You Should Be Cocktailing Your Black and Brown Mascaras

Lashes are always the last step of my makeup routine, and it’s not for the reason you may think. Sure, I don’t want to smudge them while doing the rest of my makeup, but my main issue is indecisiveness. I genuinely have a hard time determining whether I want naturally dark and fluffy or inky black and extra-long lashes. After years of settling for one or something in between, I found that cocktailing a brown and black mascara to create the desired look was the solution. Brown mascara has the power to enhance my lashes while keeping them from looking overdone. However, most shades are too light for my espresso-toned lashes, washing out my features. As a primer, brown mascara creates a base and allows me to create the perfect final look. It tones down noir and ultra black formulas, enhances length and adds natural volume.

As celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno says, this trick gives your lashes definition without screaming ‘I’m wearing mascara.’ “On its own, brown mascara helps bring out the natural tones in eye colors like brown, hazel or green. Layering a coat of black mascara on top adds a little extra drama and lift to the look,” he says. While the technique is ideal for intensifying the effects, it also increases the staying power of the look. One coat of each, layered back-to-back, does the trick. But if you want to spice things up, Briceno has a neat trick to make your lashes pop. “Start with a coat of brown mascara to lift and define, then add a second coat of black mascara just at the lash tips,” he says. The combination is more forgiving than black and won’t pull focus from other areas of your face.

Brown mascaras that are perfect for cocktailing

1 / 8

True to its name, Day Lash delivers defined and naturally lifted lashes. The tiny bristles separate even the densest clusters while the vitamin E-infused formula easily glides through to lengthen and lift them. The ingredients and rich brunette hue, priming my lashes. It’s even water-resistant and safe for sensitive skin, which is perfect for allergy season.

2 / 8

I like to think of this as a prep and prime mascara. The formula functions as an eyelash serum to promote growth from the root, and a conditioner infuses peptides into the lashes. The brush is also super soft, making it easy to lengthen as you layer, but it is defined enough to keep my lashes from clumping together.

 

3 / 8

If you’re a fan of Refy’s classic sculpt mascara, you’ll love the brown version. The soft shade lightly tints lashes while the lifting applicator pushes your lashes up as it separates them. The duo is perfect for priming and delivers results that rival a professional lash lift at a fraction of the price.

4 / 8

The hypoallergenic formula of this brown mascara makes it a top choice for those with easily irritated eyes. It’s also infused with a blend of peptides to condition the lashes with use. Plus, the uniquely curvy brush expertly combs through from root to tip adding volume and definition.

5 / 8

Clinique’s Black Honey shade is legendary for transforming lips and cheeks. Now the hue does the same  for your lashes. The original High Impact formula delivers naturally fluffy lashes with just enough volume to make them pop. With the Black Honey version, you get the addition of contrast, deepening the final look.

6 / 8

The tapered brush on this mascara is great for fanning out my lashes with one swift motion. But the formula is the real star. It’s water-resistant, long-wearing and lightweight, making it ideal for layering. Plus, the conical shape and comb-like bristles volumize lashes from the tiniest inner corners to the end of the lash line as you apply.

7 / 8

Thrive’s cult favorite mascara already had a brown option in its line-up. The newest addition, a berry brown hue, has a warm touch that sparkles. The tubing formula is renowned for creating serious extension-like length that stays put for hours.

8 / 8

This mascara is just as iconic in brown thanks to the subtly curved wand and micro-bristles. Together, they elongate your lashes, giving them a boost of volume along the way. Layering black mascara on top gives your lashes a stretched, voluminous look that rivals extensions.