Burgundy Eyeliner Is Trending as a Softer Alternative to Black and Brown

Black and brown are the classic eyeliner shades, but a makeup artist and a beauty editor say a deep burgundy deserves a look. Here’s why, and how to pick the right red.

There’s a new trend in eyeliners and the shade may surprise you. Reddish eyeliners are getting their moment on 2026 runways and at beauty counters, and one makeup artist says the right shade can be gentler than black or brown.

Why It’s Catching On

Spanish makeup artist Natalia Belda told Vogue that while black and brown eyeliners can make features look harder, especially with age, reddish eyeliners tend to flatter the eye and look softer. These shades won’t necessarily make one look younger, she says, but they can “refresh the eyes, help neutralize under-eye darkness, and soften a tired look.”

Cosmopolitan beauty editor Beth Gillette highlights a particular shade of red—burgundy, which she says is more flattering than black, more stylish than brown, and suits any eye color. She describes burgundy as a dark red that leans toward brown or even purple.

Choosing the Right Red

In choosing the right shade of red, Belda recommends basing it on skin type, undertone, eye color, and the kind of dark circles you have. She warns that very bright or true reds can make eyes look more tired or red, and may make pink-toned dark circles stand out. She suggests going for a more muted red, tempered with brown, something closer to burgundy than tomato.

Easy Ways to Wear It

Whatever shade you choose, Belda recommends applying a little concealer on the eyelids first, using a brush, then blending it out with light taps of the fingers.

Gillette also suggests pairing burgundy liner with a burgundy lipstick for a unified look, or with brown mascara to soften the eyes. Makeup artist Dani Parkes says burgundy on the waterline is also gaining popularity.