- The science behind amber eye colour
- Tips to enhance your amber eyes
- 4 Fun facts about amber eye colour
- Celebrities with amber eyes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“Not quite dark enough to be brown and not quite light enough to be yellow, amber eyes have a reputation for taking many people’s breath away”. – Woman’s World Magazine.
The science behind amber eye colour
Generally, a mix of yellow and orange, amber eyes are caused by a certain amount of melanin pigmentation found in the front layer of the iris. The melanin is responsible for determining the colour of the eyes. There are two types of melanin, namely eumelanin and pheomelanin. While eumelanin is dark brownish/black, pheomelanin (also referred to as lipochrome) is light reddish/yellow. It’s been said that amber eyes comprise high levels of pheomelanin, which is why they boast a gleaming golden hue. The eye colour amber can appear in a spectrum of tints and blends, ranging from very light to very dark.
Tips to enhance your amber eyes

There’s no doubt that amber eyes are one of the most alluring pair of eyes, but how about making them stand out even more with these easy tips?
- Makeup – Those with naturally amber eyes can experiment with purple, brown or red eye makeup, especially eyeliners and eyeshadows, to beautify their eyes further.
- Attire – When it comes to clothing, earthy tones, such as browns, greens, ochres and rust, exceptionally complement amber eyes. On the other hand, sapphire, amethyst, emerald and other jewel tones offer a more eye-catching contrasting appearance.
- Eyewear – Whether you have a prescription or choose to wear glasses for fashion, go for frames in bright blue, lavender, plum or azure colours or tortoise pattern with golden flecks that contrast with your eye colour and make it more appealing.
- Accessories – Accessorising the right way can really help make your amber eyes pop. It’s time to take out your gold jewellery and scarves and hats in complementary colours that have been sitting in your wardrobe for ages.
4 Fun facts about amber eye colour
Some of the astonishing fun facts about amber eyes are:
- Those with amber eyes might experience increased sensitivity to light and need to excuse themselves from bright light conditions every now and then.
- It is believed that people with amber eyes are more beautiful than those with even other rarer eye colours, which are green, grey and red/violet.
- Individuals with amber eyes tend to see better than others in dim or dark lighting.
- People with amber eyes are considered mysterious and there are many legends associated with them.
Celebrities with amber eyes
Although it’s a rare eye colour, many who’s who of the world are blessed with enchanting amber eyes. A few of them are:

- Justin Bieber
- Jennifer Lopez
- Nicole Richie
- Eliza Dushku
- Darren Criss
- Nicolas Cage
- Kelly Clarkson
- Evangeline Lilly
- Jane Seymour
- Edward Cullen
- Jennifer Garner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are amber eyes the rarest eye colour?
Amber eye colour is one of the rarest in the world, appearing in 5% of the total population. With 8-10% rarity, even the blue eye colour is more common than amber.
What causes amber eyes?
The presence of a high amount of lipochrome melanin, also referred to as pheomelanin, in the iris causes amber eyes. It’s the iris that is responsible for determining the colour of the eyes.
Can amber eyes change colour?
Amber eyes cannot change colour. However, they can look slightly different under varying lighting conditions. They may appear brighter with a more golden tint in sunlight, while in low light, they may appear darker, showcasing a copper colour.
Are hazel and amber eye colour the same?
No, hazel and amber eye colours are not the same. Although they are often confused with each other, both are different in appearance. While amber is predominantly a solid eye colour, hazel apparently showcases different tints of brown, gold and green. The similarity between the two colours is that both are rare and found in approximately 5% people across the globe.


