When it comes to mascara, most of us were taught there’s one default option, which is black. But as beauty routines become more personalised and less one-size-fits-all, a new question keeps coming up. Is brown mascara better than black, and how do you choose the best mascara for your eye colour?

The truth is, the right mascara shade can subtly transform your whole look. From enhancing eye colour to softening features or creating definition without heaviness, choosing between brown or black mascara is about more than preference. It’s about what works best for you, so let’s break it down.

Brown or Black Mascara: What’s the Real Difference?

Black mascara delivers bold contrast. It’s dramatic, defined and often the go-to for evening looks or when you want your lashes to stand out instantly.

Brown colour mascara, on the other hand, offers a softer finish. It enhances lashes without overpowering your natural features, making it ideal for everyday wear, lighter complexions or anyone who prefers a more effortless look.

Neither is “better” universally. The best mascara is the one that complements your eye colour, lash type and lifestyle. The best way to find which colour mascara is best for your eye colour is by looking on a colour wheel - we want to aim for the colour family that is opposite to our eye colour, which is the one that complements it the best.

Brown Eyes

Opposite on the colour wheel of the brown/orange colour tone are cool blues and violets, so technically, black would be a good fit here, but again, it depends on what you’re looking for in a mascara.

• For Natural Everyday Wear - Choose brown mascara for a tonal effect that subtly lifts and enhances your natural lashes
• For Extra Emphasis on Eyes - Black mascara equally complements brown eyes and will provide a contrast to the eye colour that can make brown eyes pop.

Blue Eyes

In contrast, blue is opposite orange and brown tones on a colour wheel, meaning brown mascara contrasts and pops perfectly.

• For Everyday Eyes That Standout - Brown mascara is the way to go! It creates contrast that makes blue tones pop.
• For Ultimate Drama and Definition - It softens the overall look while still defining the lashes.

Green Eyes

Green eyes sit somewhere in the middle of cool and warm on the colour wheel, benefiting from both black mascara and brown mascara.

• For Lashes With Rich Depth - Choose brown mascara to enhance the golden and olive tones often found in green eyes.
• For Evening Eyelashes - Black mascara works well for evening looks, but brown is often more flattering day to day.

Hazel Eyes

Hazel eyes span a beautiful mix of tones, blending brown and green with hints of gold. Because of this, they’re open to mascara shades depending on the look you’re trying to achieve…

• For Contrasting With Brown Tones - Black can work to bring out the rich brown elements of hazel eyes
• For Bringing Out The Cool Green - Brown can feel more natural and great for everyday wear, highlighting the green tones in the eye

When Brown Mascara Makes the Most Sense

While eye colour is a great starting point, brown mascara really comes into its own when you consider how your lashes look and feel day to day. For many people, it’s not just about colour. It’s about creating definition that feels soft, flattering and easy to wear.

So who does brown mascara make sense for?

• Those Looking For a More Natural Look - Brown mascara enhances the lashes without overpowering your features, creating definition that feels effortless, soft and easy to wear every day.
• For Those With Mature Lashes - The best mascara for older women is often brown rather than black. Brown mascara adds definition while keeping the overall look softer and more natural, which can be especially flattering as lashes become finer over time.
• For Those With Sensitive Eyes - A more natural mascara look needs less layering, which means less product to remove at the end of the day and less stress on your lashes. Even better still, our Brown Tubing Mascara removes gently with warm water, no rubbing and no unnecessary lash damage, meaning you can carry on growing your natural lashes using lash serum without any worries!

So, is brown mascara better than black? For many people, the answer is yes, especially when softness, wearability and natural definition are the goal.

Brown mascara works with your features rather than overpowering them. It enhances every eye colour, flatters short and mature lashes, and feels more forgiving for sensitive eyes. From everyday wear to low-maintenance routines, it proves that the best mascara doesn’t always have to be the boldest.
Black mascara will always have its moment, but brown mascara offers something different. Effortless definition, subtle confidence and lashes that still look like your lashes, only better.

Still stuck on which UKLASH Mascara to choose? See below for more details:

Tubing Mascara

Choose Brown or Black for all-day wear!

Volume Boost Mascara

Waterproof Black for ultimate volume & hold!

Lengthening Mascara

Black definition & lengthening power!