While black lashes have been the standard, modern beauty trends like the no-makeup makeup look are favoring a softer approach, which is why brown mascara should be on your radar. It’s universally flattering and an especially great anti-aging makeup hack. “Brown mascara can be used to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by reducing contrast and creating an overall softer look,” says makeup artist Rose Siard. “[Brown mascara] is ideal for a more natural or minimal look, whereas black mascara creates bolder, dramatic definition that lends itself to more intense or evening looks,” she says.
According to makeup artist Erica Taylor, this effect is rooted in color theory. “The red tone of a warm brown can amplify a green eye, while the orange tone in a brown mascara will complement blue eyes,” she says. “Even brown eyes reflect a more amber quality with a rich brown mascara.” Regular black creates a bigger contrast and can make the eyes appear more distinct, but it doesn’t play off of these nuances and can even have a harsh effect.
Along with getting the experts’ recommendations for the best brown mascaras to try, I made the switch and tested a few myself. Read on for our suggestions.
Your search for brown mascara should look the same as how you pick out traditional black mascara. The main focus is the effect of the formula. Are you looking for a lengthening mascara? A volumizing one? A curling effect? A combination of all three? You can also factor in whether you want a waterproof formula or a tubing mascara, which tend to be longer wearing and smudge-resistant.
Then, with brown mascara, there’s more variation in the shade options than just your standard black mascara. For those with deeper skin tones or naturally dark hair, I recommend looking for dark brown or brown-black shades. Since I have nearly black hair, some brown mascara is lighter than my natural hair color, so these darker brown options still add warmth but are dark enough to complement my natural hair color too. On the flip side, if you have a lighter complexion or lighter hair, a standard brown hue won’t look as harsh.