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Haven’t you heard?Black mascarais dead.

Best Brown Mascaras a collage of Allure editors wearing brown mascaras

Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors

And what better way to kick off your soft girl era than with brown?

It’s a happy medium between black and even more vibrant mascaras like neon green orburgundy.

Call it a low-risk, high-reward endeavor.

Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift pink and orange squiggly tube of mascara on light gray background

Sarah Han applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift.

Multiple coats look great with this mascara, too.

Han before applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift.

Han after applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift.

A selfie of Sarah Han before applying mascara

Han before applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift.

I feel the same way about black eyeliner, for the record," says commerce editorSarah Han.

“The formula is super buildable without reaching clumpy territory.

(After all, its in the name.)

A selfie of Sarah Han after applying mascara after applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Han after applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift.

Richards after applying YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown.

Oh, and itwill notsmudgeonto your lids or undereye area.

Hoffmann before applying mascara.

YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown black tube of brown mascara on light gray background

Bianca Richards applying YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown.

Hoffmann after applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown.

“What’s dramatic about a natural brown shade?

Ophthalmologists tested the formula to ensure it won’t irritate sensitive eyes or anyone who wears contact lenses.

A selfie of Bianca Richards before applying mascara

Richards before mascara.

Dall’Asen before applying mascara.

Dall’Asen after applying Glossier Lash Slick in Brown.

kind of look.”

A selfie of Bianca Richards after applying YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Richards after applying YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown.

Why it’s worth it:Here’s a $5 choice that feelsand looksa lot more expensive.

The formula is meant to lengthen, making this a great option for anyone with short lashes.

Gutierrez before applying mascara.

Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown on light gray background

Allurecommerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown

Gutierrez after applying Essence Lash Princess Mascara in Brown.

“It lasts all day with no smudges,” says Melluso.

Even for the baby-est of lashes, Lash Idole lends an enviable fanned-out effect without any mess.

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein before applying the Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown

Hussein before applying the Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown

It grabs every tiny lash without poking or smudging against my hooded lids.

This lengthening mascara’s cocoa-brown pigment effortlessly creates skyscraper-long lashes that’ll tie any no-makeup makeup look together.

This pick also acts as a curling mascara, thanks to its unique, ultra-thin nylon bristle wand applicator.

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein after applying the Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown

Hussein after applying the Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown

Benefits:lengthening, volumizing.

Brown mascaras are ideal for accentuating lashes without looking like makeup was applied.

Starting at the base of your lashes, lightly swipe up, coating each lash.

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara pink tube with black mascara wand on light grey background

Sarah Hoffmann applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown.

To separate your lashes while you apply, wiggle the wand as you sweep the formula toward the tips.

Repeat as needed for your desired results and keep in mind that some mascaras dry faster than others.

Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones?

A selfie of Sarah Hoffmann before applying mascara.

Hoffmann before applying mascara.

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

A selfie of Sarah Hoffmann after applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown.

Hoffmann after applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown.

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereview process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Glossier Lash Slick in Brown pink tube of brown mascara on light gray background

Nicola Dall’Asen applying Glossier Lash Slick in Brown.

More gorgeous eye makeup to dig into:

Done reading?

Image may contain Head Person Face Adult Skin Photography and Portrait

Dall’Asen before applying mascara.

Image may contain Cosmetics Lipstick and Smoke Pipe

Dall’Asen after applying Glossier Lash Slick in Brown.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara in Brown brown and pink tube of mascara on light gray background

Talia Gutierrez applying Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara in Brown.

A selfie of Talia Gutierrez with bare lashes

Gutierrez before applying mascara.

A selfie of Talia Gutierrez after applying Essence Lash Princess Mascara in Brown

Gutierrez after applying Essence Lash Princess Mascara in Brown.

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Chestnut with red 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner seal on light gray background

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara in True Brown on light gray background

Meloway Your Way Mascara in Cherry Cola on light gray background

Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir Brun black and gold tube of brown mascara on light gray background

Maybelline New York Sky High in True Brown pink tube of mascara on light gray background

Charlotte Tilbury Dream Pop Mascara in Auburn pink tube of brown mascara with gold cap and wand to the side on white background with red Allure BoB seal in the top right corner

Clinique High Impact Mascara green tube of mascara on light gray background