11 best brown mascaras, tested and reviewed
There’s something undeniably chic about brown mascaras. Softer than your go-to jet-black lash coat yet far more defining than going bare, the best brown mascaras have quietly become the backbone of the “no makeup makeup” aesthetic. Think: a whisper of tint, a touch of lift and just enough definition to make your lashes look naturally fuller, longer and more present — without ever tipping into full-glam territory.
Of course, a the best mascaras in classic black shades will forever hold its place in our beauty cabinets. Nothing fakes eight hours of sleep or anchors a smokey eye quite like an inky black formula. But for everyday wear - particularly if you find black a little too stark or dramatic - a chocolate, mocha or soft brown mascara delivers the subtle “oomph” that feels effortless, wearable and flattering on everyone.
Beyond offering a gentler finish, brown mascaras can also enhance your eye colour in ways black formulas simply can’t. New York City and Stockholm-based makeup artist Linda Gradin notes that these mascaras can add more dimension and enhance the colour of your eyes, depending on the shade you use. "For a darker eye, a nearly-black or dark brown mascara adds definition, but a classic brown gives a softer impression," she says. "For lighter-coloured eyes, true-to-light brown mascaras are most flattering, as they can bring out gold, green, or grey highlights in your eyes that black can't."
Whether you’re ready to give your jet-black mascara a well-earned day off or are simply curating a more nuanced mascara wardrobe - from waterproof mascaras to the best tubing mascaras - these are the brown mascaras we’re loving right now.
Glamour's top brown mascaras, at a glance:
Best Brown Mascara Black Friday Deals
- UKLash Tubing Mascara in Mocha WAS £16, NOW £14.40
- ICONIC London Triple Threat Mascara Brown WAS £22, NOW £17.60
- Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Mascara WAS £28, NOW £21
- For more savings, click here for the best Black Friday beauty deals
- Get up to 30% off all full-priced items in the UKLash Black Friday sale.
Meet the experts
- Steven Canavan, a New York City-based makeup artist.
- Linda Gradin, a New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist.
- Deanna Melluso, a New York City-based makeup artist.
How I tested the best brown mascaras
Before reviewing any makeup, I ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For this review of the best brown mascaras, I enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. Finally, I considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity.
Why you can trust me
I’ve spent the past five years testing and reviewing beauty products professionally for titles including HELLO!, Marie Claire and Glamour, with mascara - especially brown mascaras - becoming something of a personal speciality.
I’m getting married next year, and plan to do my makeup myself, which means I'm constantly trialling new formulas across nights out, long workdays, workouts, and more so I know exactly what separates a genuinely brilliant brown mascara from one that merely looks good on the shelf.
When I call a product one of the best, it’s because it has cleared every one of these real-world tests - and earned its spot in this edit.
1. Best Brown Mascara overall: UKLash Tubing Mascara in Mocha
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Why it's worth it: The UKLash Tubing Mascara in Mocha is the one I reach for when I want my lashes to feel elevated but effortlessly natural. The soft brown tint adds subtle definition - enough to make lashes stand out, but without the starkness of jet black - perfect for everyday wear or a “no-makeup” look. The tubing formula gives clean, defined length and lift while staying put all day (commutes, workouts or long shoots included), but still removes easily with warm water - no scrubbing, no raccoon eyes. In short: it gives you the fluttery, defined lashes without any of the drama.
Benefits: lengthening, tubing formula | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: all lashes.
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2. Best Brown Mascara Runner Up: Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Brown
Why it's worth it: Similar to the rest of the brand's offerings, Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara is nonirritating and made with sensitive eyes in mind. This Best of Beauty Award winner features a curved "Triple-Wave Wand" comprised of three flexible suspended bands to lift and coat every single lash. The formula employs Aquaflex Technology (typically used in hair-care products) to hold the curl of the eyelash without sacrificing softness. It also helps boost humidity and water resistance. Our best tip? Use the shorter bristles on the inner side of the curve to amp up the volume, and then go in with the longer bristles to lengthen and define. Multiple coats look great with this mascara, too.
