Brown vs black mascara – which is the most flattering?
It’s the oldest beauty debate: brown vs black mascara. We called upon top makeup artists to give their opinions so we can settle this argument once and for all
High up on the list of questions the GTG team get asked the most is: brown vs black mascara, which is best? And the answer is always the same: they’re both good, it depends on what you want to use them for.
We could wax lyrical about the virtues of both but we decided to let the pros do the heavy lifting on this one so we approached two of our favourite makeup artists to get their thoughts on this timeless conversation and see what they had to say.
“I think black and brown mascara have up completely different vibes,” says makeup artist Zoe Taylor who has beautified the faces of Carey Mulligan and Rihanna (she is also a whizz at showing how to do liquid liner on hooded lids) “Brown mascara is so good at making lashes look thick, glossy and healthy and the overall look is effortless, chic and very ‘cool girl’.” Whereas black mascara has more of a dramatic effect for Zoe, “It’s a commitment, there is no denying you are wearing black mascara, however lightly you apply it. It’s dramatic and I love that about black mascara.”
You may assume that brown mascara should only be worn by those with fair lashes, and similarly, black mascara is for those with dark lashes. Zoe disagrees. “If you have dark lashes, brown mascara is really great for making them look thicker without it looking like you’re wearing loads of mascara.”
A sentiment shared by makeup artist Lauren Oakey, who is beauty expert Sali Hughes’s go-to makeup artist and also reaches for a brown mascara when creating a dramatic eye look. “If you’re wearing a dramatic eye, but don’t want your lashes to dominate the look then brown mascara works well.” Brown mascara also has a very useful function says Oakey, “if you can’t be bothered with the faff of tinting your lashes but you want to give them just a hint of definition, just apply a few swipes of brown mascara. It doesn’t have the permanence of course but it will elevate your natural look in seconds.”
And similarly, it doesn’t mean that those with fair lashes should never pick up a black mascara. “Personally, I love black mascara as a contrast to paler skin tones especially when team with black eyeliner.” Oakey also puts forward the case for wearing brown and black mascara at the same time. “You can always wear black mascara on the top and brown on the bottom This is particularly great for redheads or blondes or anyone with paler lashes and skin when you want some impact but not too much. Combining the two creates a softer look.”
Does brown mascara make your eyes look bigger?
We all know certain makeup can create optical illusions and mascara is one of those. “A deep brown mascara on green and blue eyes not only enhances the eye colour and makes them look more vibrant but can also make them look bigger,” says Oakey.
Is brown mascara better for mature eyes?
“I don’t think you should consider age when it comes to mascara,” says Oakey. She recommends focusing on skin tone and hair colour instead. “I would say that brown mascara works really well for a natural look on red, blonde or grey hair if it’s slightly darker or the same colour than the natural lash.” However, she also recommends black mascara for grey hair too.
So, as you my have expected, when it comes to the question of brown vs black mascara, there is no one winner. Both equal competitors in this makeup debate, and each is worthy in taking up space in your makeup bag. And if you’re on the lookout for a new brown or black mascara then here are some that Taylor and Oakey recommend.
