Every beauty kit should include a brown shadow palette. A set of matte, neutral tones will become your most versatile beauty product. Here’s why:

MORE THAN AN EYESHADOW

I like powder shadows because they are the easiest to apply, layer, and blend. You can use powder shadow to fill in your brows when you don’t have a pencil or gel on hand. For brows, use a shade that is the same tone as your brow color. If you have black hair, go with a slightly softer shade, like a dark ash brown or a deep brown-black. If you are blonde, keep the shadow in the same tone as your brow hair.

TAKE YOU FROM DAY TO NIGHT

The key to taking your look from day to night is being able to build. For day, keep your shadow color neutral. Start with a base color that is pale and lightens your whole lid while staying almost invisible. Use a white or bone shade for fair skin and a banana or peachy-toned shadows on darker skin. From there, you can layer on medium and darker colors and build into a darker look.

THE ULTIMATE TOUCH UP

Brown shadow is also one of my favorite hair products. Yes, hair. With a shade that matches your hair color, you can use it to touch up your roots, hide greys, and fill in sparse areas that show when you pull your hair up into a ponytail or bun.

LINE YOUR EYES

Use your brown shadow as eyeliner. Apply with a dry liner brush to create a soft line or use a slightly damp brush for a more defined line.

Smokey Eye Essential

A brown shadow palette will help you create a smokey eye with ease. Start with an all over-white base (included in most brown palettes) and then apply a medium-brown shade on the lid, from the lash line up to the crease. Use a deeper brown layered on top. Finish by using powder to line the lower lashes. Smudge, blend, and go.