Yes, the ’90s staple has returned thanks to virtual beauty trends, but this second airing is way more exciting, says editor Trudi Brewer, who shares a new, old favourite.
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Brown mascara is enjoying a resurgence. Thanks to social media and clever makeup artists who have created delectable chocolatey shades. Search the #brownmascara hashtag, and you will be trawling through millions of posts. Now there’s a flurry of new wands; so this new trend is at your fingertips. Scroll on to see more.
We thank makeup maestro Charlotte Tilbury for the hype around her berry-toned brown mascara, Dream Pop. TikTok’s @minazibayi has the most glorious lashes, layered, ultra-thick applications, with a matching chocolate lip gloss. Is it time to shelf your basic black mascara?
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara - Dream Pop, $51.
This berry-brown mascara kicked off what has become a comeback trend. This colour will boost your lashes, and complement the gold flecks in hazel eyes and green and brown eyes. Tilbury says, ‘Dream Pop also flatters blue eyes, giving them a wider, brighter, dreamier looking gaze.’
Who can wear brown mascara?
This trend is the best news for blondes, redheads and those with grey hair. Soft brown shades match the natural lash colour of those with fair hair, whereas black can be too bold. It's also the perfect mascara if you want that no-makeup look. The makeup artist's tip is to be guided by your natural lash colour, but we also like to consider the skin tone - warm skin tones will wear this colour well, especially those formulas with berry-like hues.
Ellis Faas Mascara in Milk Chocolate, $50.
This creamy-textured mascara offers a subtle or statement lash look in a warm, flattering chocolate.
Byredo’s limited-edition Mixed Emotions Mascara, $79.
A deep, burgundy-brown, glossy mascara, that is easily buildable and offers dramatic curl thanks to the curved brush.
NUDE BY NATURE 100% NATURAL VOLUMISING MASCARA, $35.
The best 100 per cent natural, vegan, long-wearing, volume-boosting mascara. Stacked with minerals and plant oils to instantly amplify every lash in a gorgeous dark brown.
Maximising your lashes
Adding mascara to the top and bottom lashes can 'round' out an eye. To elongate the look or give it that ‘feline-flick,’ apply black mascara to the top lashes only, concentrate an extra coat on lashes at the outer corner of the eye, and use brown on the bottom lashes.
Glossier Lash Slick in Brown, $16 USD.
Famous for elongating, lifting and separating lashes without leaving that clumpy, makeup-y look. This a-la-natural mascara is great on blonde lashes or when you want that no-makeup-makeup look.
Diorshow Pump 'N' Volume XXL Volume 24h Wear Squeezable Mascara in Brown, $70.
Makeup artists rate this mascara for being a primer and mascara all-in-one. It gives brilliant separation and lifts those fine, weak lashes.
Lancôme Hypnose Mascara 02 Brun, $74.
Another famous wonder wand with a brown offering, the SoftSculpt formula is boosted by provitamin B5 and jojoba oil, made to wrap around every lash, offering lift and curl.
We ask the experts.