A swipe of colored mascara can transform your look in seconds. Instead of spending time on complex eye makeup, one swipe of a blue, green or purple lash can instantly brighten and define your eyes. In fact, L’Oréal notes that colored mascara “is an easy way to amp up your look” when you want your eyes to stand out. The magic is that even one coat adds a vivid hue to lashes with nearly foolproof application. Below, we share 3 bold reasons to swap in a colored mascara and when to try each hue.
Colored mascara is fast and fuss-free for adding vibrancy. You don’t need perfect skills – even a little color on your bottom lashes alone can look cool for beginners. For a subtle effect, coat only lower lashes with a bright blue or purple and use your regular black on top. If you’re feeling bold, go full color! Colored formulas now come in volumizing and lengthening versions, so your lashes still look thick and lifted (just in color).
Makeup artists say colored mascara even looks better if a bit clumpy – no need for perfection. A bright plum or cobalt swipe on lashes instantly makes eyes pop without the precision of eyeliner.
If you have very dark lashes and want bright color, try a white lash primer first. L’Oréal suggests a white base coat to intensify pigments, then layer your colored mascara before the primer dries.
Compared to classic black, colored mascara can feel more playful. Black mascara is great for definition, but colored lashes draw extra attention to your eye color. Think of colored mascara as a one-step way to harmonize your look – it can match your outfit or mood (like bold green for a nature theme, or deep purple for a glam night out).
One of the best reasons to use colored mascara is it can make your natural eye color stand out. Different hues create contrasting effects on the iris, similar to eyeshadow. For example:
Brown eyes scream for blue or purple mascara. Because blue is opposite brown on the color wheel, a cobalt or royal blue lash will make brown irises look richer and the gold flecks in them shine. Purple (like eggplant or plum) is another great pick – it adds a pop of color while still being slightly softer than electric blue. Both blue and purple mascara will make brown eyes pop more than plain black lashes.
Warm tones like burgundy or deep plum really complement blue eyes. L’Oréal suggests a warm red-toned mascara (e.g. deep burgundy) to accentuate baby blues. The subtle orange-red undertones in a burgundy lash will intensify blue eyes without overpowering them. Purple mascara is also stunning on blue eyes: a rich violet lash makes the whites of your eyes sparkle and appear larger. (Black mascara still works, but a purple-lavender mascara adds a special touch.)
Green eyes are rare, so why not highlight them? A burgundy or purple mascara is ideal: the warm red-purple tones enhance green hues. For instance, a deep burgundy mascara can make green eyes “pop” by accentuating their natural warmth. Alternatively, a soft brown mascara on green eyes will bring out the iris subtly for a more natural look. Either way, colored lashes will draw attention to your unique eye color more than plain black.
Hazel eyes (with gold, green, and brown flecks) look fabulous with many colors. One tip is deep green mascara – this shade is dark enough to define lashes and really highlights the golden-green mix in hazel eyes. Even one coat of emerald or forest green gives a surprising flash every time you blink. Purple and plum are also popular on hazel eyes (they create drama) and even metallic bronze lashes can emphasize the gold flecks. Generally, pick a color that matches one of the specks in your eye (green for the green flecks, amber for the gold, etc.) for maximum “wow”.
Compared to black mascara – which simply darkens and defines lashes – colored mascara strategically highlights the eye’s natural tones. Colorists note that shades like blue or purple can actually make the whites of your eyes look brighter.
In practice, you might still use black mascara for a base, then layer a colored coat on top or just on the outer lashes. Or go half-and-half: some people put black mascara on top lashes and color only the bottom lashes for a subtle hint (L’Oréal even suggests this trick for beginners).
Colored mascara is trending right now and it instantly adds a playful, fashion-forward vibe. It’s not just for runway models – even makeup pros agree a few swipes of bright mascara is perfect for everyday fun. According to Allure magazine, colored mascara has popped up at high-fashion shows, and makeup artists say it lets you “have more fun” with your look. Some wear it on a grocery run or at the office to shake up a neutral outfit!
The trend harks back to the bold looks of the ’70s and ’80s, when vibrant makeup was big. Ulta calls it a revival of 70s/80s style, driven by our desire for “vibrant and expressive” makeup. Brands like Maybelline, ColourPop and L’Oréal have launched new colored mascaras, reflecting a general desire for fun customization in beauty.
You can match your mascara to your eyeshadow or lipstick for a monochromatic look, or use it as the one burst of color against neutral makeup. For example, try a pink-blush eyeshadow with a magenta mascara for a romantic vibe, or keep skin glowing and use just one bright mascara shade to make your eyes the focal point.
There are really no strict rules – if you see a color you love (like turquoise, white, or even multi-colored mascara!), try it. Makeup fans on Reddit rave about “favorite unnatural” colors: “Maroon/burgundy mascaras look really cool on most people. Blue mascara is an oldie but a goodie”. Another user notes that people with very dark lashes or brows often pull off a bold blue because the contrast works well. Bottom line: if a shade makes you feel confident, go for it – the “makeup police” aren’t stopping anyone!
In summary, think of black mascara as your classic drama-maker (it adds ultimate depth and definition) and colored mascara as your creative accent. Colored mascaras let you tailor the effect: subtle (dark blue or brown) or vibrant (turquoise, purple). If you usually wear black, try switching things up when you want a change. For instance, black mascara on top + a sweep of green on bottom lashes can really open up hazel eyes, or purple mascara on blue eyes highlights them more than plain black would. And if you ever feel unsure, remember you can always layer black and color mascara together until you find the perfect balance.
| Brand & Model | Available Hues | Price (US$) | Key Features/Benefits |
| L’Oréal Voluminous Original (Bold Eye) | Cobalt Blue, Deep Burgundy, Deep Green, Deep Violet | ~$11 | Volumizing & lengthening; nourishing formula for fluffy, clump-free colored lashes. Plush brush picks up every lash. |
| L’Oréal Telescopic Lift (Washable) | Stellar Blue, Galactic Purple (also Black Brown) | ~$12 | Ultra-lengthening formula with double-hook brush deposits highly pigmented color. Gives an instant “lifted” look. |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High | Blue Mist, Green Altitude, Plum Twilight (also Black/ Brown) | $12.99 | Bendable flex brush for extreme length + volume. Lightweight, bamboo-infused waterproof formula. Vibrant “Galaxy” shades. |
| ColourPop BFF Volumizing Mascara | Blue Ya Mind (teal blue), Purple Prose (lavender), plus Black Brown | $10 | Super-volumizing fiber mascara; cruelty-free. Twisted nylon-fiber brush coats each lash for full drama. Long-lasting, buildable formula. |
| NYX Color Mascara (Professional Makeup) | Blue, Teal, Purple, etc. | ~$6 | Brightly pigmented, paraben- & phthalate-free formula. Great budget option for vibrant color. Hourglass brush combs through lashes evenly. |
| e.l.f. Big Mood Volumizing Mascara | Bold Blue, Deep Green, Deep Brown, (also Black) | $8 | Smudge-resistant, volumizing lash formula. Bold Blue and Deep Green provide intense color; hourglass bristles coat lashes without clumps. |
Each of the above mascaras is readily available in the US (drugstore or online). Prices are approximate retail. Pick one that matches your favorite color or try multiple – many beauty fans now keep a stash of colored mascaras just like they do black!
It gives your look an instant refresh. A single coat adds subtle or dramatic color to lashes, making eyes pop without heavy eye makeup. It’s an effortless way to complement your outfit or mood.
Colored mascara lets you experiment (a hint of whimsy or full-on color) with almost no extra effort. It brightens the whites of your eyes and highlights your eye color. Many find it fun, trendy, and surprisingly easy to wear daily.
Warm, jewel-toned shades like burgundy or purple suit blue eyes beautifully. Deep red-burgundy lashes accentuate the warmth in blue eyes. Rich purple mascara emphasizes the whites of blue eyes and makes them look larger. (If you prefer a safer choice, brown or black-brown mascara will add warmth without being flashy.)
