How to Pick a Mascara Based on Your Eye Color, According to a Makeup Artist (2025)

If defined, thick, and voluminous eyelashes are on your list of wants, you've certainly worn mascara at one time or another. Known to elevate lashes and make your eyes pop, mascara remains a staple beauty product for many. Traditionally, mascara has only come in varying shades of black, as the color complements every eye color. Yet, through the years we've seen beauty brands expand their range of mascara hues with bolder colors, like pinks, blues, and purples. But of all these shades, which one is best for you?

Picking a new mascara shade that best flatters your eye color might seem tricky initially, but the good news is that it's not that complicated. Ahead, we break down some of the most popular mascara colors and explain which eye colors they flatter the most. Spoiler alert: You'll want to take notes.

Black Mascara

Black mascara flatters all eye colors and is the easiest pick when you want to keep it classic. Since all beauty brands offer black mascara, knowing which formula will suit your needs is best. Opt for a volumizing or thickening formula if you have sparse lashes and want to add lift and drama. If your mascara tends to clump, go for one with a wand that separates lashes to minimize clumping.

Brown Mascara

We've seen a massive rise in the popularity of brown mascara in the last few years, with some touting that brown might even be the new black. Offering a slightly less contrasted look than black, brown is most beneficial to hazel, blue, green, and dark brown eye colors. Brown mascara comes in every variation from cool, dark chocolate brown shades to warmer ones with a slight rust undertone. Whichever you go for, brown is a suitable choice to wear every day, for both natural and dramatic makeup looks.

Navy Mascara

If you have green or hazel eyes, it might surprise you that navy-colored mascara could be the best option to enhance your eye color. You can wear navy mascara daily, as it's a subtle departure from traditional black mascara. To get your navy mascara to stand out even more, apply a white primer to lashes to enhance the color. The key to using primer is letting it dry fully before applying your mascara to ensure there's no clumping. The white acts as a base, enhancing the color and conditioning eyelashes.

Purple Mascara

Purple mascara might sound intense initially, but don't let this shade fool you. The rich color enhances green, blue, and brown eyes the most; and you have your pick of hues. From electric violet to eggplant, you should give purple a chance the next time you're in the market for something new. . Another plus? Purple works well with nearly every eyeshadow color. Switch out your black mascara for purple the next time you wear a smoky eye and see how your eyes sparkle.

Bordeaux Mascara

Like black mascara, Bordeaux (or rich burgundy) has a reputation of flattering nearly every eye color, especially blue, green, hazel, and brown. Not quite purple and not quite brown, bordeaux is a unique shade that adds warmth to the eyes and works well with natural rust browns, peach, and champagne eyeshadow colors. Not into eyeshadow? Pair your bordeaux mascara with a simple winged liner look for something different yet chic.

Gray Mascara

Gray might not be the first color for mascara you'd buy, yet it's worth the investment. With a track record of enhancing gray, blue, and green eyes, gray mascara is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. From lighter tones to deeper charcoal colors, gray mascara shouldn't be overlooked the next time you replenish your mascara and want something new.

The Final Takeaway

Color theory can be applied to so much, including your mascara. Taking your eye color into consideration can help you figure out which mascara shade is best for you. While black works universally, there are so many other fun colors to explore. From brown to navy to gray (and more), there's a wide range of mascara hues that can instantly enhance your eye color and elevate your makeup looks.