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Top Brown Mascara for 2025
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Brown mascara has lived in specialized aisles for years, but was mostly recommended for blondes and redheads for soft definitions. But now, brown mascara is completely mainstream, and shoppers are effortlessly gorgeous and have the look that is your rush, but the best formula likes to give.
The broad dislike of Gen Z’s eyeliner and overdon eye makeup have made the brown formula a beauty superstar. In 2025 alone, we have seen brands like Hourglass and Ilia expand the shade range of hero mascara, including rich chocolate and chestnut variations. At one time, it appears that when mascara makes eyelashes and looks like lashes rather than heavy strokes of ink black paint, the effect seems to be more realistic length, lift, or volume.
Sofia Richie Grainge and Hailey Bieber wear soft brown makeup looking at the 2025 Met Gala. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images, John Shearer/Wirer Images)
Celebrities and beauty tastemakers have also co-signed the brown mascara trend. Sofia Ritchie and Haley Bieber both rocked warm, subtly defined eyelashes at the 2025 Met Gala, but stars like Addison Ray and Pamela Anderson have recently leaned towards the minimalism of fresh faced make-up make-up.
We have extensively tested many brown mascara, from newcomers’ tubes to cult classic drugstore mascara, narrowing down the best options to provide the volume or length they promise.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Brown Mascara, Tests and Reviews
Finding the best brown mascara depends on more than just a color. A proper formula should define eyelashes without fouling, stripping or irritating the eyes. With so many brown mascara now available in a variety of textures and finishes, the editor chose to highlight three outstanding options rather than listing a single best overall. After multiple rounds of actual testing and wear assessment, these are the top three brown mascara that caters to different needs, eye sensitivity and lash goals.
- Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara Espresso: This was the top pick for the best brown tube mascara. Loved for clean removal and stain-free wear, each lash is wrapped in lightweight fibers to create an impressive length without aggregation. There is no need for raccoon eyes or pulls.
- Tower 28 drifts waves into mascaraPerfect for sensitive eyes, this gentle, plant-driven formula has impressed the tester with flexible wear and conditioning ingredients. One coat gives a natural lift and multiple swipes create a soft volume without irritating.
- YSL Beauty Rush Crash Extreme Volume Mascara Brown: High-drama volumes with a warm, chocolatey twist are provided by Rush Crush. The oversized brush and mousse-like formula offer intense drama while wearing comfortably from day to night.
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Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara Espresso
This top tube mascara is a reliable favorite for anyone who wants extended eyelashes without making a fuss. Although not known for major volumes, formulas are excellent at creating flutter lengths. Haley Beaver.
Among our testers, this formula was rated as the best brown tube mascara for its ability to secure the eyelashes neatly, and stretched its length with lightweight fibers based on the natural length of the eyelashes. Our panel also noted how beautifully the formula was constructed. Wait a few seconds between each court until you reach the desired definition.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $33
Tower 28 drifts waves into mascara
From Brand Tower 28, which is gentle on sensitive skin, this brown mascara is our top pick for those with frustrating eyes. The formula features plant-based conditioning ingredients and plant-based conditioning ingredients such as sunflower seed wax. However, it does not prevent the highly rated mascara from providing significant amounts and lengths. Our testers were particularly impressed with their ability to wear, both as daytime mascara (go on one coat) and evening ready formula with three swipes.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $20
YSL Beauty Rush Crash Extreme Volume Mascara Brown
True to its name, RushCrash offers volumes with edges. The oversized brush deposits deep, rich brown pigments on the eyelash base for dramatic definition, but the whipped waxed formula makes it easy to build without peeling or clumping. The testers loved this on nights where subtlety was not the goal. Only two coats were gorgeous and provided a volume of almost fake eyelash caliber. Despite the payoffs of high-drama, the formula is surprisingly light and doesn’t leave your lashes hard or crispy (an unusual feat for such a vigorously voluminous mascara).
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $34
Ilia is an endless rush mascara before dawn
This cult’s favorite clean mascara has won the top mark from the tester for its unique dual side brush and natural look lift. The soft brown black pigment in the shade before dawn offers more dimensions than standard browns, making it a smart pick for those who want a definition with a little more contrast.
The tester pointed out how easy it is thanks to a lightweight formula that uses shea butter and keratin to adjust the eyelashes while retaining soft curls. Is it even better? Remove with warm water – no pulling or harsh cleanser required.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $29
Dark Brown Color Science Total Rush Serum Mascara
This hybrid formula from serum, some mascara and color science that enhances part-lush has impressed the testers with their multitasking skills. The deepest brown shades provide peptides, biotin and hyaluronic acid, while supporting natural growth over time while still binding to a shiny finish.
The testers appreciated the defined appearance after one coat lifted defined. With consistent use, the eyelashes felt significantly softer and more fulfilling. For those who are investing in long-term eyelash health without giving up on immediate rewards, this is an outstanding option.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $47.20
Clinique High Impact Mascara Black Honey Mascara
Clinique’s iconic black honey shade – a cult favorite shade known for its universally flattering berry brown tones – debuts in the form of mascara. Result: Soft and defined eyelash appearance, perfect for daytime wear and subtle grams.
The formula is nothing new, but Shade Refresh gives a modern twist. The tester with bright eyelashes especially loved how the warmer shades enhanced the eye colour without looking too harsh. It is best built with two coats and holds itself throughout the long day without flaking.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $27
How did you test and choose the best brown mascara?
A detailed test was conducted by the editors of the WWD Shop to find the best brown mascara formulas on the market. We started by studying the busiest brown mascara, including top-rate picks, viral favorites across Tiktok, and formulas recommended by celebrity make-up artists.
Over 15 different mascara were tested in brown and espresso shades and evaluated each for key factors such as wear time, ease of removal, resistance, buildability, and definition of lash. Our editors also looked at a variety of eye sensitivity and eyelash types, ranging from minimal make-up wearers to daily GLAM users. In addition to practical testing, we reviewed hundreds of customer testimonials to verify long-term wear and performance across real-world scenarios. The final list includes the best brown mascara, along with outstanding picks in tubes, volume and sensitive eyes, as well as some runner-ups worth a second look.
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Meet the author
Claire Sullivan A contributing commerce editor for WWD and Footwear News, she writes and edits stories of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor in national media including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Instyle and Byrdie. As an editor, she has tested hundreds of products, so she is well versed in choosing products that make a meaningful difference to her skin and hair. Sullivan personally tested each brown mascara on this list.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
