Let’s be real. Brown mascara isn’t a new idea. But boy, when we started reaching for more neutral, natural makeup did we remember how impressive a lick of luscious brown looks on our lashes. Whether you find the contrast of a black mascara too stark against your features, or you’re looking to transition to the (incredibly impressive) no mascara look (bravo for bravery), brown mascara will be there to hold your hand along the journey.
But if you’re worried that a more subtle shade won’t give you the same level of high-impact drama-filled lashes, these brown mascaras are here to change your tune. Heck, even one of TikTok’s favourites makes an appearance. With a whole range of ‘browns’ you’ll be able to find a pick that works for your complexion and still gives you the (much-needed) lash confidence you’re after.
So, let’s have a look at the best brown mascaras on the market…
2024’s Top 3 Brown Mascaras
- Nude by Nature Allure Defining Mascara, $29.95, Myer
- Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara, $65, Myer
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $25.99, Adore Beauty
Nude by Nature Allure Defining Mascara
From $29.95 at Myer
When you come to wash your makeup off in the evening (which you ought to be doing thoroughly), your lashes may feel more akin to tiny sticks than, well, lashes. We need you to know about this lash-conditioning, flexible formula. The conditioning formula (infused with pro-vitamin B5) is designed to be layered over your lashes with an easy to wield flexible brush.
Want to read more? Read Nude by Nature Allure Defining Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with pro-vitamin B5
- Formulated with candelilla wax and arabic gum
- Designed to remain soft and flexible
Available at:
- $17.97 (usually $29.95) from Myer
- $17.97 (usually $29.95) from Priceline
- $29.95 from Nude By Nature
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara
From $65 at Myer
With a thick and creamy consistency, this artificially fragrance-free mascara gives your lashes a coating of elegant, high-end natural colour. Designed with nourishing iris extract (for soft and supple lashes) and a formula that won’t budge for 24 long hours, you’ll be able to justify the spend when you see the natural yet wow-worthy results it produces.
Want to read more? Read Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Iris extract helps nourish lashes
- Free-from artificial fragrance
- Features a double conical brush
Available at:
- $65 from Myer
- $65 from Adore Beauty
- $65 from YSL Beauty
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
From $25.99 at Adore Beauty
This cult-classic mascara has garnered abundant attention across social media. Known for its insane lash lengthening effects (hence the sky high shoutout) this mascara lets your lashes soar. With Maybelline’s unique flex tower brush (that works to coat your lashes from the roots all the way to the tips), you’ll be seeing incredible volume, thanks to bamboo extract and fibres.
Want to read more? Read Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Flex tower brush (coats from root to tip)
- Infused with volumising fibres
- Sensitive-eye suitable
Available at:
- $25.99 from Adore Beauty
- $25.99 from Priceline
- $15.39 (usually $25.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
From $50 at Sephora
If your eyes err on the side of sensitive (that’s totally okay, we’re all a little sensitive sometimes) or you’re an avid contact lens wearer, finding mascara that fits your needs is a battle. But fight away the (literal) tears no more with this high impact ophthalmologically-tested mascara from Clinique. The nourishing formula has been infused with the likes of coconut, argan and moringa oils and uses the cleverly designed high-def wave brush to lift and coat every single lash with their lightweight fibre-infused formula.
Want to read more? Read Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Non-flaking formula
- Amped up voluminous lashes
- Infused with nourishing coconut, argan and moringa oils
Available at:
- $50 from Sephora
- $50 from Myer
- $50 from Adore Beauty
Natio Extreme Volume Mascara
From $16.95 at Myer
Don’t mind us, we’re on the phone with drama and she’s calling for voluminous lashes. This rice bran wax-infused formula ensures your heightened lashes will stay put all day. The smudge-proof, vegan formulation ensures lengthened clump-free lashes all day long.
Want to read more? Read Natio Extreme Volume Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Features rice bran wax
- Smudge-proof
- Vegan formulation
Available at:
- $12.71 (usually $16.95) from Myer
- $14.45 (usually $16.95) from Healthy Life
- $16.95 from Priceline
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer
From $49 at Sephora
We can hear you saying “eyelash primer?!” Yep, a) they exist and b) they can double as an ultra-natural, nourishing coat of mascara. But what sets this primer apart? Well for starters, it’s gel-like consistency that promises (and delivers on) lightweight coverage. But not only that; painting on this primer leaves your lashes looking ultra-feathery and ready for a coat of another mascara (if you’re looking for a particularly powerful lash moment).
Key features:
- Lighter ‘tint’ inspired coverage
- Gel-like formula
- Can be paired with another mascara for extra volume
Available at:
- $49 from Sephora
- $49 from Myer
- $49 from Adore Beauty
Who should wear brown mascara?
The fantastic thing about brown mascara is that it suits everyone. Yep, this more understated option is fantastic for brightening people with lighter eyes and works to make darker eyes pop. If you’re fairer skinned (or have lighter hair), brown mascara ensures a less stark juxtaposition against your features (as opposed to black mascara). It’s subtle and strikingly pretty all at once!
Related links:
- Want to branch out further? How about trying a coloured mascara!
- Wearing a waterproof mascara is all well and good until you’ve got to take it off… We’ve got some helpful tips for you.
Main Image Credit: Getty
Do you wear brown mascara? What are your thoughts on the more natural shade?
Brown mascara sounds like a great idea.
Good selection here. Will check them out next time in the shops
Having fair skin and blue eyes, brown mascara is a good choice
Its literally never occurred to me to try brown mascara!
Me too.
me three! I’m pretty sure all my mascaras are black but I will check my SkyHigh as it was a gift.
They used to be a thing years ago with other colours too and I really liked the change from black
Yes I would wear a brown mascara.
Yes much softer
looks teerrrible on me
I prefer brown mascara, it’s good to know what brands make it as not all seem to have brown in their range.
No it is not so easy to find
I have never thought of using brown mascara, I might check it out
with brown skin and black eye, it looks beautiful
Some of the prices are outside my budget
I LOVE the Sky High in brown. Use it all the time.
I’ve worn brown mascara in the past, but I felt it was too flat for my high-contrast colouring.
I’ve actually never tried brown mascara before
Black can look very hard on some people so brown can be softer and more feminine
I’d give the Natio mascara a try. It’s affordable enough to see if I like brown mascara.
I tried brown mascara years ago and after one try I realised I wanted bold lashes, luckily it was inexpensive. But these are great for a no-makeup makeup look.
The Sky high mascara is on my list to try.
Black can look very hard so nice to have a choice
I prefer brown mascara because it looks so much softer on me. I haven’t tried the Natio so I’ll give that one a go.
I think i need a brown, black can harsh during the day sometimes
Brown mascara suits my skin tone better than black
I like brown mascara for day time.
Brown mascara interesting, id be open to trying it
I mostly use black mascara.
Haven’t tried any of these, hmm