15 Best Brown Mascaras 2023 for a Subtle Makeup Look
Move over inky black formulas: brown mascaras are in and we couldn't be more excited. With over 3.1 billion views on TikTok and counting, it's safe to say that they've taken the “clean girl/vanilla girl aesthetic” trend to a whole new level. Sure, traditional jet black mascaras are just about everybody's desert island beauty staple. Not only do they have the unrivalled ability to completely change the finish of almost any makeup look, but they can also make you look more awake than you feel after a late night, and they finish off an intense smokey eye like no other product (well, except for falsies…).
But you know what? Brown mascara is a great alternative for those after a softer, more subtle look that still gives you enough tint and definition to make your eyelashes look more prominent. They might not offer the same dramatic effect as black mascaras, but if you're a fan of the trending “no makeup makeup” aesthetic, brown formulas are the way to go.
Best brown mascaras at a glance:
- Best brown mascara for redheads: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara, £25, Sephora
- Best dark brown mascara: L’Oreal Paris’ Lash Paradise Moonlight Noir Mascara in Dark Brown, £11.99, Boots
- Best brown mascara for volume: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in Chocolate, £25, Beauty Bay
- Best warm-toned brown mascara: Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, £16, Glossier
- Best waterproof brown mascara: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, £31, Dior
Trust us, you might be surprised by how big of a difference brown mascara can make to your overall look. Not to mention, brown mascaras can be incredibly flattering on fair skin tones, those with hazel/brown/green eyes and redheads.
And even if you aren't any of the above but if you're an avid lover of bronze eyeshadow, you might find that swapping black mascara for the brown option can marry the look together in the most beautiful way. Our contributing beauty editor Lucy Partington, for one (who has hazel eyes, btw), has confirmed that after trying brown mascaras, she doesn't “see [herself] converting back any time soon.”
“Adding brown mascara just seems to make more sense for me personally. For a start, it’s much softer, and I find it’s more flattering, too – but it still adds definition and length without being too much of a statement that it overpowers the eyeshadow I’ve meticulously applied,” she said.
Still not convinced? Makeup artist Jesse Walker also shared that a “brown mascara is great if you are looking for a softer eye make-up look, particularly if you have a lighter complexion. Plus, if you have blue or green eyes, the warmth from the brown will help to accentuate those shades,” she noted.
But, not all brown mascaras were made equal, from cool to warm-toned formulas and even those with a slight burgundy tint - there's lots of options to choose from, depending on your skin tone, budget and preference. To make your life easier, we've cherry picked the very best brown mascaras that the beauty market has to offer, including our personal favourites, newer launches and all-time classics.
Tempted to take your eye makeup to the next level? We can help you pick the best liquid eyeliner, best mascara for every occasion and even pair you with your eyeshadow match and best false eyelashes to complete the look. And for the aftermath: meet the best eye makeup removers.
Discover the best brown mascaras to add a little of somethin’ to your minimalist makeup look:
1. Best brown mascara for redheads and brunettesCharlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes MascaraWhy we love it: Leave it to Charlotte Tilbury to bring us one of the most unique brown mascaras that once again, managed to brake the internet. Yep, amassing x million views on TikTok, the Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! mascara has impressed the beauty community beyond words, and it's easy to see why. “Dream Pop” is a berry-brown colour that is especially flattering on redheads and brunettes and is set to compliment brown and hazel eyes in the most beautiful way too. Thanks to the keratin-boosted lash-thickening formula, the mascara itself will deliver definition, curl and volume, thanks to the keratin-boosted lash-thickening formula.
GLAMOUR-approved: “Ever since I've dyed my hair copper, I've struggled to find a mascara that will look natural on my complexion and compliment my new hair colour. And once I first spotted the Charlotte Tilbury brown mascara on my TikTok feed, I knew I was sold almost immediately. Of course, after trying it out first-hand, I can safely confirm that it deserves all the hype that it gets online. Its unique brown hue makes my brown eyes pop like no other mascara I own, while the formula manages to hold the curl for the rest of the day. I also loved the way it looked on my bottom lashes and provided a nice contrast to the rest of my eye makeup.” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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2. Best dark brown mascara L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Moonlight Noir Mascara in Dark BrownWhy we love it: If you're not ready to settle for a brighter shade of brown mascara just yet but you're still looking to achieve a more natural look, look no further, because this product delivers exactly that. The deeper brown black pigments will give you just enough contrast without resulting in an overly dramatic look. The castor oil-infused formula is ophthalmologist-tested, meaning it's perfectly suitable for sensitive eyes too.