You have lots of freedom! Blue-eyed blondes can wear almost any color, including classic black or brown for definition. For a punch of fun, try a blue or teal mascara – it complements blue eyes and stands out nicely against lighter hair. Or stick with soft browns and black for a natural look; the key is personal preference.
Brown eyes look vibrant with blue or purple mascara. Blue (cobalt or royal) creates a strong contrast and brings out golden flecks. Purple or plum mascara is another favorite – it adds color but in a subtler way. Even burgundy or red-toned mascaras can warm up brown eyes beautifully. Brown or black-brown mascara gives a softer, natural look if you’re not ready for bright hues.
Blue mascara is the top pick to make brown eyes pop. Blue is opposite brown on the color wheel, so a cobalt or navy lash intensifies brown irises and makes them look more vibrant. Purple (eggplant, plum) is second to try for a similar effect.
Green eyes pop with red-toned mascaras. Deep burgundy or plum lashes complement green tones and accentuate the rarity of green eyes. These warm, jewel-like shades bring out the best in green irises. For a more natural approach, a warm brown mascara will softly define green eyes without overpowering them.
Hazel eyes are versatile, but deep green mascara is especially effective. Hazel eyes often contain gold, brown, and green flecks; a forest-green lash makes the mixture shine. One coat of green mascara adds just enough contrast to highlight the gold tones.
Purple and dark plum are also great on hazel eyes (they create drama), and bronze or gold mascaras can emphasize the golden bits. Basically, pick a color that matches one of your hazel flecks for dimension.
Absolutely – purple is a surprisingly wearable hue. A deep purple or lavender mascara can make any eye color stand out. It’s especially nice on brown or blue eyes: on blues, it emphasizes the whites and adds definition, and on browns or greens, it gives a luxe pop. Purple is a bold but flattering choice that isn’t as stark as black, so it feels a bit more playful.
Many makeup lovers swear by burgundy or midnight blue as their favorite “unnatural” lash colors. For example, reddy-maroon lashes look “really cool” on most people, and royal blue is a classic go-to. Others even experiment with green, white, or gold finishes for special looks. The best choice is the color that excites you – even a hint of it can be a fun surprise.
Even dark lashes can benefit from color. Rich shades like deep blue, purple or burgundy will still show up on black or brown lashes and create contrast, especially if your eyes or brows are dark. For extra intensity, prime your lashes with a white base coat first or apply two coats of color. Many users with very dark lashes love blue mascara because the color “works really well” against black lashes.
Not at all – it’s totally wearable for everyday too. Fashion experts say people are adding color mascara even to run errands or work to jazz up a plain makeup look. A quick tip is to use color mascara as an accent: apply it to just your lower lashes or to the outer corners for subtle interest. For evening or a night out, feel free to go all-in with bright lashes and matching eye makeup.
Yes! Colored mascara is actually newbie-friendly because application is straightforward. There’s no intricate technique needed – just swipe as you would with black mascara. To start small, try a dark brown mascara (less shocking than blue) to get used to the idea. Or coat only a few lashes with color while keeping others black. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll probably feel more confident trying blues, greens or purples.
You can keep the rest of your makeup neutral to make colored lashes stand out. For example, use natural skin tones and nude lips so the mascara is the focal point. Or for a coordinated look, use eyeshadow or eyeliner in a similar hue for a monochromatic effect. For bottom lashes only: a pop of color underneath (with black on top) is a great subtle trick. Experiment with winged liner or sparkly eyeshadows to complement your colored lashes for evening looks.
Treat it like any other mascara: gently wipe with makeup remover or micellar water, then wash your face. Most colored mascaras are washable formulas, but always check the label. Removing colored mascara is the same as black, and you won’t stain the whites of your eyes if you take it off carefully.
Feel free to mix and match tips above, and remember: makeup is about having fun. Colored mascara offers a quick way to play with color and try out new styles. Whether subtle or bold, it’s an easy way to boost your makeup game. Good luck, and have fun making your lashes colorful!
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