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Brown Mascaras So Good They’ll Make You Ditch Black Forever
Perfect for “clean makeup” enthusiasts.
Have you ever perfected the most stunning clean, no-makeup-makeup look, only for a few finishing coats of mascara to somehow throw it all off? The skin is glowing, the lashes are flirty, but sometimes a stark black lash can feel too intense against a barely there complexion. Not to worry, that’s where brown mascara comes in—the softer, more understated cousin that delivers definition without drama. Whether you’re after a natural, fanned-out lash for everyday wear or a diffused, fluttery effect that complements a smoky eye, the best brown mascaras prove that the deep shade deserves a whole lot more praise than its darker counterpart.
“Brown mascara is the unsung hero of any artist’s kit,” says Adam Sidwell, Hourglass Cosmetics global pro artist. “There’s a quiet elegance to it that adds depth and warmth to the eyes without overpowering them.” No matter your eye color, brown mascara is bound to complement its natural tone and even make the whites appear brighter. As celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon explains, “[brown mascara] has this beautiful way of catching the light that makes blue eyes pop, brings out the green tones in hazel, and enhances the depth of brown eyes.” And it’s especially perfect for lighter lashes or softer makeup looks when you want some added length and volume without it being heavy or too “done.”
Our picks for the best brown mascaras of 2025
With the clean girl makeup aesthetic dominating the beauty industry, brown mascara is more popular than ever. This new wave of espresso-coated lashes brings innovative formulas (think: tubing technology, lash-lifting wands, and conditioning ingredients) that rival your favorite black counterparts. To make your search a little easier, I’ve tested new launches, tapped Sidwell and Aharon for their favorites, and combed through customer reviewers to find the 11 best below.
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some find that it flakes throughout the day
The Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara truly does it all. Lengthening and volumizing , the formula offers up to 24 hours of wear. The curved brush and micro-bristles catch every lash for instant lift, length, and fanned-out volume that’s never clumpy.
Benefits: Lengthening, volumizing
Sephora rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “I love the curved brush, the smooth application, and the beautiful lash-lengthening effect. The cool brown shade is just perfection.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Long-lasting, yet easy removal
Cons
- Doesn’t hold a curl well
Hourglass has just released its fan-favorite Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara in a brown shade. “This formula gives you everything from the dramatic length to the lifted curl with clean separation, but in the most flattering chocolate brown tone,” says Sidwell. What makes it stand out is the tubing technology, which means it won’t smudge, flake, or irritate sensitive eyes, and it washes off easily. “It has become my go-to for every skin tone and every age group,” Sidwell adds.
Benefits: Lengthening
Sephora rating: 4.3/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve really enjoyed trying out this mascara. I haven’t tried a tubing mascara before, and I didn’t expect to love it this much! It applies easily and doesn’t smudge or flake throughout the day. Removal is easy as well. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a higher end tubing mascara.”
Pros
- Very buildale
Cons
- Smudges easily
If you’re looking for a brown mascara with an impeccable formula and a slightly warmer hue, the Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara has you covered. Each swipe features an ultra-creamy, buildable formula that lengthens, defines, and volumizes.
Benefits: Lengthening, volumizing
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5
Our expert says: “Definitely a splurge, but I haven’t found another warm brown I love as much. The clean, buildable formula makes it worth every penny.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Dual-ended wand
Cons
- May weigh lashes down
I’ve been hearing about the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara for years, so I finally decided to give it a try in the deep brown shade named “Before Dawn.” The dual-ended wand delivers impressive results: the brush side builds length and volume, while the comb side defines and de-clumps. I think I need the black shade now, too.
Benefits: Lengthening, separating
Revolve rating: 4.8/5
A Revolve reviewer says: “Love the way this adds volume and length while keeping my eyelashes separated!”
Pros
- Comb-like applicator separates lashes
Cons
- Hard to build volume
Even in the black shade, the Refy Lash Sculp provides the most natural-looking, defined, and lifted lashes, thanks to its unique curved, comb-like applicator. Now, the lengthening formula comes in a neutral brown color for an even softer finish.
Benefits: Lengthening
Sephora rating: 4.1/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “This mascara really surprised me! I was a little confused when I first opened it. But when I got the hang of the different type of brush and how to use it effectively, I was super excited. It really helped to sculpt and lift my natural lashes. It lays through out the day, and makes a big difference when going for a natural beat.”
Pros
- Super volumizing
Cons
- Wand bends easily
The Maybelline Sky High Mascara comes with several colorful shades, including a true brown. For under $15, this drugstore favorite delivers high-impact volume and length, yet still feels impressively lightweight.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Ulta rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “Such a great budget-friendly option! The texture goes on clean, really lengthens, and the cool brown shade is gorgeous. It’s my number one drugstore pick, and I love the waterproof version just as much.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Fluffs up and defines
Cons
- Too red for some
The Lisa Eldrige Kitten Lash Mascara in shade Burnt Umber leans super warm, making it the perfect shade for any redheads looking to match their lashes to their amber locks. The water-resistant formula provides fluffy, fanned-out lashes that really last.
Benefits: Defining, lifting
Lisa Eldridge rating: 4.8/5
Our expert says: “The color is stunning—almost red—and the brush defines lashes so beautifully. Honestly, I love anything Lisa Eldridge makes, so I might be a little biased.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Intense color of volume
Cons
- Very thin formula
Chanel was right on the money when they created their Le Volume Mascara in shade 80. The deep brown color is slightly cooler and richly pigmented. Additionally, it delivers impressive length and volume, and is easy to build up without becoming clumpy.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Chanel rating: 4.3/5
Our expert says: “My go-to when I want ultimate volume and drama. It builds lashes like nothing else.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some complain of clumps
This waterproof mascara lengthens, curls, separates, adds volume, and won’t budge or smudge. The unique powdery formula starts off dry, and must be pumped a few times to expose it to oxygen to acheive the best result.
Benefits: Lengthening, volumizing, curling
Gen See rating: 4.6/5
Our expert says: “This brand deserves way more love. Their clean, cruelty free, vegan formulas are amazing, and the brown mascara is a lightweight, cool-toned shade that looks so natural. Truly the easiest everyday option.”—Lisa Aharon
Pros
- Intense pigment
Cons
- Limited edition
I’ve been using Benefit’s BadGal Bang Mascara in black and waterproof for years. I recently picked up the shade Rebel Brown, and I was pleased to find that it makes my lashes look incredibly thick, voluminous, and lengthy every time— basically just as good as the original formula.
Benefits: Thickening, volumizing
Ulta rating: 4/5
An Ulta reviewer says: “This is my favorite mascara!! It gives the perfect look i want. Lasts all day, no smudges, takes my short lashes to great lengths.”
What should you look for when choosing a brown mascara?
Both Aharon and Sidwell agree that the shade of brown is the first thing to consider. “Cool browns look super natural, while warmer shades add a soft, flattering warmth,” Aharon explains. Sidwell adds that “a true brown should feel rich and dimensional.”
Next, look at the formula and brush. Pining for thicker lashes? Try a volumizing formula with a fluffy wand. Looking for a little more length? Grab a lengthening formula with a comb-like applicator. “The right brush and formula matter just as much, whether you want a lightweight tint for every day or a bolder, lash-building look.”
Meet The Experts
Lisa Aharon is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
Adam Sidwell is the Global Pro Artist at Hourglass Cosmetics.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Emma Aerin Becker consulted celebrity makeup artists to learn about the best brown mascaras. She also tested them out, read through countless customer reviews, and evaluated each product on their unique features.
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