Contrary to popular belief, gray can actually have a brightening effect on your features if you know how use it correctly.

There’s a silver lining to this demure neutral tone – blue eyes will shine like skies on a sunny day, greens will glint with the luster of emeralds and even brown eyes will sparkle like coppery orbs. That’s because gray doesn’t have to be drab at all. Pair a light silvery shadow with a dark shade in your creases, and you’ll have the eye-brightening thing down pretty well.

If you’re going for lasting impact, use Youngblood‘s Crushed Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone for highlights and Cashmere for a smoky gray shimmer. For greater intensity, you can apply the minerals wet.

Those looking for shadows that blend easily should reach for Paula Dorf‘s Eye Color in Slinky. You can use it as a shadow, contour or liner, and either application will look equally stunning.

Then again, a pre-matched shadow duo could be just what you need to take your gaze to seventh heaven. Too Faced Eye Shadow Duo in Denim & Diamonds features a winning combination of soft bluish gray together with an ivory cream shadow.