The best brown mascaras offer a softer make-up look that flatters every eye colour - these 9 are the best we've tried

I don't know if you've noticed, but brown is everywhere this year - and the best brown mascaras are no exception. From latte make-up to espresso nails, there’s a been clear theme with several beauty trends in this decadent colour palette. So it’s not hugely surprising if you've found yourself drawn to the best brown mascaras recently.

Not only is this a particularly on-trend colour right now, but this colour of mascara can give your lashes a softer look, with more of a natural feel. Some make-up looks simply don't call for a drama-laden, pitch black formula, thank you very much - not to mention it enhances pretty much any eye colour beautifully. I've definitely noticed that more and more of my fellow beauty editors are talking about their newfound love for brown mascaras.

Now, I won’t lie to you, I personally am a black mascara person most of the time. But that's not to say I don't think brown formulas aren't great–some of my top five best mascaras also come in this particular shade, so I can get a softer look with a formula I know I already love. So I enlisted the help of the Marie Claire UK beauty team, and together we've rounded up the best brown mascaras that we deem worthy of your spends - with options from both affordable and luxury brands. Happy browsing!

The best brown mascaras of 2024: tried and tested

1. Maybelline Sky High Mascara 

"Maybelline Sky High Mascara is hands down my favourite drugstore formula in existence and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased it. I like mascaras to build more length than volume. The plastic brush is also tapered, making it much easier to reach the inner lashes and catch and lift all of the outer ones—and it comes in a flattering brown shade." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

2. Eyeko Limitless Lengthening Mascara

"As someone who wears predominantly warm-toned eyeshadow, I’m a huge fan of brown mascaras for a more natural daytime look, and this Eyeko mascara is one of my absolute go-tos for creating super long and full lashes. The brown mascara comes in the perfect deep chocolate shade which adds depth and volume to my lashes without being as intense as a full-on black (although I’ve tried the black version, and it’s also brilliant). Oh and the flexible design allows me to get every. Single. Drop of mascara out of the tube, meaning it lasts the longest out of all the mascaras I own." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

3. Sculpted by Aimee My Mascara

"I’m yet to meet a creation of MUA Aimee Connolly’s that I don’t like, and her mascara is also up there with my all-time favourites. It’s got a curved plastic comb that fits nicely into the roots of the lashes to give them a little lift and combs the formula through with no clumping whatsoever, which is a must in my book. It’s both lengthening and volumising too, so a great all-rounder." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

4. Clinique High Impact Mascara - Black Honey

"I’m a huge fan of Clinique’s original Black Honey Almost lipstick, so when I heard there was a mascara version, I was super excited to try it out. This mascara gives me full, volumised lashes and holds a curl really well throughout the day. The colour is more of an auburn/ red-toned brown than others I’ve tried, so it really makes my blue eye colour pop. Just like the rest of the Black Honey range, I’m obsessed with it. This shade is limited edition though, so I’d be quick to try it out if I were you." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

5. Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

"Lash Slick probably needs no introduction to Glossier fans, but for the uninitiated, this is the one you want if your goal is to enhance your lashes a little but with very natural finish. You won’t get “in your face” dramatic volume here; instead, it adds a good amount of length while keeping the overall look subtle. That subtlety is further enhanced with the newer, understated brown hue." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

6. WestMan Atelier Eye Want You mascara - Clean le Brun

“I am a recent convert to brown mascara, and I love it! It feels like being in a secret club where you are thrilled to meet others who are also wearing it. The Westman Atelier mascara is a perfect consistency, the colour is a chestnut brown, super subtle but also really pops if you layer it up. I love the shape of the brush as it really curls your eyelashes. You can wear it all day without it smudging and it's easy to remove, too.” - Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst

7. L'Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara 

"A lash-conditioning hero that’s widely considered to be one of the best drugstore mascaras, L'Oréal Lash Paradise’s USP is that it packs castor oily for softer and gentler wear—you won’t ever feel like your lashes are drying out with this one. I find that it results in ultra-fluttery and fluffy-looking lashes." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

8. ICONIC London Triple Threat Mascara

"This mascara has quickly become my newest go-to. Evenly coating my lashes without creating visible clumps or smudges throughout my eyelids. It truly creates a your lashes but better effect that blends seamlessly with my dark eyelashes with its brown formula without looking too heavy. The packaging is also super sleek and easy to carry for any end of day top ups." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer

9. e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara

"I don’t think I know of a single make-up fan who doesn’t like affordable hero e.l.f. Cosmetics. Lash ‘N Roll, which was recently made available in brown, lengthens nicely, doesn’t flake or smudge and, because of its curved wand, also has a good lifting effect. The colour is also quite a deep shade of brown, so it’s great for definition." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor