Makeup technique often relies on color theory, and once you understand it, you can create a big impact with minimal effort. A prime example is mascara. No longer limited to black, mascara now comes in a variety of colors that makeup artists recommend incorporating into your routine.
Why Choose Colored Mascara?
Tomy Rivero, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles, told HuffPost that strategically selecting a colored mascara can make eyes appear brighter, enhance their natural color, and draw attention to the upper half of the face. 'With colored mascara, you are in control of how bold or subtle you want the focus on the eyes,' he said. 'It’s also a great way to be creative and express some individuality if you’re starting to have hooded eyes and eyeshadows are not really visible.'
For those accustomed to conventional shades, Rivero suggests starting with subtle colors. 'You don’t have to start with the crazy colors. Navy, burgundy and deep purple can almost go undetected from afar so start there,' he advised. Certain mascara shades also complement specific eye colors; for example, teals and navy intensify tones in green and hazel eyes.
Top Colored Mascara Picks
1. Deep Violet Volumizing Mascara
Best for green and blue eyes. Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney recommends L'Oréal's Voluminous line for experimenting, thanks to its low price point. The formula is budget-friendly, non-flaking, and adds length and volume without weighing lashes down. The classic applicator brush with tiny bristles separates lashes effectively. According to Rivero, purple-hued mascaras like this berry-violet shade make blue eyes pop. Available at Amazon, Target, and Ulta.
2. Neutral Brown Lash-Defining Mascara
Best for blue, green, and hazel eyes. Westman Atelier's clean, vegan mascara offers a natural-to-bold buildable finish focusing on definition and length. A blend of carnauba and candelilla waxes provides a creamy, flake-free texture, while plant-derived ester ensures a pigmented, long-lasting shade. Sephora reviewers praise its smooth, non-clumpy texture. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, and Westman Atelier.
3. Pigmented Navy Blue Mascara
Best for all eye colors, especially green, brown, and hazel. Rivero notes that navy intensifies green tones and recommends Dior's luxury formula. This buildable, long-wearing mascara contains cornflower extract to hydrate and strengthen lashes. The Diorshow mascara works with all lash types, providing individualized definition and volume. Available at Sephora.
4. Cobalt Blue Jumbo Curling Mascara
Best for all eye colors. Sephora Collection's vibrant, ultra-pigmented cobalt blue shade features an hourglass-shaped jumbo brush that coats both long and tiny lashes. The vegan formula lengthens, thickens, and helps maintain curl. Rivero says bright cobalt 'looks great on everyone.' Available at Sephora.
5. Emerald Green Mascara
Best for hazel and brown eyes. Henney notes that deep greens complement hazel and brown eyes, and this emerald shade from L'Oréal Voluminous is a great option. Reviewers describe it as a perfect subtle evergreen hue. Available at Amazon and Target.
6. Intense Black with Blue Undertones Mascara
Best for all colors, especially green, brown, and hazel eyes. This Covergirl mascara is an intense black with navy blue undertones, ideal for those wanting a subtle change. It's enhanced with aloe leaf extract, maracuja oil, and ceramides to nourish lashes. Available at Amazon and Ulta.
7. Deep Brown Conditioning Mascara
Best for all eye colors. Brown mascara complements nearly every eye color. Saie's deep chocolate brown mascara is a natural-looking alternative for those with light lashes. This clean-certified formula uses beeswax for length, shea butter for nourishment, and a mineral complex for strengthening. Available at Sephora and Amazon.
8. Deep Plum Intense Volume Mascara
Best for green eyes. Rivero says green eyes look stunning with plum. Benefit Cosmetics' BadGal Bang mascara is intensely volumizing and water-resistant, providing fullness without flaking or smudging. The long, narrow brush ensures precise application. Available at Ulta, Revolve, and Benefit Cosmetics.
9. Teal Lengthening Mascara
Best for all eye colors, especially green. Rivero notes teal mascara pops on green eyes. Half Magic's tubing mascara uses polymers to envelop lashes for dramatic length and definition, with resilient performance. Available at Ulta.
10. Burgundy Luxury Mascara
Best for hazel eyes. Hermès Revitalizing Care mascara in Rouge H is a rich burgundy that's stunning on hazel eyes. Composed of 97% natural ingredients, it contains moringa seed extract and shea butter for denser, more defined lashes. The ultra-fine wand deposits the perfect amount of product. Available at Nordstrom.