GLAMOUR-approved: “The one that I’ve found works best for me and is the perfect shade is the L’Oreal Paris’ Lash Paradise Moonlight Noir Mascara in Dark Brown. I’m a big fan of high street formulas anyway (Maybelline, Essence, Max Factor, I’m looking at you), but this one is not only affordable, but it genuinely is the perfect soft brown shade. I’ve found that it lasts all day long without flaking, and it doesn’t smudge or budge, even on the hottest of summer days, as I recently found out.” – Lucy Partington, Contributing Writer, GLAMOUR UK
Enjoy big savings when shopping for brown mascaras using these Boots discount codes.
3. Best warm-toned brown mascaraGlossier Lash Slick Mascara In BrownWhy we love it: This brown tubing mascara is one of the latest and most exciting Glossier launches we've seen. That's right, the iconic Lash Slick Mascara now comes in a warm-toned brown hue, a shade that's bound to compliment olive and medium skin tones. The tiny fibers on the applicator wand will also allow for a precise application all the way from the root to the tip of each lash, enhancing the look of your natural eyelashes in a subtle way. Think “no makeup makeup” on a whole other level. The nourishing cruelty-free formula is also water-resistant, meaning it'll stay in place for up to 12 (!) hours.
4. Best brown mascara for both length and volumeMaybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara BrownWhy we love it: Ever since it first launched, this mascara quickly became a viral sensation within hours of landing on the shelves. It seemed as though virtually every beauty obsessive was in awe by how much length it can add to lashes (note: LOADS!). Lenghtening, volumising and defining (all clump-free, btw) - this mascara does it all! And guess what? It's also available in the Brown shade, meaning you can get all of the aforementioned benefits, minus the jet black pigment. Find out what our beauty editor thought when she tried it (spoiler alert: she loved it).
Don't forget to try using these Boots discount codes to save big when shopping for brown mascaras.
5. Best brown mascara for volume (TikTok-approved)Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara In ChocolateWhy we love it: Let's be real, would it really be a roundup of best brown mascaras if we didn't include the viral Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara? Didn't think so. The Chocolate variation of the product took the internet by storm, and we're just as obsessed. Aside from the delicious-looking packaging, this product truly stands out from the pack, thanks to the unique and rich warm brown shade, the collagen-infused formulation and the included film-forming polymers that aim to lock your lashes in place. If your lashes are in need of a volume boost, this is the one to get.
Make sure to bookmark these Beauty Bay discount codes to save.
6. Best waterproof brown mascaraDior Diorshow Waterproof MascaraWhy we love it: Any beauty lover can confirm that Dior produces some of the best mascaras on the market, and in case you didn't know, one of its most popular mascara variations has a brown colourway. Yep, we're talking about the Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara. This neutral Chestnut-y shade is set to compliment those who are neither brunette nor blonde: think balayage or highlight-loving girlies. It's also a great option for those looking for buildable XXL volume (we're talking lash extension-level volume). The best part? It's waterproof, meaning your lashes will stay fabulous regardless of the weather outside.\
7. Best lengthening brown mascaraEyeko Limitless Lengthening MascaraWhy we love it: After a brown mascara that'll give you the most impressive lengthening results? Say. No. More. This Eyeko Limitless Lenghtening Mascara is precisely what your makeup kit needs. The formula is enriched with 80% natural origin ingredients and features oat-derived fibres as well as Acai Oil – all of which will not only lengthen your lashes, but also nourish them in the meantime. But despite its lengthening capabilities, it also feels incredibly weightless, giving you that “barely-there” feel. It's also suitable for sensitive eyes as well as contact lens wearers. Psst.. we strongly recommend that you also check out the Eyeko Black Magic Cocoa Edit Mascara (if you're into a more curly result).
