10 of the best brown mascaras for subtle, natural-looking length and volume
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
Brown mascara is one of the most overlooked beauty items – here’s why you shouldn’t sleep on it.
The power of a brown mascara should never be underestimated. In fact, there’s a reason it’s back and trending again, and it’s not just because the autumnal shade has taken over our wardrobes.
Sure, it might feel a bit retro; maybe it’s the sort of thing your mum raved about way back when, but it’s a product that’s enjoying a resurgence, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Yes, it’s yet another 90s trend we’ve fallen hook, line and sinker for.
There’s always a place for black mascara (especially during the party season). Its ability to define, dramatise and add the perfect finishing touch to pretty much any make-up look is unrivalled, but sometimes a brown mascara can be, dare we say, more effective.
A mahogany shade isn’t bold, so it’s perfect for those no-make-up make-up days, and it creates a more natural-looking finish. But it goes without saying that the right brown mascara will still lengthen, lift and add volume to lashes. It can even make specific eye shades (hello, hazel) pop even more than a dark, inky shade. In fact, it’s the best way to create a beautiful, multi-tonal look when paired with other neutral shades.
But, as with everything, not all brown mascaras are made equal. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite tried-and-tested formulas that’ll help make your life easier.
L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara in Brown
The Stylist beauty team aren’t shy about how much we adore the L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara formula (read about why here). The good news? It also comes in a rich, chestnut brown that delivers the ultimate natural flutter to lashes.
Shop L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara in Brown, £12.99
Refy Lash Sculpt in Brown
Refy’s mascara is essentially a lash lift in a tube. The unique curved wand grabs any teeny lash to leave them with a fanned-out flutter, with no clumps in sight. It doesn’t overload the lashes with product, which is why it looks au naturel. The brown shade, even more so.
Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumising Mascara in Let’z Be Blunt
Fenty’s Hella Thicc does what it says on the tin and is my go-to for a smoky eye, for how the dark pigment defines the lashes. The deep brown shade isn’t quite as bold, making it a great everyday option. All the lengthening powers, with a tad less drama.
Shop Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumising Mascara in Let’z Be Blunt at LookFantastic, £20
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara in Espresso
Hourglass’s Unlocked is famed for delivering spidery-looking lashes. The shade Espresso nails the chocolate lash trend to enhance and curl lashes for a long-lasting lift. Plus, it doesn’t budge or require much effort to remove, either – the perfect combination.
Shop Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara in Espresso at Cult Beauty, £32
Glossier Lash Slick in Brown
Glossier answered a lot of prayers when it (finally) launched its bestselling mascara in this shade of brown. The same formula we all know and love, it’s perfect for adding a touch of definition without being too OTT. It’s easy to remove, too.
Sculpted by Aimee MyMascara in Brown
When make-up artist Aimee Connolly launched her first mascara, the most-asked question from her customers was when would it be available in brown. And so, this formula was born. The clever brush works to coat every single lash and the formula is enriched with pro vitamin B5 for healthier lashes.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Brown
The mascara that went viral last year now comes in a well-pigmented shade of brown. The formula contains bamboo extract fibres to help strengthen and lengthen lashes, while the bendable brush helps to ensure every lash is coated.
Shop Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Brown, £12.99
Sweed Lashes Lash Lift Mascara in Dark Brown
Promising to lift and lengthen, this mascara has a slim brush that helps to catch even the smallest of lashes. The formula is water-resistant, easy to remove and suitable for anybody who has sensitive eyes.
Shop Sweed Lashes Lash Lift Mascara in Dark Brown at Space NK, £22
Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Brun Hypnotic
Arguably one of the most iconic mascaras of our time, Lancôme Hypnôse formula in brown is a real winner. A volumising formula that works to create longer, fuller-looking lashes without smudging or clumping, it contains emollient waxes and a polymer system for maximum impact.
Shop Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Brun Hypnotic at LookFantastic, £30
Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black/Brown
Another beloved formula, Clinique’s tubing mascara adds volume, definition and length. The unique brush and formula work in tandem to thicken lashes, and the deep black/brown shade makes it the ideal your-lashes-but-better colour.
Shop Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black/Brown at Boots, £26
Images: courtesy of brands
