Last updated: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Eye color is one of the things that most people notice immediately. It is unique and individual to each of us. Some eye colors are common, and others are rare. Most individuals are drawn to rare colors like gray, green, or amber. Those colors look mysterious or one-of-a-kind. Especially with amber-eyed individuals, the light changes in amazing manners. They are golden, warm, ethereally glowing sometimes. Unlike blue or brown, amber eyes do not appear often in a group. That is one of the reasons that they are so interesting.
Humans have been studying eye color for hundreds of years. Scientists study the genes that cause it. Artists and writers use it to create beauty and personality. For aesthetics or science, eye color matters to human beings. And if it's about amber eyes, there is a lot that one can learn. This article will go over everything you should know about amber eyes.
What Are Amber Eyes? A Closer Look
Amber eyes are a golden-yellow eye shade that doesn't occur frequently. They usually have a warm and glowing hue. Some may believe they are light brown or hazel, but amber eyes are unique. Amber eyes rarely have green or blue in them. Instead, they are more solid, at least with colors that are inclined to appear copper, gold, and even orange.
Unlike other-colored eyes, they are warmed in color because of the golden-like pigment called the lipochrome. Even in the sunshine, they have almost a metallic look. In darkness or dim light, they might darken. Occasionally, these eyes will even switch color seemingly, based on lighting or clothing.
While hazel is likely to have flecks or blended colors, the shade of amber eyes is more uniform. Amber-eyed people are likely to get attention for their striking and exotic looks. Although rare, they are real and natural.
How Rare Are Amber Eyes?
One of the most uncommon natural eye hues is amber; it’s estimated to occur in less than 5% of the world’s population. They are rare in both Northern and Western Europe. Amber eyes are not widespread in Africa and North America. Due to their rarity, there are those who do not even know that the color exists.
Some can confuse them with hazel or light brown. However, when lit normally, amber eyes emit an incomparable golden hue that makes them unique. Their attraction is the factor that makes them attract people because of their uniqueness.
What Do Amber Eyes Look Like
Amber eyes are between gold, copper, and honey. In a dim light, they may have a light brown color, but the sun can make them go golden. Unlike hazel eyes, which have brown or green flecks, the hue is usually very plain and even.
In others, the color is nearer orange, or even a light reddish-brown. It is yellow or gold in some others. The color appears nearly bright because it reflects on the iris.
Eyes of amber color tend to be a dramatic feature when combined with the skin tone color or hair color. Individuals with amber eyes may possess dark, light, or olive color skin. Amber eyes are quite adaptable, so they look bright with dark eyebrows or lashes.
Yet each eye is different. Amber eyes are very recognizable, with their soft, golden eye color that makes them look rich and deep.
How Many People Have Amber Eyes?
Amber eyes are common in a few individuals around the world. It is difficult to tell the exact number. However, most sources usually believe that less than 5% of the world's population lives there. This means that this eye is less than 1 out of 20.
Amber-colored eyes are rarer in some places than others. For instance, they are quite common in South American, Asian, and Middle Eastern individuals. They are relatively rare in European or African individuals, although not unheard of.
Because they are so rare, it is unlikely that many people have seen actual amber eyes. Some individuals who have them may not even realize their eye color is rare. They may call their eyes light brown or hazel instead.
Amber eyes are among the most distinctive natural eye colors in the world. Their rarity is surpassed only by that of green and grey eyes.
How Common Are Amber Eyes?
Amber-colored eyes are rather rare. The most common hue in people's eyes is brown. The hazels and greens come next, followed by the blues. Amber is last. That's why you don't see them often.
In some countries, amber eyes are maybe slightly more common. But there, too, they are not common. An important factor in who possesses them is genetics. Amber eyes most frequently happen when both parents have a combination of the right genes.
These genes control how much lipochrome and melanin are stored in the eyes. Because the required gene set is uncommon, the resulting amber eyes are equally uncommon. Even within families, you may have one child with amber eyes but not any of the others.
When you hear of uncommon eye colors being mentioned, amber usually comes within the top three. That is one reason why they are so uncommon. You just never see them around.
Are Amber Eyes Real?
Amber eyes are real indeed. Others believe they may be photoshopped pictures or wear contact lenses, but they are not; they are natural. Golden color might seem an anomaly, but it is because of the actual pigments in the eye.
