I’ve always been a die-hard black mascara user, believing it’s the only way to make my green eyes pop and highlight my lashes. But recently, I’ve noticed more beauty enthusiasts experimenting with different hues to make their eyes stand out, which got me thinking – have I been too rigid in my makeup routine?
So, in the spirit of beauty research – and being a bit more adventurous with my makeup game – I decided to trial three different coloured mascaras to see if they could rival my trusty black one, and it seems I was in for a surprise. The three shades I picked were brown (a safe choice), purple and mint green to see which one would best enhance my green eyes.
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Brown mascara
Brown mascara made the most subtle difference to my lashes
(Image: Faith Richardson)
Starting off with a less daring shade, I swapped my usual black mascara for a chocolate brown one and honestly, I was taken aback by the results. It made my lashes just as prominent as the black did, but offered a softer, more natural effect. The brown also complemented the green of my eyes better than black, making them appear more open and intensifying the colour. This was definitely a promising start.
Splurge: Mac’s Macstack Mascara in Chestnut Brown, £27
Spend: Iconic LondonTriple Threat Mascara, £16.50 (was £22)
Save: Catrice Pure Volume Magic Brown Mascara, £4
Purple mascara
You can only see a faint hint of purple but it made my green eyes stand out the most
(Image: Faith Richardson)
My first venture into a more vibrant mascara was a delightful revelation. Prior to giving it a go, I would have categorised purple mascara as strictly for Halloween costume makeup. But boy, was I wrong! Out of all three colours I experimented with, this one might just be my top pick. It shouldn’t come as a shock, considering purple and green are opposites on the colour wheel and naturally complement each other.
However, instead of appearing theatrical, the purple mascara was so understated that you could barely notice its colour unless viewed from specific angles. Yet, it highlighted the various shades of green in my eyes, enhancing their brightness and making them pop on my face. We’ve definitely got a winner here.
Splurge: By Terry Terrybly Mascara in Purple Success, £36
Spend: Oriflame Hypnotic Colour Coloured Mascara in Purple Pop, £8.49 (originally £14)
Save: Revolution Relove Volume Lilac Mascara, £2.50
Mint green mascara
Mint green made the biggest statement
(Image: Faith Richardson)
Admittedly, this was a bit of a wild card when I decided to give it a whirl. I wasn’t entirely sure which makeup look I’d pair this with. But having seen Pat McGrath rock a similar mascara shade, I thought, why not? Now, I can’t say it necessarily flattered my green peepers; it would look absolutely stunning on brown or hazel eyes, allowing it to truly stand out. However, it did seem a tad lost against my green ones, reports the Mirror.
That said, I must confess, this was a really fun hue that I didn’t anticipate enjoying as much as I did. I’m still clueless about how to weave it into my makeup routine, but I’m excited to figure it out.
Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Mascara, £39.99
Spend: 3INA The Color Mascara 793, £13
Save: Oriflame Hypnotic Colour Coloured Mascara in Minty Magic, £8.49 (was £14)
As it turns out, purple mascara has become my new favourite for days when I want to subtly enhance my green eyes, with brown being a close runner-up. The mint green shade might be reserved for days when I feel like making a bold statement with my makeup. But for now, my trusty black mascara has been benched until further notice.
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