It’s Espresso Lash Season—The 10 Best Brown Mascaras to Add to Your Collection This Fall

Mascara is a staple in every makeup bag. You probably have a few tubes lying around as we speak. Inky-black formulas are the gold standard for creating dramatic lash looks. But with pared-down makeup looks trending on Instagram and TikTok, a softer shade is taking precedence. Considerably softer than black, brown mascara offers a fresh and defined look—think your lashes but better. Brown also has much more range than black and can come in a variety of shades to better complement your natural lashes. That said, we’re not surprising that brown mascara is having a major moment right now. 

You may have noticed the uptick in brown mascara looks on your social feeds lately. The soft-girl era is officially here, and the easiest way to soften your look is by trying a chocolate mascara,” says makeup artist Elyse Reneau, executive director of global beauty at Too Faced. “I recommend keeping the full look soft when using chocolate mascara, so try pairing it with a soft glam eyeshadow and a brown eyeliner.” Whether you’re looking to define, lengthen or tint your lashes, there’s a formula to fit your needs. Keep scrolling to see the best brown mascaras to add to your routine right now.

The Best Brown Mascaras

1 / 10

Essence Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara in Brown ($5)

The flexible wand and spiky comb of this mascara are ideal for separating your lashes and getting the inner corners of the eye. Even better? It grabs those tiny bottom lashes and stretches them to give you a w.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $5
• BUY ON ULTA – $5

2 / 10

Grande Cosmetics Conditioning Peptide Mascara in Brown ($25)

Peptides have officially entered the mascara chatroom. Like a hair mask or leave-in treatment, the formula conditions and nourishes to give you healthier-looking lashes over time. Plus, the soft-bristled brush fans out your lashes for an instantly brightened look.

• BUY ON ULTA – $10
• BUY ON GRANDE COSMETICS – $25

3 / 10

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in Latte Brown ($14)

If you’re one of the many who are devoted to L’Oreal’s original pink tube then you’ll love the latest latte brown hue. The cushiony formula gives the same lush look but in a softer, more natural color.

• BUY ON ULTA – $14
• BUY ON AMAZON – $10

4 / 10

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara in Rebel Brown ($29)

Volume is the name of the game with this unique formula. With one coat, it volumizes for a pumped-up look. You can also layer it for a more intense look without it feeling heavy on the lashes or causing flaking. Pro tip: Gently wiggle the brush through your bottom lashes to add even more drama.

 

• BUY NORDSTROM – $29
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $29

5 / 10

Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown ($32)

This sleek tube has a cult following that includes editors, content creators and makeup artists alike. It separates and defines like a dream as the creamy formula coats your lashes in a rich dark chocolate hue. Try pairing it with a daringly bold lip to recreate the TikTok famous makeup trend.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $32
• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $32

6 / 10

Addiction Tokyo The Mascara Intense Lashes in Honey Brunette ($28)

This honey brown shade is great for almost every hair color. For lighter lashes, it adds a subtle tint of color and for darker lashes it helps to intensify the natural hue.

• BUY NOW – $28

7 / 10

Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift ($20)

Tower28’s widely adored mascara is now available in a rich espresso brown! Water-resistant, vegan and safe for sensitive eyes, this your-lashes-but-better mascara adds natural-looking length and a bit of volume for just the right amount of oomph.

• BUY ON TOWER28 – $20
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $20

8 / 10

Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara in Le Brun Clean ($45)

Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman’s eye makeup lineup gets even better with the addition of Le Brun Clean, a chocolate brown version of the brand’s lengthening, volumizing mascara that’s made safe for even the most sensitive eyes.

• BUY ON WESTMAN ATELIER – $45
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $45

9 / 10

Too Faced Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara in Chocolate ($2)

The brand’s signature, best-selling Better Than Sex Mascara now comes in a rich, chocolatey brown that is great for softer glam looks. The fluffy, hourglass brush imparts tons of mascara onto each lash, but not in a messy, clumpy way. Expect tons of volume, but in a slightly less dramatic fashion than the black formula. “This is not your grandmother’s espresso mascara,” says Reneau. “It is a warm, chocolatey brown that pops on the lashes and delivers the same dramatic volume, length and curl you can always rely on from Better Than Sex.”

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $29
• BUY ON AMAZON – $29

10 / 10

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown ($13)

This viral mascara is so popular in the shade True Brown that it’s actually sold out at Ulta right now. The brand’s exclusive flex tower brush lifts lashes higher than you think they can actually go, while the bamboo extract–infused formula ensures lashes stay lightweight and comfortable with zero flaking.

• BUY ON ULTA – $13
• BUY ON AMAZON – $10