When you think of mascara, you’re likely imagining the beauty essential in its classic shade of black. Maybe brown. But violet? Electric cobalt? Pink? It may sound intimidating, but using a tube of the best colorful mascara is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to add a little bit of fun to an everyday makeup look.
Shop the Best Colored Mascara
- Best for VolumeYSL Beauty Lash Clash MascaraRead more
- Best for Bold MakeupPat McGrath Labs Dark Star Colour Blitz MascaraRead more
- Most FlexibleShiseido Controlled Chaos MascaraInkRead more
Colorful mascaras apply just like their basic black counterparts and also feature buildable formulas with a range of shade intensities. If you’re looking for a more subtle look, add a few quick swipes to just your top lashes with picks from tried-and-true brands like L’Oréal Paris and Eyeko. Or if you want your lashes to look like they just walked out of Euphoria High, reach for a tube of Pat McGrath Labs’s viral Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara for serious color payoff.
We’ve sifted through hundreds of beauty shopper reviewers and considered Bazaar makeup favorites to narrow down some of the best colored mascaras worth adding to your shopping cart.
Best for Volume
YSL Beauty Lash Clash Mascara
$32 at Sephora$32 at Nordstrom$32 at Macy’sCredit: Sephora
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Limited color range
Bazaar editors are big fans of YSL Beauty’s Lash Clash mascara, especially in this striking electric blue shade. Its oversized brush and 24-hour smudge-proof formula are must-haves for any makeup lover.
One satisfied customer writes: “It is really fantastic! I am thrilled to finally found the perfect mascara! It doesn’t make the lashes stick together, adds volume, and gives a bit of thickness. I love it!” —Taaaaaaati
Best for Bold Makeup
Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara
$34 at RevolveCredit: Revolve
Pros
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- Limited color options
Nobody does bold beauty like Pat McGrath—so it makes perfect sense that three of our favorite colorful mascaras are from her namesake brand. The Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara are available in pink, cobalt, and turquoise shades for makeup lovers in search of serious color payoff.
Most Flexible
Shiseido Controlled Chaos MascaraInk
$25 at Bloomingdale’s$25 at Macy’s$25 at ShiseidoCredit: Bloomingdale’s
Pros
- Smudge-resistant
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Limited color options
Thanks to its concave and flat brush design, this mascara is perfect for seamlessly giving your lashes a volume boost while enhancing their length. Plus, its synthetic Beeswax and paraffin wax blend ensures optimal flexibility without any of the flakiness.
One satisfied customer writes: “This mascara is my absolute favorite for color. It looks great on, so lovely.” —Rosina
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Best Luxe
Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara
$33 at DiorCredit: Dior
Pros
- Formula uses 90 percent naturally-derived ingredients
Cons
- Limited color options
Dior’s Pump ‘N’ Volume is designed to boost lash volume for up to 24 hours and looks extra stylish coming out of any makeup bag. You won’t need a ton of coats to see the payoff from its transfer-proof formula.
One satisfied customer writes: “Dior mascara is the best, make lashes long and thick, no need to use a lot and no clumping. It surprised me with the pigmentation and duration.” —Mimi
Best Vitamin-Enriched
Chanel Noir Allure Mascara
$42 at ChanelCredit: Chanel
Pros
- Great for definition
Cons
- Some reviewers say its formula can become flaky
Rice wax and beeswax combine with provitamin B5 to create Chanel’s curl-enhancing Noir Allure mascara formula, which is best applied in a zigzagging motion. Its flexible brush is designed to create a fanned-out effect on your lashes with a few flicks of the wrist.
One satisfied customer writes: “Classy mascara that adds length and definition to my lashes without clumping. Easy to apply and easy to remove.” —Marissa
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Best Drugstore
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara
Now 18% Off
$9 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Amazon
Pros
- Under $20
- Great for volume
Cons
Makeup artists are wild for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original formula because it delivers on all its promises. Kick the fun up a notch in this striking cobalt blue shade.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m not a big make-up wearer, because my eyes can get irritated, but this mascara is my long-time favorite. It’s easy to apply, is less globby than some other brands, stays in place, and has a classic, tasteful appearance. The price vs. quality balance is excellent.” —IndigoJane
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Best Long-Lasting
Benefit Cosmetics Bad Gal Bang! Mascara
$29 at Ulta Beauty$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Macy’sCredit: Ulta
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula can get clumpy
This iconic formula from Benefit Cosmetics delivers all of the drama—in a good way—with none of the excess stickiness left behind on your lashes. Its long-lasting formula is designed to stay put for up to 36 hours per wear and is not only volumizing but also water-resistant.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve always had tiny, short lashes. However, after applying this product, my lashes are almost 2-3x their original length. I will always have this product as a part of my makeup routine.” —Lee
Best for Green Eyes
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara
$19 at AmazonCredit: Amazon
Pros
- Under $20
Cons
It’s simple color theory: violet mascara helps make green eyes look like they’ve been Photoshopped. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Plus, this one uses caffeine as a key ingredient to leave your lashes looking extra fluffy.
One satisfied customer writes: “I really like how this mascara gores onto the lashes—it doesn’t clump, it builds longer and thicker lashes, and it looks natural. It is easy to apply, and the wand is curved wonderfully for getting the bottom lashes and puny interiors ones. I am a regular purchaser of this brand, and I highly recommend it.” —D. Lowery
Best Color Range
ColourPop BFF Mascara
$9 at ColourPop CosmeticsCredit: ColourPop
Pros
- Under $10
- Great for lengthening
Cons
- Some reviewers say its formula transfers easily
There’s a reason this budget-friendly mascara has over 1,000 five-star customer reviews. Not only is the mascara available in eight different shade options, but it’s also highly buildable, making it easy to create your desired lash effect.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have tried color mascaras from many makeup companies, and this is the only one I’ve found that shows up clearly and isn’t clumpy or irritating. It’s even better since it is the most affordable fun-colored mascara I’ve found!” —Brianna G.
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