Brown vs black mascara is a big debate in the beauty world because, while the contrast might seem fairly subtle, both colours can make a whole lot of difference to your makeup.
While black mascara has held the fort for decades, other shades like brown and even burgundy are becoming increasingly popular, with many arguing that they offer a more subtle and natural finish or enhance the look of certain eye colours over that of a traditional black-tinted formula. And with so many of the best mascaras and best drugstore mascaras now available in a range of shades, you might indeed be considering switching up your former favourite with a softer and warmer option.
Like with all things beauty, though, the answer to black vs brown mascara is subjective, as both variations have their merits. But if you're stuck on which will best suit your lashes and the overall look you're going for, we've quizzed several makeup artists and industry professionals for their take and advice on choosing the right shade for you.
How to choose between brown vs black mascara
As mentioned, there are pros to both black and brown mascaras, but there are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing one over the other. For starters, your natural lash colour, the occasion and just the overall feel of the makeup you're trying to achieve. Below, the experts have shared everything you should weigh up before investing...
How to choose your mascara shade
- Work with your natural lash colour: "Ultimately, you want your mascara to be darker than your lash colour to provide maximum definition," says makeup artist Jesse Walker. "If you have a lighter complexion with fair lashes, the best brown mascaras can provide beautiful definition without being too harsh. Whereas on medium skin tones and darker, I recommend sticking with a jet black formula."
- Consider the rest of your look: "I always extend the mascara colour choice to what else is going on, including nail colour or outfit," advises makeup artist Lisa Caldognetto. "Brown is a great softer colour that allows other elements to shine, like a bright lip, whereas black lashes can be the defining moment of a makeup look."
- Think about the occasion: Black pigment usually lends itself to the best volumising mascaras, but mega drama isn't always the aim. "I am finding more and more brides are asking for brown mascara for their big day," says bridal makeup artist, Lauren Maybank. "I think it’s less harsh and can look a lot more youthful."
- You can mix and match: "Another great option is to wear both at the same time. Black mascara on the top lashes will give you lift and definition and brown mascara on the bottom helps define the eyes without looking too heavy. Plus, it comes with less worry of obvious smudging," says Maybank.
- For smoky, go sooty: Every makeup artist we spoke to agreed there is only one mascara choice when it comes to a smoky eye. And that's black. "It is the number one option to make a statement when the rest of your eye makeup is smoky," says makeup artist Aarti P. "This is regardless of your hair colour or skin tone. You can layer it up to achieve a really full lash look, which is ideal for an evening, glamorous look."
Which eye colors do brown vs black mascaras suit?
Whilst you might not think the shade of your mascara makes much difference to your eye colour there are a couple of rules you can work to, if you want. "A warm brown mascara is a great choice for cool-toned eyes like blue, grey, and cool green," says Walker. "Warm browns sit on the opposite side of the colour wheel to blues and greens, and this juxtaposition helps your eyes to pop."
A sentiment that Caldognetto agrees with and adds. "Whereas anything too orange-toned will almost clash with green eyes. Brown mascara will pull out more golden tones in hazel eyes, whereas black mascara will contrast and softly frame brown eyes."
Is black mascara too harsh?
Whether your mascara looks harsh or not is a personal opinion, and yours is the only one that matters. If you naturally side with black in the brown vs black mascara debate but feel it sometimes looks a tad heavy, you might want to reassess the texture of your mascara.
"By choosing a formulation that is very fine and comes with a brush that is very separating - such as a plastic comb - this will define the lashes and stop them looking clumpy," says Rupert Kingston, creative director at Delilah cosmetics. "I also recommend using a little black liner under the top lash line to join the lashes to the liner for a naturally defined eye."
Does brown mascara work on black lashes?
By its nature, brown mascara isn’t going to have the impact it has on fairer lashes when used on naturally dark lashes. However, it’s not entirely redundant. "Brown mascara will lift dark lashes, making them look longer and more defined, but that’s about it," explains Aarti P.
Is brown mascara better for older eyes?
Not necessarily, says Kingston. "Women are often advised to opt for brown mascara to give a softer effect, but I am wary, as brown mascaras often have a slight red undertone. If you have red or pink around your eyes, which is not unusual as you get older or if you are tired, then red tones in the brown mascara can accentuate redness." That's one vote very firmly for black in the brown vs black mascara debate, then.
"What I like about black mascara," Kingston continues, "is the contrast between the black and the whites of your eyes. It can make your eyes look brighter and wider, and you can still use black even if you have fair or grey and white hair." As ever in beauty, there are no hard and fast rules about what should be in your makeup bag, the choice is 100% yours.
Our favourite black and brown mascaras
RRP: £30
Touted as one of the best Lancôme mascaras, Hypnôse Custom-Wear is available in both black and brown shades. Its formula lengthens and lifts the lashes, without clumping, to create an effortlessly long and fanned look. It is also enriched with ingredients like ProVitamin B5 to nourish your eyelashes while you wear it.
RRP: £11.99
With a gorgeously fluffy brush, this picks up every lash and coats it with a velvety formula. It doesn't flake or smudge and makes lashes look fuller, longer, and defined. It's one of the best drugstore mascaras of all time and is also available in a waterproof formulation.
RRP: £26
A great slimline brush that makes using it on the top and bottom lashes really easy. The formula is creamy and available in several shades, including a darker brown, making it a great option for those with darker lashes that might not have considered brown before.
