Best Colored Mascara – Top Picks & Guide

Tired of the same old black and brown on your lashes? Do you scroll through beauty feeds, eyeing those vibrant pops of color, but then feel lost when you hit the makeup aisle? You are not alone! Choosing a colored mascara can feel like navigating a rainbow blindfolded. Should you pick electric blue for a night out, or maybe a subtle deep plum for the office? The shades are endless, and sometimes, they just don’t look right once applied.

This is where we step in to clear up the colorful confusion. We know you want bold lashes that actually flatter your eyes, not just look messy or fade away by lunchtime. Finding the perfect shade that complements your eye color and lasts all day is the real challenge.

Keep reading to unlock the secrets of colored mascara. We will break down which hues make green, blue, and brown eyes truly shine. Plus, we’ll share pro tips on application so your colorful look stays crisp from morning coffee to evening plans. Get ready to ditch the drab and embrace the drama!

Top Colored Mascara Recommendations

No. 1
L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara, Building Mascara Volume and Length Formula, Washable, Cobalt, 0.26 Fl Oz., 1 Count
  • Voluminous Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness; The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly; Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
  • Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
  • Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
  • Perfect To Pair With: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer; This lightweight eyelash primer instantly builds dramatic volume and length on each lash for use under Voluminous mascara to instantly boost every lash look
No. 2
9 Colors Colored Mascara Set for Eyelashes, Red Pink Purple Blue White Black Halloween Rainbow Colorful Mascara Waterproof Charming Long Lasting Voluminous Mother's Day Eye Makeup Gifts for Women
  • 【9 Colored Mascara Set】 It has 9pcs vivid colors: black, white, blue, green, violet, yellow, red coral, dark red, pink.12 colors colorful mascara make you have shinning big eyes, releasing your charm. What’s more, you could have different mood in week, sticking you out from the crowd.
  • 【Ideal Christmas Day Gifts for Her】 With 9 different colors, it will be an ideal gift to lover, family and friends on Birthday Party, Cosmetic Show, Live Show, Prom Night, Dance Party, Wedding Makeup, party or holidays, like Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day and so on.
  • 【Waterproof and Long lasting】 It's waterproof mascara and long lasting,very easy for daily use. And it's easy to glide on your eyelash & easy to remove with a simple makeup remover.
  • 【Natural & Comfortable Formula】 Mascara glides on smoothly and lasts all day, while thickening and separating every lash for a clump-free, flake-free, smudge-free look, with natural, enriched and comfortable formula.
  • 【Easy Application】 The lightweight and portable makeup mascara easy to glide on your eyelash & easy to remove. Soft and Comfortable for your eyeslash. Great for daily use clubbing or party and more.
No. 3
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Mascara, Deep Burgundy, 0.26 Fl Oz
  • Voluminous Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness; The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly; Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
  • Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
  • Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
  • Perfect To Pair With: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer; This lightweight eyelash primer instantly builds dramatic volume and length on each lash for use under Voluminous mascara to instantly boost every lash look
No. 4
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening, Defining, Curling, Multiplying, Buildable, Washable Formula, Burgundy Haze, 1 Count
  • Sky High Lash Impact: Our Sky High Mascara features a volumizing and lengthening mascara formula for long, full lashes with a light as air feel.​ Now available in a new burgundy mascara shade
  • Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara volume and length brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip. Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Full Volume Meets Limitless Length: This washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge. Maybelline Sky High Mascara is available in washable and waterproof mascara formulas
  • Maybelline Has What You Need: Create any look with foundation, BB cream, concealer and highlighter for the perfect canvas, eye shadow, brow pencil, mascara and eyeliner for any eye look and lip products, from matte lipstick to au natural lip gloss
  • Remove Maybelline Makeup With Micellar Water: Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup
No. 5
Colored Mascara for Eyelashes, Voluminous Colorful Mascara Set, Pink Purple Blue Green Red Teal Lash Pack - Lengthening, Defining, Curling, Multiplying Formula, Cruelty-Free & Waterproof
  • Vibrant Color Selection: This set includes six different shades of mascara, allowing you to create bold and colorful eye looks.
  • Waterproof and Long-Lasting: Formulated to be waterproof, these mascaras provide all-day wear without smudging or flaking.
  • Volumizing and Lengthening: Each mascara is designed to enhance lash volume and length, giving you fuller and more defined lashes.
  • Easy Application: The user-friendly design ensures smooth and effortless application, making it suitable for both beginners and makeup enthusiasts.Cruelty-Free & Safe
  • Versatile Use: Perfect for various occasions, from daily wear to special events, adding a pop of color to your eye makeup routine.
No. 6
essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara Burgundy | Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara with Conic Fiber Brush | Vegan & Cruelty-Free
  • YOUR FAVORITE MASCARA, NOW IN BURGUNDY: Meet the newest royal in the Lash Princess family — a rich burgundy shade that adds a bold yet wearable twist to your lash look.
  • FALSE LASH VOLUME, COLORFUL IMPACT: Achieve the same length, lift, and false-lash effect you know and love — now in a beautiful purple tone that instantly brightens and enhances all eye colors.
  • CONIC FIBER BRUSH FOR DEFINED LASHES: The signature conical fiber wand captures and coats each lash from root to tip, creating a fanned-out, clump-free finish that looks lifted and full.
  • CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Free from parabens & microplastic particles. Made in Luxemborg.
  • CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
No. 7
L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara, Building Mascara Volume and Length Formula, Washable, Deep Green, 0.26 Fl Oz., 1 Count
  • Voluminous Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness; The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly; Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
  • Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
  • Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
  • Perfect To Pair With: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer; This lightweight eyelash primer instantly builds dramatic volume and length on each lash for use under Voluminous mascara to instantly boost every lash look
No. 8
tarte tartelette tubing mascara – Lash Extensions in a Tube, Easy-to-Remove Eye Makeup, Clinically Proven to Volumize & Curl, 24Hr Smudge-Proof Longwear, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, full size, black
  • 24-hr flake-free, smudge-proof & longwear for life-proof lashes that last all day!
  • viral icon from the #1 mascara brand* *Source: Circana, LLC, U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Makeup Mascara by Brand, Dollar & Unit Sales, January – May 2025
  • 360° lash extension comb with 296 bristles separates & lifts for fanned-out definition
  • CLINICAL RESULTS*: 24-hr longwear, flake-free & smudge-proof; vegan; sweatproof; clinically proven to volumize, lengthen & curl *based on a clinical study of 31 subjects
  • SKINVIGORATING INGREDIENTS: shea butter conditions; castor oil moisturizes; carnauba wax for smooth application with lengthening & volumizing benefits

