Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying that ‘no makeup makeup’ has been one of the main beauty trends of 2022. Doughnut skin, vaseline lashes, gym lips and a whole other host of micro trends have fed into the makeup trend that centres on looking like you’re wearing no makeup.
Of course, having a great skincare routine that makes you glow to the gods is pretty high on the agenda for achieving the no makeup makeup look, but so too is having an arsenal of multi-purpose, effective makeup that can deliver a natural-looking finish.
One of my favourite eye makeup tips that I’ve been taught by a makeup artist (aside from investing in an eyelash serum, the best of which are below) is that for a truly Parisian makeup look, you should try swapping your black mascara and liner with a brown shade.
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What’s more, this month Glossier released a brown version of its much-loved Lash Slick (a fave of beauty editor Rebecca), cementing that brown mascara is very much having its moment.
Need more convincing? Eliza columnist (and beloved beauty journalist) Laura Capon has been talking about the appeal of brown mascara throughout 2022:
Why should you wear brown mascara?
If you’ve already found the one when it comes to mascara and would require it to be pried from your cold dead hands to let go, hear me out.
“Brown mascara gives a softer look, which I think a lot of people want right now,” says makeup artist Lauren Murphy.
“This year’s makeup trends have been about enhancing your natural beauty and brown mascara does just that. If you already have a favourite black mascara, look for a brown version from the same brand.”
Who should wear brown mascara?
The good news is, unlike a super bold lip or bright eyeshadow, a brown mascara is a subtle swap that can be adopted by anyone and its neutral hue complements all eye colours.
“Brown mascara brings out the iris colours in blue and green eyes and looks gorgeous on hazel eyes,” says Lauren. “If you have dark brown eyes, you’ll want to opt for a deep dark brown for a natural barely-there makeup look, or more vibrant toned brown like the Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Dream Pop, £25, Charlotte Tilbury to make them really shine.”
What are the best brown mascaras to try?
Feeling ready to give brown lashes a go? Read on for the very best brown mascaras to try, including the ones that Lauren favours in her kit.
Glossier Lash Slick in Brown, £16
One of the brand’s most requested products, Glossier’s Lash Slick is as predictably minimalist and chic as we could have hoped for (in a good way). With a long, thin brush, this is most definitely a lengthening mascara, so don’t go in expecting volume.
It gives the ultimate ‘your lashes but better’ look and doesn’t smudge halfway through the day, so you can count on it to not give the game away.
Super natural, super lightweight, super Glossier.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £25
The mascara that’s taken TikTok by storm, this unique berry-brown shade gives lashes lift and volume, with the addition of Kerestore keratin to keep your lashes in tip-top condition.
“I love the colour of this mascara,” says Lauren. “It’s a red-brown which makes the eyes pop, giving a softer look than black mascara. You can also layer this up to make more of a statement lash look.”
L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Moonlight Noir Mascara in Dark Brown, £11.99
When it comes to high street mascaras, L’Oreal knocks it out of the park. So much so that we wrote an ode to our favourite L’Oreal mascaras here.
A few swipes of Lash Paradise will deliver soft, fluttery lashes on the surface, and thanks to the castor oil-infused formula, behind the scenes it’ll be keeping your lashes healthy and supple. Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive eyes, so there will be no tears here.
Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara Brown, £28.50
This is the first ‘high-end’ mascara I ever tried and approximately 100 mascaras later, it’s still one of my favourites. If you’ve got longer lashes but require a formula that will separate and volumise your lashes, this is the one.
There’s nothing that gives me the ick more than when your lashes get stuck together and clumpy, which never happens to me with this brush and formulation. It gives a soft, fanned-out look that captures every lash and then some.
Hypnôse also comes top of Lauren’s list: “It’s a long-standing staple in my kit, especially for bridal makeup.”
Eyeko Lash Alert Lift and Curl Mascara in Brown, £17
Although we might not all agree on whether fibre or plastic brushes are better, we have to come together and agree that a curved applicator brush is the way forward.
This one from Eyeko allows you to really get in at the root of the eyelash to lift, while the biotin and arginine formula coats your lashes in fibres to give them a volumised, thicker appearance.
e.l.f Big Mood Mascara Deep Brown, £7
If you’re cautious about brown mascaras, start off with this one from e.l.f. Not only is it a bargain at under £10, but the cool-toned dark brown shade is a good transitional tone and works especially well to add definition to dark brown eyes.
The bristly hourglass brush allows you to pack on the mascara quickly and efficiently, leaving you with impactful, volumised lashes in just a few strokes.
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