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8. Best tinted mascara primer for a more natural lookbenefit They're Real Tinted Lash PrimerWhy we love it: Though not exactly a mascara, the benefit They're Real Tinted Lash Primer is still a great option to consider, since it can be worn both on its own or applied under one of your go-to mascaras. It features a subtle brown tint that will ever so slightly elevate your look while remaining on a natural side. You'll notice that your lashes will look more defined as well as thicker, minus the clumps. Plus, the included conditioning pro-vitamin B5 will also make sure that your eyelashes are well looked after.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for brown mascaras using these Boots discount codes.
9. Best waterproof brown mascaraClinique Lash Power Mascara In Dark ChocolateWhy we love it: Think about this mascara as a chocolate treat for your eyelashes. But on a more serious note, this waterproof mascara has been developed with thermal sensitive technology, which allows it to last for up to 24 hours (yes, really) without budging. So you can go about your day knowing that factors like rain, sweat, humidity or tears are not a threat to your fabulous makeup look. And no need to worry, the bristles can coat even the smallest of lashes, allowing for a smooth and even application.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes to save.
10. Best smudge-proof brown mascaraYves Saint Laurent Lash Clash MascaraWhy we love it: Ever since it first launched, the YSL Lash Clash Mascara created a lot of buzz on social media, thanks to the innovative formula and the double conical brush, which is great for instantly visible lifting and curling effect. But not everyone knows that it also comes in a stunning cool-toned brown shade that looks particularly flattering on green eyes. The formula is also super long-lasting, promising a 24-hour wear without flaking or smudging. Brb, adding to cart…
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11. Best brown mascara for definitionLancôme Hypnôse Mascara BrownWhy we love it: Whether you're after a more natural makeup or if you're into a full glam look, the Lancôme Hypnôse is definitely worth considering. Featuring a buildable SoftSculpt formula, it'll help you get up to 8 times the volume of your natural lashes, all the while nourishing your eyelashes with the ProVitamin B5. Plus, the bristles on the wand will help you get the most precise application possible and separate each lash so as to avoid clumping. According to Lancôme, 79% of the women in the consumer test panel concluded that they saw “a more intense look to the eyes.”
Save big when shopping for brown mascaras using these Boots discount codes.
12. Best premium brown mascaraLe Volume De Chanel MascaraWhy we love it: After a brown mascara that offers instant volume from the first stroke? You got it. The Le Volume De Chanel Mascara is by far, the best cool-toned brown mascara we've seen, and for a good reason too. The formula features a premium blend of waxes (for volume), rapid-drying acacia gum (to make sure that the curl stays in plays all day long) as well as film-forming agents that aim to preserve the natural supple form of your eyelashes. Long story short, if you're looking for a high-end formula – look no further.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for brown mascaras using these Boots discount codes.
13. Best brown mascara for deep skin tonesMaxfactor Divine Lashes Mascara - Black/BrownWhy we love it: If you're looking for a brown mascara that'll compliment deeper skin tones, this Maxfactor Divine Lashes Mascara might be just the thing. The deep brown hue offers a more dramatic and impactful pigment that you won't normally see in other brown mascara formulations. On top of that, this mascara is also great for lengthening and a clump-free application, making it a solid choice for those looking for something that ticks virtually all the boxes. Oh, and did we mention that it's also enriched with a lash-loving ingredient called panthenol? Sign. Us. Up.
Ophthalmologically tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for brown mascaras using LookFantastic discount codes.
14. Best affordable brown mascaraRimmel London Extra Super Lash Lengthening MascaraWhy we love it: We get it. Given that most mascaras tend to dry out and expire quicker than other makeup products, we understand that for some, investing in a premium product may seem a tad unreasonable. And we don't blame you. After all, some of the best formulas on the market come from drugstore-friendly brands, and yep, that includes Rimmel London. Not only does this brown mascara separate and lengthen the lashes but it's also incredibly buildable, meaning you can easily get to a volume that satisfies your preference through one, two or even three coats.
Make sure to bookmark these Boots discount codes to save.
15. Best brown mascara under £15COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara BrownWhy we love it: Affordable? Check. Non-clumping and volumising? Check aaand Check. It's only right that the Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara is included in this roundup. Available in three other shades (apart from brown), this volumising mascara offers a dramatic finish, minus the clumping and flaking. Not to mention, as of March 2023, it has 3,206 ratings – all averaging out at 4.5 stars out of 5, which definitely speaks volume (pun intended) about the product's quality.
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13 best waterproof mascaras that are seriously budge-proofFor more makeup & skincare content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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