There’s no denying it, brown is the new black when it comes to beauty. Now, unsurprisingly mascara is the next beauty item to go brunette. If you need any more convincing, pay a visit to TikTok, where the #brownmascara hashtag has already racked up over 188 million views (and counting).
Much like our growing love for brown eyeliner, the appeal of a brown mascara lies in its ability to give you a more subtle, refined look compared to the boldness of classic black mascara. It also errs on the side of sophistication — a little more demure, if you will. Brown mascara is particularly flattering for people with lighter features and blue eyes, as the warm tones contrast beautifully against paler skin and make lighter eyes pop. On the other hand, for those with darker colouring, brown mascara provides a natural effect, perfect for a subtle everyday style.
As with most beauty trends, there are different ways to dabble in the brown mascara movement. For those with lighter lashes, Charlotte Tilbury’s Dream Pop mascara is a great choice — it gives just the right amount of contrast thanks to a softer brown shade that still enhances your lashes without overpowering your features. On the other end of the spectrum, if you prefer something a bit more dramatic, Dior Beauty’s Overcurl mascara offers a deep brown shade that’s almost black, giving you that rich, bold look but with a warmer undertone. And for those with green eyes, TikTok has spoken—burgundy mascara is the way to go. YSL’s Lash Clash mascara, with its deep burgundy hue, is perfect for making green eyes stand out in the most flattering way.
Whichever approach you’re going for, check out these options below for the lashes of your dreams!
1. YSL BEAUTY Lash Clash Mascara in Brown
Not only does this serve up volume and length, but it lasts for up to 24 hours. The shade is a true brown with just a hint of warmth, making it great for green and hazel eyes.
2. SEPHORA Size Up Mascara
Because of the tapered brush, Sephora’s Size Up Mascara is – as the name suggests – excellent for pushing the lashes up, and creating a lifted curl. The shade is more of a deep chocolate brown, so it works if you want a dramatic lash, but just a little softer than true black. It’s also long-wearing and waterproof.
3. BENEFIT COSMETICS They’re Real Tinted Eyelash Primer
While technically a primer, this mascara brush is unmatched when it comes to creating brown-skimming length (the secret is the plastic comb wand that separates and pulls every lash). The pigment is soft and the finish natural — perfect for no makeup makeup.
4. TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara in Chocolate
If you think brown mascara isn’t conducive to thick, full, fluffy, ‘are-they-real’ type lashes, you haven’t tried Better Than Sex in Chocolate. The formula has all the hallmarks of the cult-classic original (plush brush, buildable consistency for mega volume) but in a creamy brown shade. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a smudgy brown eye look.
5. GLOSSIER Lash Slick in Brown
Now, this is exciting. As a huge fan of Glossier’s Lash Slick in Black, I know I’m going to be into the brown shade. The formula is very smooth and gives my eyelashes a lift that feels weightless and extends the hair without making them look clumpy. A must try IMO.
6. MECCA MAX Lash Whip Tubing Mascara in Brown
If you cry easily (we see you, Cancerians), or just hate the idea of smudgy, flaky mascara, get familiar with a tubing formula. Unlike traditional mascara, tubing versions create little cylinders around your lash, meaning there’s zero change of fallout, running and smearing. They’re always been hard to find in brown, but this wallet-friendly Mecca Max one ticks every box. It removes easily with warm water and subtle pressure, too.
7. ELLIS FAAS Mascara in Milk Chocolate
This is waxy and soft, so it’s nice for building up a fluffy, fanned look. The brown hue is quite light and the pigment isn’t overly dense, so it’s a nice choice for those with light features and/or blonde lashes.
8. DIOR BEAUTY Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Brown
A cult classic for good reason, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl pushes the lashes up, while the fast-drying formula locks them in place for Bambi-esque curl. The wear is impressive, and its enriched jojoba, cotton and cornflower water to soften and nourish each lash.
9. CHARLOTTE TILBURY Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Dream Pop
This one’s got the TikTok girlies talking! The original shade ‘Super Black’ is a top-tier award-winning mascara that has gained traction due to its clump-free volume-making and lengthening qualities. Dream Pop is a burgundy shade that looks incredible against blue eyes.
10. MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Brown
Another TikTok viral number, this drugstore buy from Maybelline promises crazy-good length. The flexible brush grabs every single lash, while the lightweight formula is enriched with bamboo for a weightless finish. You can apply countless counts and it won’t clump, either.
11. CLINIQUE High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
Say goodbye to clumpy, uneven lashes, with this hard-working formula by the beauty gurus at Clinique. The brush, which tapers from wider at the base to smaller at the tip, is perfectly placed to colour those hard-to-reach corner lashes, for volume and pigment across your entire lash line Yes please.
