Find the Colored Mascara That Best Complements Your Eye Color

October 18, 2022

By: Caitlyn Martyn | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

One of the best things about makeup is that one simple switch in your routine can take your natural makeup look up a notch. Case in point: foregoing classic black mascara and opting for a colored formula. Sure, the change might sound intimidating, but it can actually be quite complementary if you choose a mascara in a vivid shade that goes well with your eye color.

To find out how to master the look, we tapped Lancôme National Makeup Artist Alex Sanchez. Keep reading to discover his expert tips and colored mascara product recommendations for each eye color.

How to Wear Colored Mascara

According to Sanchez, it’s simple. “Skip eyeshadow and pair an electric colored mascara with a tight-lined matching liner for a bold statement,” he says. “Just be sure to prime the lashes first to maximize the wear and color payoff of the mascara.”

Into a more subtle look? Apply color to the top lashes and keep the bottom lashes bare.

1 / 5

Best Colored Mascara for Brown Eyes

Maybelline New York Snapscara in Black Cherry

Brown eyes look great with mascara that offsets their naturally warm undertones. We love a cool-toned violet mascara, like Black Cherry, to really make brown eyes pop. The deep purple color is super pigmented and instantly lifts and brightens even the darkest brown eyes.

2 / 5

Best Colored Mascara for Blue Eyes

Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara in Pink Mystique

Think outside the box. Sanchez recommends accentuating blue eyes with a pink mascara. We love the Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara in Pink Mystique. It may seem daunting, but trust us when we say it’ll add an unexpected contrast to your baby blues.

3 / 5

Best Colored Mascara for Green Eyes

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Deep Green

Enhance your green irises with a deep green mascara. This pick from L’Oréal Paris coats lashes in a forest green shade that adds just the right amount of oomph while still looking subtle.

4 / 5

Best Colored Mascara for Hazel Eyes

Maybelline New York Color Strike Cream-to-Powder Eye Shadow Pen

A gold mascara can be hard to come by, which is why Sanchez recommends applying an eyeshadow stick to your lashes with a clean mascara wand to brighten hazel eyes ever so slightly.

5 / 5

Best Colored Mascara for Gray Eyes

L'Oréal Paris Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue

If you have gray eyes, play up your cool undertones with a blue mascara. Cobalt Blue is an ultra-pigmented royal blue mascara that adds a gorgeous finishing touch to your icy-colored eyes.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn