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Finding the Right Color Mascara


a woman is brushing her teeth in front of a mirrorfour assorted-color mascaras

Finding a mascara color can be a big task. And if you take care of a family, are a caregiver, work a 9 to 5 job, are in school, or you just don't have a lot of spare time throughout your day - standing in front of the mascara wall in a drugstore or at the beauty counter in a department store isn’t anything you want to do. 


When most of us think mascara, we think black. But the truth is, the right mascara color can elevate your whole look depending on your vibe, your features, and what you’re going for that day. Here are a few tips to help you pick the shade that fits you best:



1. Start With Your Natural Features

 

  • Hair color, eye color, and skin tone all play a role. Here's a quick cheat sheet:
    • Dark brown or black hair + brown or deep eyes: Black or blackest black will give you definition and drama without looking too harsh.
    • Lighter brown or hazel eyes: Try brown-black or deep plum to enhance your eye color without overdoing it.
    • Lighter skin + light eyes (blue, green, grey): Soft black or brown mascara can give you that natural pop without looking too bold.

2. Think About the Look You’re Going For

 

  • Everyday natural look? Go with brown or brown-black. It’s soft and pretty, and still gives your lashes a little something something.
  • Night out or full-glam moment? Go bold with blackest black. She’s classic, she’s confident, and she shows up in pictures.
  • Want to have fun? Colored mascaras like navy, burgundy, or emerald can make your eye color pop—especially if you're going minimal on the rest of your makeup.

3. Try It Out and See What Works

 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. What looks “natural” or “too bold” is different for everybody. Try different shades and see how you feel. Sometimes brown mascara can surprise you and it might be just the soft vibe you didn’t know you needed.


4. Don’t Forget Your Lower Lashes

 

If you’re someone who likes to play it subtle on the bottom lashes, a brown or soft black can help define without overpowering. It’s a cute trick to keep things balanced, especially if you’re wearing a bold upper lash line.


5. Use Your Skin Tone as a Guide

 

For deeper skin tones:

  • Blackest black and deep plum can be especially flattering.
  • Lighter browns may not show up well, so look for rich, pigmented formulas if you're experimenting.

For lighter skin tones:

  • Brown or brown-black might be your go-to for a soft, everyday look.

Final Tip: Let the Mirror Be Your Guide

 

At the end of the day, makeup isn’t about following strict rules. It’s about what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror. If it makes you smile and feel confident, that’s the right shade for you. So have fun trying new things, and don’t be afraid to switch it up whenever you want.

 

If you’ve got a favorite mascara color or some tips of your own, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear what works for you!



-XO

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