Tester feedback: "I absolutely prefer brown mascaras over black, which I find often makes my eyes—which are very dark to begin with—look heavy. I feel the same way about black eyeliner, for the record," says commerce editor Sarah Han. When Tower 28 launched MakeWaves in Drift, an espresso brown, she instantly knew it'd become a regular in her rotation. "The formula is super buildable without reaching clumpy territory—that's key because my lashes need multiple layers to even appear visible on-camera," says Han, who adds that the innovative, curved brush maximises length and curl—rather than one over the other.
Benefits: lengthening, curling, conditioning | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: all lash types
3. Best Volumising Brown Mascara: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown
Why it's worth it: Boasting a non-irritating formula and serious staying power, it's no wonder that the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara earned a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. The oversized, conical brush evenly coats each lash, lifting and thickening them for a bold, volumised look. (After all, it’s in the name.) For those who like to layer and build up their mascara for maximum effect, Lash Clash is a keeper.
Tester feedback: "No matter what it comes down to, I will forever splurge on the YSL Lash Clash mascara since it gives me that voluminous, wispy finish for my almond-shaped eyes," social media manager Bianca Richards says. "Not only does the brown shade add that playful and effortless look for no makeup makeup days, but the rich chocolate hue helps to accentuate my dark brown eyes."
Benefits: volumising, thickening | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: sensitive eyes, thin lashes
4. Best Brown Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Glossier Lash Slick in Brown
Why it's worth it: Glossier's Lash Slick is one of its first—and best-selling—products, intended to give a natural, no-makeup-makeup look that enhances what you've already got going on. Its nourishing formula (hello, vegan biotin and vitamin B5) wraps around, lengthens, and lifts each lash, for an extension-like effect. Ophthalmologists tested this formula to ensure it won't irritate sensitive eyes or anyone who wears contact lenses.
Tester feedback: "I feel totally naked without mascara, but I don't always want the full-throttle look of your standard black shade," senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen says. "Glossier's Lash Slick in Brown provides lengthening yet whisper-light coats in a warm brown tone—probably similar to your natural lashes if you're brunette—for that 'wait, are those real?' kind of look."
Benefits: lengthening, volumising, long-wearing, and conditioning | Waterproof: water-resistant | Who it's for: sensitive eyes, fuller lashes
5. Best Berry-Brown Mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes
Why it's worth it: You know a trend is here to stay if Charlotte Tilbury is hopping on it. As a follow-up to the brand's original black-hued Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, “Dream Pop” is a berry-brown colour that is especially flattering on redheads and brunettes and is set to compliment brown and hazel eyes in the most beautiful way too. Thanks to the keratin-boosted lash-thickening formula, the mascara itself will deliver definition, curl and volume, thanks to the keratin-boosted lash-thickening formula.
Benefits: lengthening, volumising. | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: straight, short lashes.
6. Best Brown-Black Mascara: Clinique High Impact Mascara
Why it's worth it: Canavan loves Clinique's High Impact Mascara—which comes in a brownish-black hue simply named Brown—for defining lashes and enhancing the intensity of any eye colour. The original black mascara is a classic known for its dramatic results, but you can expect the same thickening and volumising finish on a slightly more modest scale. Its buildable, no-budge formula also means that you can layer this shade without finding any flakes or smudges around your eyes by the end of the day.
Benefits: volumising, thickening | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: thin, light lashes.
7. Best brown mascara for definition: Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara - 002 Brun Hypnotic
Why it's worth it: Whether you're after a more natural makeup or if you're into a full glam look, the Lancôme Hypnôse is definitely worth considering. Featuring a buildable SoftSculpt formula, it'll help you get up to 8 times the volume of your natural lashes, all the while nourishing your eyelashes with the ProVitamin B5. Plus, the bristles on the wand will help you get the most precise application possible and separate each lash so as to avoid clumping. According to Lancôme, 79% of the women in the consumer test panel concluded that they saw “a more intense look to the eyes.”
