![Best Brown Mascaras](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/A0YYdosDACBeAbJJyrV7eW79mKs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Primary-Best-Brown-Mascaras-188982429be445949d0c1526133d2ad0.jpg)
Byrdie / Amelia Manley
While black may be the go-to when it comes to lashes, brown mascara shouldn’t be underestimated. It can be great for a more natural look on those with lighter hair and can be a more subdued look on bottom lashes for those with dark hair.
Though not every good mascara offers shades in brown, today there are more options than ever. Whether you're looking for length or volume, dramatic or natural, there's a brown mascara that fits the bill. And many of them come with added bonuses, such as lash-boosting ingredients. To help pick out the best formulas, I pulled some of my favorites along with help from celebrity makeup artist Janice Kinjo, who’s painted the faces of celebs like Mindy Kaling and Mary J. Blige.
Keep reading to learn more about our favorite brown mascara formulas.
Best Overall
L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in 202 Black Brown
![L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Black Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/p-IB8VqE47bSwcElyE5Q5eni6Oo=/fit-in/1500x2400/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81180a7e-1919-44e7-8b0e-fc0d90a52a88_1.f9ddd9f5ebe40a0b207e5423a84e6ceb.jpeg-6bb8af8225111bd8ee291468b214be6dfe3396f3-legacy-q85-9f2ab539dcec4af1b1732acbf85815f9.jpeg)
Courtesy of Walmart
Smudge-proof
Lasts all day
Suitable for sensitive eyes
Dries out quickly
What do buyers say? 83% of 84,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This highly recommended mascara also comes in 202 Black Brown, and the formula is a personal favorite of mine. What makes this mascara a winner? Namely, the way it makes lashes look long, volumized, and lasts all day without flaking and smudging.
Price at time of publish: $13
Benefits: Volume and length | Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 4; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
![l'oreal paris voluminous lash paradise mascara](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/rlRbDpOYmAhJ1gHfRhg090tOAtE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PACKAGING-c4923bbc050f48bdb74a0aa05ddf6f1a.jpg)
Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
Best Budget
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
![Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/dMBsr6fgAfUdlBkurltgyOkkP-c=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MaybellineGreatLashWaterproofMascara-92fc715a7c0246729fafbc2d5f59d674.jpg)
Maybelline
Smoothly applies
Doubling formula creates a very full look
Waterproof version available
Dries out quickly
This classic mascara is also highly affordable. For less than $5, it’ll transform lashes with curl, length, and volume. It’s available in waterproof, too.
Price at time of publish: $8
Benefits: Volume, curl, and length | Size: 0.43 oz. | Shades: 3; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Waterproof
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara
![CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara in Black Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/PHUu3l2SXSJNJnCSAcsiLoSSE28=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CoverGirlLashBlastVolumeWaterproofMascarainBlackBrown-6d72c2199c08444ba49d37a5525416e6.jpeg)
Waterproof
Adds 10x volume instantly
Affordable
Brush applicator could be better
For a mascara that stays on through beach days, workouts, and weddings, try this option from CoverGirl. It adds mega volume in a deep brown hue that isn’t as extreme as black mascara.
Price at time of publish: $12
Benefits: Volume and length | Size: 1.6 oz. | Shades: 4; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Volumizing
Lancôme Hypnôse Custom Volume Mascara in Brown
![Lancôme Hypnôse Custom Volume Mascara in Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/0ZMb-aK9tka-LN2nWrRxif1oueU=/fit-in/1500x749/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-10-09at12.26.25PM-c26d0a4d0f454817afbc9329d5ad75c6.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Gives dramatic volume
Specialized brush separates every lash
Smudge-proof
Pricey
This mascara makes lashes look thicker thanks to the formula that coats lashes fully and a specialized brush that separates every lash. It’s a good option for a dramatic, volumized look.
Price at time of publish: $29
Benefits: Volume and length | Size: 0.22 oz. | Shades: 2; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Lengthening
Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara in Beyond Brown
![Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara in Beyond Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/aOHOrTIVboW9kYj04Bt0MBG5OwU=/fit-in/1500x1467/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BenefitCosmeticsTheyreRealLengtheningMascarainBeyondBrown-fbeeb125cff94850b2f27c4d4474a490.jpg)
Long-wearing formula
Custom dome-tipped brush fans out corner lashes
Waterproof
Pricey
It might make lashes look like falsies, but it’s a whole lot easier to apply. While this mascara excels at lengthening lashes, you’ll also get curl and volume that doesn’t smudge or flake.
Price at time of publish: $27
Benefits: Length and volume | Size: 0.3 oz. | Shades: 2; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Curling
Dior Diorshow Mascara in 698 Pro Brown
![Dior Diorshow Mascara in Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/1fjpHX0oMmnx3ZIoWRR87s_zRDs=/fit-in/1500x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DiorDiorshowMascarainBrown-2867ab2f33494ccb835d7e8678f879c5.jpg)
Natural looking
Doesn't dry out with air-lock wiper
Easy to apply
Pricey
Straight from the runways of Dior, this mascara lifts lashes for curl and a lash extension-like look. The large brush helps coat lashes in the warm brown hue, and the formula builds layers easily.
