beiber, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Nicole Richie, Eliza Dushku, and Darren Criss… quite a few!
1.1. Geographically Rare and Aesthetically Beautiful
Among human eye colors, believe it or not, amber eye color is pretty rare to come across! It is estimated that only 5% of the population has it, making it the third-rarest eye color in the world.
Geographically, you are likelier to find amber-eyed people in Central Asia, Middle and Near-east Asia, and South America. Sometimes, people from southern France or Balkan areas also sport this eye color.
1.2. Amber “Wolf Eyes”
With eyes the color of ancient resins, it would be naïve to assume that amber eyes would go unnoticed! Creatures of the wild, including wolves, owls, and cats, display this eye color more than humans. So, no wonder amber eyes are also called wolf eyes!
Eyecatcher! Rumor has it that people with amber eyes have an equally confident and reserved personality like the wolves.
1.3. The Science Behind Amber Eyes
Well, let’s say you got lucky in the genetics roulette. The color of the iris is from the genes that determine the amount of pigment called melanin.
Melanin comes in two shades- eumelanin, which is dark brown, and reddish-yellow pheomelanin. Specifically, the pigment pheomelanin, called lipochrome, gives humans the amber eye color.
Don’t you want to bring out those vibrant amber eyes for the world? We must understand the colors that enhance them and what to avoid.
2. What are the Best Eye Makeup Colors to Compliment Amber Eyes?
Amber eyes are a mix of yellow and orange colors. These are two different categories of colors on the color wheel. When mixed, they create a third category of color, the yellow-orange, which is none other than your amber eye color.
Easy-peasy, right? Next, look deeper to understand the color wheel and know which colors will enhance amber eyes and why.
Three colors, red, blue, and yellow are ‘primary colors’. The ‘secondary colors’ purple, green, and orange are each created by mixing two primary colors.
A third set, called ‘tertiary colors,’ is a mix of two flanking colors: primary and secondary. In this case, the amber eye color is considered a shade of yellow-orange, a tertiary color.
Now, let’s check out what colors work with yellow-orange, our amber color.
2.1. Complementary Colors for Amber Eyes
Ever noticed how some colors make other colors pop? These are called complementary colors because that’s precisely what they do! They are highly contrasting to each other and make the subject stand out.
Complementary colors lie across from each other on the color wheel. Not-so-strictly speaking, the colors near the primary complementary color are also considered in the group. In the jargon, they are called ‘split-complementary’ colors.
2.1.1. Purples and Plums Add Intensity
Pick shades of purple and plum. These rich, cool colors will contrast warm amber colors and intensify the eyes.
Any shade in this range of colors looks its best with a shimmery finish. So opt for metallic hues in cooler tones, like silvery plum. They look best as nighttime glam look.
For a more natural eye makeup, apply light purple eye shadow. For a dramatic look, blend a deep purple shade.
2.1.2. Burgundy Purple for Classy Drama
Want a warmer shade instead for formal festive gatherings? Pick a red-hued burgundy purple shade with a hint of warm golden shimmer.
2.1.3. Blues are Playful
Another playful makeup idea for amber eyes is wearing a rich shade of bluish-violet. Think of cobalt blue or indigo. Try a cool, shimmery finish with this one. Blend darker blues with purple at the outer corner for a more dramatic look.
2.2. Analogous Colors for Amber Eyes
Don’t intend to create sharp contrast? There is an excellent alternative for you! Try analogous colors. These colors sit next to each other on the color wheel.
Amber eyes exude warmth. So, the colors close to amber are warm as well. These colors accentuate amber eyes’ natural beauty by playing with their warmth and intensity.
2.2.1. Oranges Goes Hand-in-Hand
Versatile orange will create harmony with amber eyes for any season or look. However, due to this added intensity, we suggest eyeshadows in matte finish for this one.
Opt for warmer oranges and darker shades for more olive or brown skin tones to create a blended look. Opt for lighter and cooler orange tones for a summery or happy-go-lucky avatar. Brighten up the inner corner, too, with a dab of white shimmery eye shadow.
2.2.2. Innocent Pink or Spicy Red
If used skillfully, these often avoided colors are a yes for daring amber-eyed beauties.
Baby pink in frosty shades with a hint of shimmer is just what you need for a sun-kissed summer day. It looks like a preppy dress-up for your spirited amber eyes.
Opt for stronger shades of red for a bolder nighttime, and shall we dare say a vampy look. Test some wine-red shades with warm golden shimmer. Or, dial up on boldness by creating a smokey eye look with darker neutrals like dark grays or deep browns.
You may play with this eyeshadow color by Switch to a more easygoing look with this bold color by blending in lighter red tones on the outer corner of the eyes.
