As a beauty editor, it’s been impossible to ignore the makeup trend shift from black mascara to brown mascara. For a while, both the runways and several of the looks on my feeds were seemingly void of mascara altogether. But brown mascara offers a happy medium; it adds just enough definition, but is softer and less harsh than black mascara for many. My friends with fair lashes tell me that they think it’s more flattering, but even for me, as someone with nearly black eyelashes, I too love the overall softer effect it creates for my eye makeup.
I’ve always loved drugstore mascaras (IMO, they’re often just as good, or sometimes better, than their luxury counterparts), and Maybelline’s mascaras are amongst some of my favourites. I’ve long loved its black mascara formulas (particularly Sky High, which deserves all the hype it receives), but what piqued my interest is that it has launched a whole collection of different brown shades. Whilst most mascaras come just in black or brown options, its new launches come in varying shades of brown. Allow me to tell you why this excites me so much.
Not all brown mascaras are created equal. Sometimes it can lean more red, warm brown, or maybe a rich dark brown that’s more of a brown/black. They all give a slightly different effect, and what works for one might not suit another. But with the shades below, you can choose the exact kind of brown you’re after. Scroll on to find the best one for you.
Maybelline Brown Mascara Shades
1. Mocha
Mocha is the shade I currently own (and that I’m wearing in the picture above), and it is the perfect chocolate hue for my brown eyes and dark lashes. It’s a rich hue that adds enough definition, but isn’t as intense as black, and I find it makes my brown eyes look richer. I will usually reach for this as my day-to-day shade. The formula of the mascara is brilliant, too. The flexible hourglass-shaped wand volumises, lengthens and lifts lashes, allowing you to get a natural look or layer up for a bolder effect.
2. Brick Brown
Brick Brown is for those who prefer a warmer brown shade on their lashes. Almost like burgundy mascara, but overall softer, this brick brown shade would look amazing on green or blue eyes in particular. In colour theory, warm tones such as red and orange are complementary to green and blue, respectively, so they’ll really make your eye colour stand out with the contrast.
3. True Brown
Sitting in the middle of Brick Brown and Mocha Brown is the True Brown shade. I’d describe this as the most classic brown. It’s a medium brown that’s lighter than Mocha Brown, but cooler in tone compared to Brick Brown. I’d go for this if you’re unsure between the last two, as this shade will suit all eye colours too. It’s in the Sky High formula, which is one of my favourite lengthening mascaras.
