How to Choose the Best Colored Mascara for Your Eye Color

There are plenty of ways to freshen up your makeup look, whether that means trying out a new smokey eye look, going all out with eyeliner, or switching up the color eye shadow you usually wear. But, one of the simplest and most subtle ways to make your eyes stand out is to swap your black mascara for a colored formula. And while you can totally rock whichever shade you like most, certain colors have the power to enhance your eye color. Wondering what color mascara you should use? Read on to find out which colored mascara is best for brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes, and hazel eyes.

Why Do People Use Colored Mascara?

There are many reasons why someone may want to wear colored mascara. Similar to choosing a certain color of any other makeup product, say a pink or red lip, or blue or green eye shadow, someone may just like to wear that color. The same reasoning extends to choosing a colored mascara. But, another reason to choose a specific colored mascara is to play up your eye color. Putting an extra pop of color on the lashes can really help to enhance whichever colored eyes you have. And unlike eye shadow, which is usually pretty visible and easy to notice right away when looking at someone, colored mascara is a bit subtler and sometimes only noticeable when someone’s looking closely into your eyes or when the light hits your lashes the right way, which lends an air of fun and mystery to your look.

When Should You Wear Colored Mascara?

You can wear colored mascara whenever you want! Sometimes it’s nice to wear it to match an eyeshadow look, so if you’re donning a bright blue shadow, it could be the perfect time to lean into a matchy-matchy vibe and go for a blue mascara. On the contrary, it can be fun to wear colored mascara as the main attraction when you’re wearing an everyday natural look. Depending on the color mascara you go for, the shade can dial your look up a notch or two. Wearing colored mascara can easily be added to a minimal look to take it from more natural feeling to full glam. Of course, another time to definitely reach for a colored mascara is if you’re trying to intensify your eye color.

How to Choose a Colored Mascara for Your Eye Color

When it comes to choosing the best color mascara to wear for your eye color, it’s usually a safe bet to go for something opposite to the color of your eyes on the color wheel, because that will mean it’s complementary. If you are having trouble finding the colored mascara that is right for you, consider using a mascara virtual try-on tool to see what color looks best for you. To elevate your eye makeup look, try pairing your eyeliner with your eye color for a next-level eye look.

Best Colored Mascara for Brown Eyes

Brown eyes look gorgeous in many different colored mascaras, but if your eyes are on the darker side, it can be a really nice contrast to go for a bright blue pop with Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Blue Mist. But, it’s also a nice touch to go for a warmer tone such as a burgundy mascara, which achieves a subtle, yet sexy look that calls attention to rich, brown-colored eyes.
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Blue Mist
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Burgundy Haze
    Buy now

Best Colored Mascara for Blue Eyes

Have baby blues? Your color wheel opposite is brown, and you’re in luck! Most mascaras come in a beautiful brown shade in addition to the traditional black. In addition to washable mascara, you can often find brown or black waterproof mascara for long-lasting wear. If you like a waterproof formula, try Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara in Brownish Black. For a brighter option, though, there’s no denying that wearing blue on blue eyes really wows, so don’t be afraid to try blue mascara.
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Blue Mist
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Waterproof Mascara Makeup
    Brownish Black
    Buy now

Best Colored Mascara for Green Eyes

We hope you like pink, because that’s the color that really makes green eyes pop. The shades are opposite each other on the color wheel, and like any strong couple, bring out the best in each other. Try Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Pink Air.
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Pink Air
    Buy now

Best Colored Mascara for Hazel Eyes

Hazel eyes tend to have a bit of brown and green in them, so you can pretty much wear any colored mascara you want– lucky you! But, it’s up to you to decide which color in your eyes you want to bring out. In addition to blue and pink, hazel eyes play super well with purple shades, such as burgundy-colored mascara since it’s technically a mix of the two.
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Burgundy Haze
    Buy now
Now that you’ve learned how to level up your look with colored mascara, we can’t wait to see how your eyes shine. Check out our selection of colored mascaras below, then share your makeup masterpiece with us on social media. Don’t forget to tag @Maybelline!

Shop Colored Mascara

  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Burgundy Haze
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Pink Air
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Blue Mist
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    True Brown
    Buy now