The Ultimate Buying Guide to Dazzling Colored Mascara

Colored mascara is a fun way to change up your look. It adds a pop of color to your eyes. This guide helps you pick the best one for you.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for colored mascara, certain features make a big difference. Think about what you want the mascara to do for your lashes.

1. Pigment Intensity

How bright do you want the color to be? Some mascaras offer a sheer tint. Others give you a deep, vibrant color in just one coat. Check reviews to see how opaque the color is.

2. Brush Design

The wand matters a lot. A thick brush adds volume. A thin, spiky brush helps separate lashes. Look for a shape that matches your lash type. If you have short lashes, a smaller brush might help you reach the roots.

3. Wear Time and Smudge-Proofing

You want your color to last all day. Look for terms like “long-wear” or “smudge-proof.” If you have oily skin or cry easily, waterproof formulas are your best friend.

Important Materials and Formulas

The ingredients in your mascara affect how it feels and performs. Understanding the basic types helps you choose.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based
  • Water-Based: These are usually easier to remove. They feel lighter on the lashes. They are good for daily wear.
  • Oil-Based/Wax Formulas: These often provide more intense color and better hold. They can be harder to take off. You need an oil-based remover for these.
Key Ingredients

Good mascaras often contain conditioning ingredients. Look for things like Vitamin E or Panthenol. These ingredients help keep your lashes soft. Avoid formulas if you have known sensitivities to certain preservatives.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality varies greatly between brands. A few things signal a better product.

Quality Boosters

  • Smooth Application: High-quality mascara glides on easily. It does not clump up in the tube.
  • Separation Power: The best mascaras coat every lash without sticking them together. This makes your lashes look longer and fuller.

Quality Reducers

  • Flaking: If the mascara dries out and falls onto your cheeks, the quality is low. This usually happens with very dry formulas.
  • Quick Drying in the Tube: If the product hardens quickly after you open it, you waste money. Good formulas stay moist longer.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *why* you are buying colored mascara. This impacts your color choice.

Everyday Pop vs. Special Events

For a subtle look, choose colors close to black or brown, like deep blue or plum. These work well for the office. For parties or festivals, go bold! Think bright green, electric purple, or even white for a costume effect.

Layering Technique

You can often layer colored mascara over black mascara. Apply black first for base length. Then, swipe the color only on the tips of your lashes. This gives a subtle highlight. Some people prefer a full coat for maximum impact.

Remember to check return policies just in case the color isn’t what you expected!


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Colored Mascara

Q: Can I wear colored mascara every day?

A: Yes, you can wear it daily. Choose a muted color like navy or dark brown for a subtle look. Always remove it completely at night.

Q: How do I remove colored mascara without damaging my lashes?

A: Use a gentle eye makeup remover. If the mascara is waterproof, use an oil-based remover. Hold a soaked cotton pad on your closed eye for 30 seconds before wiping gently.

Q: Will colored mascara stain my natural lashes?

A: High-quality formulas should not stain your lashes. If you notice staining, the pigment might be very strong, or the formula might be lower quality. Try using a clear topcoat first.

Q: What colors look good on brown eyes?

A: Purple and blue mascaras really make brown eyes pop. Gold or bronze colors can add warmth and highlight gold flecks in your iris.

Q: Is colored mascara bad for my eyes?

A: No, it is generally safe if you buy it from a reputable brand. Avoid old, dried-out tubes, as those can cause irritation.

Q: Should I use primer with colored mascara?

A: Using a white or clear lash primer can help the color appear brighter and more true to the tube. This is especially helpful for lighter colors like yellow or pink.

Q: What is the difference between colored mascara and a colored lash tint?

A: Mascara is a cosmetic coating you apply and remove daily. A lash tint is a semi-permanent dye applied by a professional that lasts several weeks.

Q: My colored mascara clumps up. What should I do?

A: First, wipe off excess product on the rim of the tube. If it still clumps, try gently warming the tube between your hands before use. If the clumping continues, the product is likely old.

Q: Which colors are best for fair skin and light hair?

A: Soft jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue look beautiful. Avoid very stark black, which can look harsh against light coloring.

Q: Can I mix two different colors?

A: Absolutely! You can apply one color to the top lashes and a different color to the bottom lashes. This creates a fun, two-toned effect.