Benefits: lengthening, volumising | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: all lash types.
Why it's worth it: Ever since it first launched, this mascara quickly became a viral sensation within hours of landing on the shelves. It seemed as though virtually every beauty obsessive was in awe by how much length it can add to lashes (note: LOADS!). Lenghtening, volumising and defining (all clump-free, btw) - this mascara does it all! And guess what? It's also available in the Brown shade, meaning you can get all of the aforementioned benefits, minus the jet black pigment.
Benefits: volumising, lengthening | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: all lash types.
9. Best Conditioning Brown Mascara: Eyeko Black Magic Cocoa Edit Mascara
Why it's worth it: After a brown mascara that'll give you the most impressive lengthening results? Say. No. More. This Eyeko Limitless Lenghtening Mascara is precisely what your makeup kit needs. The formula is enriched with 80% natural origin ingredients and features oat-derived fibres as well as Acai Oil – all of which will not only lengthen your lashes, but also nourish them in the meantime. But despite its lengthening capabilities, it also feels incredibly weightless, giving you that “barely-there” feel. It's also suitable for sensitive eyes as well as contact lens wearers. Psst.. we strongly recommend that you also check out the Eyeko Black Magic Cocoa Edit Mascara (if you're into a more curly result).
Benefits: conditioning, curling, thickening | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: brittle, thin lashes.
10. Best Waterproof Brown Mascara: Clinique Lash Power Mascara - Dark Chocolate
Why it's worth it: Think about this mascara as a chocolate treat for your eyelashes. But on a more serious note, this waterproof mascara has been developed with thermal sensitive technology, which allows it to last for up to 24 hours (yes, really) without budging. So you can go about your day knowing that factors like rain, sweat, humidity or tears are not a threat to your fabulous makeup look. And no need to worry, the bristles can coat even the smallest of lashes, allowing for a smooth and even application.
Benefits: waterproof, defining | Waterproof: yes | Who it's for: all lash types.
11. Best TikTok-approved Brown Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - Chocolate
Why it's worth it: Let's be real, would it really be a roundup of best brown mascaras if we didn't include the viral Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara? Didn't think so. The Chocolate variation of the product took the internet by storm, and we're just as obsessed. Aside from the delicious-looking packaging, this product truly stands out from the pack, thanks to the unique and rich warm brown shade, the collagen-infused formulation and the included film-forming polymers that aim to lock your lashes in place. If your lashes are in need of a volume boost, this is the one to get.
Benefits: volumising, thickening, lengthening | Waterproof: no | Who it's for: all lash types.
Why should I choose brown mascara?
Brown mascaras are ideal for accentuating lashes without looking like makeup was applied. According to New York City-based makeup artist Steven Canavan, "Brown mascara is best if you're looking to achieve a more natural look, and black [is best] if you want more drama." Sure, you could spare some change for a lash lift or extensions to create a similar finish, but if you don't want to spend your coins on monthly treatments, brown mascaras are a much more accessible option.
How to best apply brown mascara:
However you prefer to wear makeup is your business, but there are some general best practices. If you have straight or downward-pointing lashes, prep your lashes with a curler. Ensure you pick up an even amount of product on the mascara wand — swipe off excess product against the perimeter of the tube opening as needed — so you don't end up with clumps or stuck-together lashes.
Then, starting at the base of your lash, lightly swipe up, coating each lash. To separate your lashes while you apply, wiggle the wand as you sweep the formula toward the tips of your lashes. Repeat as needed for your desired results, and keep in mind that some mascaras dry faster than others.
If you really want to make your eye colour and shape stand out, Gradin recommends pairing your brown mascara with a dark brown, charcoal, or black eyeliner pencil.
More mascara content:
- L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara review
- No mascara makeup is everyone's new favourite beauty trend
- What is mascara cocktailing? Meet TikTok's new favourite way to get long lashes
- 15 best mascaras for sensitive eyes, according to experts
- Glitter mascara is trending on TikTok and it's the prettiest makeup switch-up
This story originally appeared on Allure.