Price at time of publish: $30
Benefits: Volume and length | Size: 0.33 oz. | Shades: 1; Brown | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural
Eyeko Black Magic Cocoa Edit Mascara in Brown
![Eyeko Black Magic Cocoa Edit Mascara in Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/MfBQIbj2OOTGjysxBeERGGJ5w2A=/fit-in/1500x1102/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EyekoBlackMagicCocoaEditMascarainBrown-86e9f744a2c34e3ea4081224a5c4231c.jpg)
Natural looking
Infused shea butter and keratin condition lashes
Very buildable
Pricey
If you like your mascara to create your lashes but better, try this mascara from Eyeko. “I love the warm brown tone that this mascara provides. It is great for a very natural look,” said Kinjo.
Price at time of publish: $26
Benefits: Volume, curl, and moisture | Size: 0.27 oz. | Shades: 1; Brown | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Long-Wearing
Clinique Lash Power Mascara
![Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Dark Chocolate](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/33DEqQN2IQYgGAdFQn-EPevLxtk=/fit-in/1500x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CliniqueLashPowerMascarainDarkChocolate-81546e6562924d46b5d0b36be25ef5ab.jpg)
24-hour wear
Skinny wand for easy lower lash application
Smudgeproof
Pricey
This brown mascara stays on for 24 hours without smudging or disappearing so you can look fresh through sweat, tears, and humidity. The skinny wand is easy to use on lower lashes, too.
Price at time of publish: $22
Benefits: Length | Size: 0.6 oz. | Shades: 2; Blacks and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Tubing Mascara
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
![thrive-causemetics-liquid-lash-extensions-mascara](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/e_r5O6veQmD5gojedZGsOp9tMt4=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/thrive-causemetics-liquid-lash-extensions-mascara-fff565cd9bca4059867e7a8df989ba09.jpg)
Thrive Causemetics
Comes in unique blue shade
All-day wear
Strengthens lashes over time
Pricey
Tubing mascaras like this one are unique because it coats lashes for flake-free, all-day wear while washing off easily. Orchid Stem Cell Complex™ makes your lashes longer and stronger over time.
Price at time of publish: $24
Benefits: Length and moisture | Size: 0.38 oz. | Shades: 3; Blacks, Blues, and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Nourishing
No. 7 The Full 360 Mascara (Various Shades) in Black/Brown
![No. 7 The Full 360 Ultra All-In-One Mascara in Black/Brown](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/yRGbqigyGuVMEw2O4vBLCHQAVW4=/fit-in/1500x900/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/No.7TheFull360UltraAll-In-OneMascarainBlackBrown-53eaae3cde6d4df5b641c4a25d3834ec.jpeg)
12-hour wear
Allows buildable layers
Affordable
A bit flakey
Sometimes, you want your mascara to not only look good but also make your lashes fortified, too. And for that, Kinjo recommends this mascara from No. 7. “The nourishing power of vitamin E and shea butter helps to condition lashes instantly. The more you wear, the more beneficial to your lashes. Who doesn’t want nourished, panoramic, and lush lashes after applying 3 coats of mascara?” said Kinjo. (Note that Kinjo is a No. 7 partner.)
Price at time of publish: $10
Benefits: Volume and curl | Size: 0.23 oz. | Shades: 2; Black and Black/Brown | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Sensitive Eyes
W3ll People Expressionist Mascara
![w3ll people mascara](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/b1NFnQFUz6VorZCeFg42vDjPoLo=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/w3ll-people-expressionist-mascara-c97f41d9384c4f02b4c119161e12cb64.jpg)
Enriched with plant-based ingredients
Unique molded rubber brush precisely separates lashes
Easy to remove
Pricey
Smudges
If your eyes tend to get itchy or red from mascara, you’ll appreciate that this one is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and has a long list of ingredients that aren’t in this mascara.
Price at time of publish: $20
Benefits: Length and moisture | Size: 0.26 oz. | Shades: 2; Black and Browns | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
For the best brown mascara, try L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in 202 Black Brown. It gives lashes length and volume in a long-lasting formula. When your mascara absolutely needs to stay on no matter what it goes through, try CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara in 835 - Black Brown (view at Amazon).
What to Look for in a Brown Mascara
Natural-Looking Shades
“Brown mascara is used if you want a more natural look. It enhances the lashes but doesn’t bring as much of a dramatic look as a black mascara does,” said Kinjo. That makes it a great way to enhance eyes without looking like you’re wearing makeup, particularly if you're a blonde or redhead. Seek out natural-looking brown tones that can help to complement your hair color, veering warmer or cooler as needed.
Brush Type
According to makeup artist Ricky Wilson, larger mascara brushes are best for creating volume, as they allow a lot of product to be easily layered for maximum impact. On the other hand, small molded brushes allow for ultimate precision, making it easy to cover every single lash. "A small, tighter applicator allows for better separation and length," says makeup artist Denika Bedrossian.
Subtle Definition
To soften a look, use brown mascara on the bottom lashes. “I apply multiple coats on the top lashes with black mascara, and then I will apply a few more coats of brown mascara on the bottom lashes,” said Kinjo.
Why Trust Byrdie
Joline Buscemi is a Byrdie contributor and a beauty writer for several publications. Mascara is her go-to product even on so-called makeup-free days, and she’s tried many of the products on this list.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any brown mascaras from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.