Our Best Brown Mascaras and When to Wear Them

When it comes to mascara, most people would reach for an intense carbon black shade over brown mascara. But there’s something to be said about a fringe coated in a brown hue! There are quite a few makeup looks and trends that are far better when worn with brown mascara, which is why it’s totally worth adding one to your makeup bag. Ready to take a walk on the brown side? Below, we’re sharing our best brown mascaras, as well as a few times it’s worth swapping your go-to black for a brown alternative.

OUR BEST BROWN MASCARAS

Ready to add a tube of brown mascara to your makeup collection? Here are some of our best brown mascaras.

L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara in Black Brown: With its unique two-position wand that can be used straight or bent, this brown mascara will give your lashes an instant lash-lift effect and intense length.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Black Brown: With a soft wavy-bristle brush, the formula of this mascara will leave your lashes with intense length and voluptuous volume.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Black Brown: The unique formula of this mascara thickens and builds lashes in just one application.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara in Black Brown: If you're looking for a mascara that will give your lashes intense length, this one's for you. The flat side of the patented flexible Precision Brush lengthens lashes up to 60% while the comb side separates to ensure your fringe is clump-free.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara in Black Brown: This fiber mascara requires two steps for amazing lashes. First, apply the primer to build dramatic volume on every lash and create an ultra-smooth base for the mascara. Then, apply the fiber-infused mascara formula for super-volumized, super-extended lashes.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Black Brown: The collagen-infused formula of this mascara, combined with its Millionizer Brush, creates amplified volume and definition. Your lashes will have breathtaking volume with no clumps in sight!

6 TIMES TO WEAR BROWN MASCARA

If you’re someone who swears by black mascara, you’ve probably never picked up a brown tube in your life—unless by mistake. You may be thinking, “Why would anyone wear brown mascara when you can wear black?” Take a look below to find out exactly that.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #1: AFTER DYING YOUR HAIR BLONDE

If you’re sporting a newly lightened hair color, it’s not a bad idea to go lighter with your mascara too. While blondes can totally rock black mascara, a brown shade will look less harsh against your pale strands.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #2: WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS

Running out the door to pick up groceries or laundry detergent? While errands certainly don’t call for a full face of makeup, applying a few coats of brown mascara is a quick and easy way to accent your natural beauty without whipping out your entire makeup bag.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #3: IF YOU HAVE BROWN EYES

If you have brown eyes, brown mascara is a seriously easy way to accent their rich chocolate color. A brown hue will allow your eyes to appear brighter and richer with just a few swipes of your mascara wand.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #4: IN THE DAYTIME

Whether you barely wear makeup on a daily basis or sport a soft smoky eye every single day, brown mascara is perfect for any daytime makeup look. A brown shade is much more subtle than black, which can come across as harsh for an everyday makeup look. Whether you’re off to work or having a picnic in the park with friends, brown mascara will tie together your look.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #5: TO EMPHASIZE YOUR LOWER LASHES

Let’s not neglect your bottom lashes! While your upper lashes may be your main focus when it comes to applying mascara, coating your bottom lashes can help tie together your entire eye makeup look. A brown mascara is the perfect way to create bold bottom lashes that won’t overpower the rest of your eye makeup look.

BROWN MASCARA OPPORTUNITY #6: FOR A NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP LOOK

Makeup trend alert: The no makeup, makeup look continues to be one of the hottest makeup looks on the beauty scene. Whether you’re going out and want to appear boho-chic or are heading to class and want to look a little more put-together, brown mascara is a necessity for a natural makeup look.

Want to try another shade of mascara that isn’t your go-to black? Read our article, 4 Eye Makeup Looks That Are Even Better with Burgundy Mascara.