Colored Mascara Is An Easy Way To Spice Up Your Eye Look

October 11, 2024
Chloé Valentine Toscano
By: Chloé Valentine Toscano | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Everything You Need To Know About Nailing Your Colored Mascara

If you spend a lot of time on the beauty side of TikTok, you’ve likely noticed that colored mascara is having a major moment as of late. Frankly, it’s not hard to see why: Swapping out your go-to mascara for a vibrant pink, blue, or purple mascara is an easy way to spice up your everyday eye makeup look (without putting in a ton of effort). Plus, the right hue can help make your eye color pop. Ahead, we’ll reveal which colorful mascara is best for you, depending on your eye color, and offer up some inspiration to keep in mind next time you want an eye makeup look that stands out.

Why You Should Use Colorful Mascara

Colorful mascara makes it easy to change up your go-to look without the need to learn an intricate new application technique or buy a bunch of new products.

While trading in your standard black mascara for something more vibrant may feel intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of colored mascaras that add a subtle hint of color to your lashes without overpowering them. In fact, certain shades can help accentuate your eye color and make your irises—whatever hue they may be—stand out. And since the application is the same as for any other mascara, it takes no effort to master, which makes using colorful mascara approachable for both makeup newbies and masters alike.

How To Choose a Colored Mascara To Accentuate Your Eye Color

If you’re wondering, “What color mascara should I wear?”, the simple answer is: whichever color you want. That being said, some hues may be more flattering than others, depending on your eye color.

You probably learned about the color wheel in elementary school, and how colors that sit opposite one another on the wheel—for instance, red and green—are considered complementary colors. This means that when placed side-by-side, they create contrast and, in turn, make one another appear brighter and more vivid.

This same theory applies to makeup, and in particular, colored mascara. To choose the best hue for you, you’ll want to select a shade that contrasts with your eye color. So if you have green, for example, red mascara can help your irises pop. Of course, you may not want to rock bright crimson lashes every day—but there are more wearable shades that can provide a similar eye-brightening effect. For more details on finding the best colorful mascara for your eye color, keep reading.

Best colored mascara for brown eyes

Brown eyes can range from a light honey color to a deep, almost black hue. If your eyes are on the lighter side, reach for a deep blue mascara to help bring out the natural golden tones in your irises. We love the YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Electric Blue, as it provides intense color payoff and wears for up to 24 hours without smudging. For those with deeper chocolatey brown eyes, we suggest opting for a rich purple mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Violet.

Best colored mascara for blue eyes

Orange sits directly across from blue on the color wheel, which in theory, means that orange mascaras are the best to make icy blue eyes shine. That being said, tangerine lashes can feel a bit too intense for everyday wear. For a more versatile option, consider opting for a warmer-toned reddish or burgundy mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Burgundy is among our favorites for a noticeable but not overpowering pop of color.

Best colored mascara for green eyes

If you’ve been gifted with green eyes, consider yourself lucky—this eye color is not only gorgeous, but also quite rare (according to the Cleveland Clinic, only about 2% of people have emerald irises). Using a red or pink mascara can help accentuate the earthy tones in your eyes and make that special color pop. The burgundy mascara mentioned above is a great pick, but if you want something even more vibrant, try the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Pink Air. The cotton candy-like hue is bold, bright, and unapologetically fun.

Best colored mascara for hazel eyes

Hazel eyes contain an assortment of hues, from luscious caramel browns to bright, grassy greens. While an array of hues can complement hazel eyes, we’re especially fond of the way green mascara can help draw attention to your eyes’ natural depth. Try a dark hunter green option, such as the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Green.

8 Colored Mascara Looks To Try

Colored mascara pops on its own, but if you want to take you a r look to the next level, keep scrolling—below, we’re sharing eight ways to wear your colorful mascara for a look that wows.

Shimmery lids and burgundy mascara

Burgundy mascara is perfect for nights out, as the deep, rich shade feels sultry without being over the top. To enhance your look, pair your wine-toned with a shimmery champagne or bronze eyeshadow (we love the Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow Singles in Space Cowboy). The golden tones of the shadow will help accentuate the warm hue of your mascara for a cohesive (and unbelievably flattering) end result.

Earthy shadow and green lashes

You can wear colored mascara even if you’re someone who typically favors more neutral tones in your makeup. For a subtle yet striking look, try pairing a deep emerald green mascara with matte brown eyeshadow and bronzed cheeks. Eyeliner is optional, but if you use it, opt for a brown (rather than black) liner to keep your look feeling soft.

Cobalt statement eye

This one’s for those who favor a more-is-more approach to makeup. Start by swiping an electric blue shadow, such as the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in Blueberry Pop, onto your lids, blending the color up toward your crease. Then, swipe on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue to lengthen, volumize, and tint your lashes. Because this blue mascara makeup look is so bold, we suggest keeping the rest of your makeup simple—a bit of highlighter and a swipe of clear lip gloss make for the perfect finishing touches.

Colorful bottom lashes

If you want to make a statement without committing to anything too bold, consider using a brown or black mascara on your upper lashes, then swiping a vibrant colored mascara on your lower lashes for a fun, two-toned effect.

Pink mascara

Baby pink lashes aren’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re willing to experiment with the pastel look, you’ll discover just how flattering (and fun!) it can be. Apply a few coats of the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup in Pink Air onto your upper and lower lashes for a pop of pink, or go all out by pairing your mascara with rosy lips, cheeks, and lids.

Rainbow lashes

If you’re feeling extra tenacious, you can try out rainbow lashes—though be advised, nailing this look is slightly more time-consuming than your typical mascara application. To create it, grab three or four of your favorite colored mascara and swipe them onto your lashes in sections, holding the applicator vertically instead of horizontally. You can achieve a rainbow effect by using pink mascara in your inner corners, burgundy and blue mascara for the central lashes, and green mascara at the outer corners. If that feels too complicated, try using a different color on each set of lashes (left upper and lower; right upper and lower) for a rainbow color-blocked effect.

Blue lashes and liner

Blue mascara can be subtle, or it can be graphic—this look definitely falls into the latter category. To create a similar look, draw on a graphic, dramatic wing with a bright blue eyeliner, such as the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Eyeliner in Cobalt Crush. Once the liner sets, swipe a blue mascara, like the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara onto your upper and lower lashes for length, volume, and tons of look-at-me color.

Pink and green mascara

Pink and green are kind of like peanut butter and jelly: they just go together. For a playful (and party-ready) eye makeup look, apply a deep green mascara to your upper lashes and use a bright pink mascara to tint your lower lashes. You can rock the look as-is, but we think a generous swipe of glittery eyeshadow ties the unconventional look together perfectly.

Next Up: 12 Blue Mascaras for When You’re Craving a Pop of Color

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