‘Should I Switch to Brown Mascara?’ One Iconic MUA Reveals All
Main image – Tanyadanilevich
Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on when to switch up mascara shades.
I have fair skin with a warm undertone but dark eyes and eyebrows. I usually wear black mascara but I feel like it’s starting to look heavy on me. Should I switch to a brown mascara even though I have dark lashes or will it just not make my lashes look any different?
Ruby says:
If your mascara is starting to feel too stark, especially against a fair, warm-toned complexion, it’s worth adjusting. As your features evolve and your skin tone shifts, the contrast that once felt striking may now appear heavy or even harsh.
A deep brown or soft espresso mascara offers a more balanced definition. It enhances your natural lashes without overwhelming the face. Despite your dark lash colour, this won’t make them disappear—it simply softens the overall effect while still framing the eyes beautifully.
That said, consider the type of mascara too, not just the shade. If you’ve been using a thickening or volumising formula and it’s starting to feel clumpy or theatrical, opt for a defining or lengthening mascara instead. These formulas often have finer brushes that separate and elongate each lash. They add precision and polish rather than density. The result is clean, lifted, and modern—ideal for those wanting impact without bulk.
The Ruby Hammer Beauty Mascara & Brow Duo is a tubular formula with a small brush that coats every lash without clumping. Think of it less as losing drama, and more as gaining elegance.
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