Your Mascara Color Matters More Than You Think. We Put Different Shades to the Test – Here’s What We Found.
Bold statement alert: The right mascara shade can transform your look, but choose wrong, and it might just fade into the background. We tested several shades to uncover which ones truly make eyes pop—and which ones fall flat. Spoiler: it’s not just about eye color.
Brown Black: The Universal Crowd-Pleaser
Kicking things off with Brown Black, this classic shade proved to be a favorite across the board. It delivers a soft, natural definition that enhances lashes without screaming, 'Hey, I’m wearing mascara!' Color strategist Lizzie Heo notes its mahogany tones make it ideal for those with warm undertones and brown or hazel eyes. But here’s the kicker: everyone loved its natural finish, regardless of their eye color or skin tone.
Editor Christina Colizza, who has naturally blonde lashes, raved about how it made her eyes stand out against her skin tone. 'It’s like my eyes are more alive,' she said. Writer Caroline Mullen, with blue-gray eyes and dark lashes, agreed it was perfect for no-makeup makeup days. This subtle, office-friendly shade is a keeper for all of us.
Berry Brown: The Unexpected Showstopper
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Berry Brown, a maroon shade, was initially written off as gimmicky. But it turned out to be a flattering, eye-brightening surprise. While Heo suggested it works best for green and hazel eyes, our testers with blue eyes were equally smitten. Caroline noticed her eyes looked 'brighter and more saturated' in photos. However, newsletter coordinator Isoke Samuel, with brown eyes and dark lashes, found it blended too much with her skin tones, making her lashes nearly disappear. 'Contrast is key,' explains makeup artist Katie Middleton. 'A complementary color can make your eyes pop in a fun, unexpected way.'
Charcoal Grey: The Underwhelming Contender
On paper, Charcoal Grey should’ve been a winner for blue, gray, and green eyes. In reality? It fell flat. Most testers found it dull, like a muted version of black. Even Hannah, with blue eyes and hints of green and gray, felt it didn’t live up to the hype. 'Where’s the sparkle color theory promised?' we all wondered.
Deep Blue: Bold but Polarizing
And this is the part most people miss: Deep Blue is a game-changer—but only for certain skin tones. Isoke, with darker skin, loved how it stood out against her complexion. Katie Middleton explains, 'Darker skin tones already have natural contrast, so bold colors can look stunning.' But for lighter skin tones? It felt too dramatic, like a teenager experimenting with mom’s makeup. 'Is this too much for everyday wear?' we debated. The answer: yes, for most, but a fun choice for those who dare to stand out.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Contrast
Colored mascara isn’t one-size-fits-all. While experts’ rules often work, they don’t account for skin tone, undertones, or natural lash color. Optometry professor Austin Roorda explains, 'Unless you’re up close, most people won’t notice the color difference.' So, unless you’re craving a colorful look, your trusty brown or black mascara is just fine.
Final Thoughts: Which Shade Won Our Hearts?
Brown Black is our new everyday staple—reliable and flattering. Berry Brown is our go-to for a playful twist, especially for lighter eye colors. Deep Blue? Fun for darker skin tones, but too bold for daily wear. Charcoal Grey? Let’s just say it’s collecting dust in our vanities.
But here’s the real takeaway: Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions formula delivers on length, separation, and clump-free wear, no matter the shade. So, which color will you dare to try? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
