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I like to put the catch light on the iris and not the pupil. I think it gives a more pleasing effect, and it doesn't contrast as much as it would on a pupil. As far as color, I usually use titanium white, but if it seems to be "a bit much", then sometimes I "soften" the catch light by pulling off some of the paint so there is less of it. I think the size of the catch light and the thickness of the paint has the most to do with how it looks. The color of the iris and/or the way the light hits the subject, dictates to me how much strength I should have in my catch light.
If I feel I need to add color because the white is still too much, then sometimes I might use a hint of naples yellow with the white for brown or green eyes, and a hint of the "iris color" blue with the white for blue eyes. Other combinations can also come into play depending on the particular portrait. Having said that, white is still my favorite catch light.
Mary
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