Hazel eyes are one of the most fascinating and dynamic eye colors. Unlike blue or brown eyes which tend to look the same shade all the time, hazel eyes can appear to shift colors from brown to green to gold. This multi-colored effect makes hazel eyes stand out in a crowd. So what gives hazel eyes their captivating pop? The key factors are melanin content, lighting conditions, and complementary colors. Read on to learn more about what makes hazel eyes pop!
Hazel eyes get their distinctive appearance from containing low to moderate amounts of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that also gives brown and black eyes their color. The less melanin in the iris, the lighter the eye color. Hazel eyes have enough melanin to add touches of brown, gold, or green around the pupil. But they have little enough melanin overall to make the eyes appear light. This results in a dazzling blend of colors.
In addition to melanin content, lighting conditions also influence how hazel eyes look. Indoor lighting tends to make hazel eyes look more brown. Meanwhile, bright natural sunlight brings out the greens and golds. The overall effect is like a kaleidoscope, with hazel eyes changing shades from moment to moment.
Complementary Colors
Wearing colors that complement hazel eyes is a great way to make them stand out. Complementary colors are those located directly across from each other on the color wheel. For hazel eyes, shade-shifting colors like emerald, jade, and mint green bring out the eyes’ green tones. Rust, copper, burnt orange, and other earthy colors complement the golden parts of hazel eyes. Purples and plums also help hazel eyes pop by contrasting with the brown. Here are some flattering options:
| Color | Shades |
|---|---|
| Green | Emerald, jade, forest green |
| Orange | Copper, rust, burnt orange |
| Purple | Lavender, lilac, plum |
Warm neutrals like camel, beige, cream, and gold are universally flattering on hazel eyes as well. These earthy shades complement the brown and gold flecks. Cooler neutrals like navy, charcoal and slate grey also intensify hazel eyes by contrasting with the warm undertones.
Eyeliner and Eyeshadow
Strategically applying eyeliner and eyeshadow can really make hazel eyes stand out. Lining the upper lash line with black or dark brown liner defines the eyes. For an extra pop of color, follow it with an emerald, purple or gold pencil lining the lower waterline. Smudging the liner slightly at the outer corners also helps hazel eyes look sultry and smoky.
Eyeshadow can also emphasize different aspects of hazel eyes’ color. A wash of metallic gold shadow across the lid brings forward the golden undertones. Pairing gold with a muted olive green liner on the lower lash line makes hazel eyes shine. For a duskier effect, try a plum shadow with black liner. The possibilities are endless for creating eye makeup looks that flatter hazel eyes.
Eye Makeup Colors for Hazel Eyes
| Goal | Recommended Colors |
|---|---|
| Play up golden tones | Gold, bronze, copper, champagne |
| Emphasize green | Emerald, olive, mint, teal |
| Complement brown | Plum, eggplant, chocolate brown |
| Add a pop | Purple, navy, burnt orange |
With the right makeup shades, hazel eyes can shift from golden-green to smokey-bronze within minutes. Have fun playing with different shadow and liner combinations. The gorgeous hazel canvas allows for lots of creativity.
Eye Enhancing Tips
Here are some other easy tips for making hazel eyes the focal point:
- Curl lashes and apply black mascara to frame eyes
- Fill in brows for an awakened look
- Try light brown or slate-colored contact lenses
- Wear matte shadows and limit shimmer
- Use an eye brightening drop before makeup
With curled lashes, defined brows, and luminous skin, hazel eyes really steal the show. The multi-faceted colors seem to shift and glow.
Celebrities with Dazzling Hazel Eyes
Many celebrities have stunning hazel eyes that seem to transform on camera. Here are a few of the most famous faces with hazel eyes:
| Celebrity | Eye Color |
|---|---|
| Adriana Lima | Golden green |
| Cara Delevingne | Blue-green-brown |
| Angelina Jolie | Gray-green-brown |
| Sarah Hyland | Honey-brown-green |
Looking at photos of these celebs, you can see how lighting, makeup, and colors bring out different flecks in their hazel irises. Their eyes can go from green to golden to brown all in one photo shoot. Truly kaleidoscopic!
The Genetics Behind Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes arise from a genetic effect called incomplete dominance. This means an individual inherits two different versions of a gene, rather than two matching copies. In eye color genetics, incomplete dominance results when someone inherits both a gene for brown/black eye color and a gene for green/blue eye color.
The melanin-producing brown eye color gene is dominant over the recessive blue/green gene. But because the person has both versions of the gene, the brown color doesn’t completely mask the green/blue. The resulting eye color is hazel – a blend of brown, green, and gold tones.
Hazel eyes can occur in a few different genetic combinations. The most common are:
| Gene Combo | Resulting Eye Color |
|---|---|
| Brown + green | Hazel, brown-green |
| Brown + blue | Hazel, amber-green |
| Green + amber | Hazel, gray-green |
As long as one brown or black eye color gene is present with a recessive blue or green gene, hazel eye color develops. This amazing genetic lottery helps explain why hazel eyes are relatively rare compared to blue or brown. But when they do occur, hazel eyes have a profound beauty and visual interest.
Conclusion
Hazel eyes are a unique treasure of nature. Their multi-colored patterns provide a fun and versatile canvas for makeup, clothing, and color coordination. With the right techniques, hazel eyes seem to shift magically from green to gold to brown. Their rarity and gorgeous duality make hazel eyes endlessly fascinating. So have fun playing with different looks to make those hazel eyes shine bright!