We know that brown eyeshadows were big this autumn. Julien Macdonald, Erdem and Roberto Cavalli each sent their models down the runway blinking tawny hues. There is certainly a lot to be said for this shade. Where many might defer to a heavy khol or black shadow to define eyes, brown lends a softness and natural prettiness that is perfect to refresh your look for summer. Here are a few of the shades available this season.
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Chanel Les  4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow, 14 Mystic Eyes, £36.00 – www.selfridges.com
There is nothing like a Chanel compact for injecting some instant glamour into a makeup bag and this eyeshadow set lives up to its classy exterior. The soft pink and mink blend to a sophisticated natural look perfect for a summer day about town. Add a dash of the warm brown across the eyelid and a sweep of the deeper shade to line the eye and you have a look that is instantly more striking. But evening wear is where the fun really begins. The shimmer in each shade gives a pretty dewiness on the first application and layers up for true evening sparkle. Though the price is a tad more high end, this product is well worth a spending spree.

Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad, Choco Latte, £23.00 - www.houseoffraser.co.uk
The effect that can be achieved with this set is best described as an English Rose type of subtlety and would be perfectly complimented by a hint of blush over the cheeks. If, like me, you have dark features you may feel the need to intensify the shading with a darker eyeliner. Each eyshadow has a pearlised quality to it and is silky smooth on application. The set includes a sponge applicator as well as a small brush which is perfect for getting an even sweep of the lighter shades over the arch of the brow. Everything about this compact is practical without compromising on elegance.

No7 Stay Perfect Trio Eyeshadow, Cappuccino, £10.00 – www.boots.com
This compact is rather modest in appearance and you might not expect much initially. At first glance the shades appear rather matte, however on application they have a pearly sheen. The sandy colour shades on in more of a satin cream hue and the mink shade gives a sophisticated grey tone that will bring out brown eyes wonderfully and interestingly highlights a golden tan to perfection. Again you will need eyeliner to make eyes truly pop and to deepen the tone for evening wear, however for a natural look this is the perfect compact.

Aveda Petal Essence Eye Colour Trio, Gobi Sands, £20.50 – www.aveda.co.uk
Aveda Essentials Environmental Compact, £10.50 –www.aveda.co.uk
Dubbed Gobi  Sands, this shadow combination is true to its name with a desert gold shade followed by a muted then a warmer brown. Each colour is matte and though I generally prefer a pearl texture to give a dewy sheen, this colour combination would prove a great workwear accessory, allowing for a subtle and sophisticated look. There is one difficulty with this product however, and that is that if you buy the eyeshadow you have to buy the case separately. This scheme is all part the Aveda push towards an eco-friendly makeup range and for those of you wanting to bring out your inner Green Goddess this is the eyeshadow you have been looking for.