Their distinctive color is derived from lipochrome, a yellow pigment, and melanin, a darker pigment found in brown-colored eyes. This mixture gives them the golden honey-colored color, which is not combined with either green or blue.
The way they reflect light explains how they appear so unreal. Depending on lighting and background, they may appear gold, copper or orange. While not many people have them, there’s no doubt amber eyes exist. They’re not a myth or a trick of the camera.
Famous People with Amber Eyes
Some celebrities and public figures are known for their amber eyes. These include:
- Nicole Richie – Her golden eyes have caught media attention.
- Tyra Banks- Although some may say that she has hazel eyes, her eyes bear a strong amber tint.
- Jared Leto- he is known by people because of his tearful, amber-shiny eyes.
- Shailene Woodley – Her eyes seem amber in certain lighting.
It's not very popular in Hollywood, so amber eyes stand out even more. Most fans adore these actors not just for their talent, but also for their signature eye color.
What Color Are Amber Eyes
Amber eyes get confused with other hues. When viewed with the naked eye, they seem hazel or brown. But in daylight or sunshine, they reveal their own golden or copper color. The color is even across most of the iris with little color variation or flecks. This section explains how amber differs from other eye colors and why it's present.
Amber Eyes vs Brown Eyes
Dark and richer in melanin, brown eyes. They usually look dark brown or chocolate. Amber eyes might appear orange or golden and are warmer and lighter. Brown eyes lack the capacity for reflecting light that amber eyes have.
Amber Eyes vs Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are mixed. Their eyes are green, brown, and gold. Amber eyes are one color. They do not have green or blue. Amber eyes will change based on the light, but hazel eyes remain the same.
What Causes Amber Eyes? The Science Behind It
A combination of lipochrome and melanin produces amber eyes in the iris. Lipochrome gives the yellow or golden color. Amber is not based on Rayleigh scattering, such as that of green or blue eyes. The actual pigment is colored, rather. It's inherited based on the combination of pigments. If both parents have the right genes, amber eyes can become evident.
Types of Amber Eyes
Amber eyes are not precisely the same. They're a shade or two different. They can be more golden, or they may have a brown or greenish color. These shades create different "types" of amber eyes. Let's examine them in greater detail.
Amber Brown Eyes
These are dark and deep, almost light brown, but with a clear golden undertone.
Yellow Amber Eyes
Bright and light in color, these eyes capture the most light and tend to look almost yellow.
Golden Amber Eyes
Classic amber, warm, glowing, and gold-colored. This is the most prevalent kind of individual that people think of when they hear amber eyes.
Amber Green Eyes
Rare and often confused with hazel. These are golden-based with a touch of green on the outside.
Brown Amber Eyes
A darker amber colour with reddish or copper undertones. These eyes are darker at night.
How to Highlight Amber Eyes?
Amber eyes are already naturally beautiful, but you can make them stand out. With the right makeup and hair color, their golden colour can be richer.
Makeup Tips for Amber Eyes
Use bronze, gold, and plum colors. Earth tones such as copper, rust, or olive green can also be applied. Cool blues or silvers must be avoided. A bit of shimmer added can highlight the golden specks. Brown or bronze mascara and eyeliner may dull the look while highlighting the eye shape.
Best Hair Color For Amber Eyes
Warm hair colours suit amber eyes best. Try golden brown, auburn, chestnut, or caramel undertones. These make your eyes look even warmer. Dark blacks or ashy undertones might clash too much, while warm colours work well together.
What Type Of Glasses Will Suit Amber Eyes?
Amber eyes are usually a golden yellow and usually do not have blue, brown,/or green flecks. In case you want a classic, soft, luxurious appearance, we will recommend a plain dark tortoiseshell or a plain black frame. To make a true statement, a bright blue or purple frame that contrasts with your eye colour is recommended. Opt for an azure, plum, or lavender. These are opposite each other on the color wheel, so they will complement your natural golden brilliance perfectly.
We can state that amber eyes are one of the most unique and beautiful colors of eyes. They consist of golden and light brown tones. If you possess amber eyes or different colored eyes, you should protect them with the right eyewear. Eyeweb offers glasses and sunglasses that look good with amber eyes. We have a wide range of styles and include free lenses with anti-glare, anti-UV, anti-scratch, and impact-resistant coatings.