We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Brown Mascara Is Our Favourite Your-Lashes-But-Better Hack
In the quest to perfect the 'no-make-up' look, chocolate hues are overtaking jet-black shades.
Digging into the make-up bags of Hollywood's chicest women has taught us a lot about perfecting that glowing post-holiday make-up look. And while we're all here for faux bronze, freckled bases and that two-weeks-on-a-yacht-in-Mallorca supermodel gleam, more often than not what we're really looking for is a straightforward summer switch-up to keep our faces looking fresh. Cue the natural lash shortcut making a rife appearance in every starlet's make-up routine right now: brown mascara.
Whether you're looking for a waterproof mascara to last through Eras Tour tears, tubing technology to make your evening wind down totally effortless, or a simple colour switch-up that whispers not shouts, a brown mascara is the product you seek.
Why Choose A Brown Mascara?
Co-signed by everyone from Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner, brown mascara has been hailed for its ability to lengthen, boost and curl your lashes, all while looking entirely natural.
'You may find that black mascara is very strong and striking, which definitely has its place, and does give a beautifully classic look,' says M.A.C Cosmetics National Artist, Ellie Simlett. 'But, what’s great about a brown mascara is that it can look less harsh and stark than a black, making it a perfect choice for creating more of a natural look on the lashes. This can be a perfect choice for people who have a fairer skin tone, or blonde hair and light lashes.'
Who Is Brown Mascara Best For?
If you're wondering, 'will brown mascara suit me?' then rest assured that the answer is most likely: yes. However, it's worth noting that some eye colours and skin tones will particularly reap the benefits of a softer chocolate lash.
'Brown mascara can be used by anyone, and suits all eye colours. It’s a perfect choice if you are looking for something softer than a traditional black mascara,' says Simlett. 'Brown mascara does however really pop against blue eyes. As blue and brown are opposites on the colour wheel it enhances and amplifies blue eye colours amazingly.'
She notes that while any age can suit and wear brown mascara, it can be a great choice for anyone looking to reduce the intensity of their everyday make-up as they get older. 'If you are looking for something slightly toned down as your makeup style evolves with age, brown mascara can be a great choice for a softened and less dramatic look,' she says.
How To Wear Brown Mascara
'I love to apply a red-based, chocolate-brown eye shadow such as MAC Swiss Chocolate over the eye, alongside a rich, warm-brown eye pencil like Costa Riche,' says Simlett. 'For deeper skin tones, a sumptuous brown shade such as Embark is perfect, and apply a more dramatic eye pencil like Coffee along with it. Top this off with the new Chestnut MAC Stack mascara, and you have a super on-trend, but very wearable makeup look.'
Shop The Best Brown Mascaras For A Natural Lash
Looking for a mascara that's impossible to clump? This volumising formula gives you full control of your final flutter, allowing you to achieve natural length in just one coat or full drama with a few extra coats. Not to mention, its new chestnut shade is so rich.
An essential in any It-girl's beauty bag, this defining mascara is a must have for fans of a natural make-up look. It adds length and colour to lacklustre lashes without ever looking overly faux. Think your-lashes-but-better.
Don't be fooled: brown mascaras might appear more natural, but some are still prone to panda-style smudging. If you're predisposed to watery eyes, we recommend playing it safe with a sturdy waterproof formula. This one from Dior has been our go-to for years.
For fans of a cat-eye finish, this emollient mascara allows you to sculpt your lashes into a sleek feminine shape. Not only that, its blend of polymers and waxes means they're enveloped in soft and supple colour that doesn't leave them feeling clumpy or flaky. Win, win, win.
This shea butter-powered mascara is the definition of good-for-you make-up. Not only does it deliver instant drama to lifeless lashes thanks to its plant-based fibre formula, it also nourishes them while you wear it.
Looking for longer, plumper and thicker lashes and a formula that can hold its own against sweat, tears and a spin class? This luxury wand is a great option for anyone looking for a brown waterproof mascara that also looks sleek in their handbag.
This multi-level bristle brush is designed to fit your lashes perfectly, meaning even stray corner lashes get the coat of colour they need. Pro tip? Use the nifty tip to add extra drama to the outer eyes.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dream Pop Push Up Lashes!
There's a Pillow Talk product for everything now, mascara included, and the truth is: this deep reddish-brown hue looks fantastic on lashes. Best for blue eyes, this pop of cherry chocolate is the perfect summer make-up switch-up.
If you're looking for an ultra-luxurious formula to gift, this Hermès mascara is the perfect blind buy. The softened chocolate hue will flatter any eye colour, skin tone or age group and the design is just exquisite.
If you're struggling with stubborn straight lashes, we'd pair this targeted formula with a high quality lash curler. Not only will you achieve an eye-widening flare, you'll also be met with thicker, fuller hairs.
Everyone's first mascara is back with a truly on-brand chocolate hue. Rich in colour, it uses film-forming polymers to secure a long lasting lash that's thick, dramatic and doesn't compromise on pigment. There's a reason its withstood the test of time.
This high street tubing mascara layers lashes with buildable technology, adding length and volume with the added benefit of effortless removal. Simply splash with water and watch the tiny vinyl-like tubes slide right off. And, if you're not ready to commit to a natural brown shade but don't want that classic pitch black, they also offer a soft black to bridge the gap.
From purple mascaras to black lipstick, 3INA offers a full spectrum of products in every playful hue. Perfect for unleashing your inner creative. However, if you're not quite ready to make the blue eyeshadow plunge, they also offer a quality brown mascara for everyday.
Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
The Best Wedding Suits For Modern Brides 2025
21 Aussie Brands We're Currently Obsessed With
All The Swimwear Brands to Know in 2025
ELLE Edits: Best LED Face Masks For 2025
