Goodbye Black Eyeliner: Why Soft Brown and Burgundy Are the New Best Friends of the Latina Gaze
By the Editorial Team at Musa Magazine
For many of us, black eyeliner has been a loyal companion since our teenage years. It’s the ultimate makeup-bag staple—the one we reach for on autopilot. But there’s an uncomfortable truth professional makeup artists know all too well: as we mature, pure black stops working in our favor.
Black creates a very harsh contrast, especially in winter, when our skin tends to look paler or more dull. That severe contrast can harden facial features, emphasize dark circles, and make the eyes appear smaller or tired.
In 2026, the trend is all about softness. We invite you to put the black pencil away and experiment with two shades that seem tailor-made for Latina beauty.
1. Chocolate or “Soft Brown”: Definition Without Harshness
Coffee-brown eyeliner is the perfect alternative. It offers the same definition and depth as black, but with a much more organic, natural finish.
The effect: As a warm tone, it blends seamlessly with lashes and skin, creating a soft shadow rather than a graphic line.
The anti-aging benefit: It instantly softens the eyes. While black “draws attention,” brown “frames.” If you have fine lines around the eyes, brown is far more forgiving and doesn’t highlight them.
2. Burgundy: The Secret Weapon for Brown Eyes
If you have brown, honey, or hazel eyes—common among Latinas—burgundy, plum, or eggplant eyeliner is your secret weapon.
Color theory: The reddish and purplish tones in burgundy eyeliner enhance the green and golden flecks in your eyes through contrast.
The result: Your eyes will look brighter, clearer, and more awake. It’s a subtle shift that will have people saying, “You look great,” without being able to pinpoint why.
How to Apply
The key to this trend is blending. Avoid sharp, rigid lines. Apply the liner close to the lash line, then soften the edge with a small brush or a cotton swab (Q-tip).
Switching your eyeliner color is the quickest and most affordable “eye lift” there is. Leave the harshness of black behind and embrace the warmth of brown and burgundy. Your gaze will look softer, younger, and more rested—exactly what we need to brighten up gray January days.