Applying mascara is one of the most important yet highly personal steps in any make-up routine. The right formula can instantly enhance the eyes and elevate even the most minimal look, but finding the perfect match is not always straightforward. While black mascara has long been the go-to choice, make-up artists agree that brown mascaras are currently having a major moment.
“Brown mascara creates a softer, more natural effect compared to black,” explains celebrity make-up artist and educator Erica Taylor. “It defines the lashes without harsh contrast and helps bring out warm tones in both the lashes and the eyes.” The result is a refined yet effortless finish, making brown mascara ideal for daytime wear, no-make-up make-up looks, and subtle glam styles.
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Why Brown Mascara Works for Everyone
From warm chocolate shades to deep black-browns, today’s brown mascaras come in a wide range of tones designed to suit different skin tones, eye colours, and make-up preferences. “The specific shade of brown really matters,” says Taylor. “Lighter browns feel soft and understated, while deeper browns add definition without looking heavy.”
Celebrity make-up artist Camara Aunique Helps agrees, noting that nearly everyone can benefit from brown mascara. “I love using it on myself and clients to achieve a natural, balanced look that doesn’t wash anyone out,” she shares.
How to Apply Brown Mascara for the Best Results
For a naturally defined finish, apply brown mascara as close to the lash roots as possible. Helps recommends building volume gradually by layering coats and alternating between eyes to allow lashes to dry in between. For extra definition without harshness, Taylor suggests pairing brown mascara with black on the outer or lower lashes.
Choosing the Right Brown Mascara
Select a brown mascara using the same criteria you would for black: formula performance and wand design are key. Helps advises sticking with formulas you already trust and simply switching to a brown shade. Taylor recommends warmer browns for noticeable colour payoff and deeper black-browns for a softer transition from classic black.
Whether you want to soften your everyday make-up, move away from black mascara, or try something more current, brown mascara offers a versatile option that still delivers impact.
The Best Brown Mascaras for a Polished Look
Better than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara in Chocolate
Best for: Volume and length
This cult-favourite formula has been reimagined in a rich chocolate brown shade, delivering bold lashes with a more wearable finish. Taylor describes it as a deep, luxurious brown that offers dramatic definition without the intensity of black.
Diorshow Iconic Overcurl in Brown
Best for: Curl, lift, definition
A professional staple, this mascara features a curved wand that lifts and curls lashes for an elegant, wide-eyed effect. The formula, enriched with cornflower floral water, provides up to 24 hours of wear.
Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown
Best for: Volume
This luxurious formula delivers bold lashes in a refined deep-brown tone. Taylor notes that it’s ideal for those who want a shade close to black, paired with a brush that delivers maximum volume in just one or two coats.
Kitten Lash Mascara in Burnt Umber
Best for: Lift and curl
Perfect for achieving fluffy, fanned-out lashes, this lightweight and buildable formula is smudge-proof and long-wearing. Its curved brush makes it easy to achieve defined lashes with minimal effort.
Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara in Let’s Be Blunt
Best for: Dramatic volume and thickness
This ultra-volumising mascara coats lashes in a single swipe for bold yet flexible results. The warm brown shade maintains drama while offering a softer finish, and the formula is sweat- and humidity-resistant.
Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Best for: Length and smudge resistance
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Formulated with bamboo extract, this mascara delivers impressive length and volume while remaining lightweight and flexible. It is ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested, making it suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Master Mascara Volumizing & Lift in Perfect Brown
Best for: Lift, length, volume
Created by celebrity make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic, this mascara features a sculpted brush that lifts and defines lashes from root to tip, creating a wide-eyed, long-lasting effect.
Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara in Dream Pop
Best for: Volume and lift
This berry-brown version of the iconic Pillow Talk mascara enhances lashes with a lifted, fanned-out finish. It’s ideal for soft glam and romantic make-up looks.
Lash Sculpt Lengthen and Lift Mascara
Best for: Length, lift, curl
Featuring a curved wand and comb-style applicator, this mascara helps create a false-lash effect. The formula includes two types of waxes to provide extra hold and lift.
Lash Slick Lift and Lengthen Tubing Mascara
Best for: Natural definition and everyday wear
A favourite for no-make-up make-up looks, this tubing mascara subtly defines lashes while remaining flake-free throughout the day. It’s perfect for effortless, understated eye looks.
Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara
Best for: Lash lift and long wear
This lightweight gel formula features a curved brush with microbristles to target every lash. It delivers a lifted, lengthened, and clump-free finish that feels soft and weightless.
Eye Want You Mascara
Best for: Lift and volume
Formulated with plant-based waxes, shea butter, and plant-derived esters, this mascara boosts lashes without flaking. The hourglass-shaped brush with a tapered tip makes it easy to reach even the smallest lashes.
Bad Gal Bang! Volumizing Mascara in Rebel Brown
Best for: Tubing formula
Known for its weightless feel, this tubing mascara delivers gravity-defying volume with a softer brown tone. It offers bold results while maintaining a natural, balanced finish.
