5 Best Colored Mascaras for Every Eye Color — Makeup Artist Approved

We’re all for making daring makeup choices — especially when it comes to switching up something subtle in your eye makeup, like mascara. And while foregoing the typical black formula might sound intimidating, it can actually be quite complimentary if you choose a color that goes well with your natural eye color.

“Skip eyeshadow, and pair an electric mascara with a tight-lined matching liner for a graphic bold statement,” suggests Lancôme National Makeup Artist Alex Sanchez. His tips for achieving the look flawlessly? “Be sure to prime lashes first to maximize the wear and color payoff of the mascara,” he notes. “And for a more subtle look, tip the top lashes with color and keep the bottom lashes bare.” Ahead, find the best colored mascaras for your eye color to help you master the look.

Brown Eyes

YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara in I’m The Unpredictable

Brown eyes look great with a mascara that offsets their naturally warm undertones. Reach for a cool undertone mascara to really make brown eyes pop — we love a cool blue or purple for this, that’s why YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara in I’m The Unpredictable is a go-to. It’s super pigmented and will lift and brighten brown eyes.

Blue Eyes

NYX Professional Makeup Colored Mascara in Pink Petals

Sanchez recommends you to really go out of the box if you have blue eyes, and try a hot pink or pink mascara. NYX Mascara in Pink Petals may look intimidating, but will actually look gorgeous framing bright blue eyes.

Green Eyes

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils In Hippie Green

Enhancing the shade even further, green eyes will pop with a green mascara. We love the YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils in Hippie Green for this — it’s not too light, but not too deep, and it has kelly green undertones that will add major dimension.

Hazel Eyes

Lancôme Ombre Hypnose Stylo Shadow Stick in Monogold

A gold mascara is sometimes hard to come by — that’s why Sanchez recommends applying a shadow stick with a clean mascara wand. To brighten hazel eyes, try swiping on Lancôme Monogold — it will really make them sparkle.

Gray Eyes

Lancôme Grandiose Mascara in Blue Nuit

If you have gray eyes, you’ll want to up those cool undertones with a blue or green mascara, and we love Blue Nuit for this. It’s a cool creamy midnight blue that we simply can’t get enough of, and neither will your gray eyes.