We’re only halfway through January, yet a standout beauty trend for 2026 is already clear. Almost overnight, burgundy mascara has appeared across shelves at Ulta, Sephora, and neighborhood drugstores. According to professional makeup artist Catrina Breitweiser, who has more than 20 years of experience, clients are increasingly choosing it as they lean toward softer, more natural glam looks. Beauty brands have quickly followed suit, releasing a wave of burgundy and deep berry mascaras.
Since I was already searching for an alternative to black mascara, I decided to give the trend a try. Here’s how it went—and why it might be worth experimenting with yourself.
Why I Chose Burgundy Mascara
With blonde hair, light blue eyes, and fair skin, I had often heard that black mascara could feel too harsh for my features. The long-standing advice within the beauty world suggested that brown mascara was a better match. Still, from my first experiments with eye makeup in high school, black mascara was all I ever used—it was simply the default.
Years later, I felt ready for something different. I initially planned to switch to brown, but then the idea of burgundy mascara caught my attention. It felt fresh and unexpected—less like a rule I was following and more like a choice I genuinely wanted to make.
Breitweiser echoes this appeal, noting that burgundy mascara flatters green, hazel, and brown eyes by adding warmth and depth without harshness. She also points out that it works well for fair to medium skin tones, mature clients, and anyone seeking definition without the intensity of jet black.
My First-Hand Experience
I decided to try Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in Burgundy. Given the product’s loyal following, I trusted the formula. My only concern—beyond typical mascara issues like smudging or flaking—was whether the reddish tone might make my eyes look irritated.
Fortunately, that worry disappeared quickly. From the first application, I was impressed by the thick, buildable wand, which made layering effortless. The formula also delivered true burgundy pigment, rather than black with a faint red undertone.
After applying it, I noticed two immediate reactions. First, satisfaction—the shade enhanced my eyes without overpowering them. Second, a brief moment of doubt, wondering if the color leaned too red. I decided to test it by wearing it all day. By the end of the day, no one had commented on my appearance, which confirmed my suspicions in the best way.
Wearing It Everywhere
I continued wearing the mascara everywhere—from a wellness retreat in Panama to everyday life back home in Iowa. Within weeks, I was completely sold. I found myself recommending it to friends, coworkers, and family members, even convincing my mom to pick one up during an Ulta visit.
The Final Verdict
After nearly two months of regular use, I’ve formed a clear opinion. Burgundy mascara is an excellent option for those with light to medium features who feel overwhelmed by black lashes. It creates a sense of soft glam and understated luxury that aligns perfectly with current beauty trends.
The only caveat is that if your eyes are prone to redness or irritation, the burgundy tone may accentuate it rather than conceal it. Overall, choosing burgundy mascara comes down to personal preference, but it’s absolutely worth trying if you’re curious about stepping beyond traditional black.
