Many people wish they could change their natural eye color. While eye color is genetic and can’t be permanently altered, there are some ways to temporarily darken your eye color naturally or with cosmetic products. This article will explore some of the options available for making brown or hazel eyes appear darker.
Understanding Eye Color
The color of your eyes is determined by the amount and quality of melanin pigment in the iris. More melanin results in darker eyes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common eye colors:
- Brown eyes have a lot of melanin
- Hazel eyes have a moderate amount of melanin
- Green eyes have a small amount of melanin
- Blue eyes have a minimal amount of melanin
While eye color is mainly genetic, other factors like age and health can impact the shade. Children often have lighter eyes that darken over the first few years of life as melanin levels increase. Eye color can also look darker with age as the lenses of the eyes yellow slightly.
Can You Permanently Change Eye Color?
There are no ways to safely and permanently change the natural color or melanin levels in your eyes. However, some risky procedures that should be avoided include:
- Tattooing the iris – This involves injecting pigment into the surface of the eye. It is very dangerous and can cause blindness.
- Laser surgery – Low-energy lasers were once investigated to try to stimulate melanin production, but studies found this did not work and poses risks.
- Prosthetic contacts – Contacts that cover the entire surface of the eye with a different color are not approved in most countries due to safety concerns including potential blindness.
Because these procedures are unapproved, unregulated, and carry severe risks, they are not recommended to permanently alter eye color.
Natural Methods to Darken Eyes Temporarily
While permanent eye color change is not possible, there are some natural methods that can temporarily darken the appearance of brown and hazel eyes:
Increase Melanin Production
Anything that increases melanin in the body could also darken the eyes slightly. Methods to try include:
- Spending time in the sun will stimulate melanin production. Always wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from damage.
- Eating foods rich in cysteine, an amino acid involved in melanin synthesis. Foods include red meats, eggs, apples, almonds, broccoli, garlic, onions, carrots.
- Take supplements like L-tyrosine or copper which promote melanin levels. Discuss with a doctor first for appropriate dosage.
Eye Drops to Constrict Pupils
Dilating the pupils makes the iris appear lighter. Constricting the pupils with eye drops will minimize effects from ambient lighting and make the iris look darker. Some drops that narrow pupils contain ingredients like neomycin and tetrahydrozoline. Use only as directed.
Change Eye Makeup and Colors
Using darker eye makeup can instantly create the illusion of darker eyes:
- Use black or dark brown mascara and eye liner.
- Apply eyeshadow in darker matte shades of browns and grays.
- Wear dark or muted clothing near the face which will make eye color pop.
- Try subtle brown color contact lenses approved for cosmetic use.
By changing colors around the eyes, they will appear significantly darker.
Cosmetic Products to Temporarily Darken Eyes
In addition to natural techniques, there are some over-the-counter cosmetic products formulated to temporarily darken eyes from brown to black:
Tinted Eye Drops
These contain pigments to instantly change the appearance of eye color when dropped into the eyes. Some popular brands include:
- Freshlook Colorblends – brown, hazel, honey colors
- Opulence Black – dark gray/black shade
- Honeycolor Dark Eyes – brown/black tones
Results last for several hours. Use as directed on packaging.
Contact Lenses
Colored contacts approved for cosmetic enhancement and prescribed by an optometrist are very effective at temporarily darkening eyes. Some options include:
| Brand | Colors |
|---|---|
| Air Optix Colors | Brown, hazel, green |
| Freshlook Colors | Brown, honey, sterling gray |
| GEO ColorVue | Hazel, green, sterling gray |
Contacts approved for regular wear can safely darken eyes for up to one year when properly cared for.
Melanin Creams and Gels
Some cosmetics claim to contain melanin or other ingredients to darken skin and eyes. However, research has not conclusively shown they permanently or temporarily change melanin levels when applied topically.
Is Darker Always Better?
While many wish to darken their eye color, there are benefits to lighter eyes as well:
- Light eyes stand out and can look striking
- Lighter colors better reflect light and are linked to good night vision
- Bright eyes can exude warmth, appear larger and more youthful
Your natural eye color is uniquely beautiful. Enhancing what you have naturally using temporary methods can be fun, but avoid risky permanent alteration procedures.
Conclusion
In summary, while permanent eye color change through surgery or injections is not possible, there are many safe temporary techniques to darken brown and hazel eye colors. Natural methods involve increasing melanin production, constricting pupils with eye drops, and using darker makeup and clothing colors. Cosmetic products like tinted contacts, lenses, and some eye drops can also temporarily make eyes appear darker. Embrace your natural eye color, but enjoy temporarily enhancing them if you wish with safe darkening techniques.