The Best Brown Mascaras Are the Key to Soft Girl Makeup

With a deep black, cobalt blue, and deep rich brown, YSL’s Lash Clash Mascara comes in a shade for every possible makeup vibe. Its hallmark feature is its massive mascara brush: It gives the wand a sturdy feel in your hand, while also ensuring every single lash gets its fair share of length. “This is able to coat naturally dark lashes without getting clumpy,” Williamson explains. 

When chasing a soft makeup look, I’ve personally found that one quick layer of product is the way to go. As a rule of thumb, I like to wear three coats at most even when chasing a more dramatic aesthetic. (Flaking isn’t fun.)

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Three color options

Cons: Can flake if you use too much 

Customer Review: “I love this mascara for my upper lashes. It leaves my lashes voluminous and long. It's long lasting and there is no makeup transfer to my eye lids!” — Sephora 

Too Faced creative director Elyse Reneau says she hasn't been able to put down the brand's new shade of Better Than Sex mascara. "This warm chocolate looks beautiful on all eye colors and makes for a softer daytime look. It also performs, so you won’t have to give up on the volume, length or curl you get from the original Better Than Sex Mascara,” she explains. “It’s giving: I was born with long lashes.”

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Defines and curls; Long hold 

Cons: Can look a little clumpy

Customer Review: "This mascara has been my go-to for years now. It makes my lashes look so full and long! I would say if you already have semi long and full lashes this mascara will do wonders. If you have short or sparse lashes, this brush may be too big and it may not make your lashes look the best." — Nordstrom

As a chronic dry eye sufferer and all-around sensitive human being, I need to be extra careful with the formulas I’m putting close to my eyes. (If I go near wrong chemical or ingredient, I’ll be a teary, watery mess for the greater half of the day.) That being said, I cannot say enough positive affirmations about this ophthalmologist-tested mascara. Not only does it keep my lashes moisturized and healthy—yes, this is a thing—but it also provides a fluttery finish while defining each individual lash.

Pros: Good for sensitive eyes; Has a lighter finish 

Cons: You might need to reapply throughout the day 

Customer Review: “I love this mascara, it makes my eyelashes long and wispy without looking too spidery. Perfect if you like cute natural lashes.” — Sephora 

Drugstore mascaras can go to bat with luxury alternatives. Don’t believe me? Spend a grand total of $11 and put this L’Oréal miracle-worker to the test. The OG formula, which is one of Williamson’s favorites, has endured for decades—and for good reason. The densely packed mascara fibers create unbelievable density along your lashes. It provides a bit of a dramatic finish even in a soft girl shade, building your eyelashes to five times their natural thickness. 

Pros: Makeup-artist approved; Comes in seven colors 

Cons: Can be a little flaky

Customer Review: “I love this mascara. I've tried various different mascaras over the years at price points all over the board and none of them compare to this one. The shape of the wand is the best, makes it super easy to apply. Goes on evenly and doesn't clump. Gives a nice thick look without getting spider webby. Stays on all day and rarely smudges. I only notice that it will flake when it's about time for a new tube and is getting dry.” — Ulta 

Charlotte Tilbury’s Dream Pop hue is extremely complementary for cool skin tones. It’s more a berry-brown than a true brown, which is why I love pairing it with a pretty pink or burgundy shadow. The wand’s fibers are shorter and thinner than most, so it ends up separating each individual lash as you work the product on. There’s no clumping—no matter how many layers you apply. 

Pros: Great for lower lashes; Natural finish 

Cons: Borders on looking like a colored mascara depending on your skin tone 

Customer Review: “I absolutely love this mascara because it makes my lashes look so natural and beautiful. I have never ever been worried about clumps while using this. I use it everyday and when I try something else I just go back to it. Occasionally it gets under my eyes over the day, not recommended as pool ready.” — Sephora 

Non-toxic mascaras are inherently difficult to make without a formula prone to flaking or smudging. When Saie’s black mascara hit the market, the non-toxic beauty community pounced. The thick, body-boosting formula set a new standard for lifting, volumizing mascara that actually improves lash health. Formulated with shea butter, organic beeswax, and amino acids, the mascara conditions, moisturizes, and strengthens your lashes throughout the day. Now, with a new rich, deep brown shade, there’s even more reason to add the product to your collection. 

Pros: Non-toxic; Good for warm undertones; Conditioning 

Cons: Has an interesting smell 

Customer Review: “I’ve retired quite a few mascara’s cuz my eyes tear really easy and I wear contacts. This is by far one of the best. The bristles are small, the formula goes on nice and doesn’t glop and it stays on all day without any smudges!! And it stays on all day without any smudges.” — Saie 

For a truly buildable formula that can achieve both the soft girl aesthetic and a bolder, more glam alternative, consider scooping up this Gucci Westman-approved mascara. It comes with a pigment on the intense side, but because of the brushes' unique design, it deposits just a little bit of product per swipe. The formula is creamy at first, which makes building up the finish sans flaking an easy feat. At the same time, it dries down and locks in after a minute or two so you won’t have to worry about smudging or flaking. 

Pros: Buildable formula; Won’t smudge or run 

Cons: Tube dries out kind of quickly 

Customer Review: “Love this mascara so much! It separates, lengthens and volumizes while looking clean and natural. Haven’t had any problems with clumping or flaking. Huge fan.” — Sephora