2.3. Triadic Colors for Amber Eyes
Want the best of both worlds- a dash of drama with a stirred-in balanced look? Try the triadic color combination for your amber eyes. Here, three colors form a triangle shape on the color wheel.
Here’s a little game for choosing from this color palette. Our primary color is amber. Now, you have two color choices- greens in the cool shade or burgundy in the warm shade, for two completely different looks.
You may pick only one color for a bold monochromatic look. Or, make it alluring by wearing one color as a base color and using another as an accent color, for example, as eyeliner. Your pick!
2.3.1. Monochromatic Green with a Twist
Greens could be enticing or add mystery to amber eyes depending on the shade. You cannot possibly go wrong with this versatile green makeup look.
Both dark forest greens and aqua-toned greens bring out amber eyes. They both go well with shimmery finishes of silver or gold tones.
Of the shades of green, darker earthy green looks gorgeous as both matte or glitter eyeshadow. This is great for a monochromatic evening party wear or a unique rendezvous look.
If wearing a matte finish, line the eyes with gold eyeliner, whereas wear a shimmery finish with black eyeliner. You may also intensify the look and create depth by blending in ash gray for a smokey look. Use a clean brush for a flawless blend.
Try aqua- or jewel-toned green eyeshadow, with or without shimmer, for a lighter daytime beach look. Well, they would look fabulous on amber eyes anyway.
2.3.2. Green as Eyeliner
With a lighter shade of either of the two triadic colors, viz., burgundy and green, you may add a touch of the other color in a darker shade.
Green eyeliner in jade or emerald shade makes amber eyes look even more stunning. Pair them with paler shades of burgundy or purple eyeshadows.
2.4. Texture of Eye Makeup
Amber eyes are naturally vibrant yet stark. Unlike other shallower eye colors, they appear solid even under direct light. So, there are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to the texture of eye makeup for amber eyes.
2.4.1. Say Yes to Metallic Colors
Metallic colors and shimmers with amber eyes are an absolute favorite. Adding glistening-like movements of shimmery eyeshadows to the intensely solid amber hue creates depth and layers and introduces playfulness to the look.
Except for a few looks, we recommend setting the matte finishes aside. They tend to take the luster away from amber eyes.
The best makeup look can be achieved specifically from warm metallic colors. Think gold and bronze, but also rose-gold and copper-toned shadows.
2.4.2. Chill with Frost and Satins
Frosty looks are back, especially for amber eyes. Choose a shade with satin finishes that have a subtle glittery finish and give a summer bubblegum vibe.
2.4.3. Looks with Metallic Colors
A metallic finish for amber eyes goes beyond glittery highlights or top layers.
2.4.3.1. Monochromatic Shimmer
For a gorgeous look requiring minimal effort, sweep your choice of a monochromatic metallic color on the eyelids. Draw attention to the intensity with shimmery black smokey eyes, or make eyes playful with a complimentary color. This will create depth and drama, as much or as little as you want!
2.4.3.2. Bronze and Golds
Dare to wear all metallic? The amber eyes beauties will not shy away from a ‘yes.’ More than just as a highlighting eyeshadow or as glittery eyeliner, this makeup look speaks for itself.
Swipe metallic colors like deep gold or bronze, deep brown or black eyeliner, and black mascara. This will add serious charm to those intense amber eyes and is great for galas and high-end parties.
For a daytime yet equally mesmerizing look, choose shimmer in rose gold. Add a flick of dark brown winged eyeliner for the retro look that everyone would admire.
Tip: Complement but don’t pull away from these statement-making eyes by wearing glossy mauve pinks or light coppery tint lip colors.
Enhance Amber Eyes with Earthy Tones
Irina Tracy, the Chief Editor at Love Advice, explains how makeup can express your personality and accentuate unique eye colors like amber eyes:
“Drawing from my extensive experience as a makeup artist, I view makeup as a powerful medium for self-expression, particularly in accentuating unique features like amber eyes.
The right shades can make amber eyes truly mesmerizing, turning them into a focal point of personal expression.
I recall working with a client who had stunning amber eyes; we used rich, earthy tones and subtle hints of purple to enhance their natural warmth and depth. This not only highlighted her eyes but also reflected her vibrant personality.”
3. Accessorizing Amber Eyes
Accessorize your lashes and frame your eyes for the best eye makeup.
3.1. Mascara
If eye makeup were a drama, lashes would be the curtains. Amber-eyed beauties can wear fabulous colors and take a break from black mascara.
Look stunning in sweeps of cobalt blue mascara, preferably with terracotta eyeshadow. Or, look poised and glamorous in a light brown shade.
3.2. Eyeliner
Amber eyes can rule the world with just a swoosh of an eyeliner! This is especially handy when you rush or want to ditch full-blown eye makeup. Unusual colors and glitter eyeliner can just be what you need.
Create drama with single vibrant colors like dark purple or violet purple, navy blue, or dark green. Or, turn heads with a lighter shade of orange or yellow eyeliner with black or deep brown eyeliner at the bottom, meeting at the very end. Wear the eyeliner as a winged, classic cat, or natural, depending on your eye shape and occasion.
4. Makeup Looks for Every Event
There’s a mesmerizing look for amber eyes for every situation imaginable! When picking a makeup look, things can include the occasion, the season, and the mood. Or, it could simply be your statement for the world on that day!
4.1. What’s the Occasion?
Is it for formal daytime wear, like for the office? Pick colors from the neutral palette, like deep browns, tan, or beige, for a natural look. Apply white eyeliner in the lower lash line for an adorable doe-eyed look. Or, dial up the playfulness a notch with some glitter eyeshadow finish neutral eyeshadows for daytime formal parties.
Going out for a day out with friends? Lightly apply earthy tones like dark forest green, moss green, or darker neutrals like navy blue in a matte finish. Nothing says ‘serious fun’ to amber-eyed beauties better than these colors.
Your ‘wolf eyes’ would come out to play at night! So, make sure you play with the colors too. There are many fabulous shades for nighttime looks- from purples and violets to gold and bronzes. More on that here.
4.2. Mind the Season
Spring/summer calls for a more playful side of the amber eyes. Try lighter, frosty shades of pink or a deeper shade of coral. A soft shimmery finish always adds a sun-kissed look to warm and intense amber eyes.
With the arrival of the fall/winter season’s warmth and festivities, more affluent and darker colors add to the lusciousness of the amber eyes. Choose from cool colors like burgundy purple, violet purple, or plum. On party nights, pick a silvery glitter finish with these colors.
Other bold makeup ideas include wearing warm metallic colors like gold or bronze eyeshadows for those enchanting winter nights.
5. Beyond the Eyes
All being said, there are a few other essential factors beyond makeup for an overall stunning look. Pick your look wisely!
5.1 Skin Tone
Depending on your skin color and undertones, pick the shades and colors. As a general rule of thumb, the flattering shades have to get darker with the darker tones. Likewise, pair the colors for skin tones and warm colors for warm undertones.
Since most people of Central Asia, Middle and Near-east Asia, and South America sport amber-colored eyes, their skin color is mainly type III pigmentation. This ranges from olive tones to cream and light-brown tones. This means gold and bronze shades, darker jewel tones, and neutral shades all work for you for different occasions.
5.2. Eye Shapes
Every eye shape is unique. The correct eye makeup technique brings out the gem that they are. For smaller and close-set eyes, all those enchanting dark eyeshadow colors could make them appear smaller.
A white eyeliner is your best friend, to be used on the inner lash line and the inner corners of the eyes. This will make you appear wider-eyed and will lengthen them at the corners.
Additionally, highlight brow bone for downturned and smaller eyes to give a little brow lift. This will open the eyes up and outwards, enhancing your actual amber eye makeup.
5.3. Lip Color
Done impeccably, amber eyes are the fashion statement you need. So, try not to remove the allure by wearing dark lipstick colors like red or purple.
With bold amber eye makeup, depending on your skin tone, wear matte nudes and light pink or mauve lip colors. With a more matching, analogous eyeshadow, you may opt for more vibrant lip colors from the same color range, like warm orange lipstick.
FAQs
What hair colors look best with amber eyes?
We suggest choosing warmer-toned hair colors like caramel, golden blonde, or honey. These will play harmoniously with the warmth of your amber eyes. Among these, choose the hair color that compliments your skin tone rather than taking the attention away from your eyes.
What color clothes look best with amber eyes?
It’s all about the look you want to create. Wearing warm light browns, russet browns, coppery browns, and darker shades of reds will intensify amber eyes. On the other hand, complementary colors like blues will make amber eyes pop and render a lively look.
How can I best frame my amber eyes?
Try framing your amber eyes with classic black frames. Horn-rimmed frames and wayfarers give a retro-chic glam look. For a more modern look, try an aviator frame. Wear clean lenses, and don’t hide that vibrant amber.
Girl, Put Your Glam On!
Amber eyes are unique, and not just by numbers. They involve fierce independence and daringness both for the person wearing them and the onlookers. Amber eyes are a pleasure and a privilege to enhance for the confident artist.
And why not?! Despite having such a vivid and vibrant appearance, amber eyes look fabulous with many hues and shades and are ready for every occasion. Get ready to play with them!
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar