TikTok trends come and go, but we’re betting that the online beauty community's latest craze, brown mascara, is going to stick around for a long time. Don't get us wrong: Drama-enhancing, jet-black shades will always hold a place in our makeup bags, but when we want a subtly defining "oomph" to our lashes, swiping on a shade of mocha-colored mascara will do just the trick.
Makeup artist Linda Gradin explains that these mascaras can add more dimension and enhance the color of your eyes, depending on the shade you use. "For a darker eye, a nearly-black or dark brown mascara adds definition, but a classic brown gives a softer impression," she says. "For lighter-colored eyes, true-to-light brown mascaras are most flattering, as they can bring out gold, green, or grey highlights in your eyes that black can't." If you really want to make your eye color and shape stand out, Gradin recommends pairing your brown mascara with a dark brown, charcoal, or black eyeliner pencil of your choosing.
And, according to makeup artist Steven Canavan, brown mascaras are ideal for accentuating lashes without looking like makeup was applied. "Brown mascara is best if you're looking to achieve a more natural look and black [is best] if you want more drama," he says, adding that he's a huge fan of for defining lashes and enhancing the intensity of any eye color.
Another big winner with the pros: Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir Brun ($32), which makeup artist Deanna Melluso lovingly describes as "such a beautiful shade of brown." Looking for more affordable options? We're also huge fans of Maybelline New York's Sensational Mascara ($11) and—our favorite under-$10 option—the E.L.F. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara ($8).
Ready to hop on the virtual beauty community's latest—and, possibly, greatest—bandwagon? Hit the link below to see all of the top brown mascaras for fluttery, feathery lashes.
