When it comes to makeup, it can be easy to fall into a rut and shy away from more involved eye looks that require expert-level eyeshadow blending.
But if you’re open to stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new, then it might be time to update another makeup product in your kit — mascara.
Although we’re big fans of accentuating our lashes with a few coats of a traditional black mascara, trying a new mascara colour can be a truly simple way to completely switch up your look.
A brown mascara can offer a more subtle finish than black, while blues and purples accentuate brown eyes like no other, and reddish hues are the best way to add edge to a makeup look with minimal effort.
Ready to broaden your eye makeup horizons with a coloured mascara? Ahead, you’ll find a handful of formulas that beautyheaven really rates…
2024’s TOP 3 Coloured Mascaras
- L’Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara Brown, $16, Big W
- ISEHAN Kiss Me Heroine Make Curl Keep Mascara Base 50 Fleur Violet, $26.55, YesStyle
- ColourPop Cosmetics BFF Mascara Wine O’Clock, $7.20, ColourPop Cosmetics
The best coloured mascara of 2024
L’Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara Brown
from $16 at Big W
Boasting a clump and smudge-free formula, this brown mascara volumises and fans out lashes for an eye-opening effect. Personally we love this chocolate brown shade as a more natural-looking alternative to traditional black mascara on the days we’re after a soft glam look.
Key features:
- Chocolate brown shade
- Clump and smudge-free
- Volumises and fans out lashes
- Enriched with a complex that coats, separates and lengthens lashes
Available at:
- $16 from Big W
- $27.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $32.99 from Adore Beauty
ISEHAN Kiss Me Heroine Make Curl Keep Mascara Base 50 Fleur Violet
from $26.55 at YesStyle
Yep, that’s right, Japanese brand Isehan’s iconic and cult-favourite tubing mascara comes in purple. The deep violet hue especially makes brown eyes pop and the curling formula ensures that even the straightest of lashes will hold a curl that lasts all day.
Key features:
- Purple shade
- Sweat-proof and sebum-resistant
- Holds a curl all day
- Clump-free
Available at:
- $26.55 from YesStyle
ColourPop Cosmetics BFF Mascara Wine O’Clock
from $7.20 at ColourPop Cosmetics
This deep burgundy mascara adds a subtle touch of grunge glamour to any makeup look. The buildable formula is richly pigmented, and thickens and adds volume at the root of the lash without clumping.
Key features:
- Deep burgundy shade
- Clump-free
- Richly-pigmented
- Volumises, curls and lengthens
- Buildable formula
Available at:
- $7.20 from ColourPop Cosmetics
Max Factor False Lash Effect Volume & Definition Max Out Blue
from $13 at Big W
Although technically this blue mascara is supposed to be used as a primer prior to a traditional black mascara, we really rate the electric blue shade when worn solo. The formula separates, fans and volumises lashes for an impressive false lash effect that doesn’t flake or smudge throughout the day.
Key features:
- Electric blue shade
- False lash effect
- Flake-free and smudge-proof
- Patented Liquid Lash™ formula coats lashes from root to tip
Available at:
- $13 from Big W
- $13.47 from Amazon Australia
- $14.97 from Priceline
Sephora Collection Full Loading Mascara Full Plum
from $27 at Sephora
This plummy-hued pick is not quite brown and not quite purple; it rests comfortably in between the shades. The buildable formula can be easily layered to create a customised lash look that’s voluminous and long, without the risk of clumping.
Key features:
- Plum shade
- Buildable formula
- Volumises, curls and lengthens
- Clump-free
Available at:
- $27 from Sephora
Why do people use coloured mascara?
People use coloured mascara as an alternative to traditional black mascara. Different coloured mascaras can soften or exaggerate an eye makeup look, and specific colours can make your eye colour pop too. You can use coloured mascara in lieu of black mascara or you can apply them strategically on your lashes to add a point of interest to your eye makeup, like applying coloured mascara to the lower lashes only.
Related article:
- 9 Volumising Mascaras For Maximum Impact Lashes
- The “Holy Grail” Mascara Jennifer Lopez And bh Members Both Love
- Here’s How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Ripping Your Face Off
Main image credit: Getty
Have you ever worn coloured mascara before?
I have never used a colour other than black or dark brown. ??
Years ago they did have blue and I loved it.
I used to buy blue mascara a few years ago.
No, but they look like fun!
I remember years ago having a blue mascara and it was magic.
I used coloured mascara years ago. My favourite was violet.
I have used the blue mascara and it actually looks good
i am yet to try coloured mascara, but i have tried blue and light brown eyebrow tint and I love it
I am keen to try a brown mascara
I would give those a try, just to mix things up.
ive tried all these colours and they look weird on me
I’ve used black, brown and navy blue before. I prefer to get my eyelashes tinted now – lasts months
I’ve used colored mascaras in the past, but it’s so much easier to have black or brown, which work with any look.
I’ve used Almay coloured mascaras in a few shades, but I don’t think they’re available anymore.
I have never heard this before. Black is the only colour i used so far.
I have really loved brown mascara this year so the L’Oreal just went on my list!