12 Colored Mascaras That Will Instantly Brighten Your Makeup and Mood

Colored mascara is a great way to bring drama to a neutral makeup look—and these brightly pigmented mascaras do just the trick. Inspired by retro-futuristic beauty, Dark Star comes in three shades: a vibrant red, aqua blue, and electric green that will add a striking, editorial finish and dimension to any bare lash.

Shades: 3

Cruelty-free: No

Waterproof: No

The best colored mascara formulas don’t compromise volume for pigment, which is why Voluminous Original is at the top of our list if you’re in search of both. The drugstore pick comes in five colorways and gives you a highly pigmented finish, all while making your lashes look long, thick, and dense.

Shades: 6 (including black)

Cruelty-free: No

Waterproof: No

This mascara is proof that you don’t need to break the bank when opting for a colored formula. It’s a silky brown shade that clings to each lash for a separated, defined look and is great if you’re first diving into the colored-mascara trend. The wand is also extremely flexible and easy to use, making it ideal for getting into every lash nook and cranny.

Shades: 1

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No

This intense, long-wearing mascara is a must if you’re looking for a pigment that won’t budge. It comes in two limited edition shades: an electric blue and a soft plum. We love that it’s volumizing and water-resistant, not to mention—completely flake-free—so it won’t pill throughout the day.

Shades: 4

Cruelty-free: No

Waterproof: No

Green eyes will love this pigmented violet formula that’s bold yet wearable. It has a vibrant purple finish with a slight iridescence for a touch of sparkle, unlike any other colored mascara on the market. It’s long-wearing as well, which means you can wear it from dawn to dusk.

Shades: 3 (including black)

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No

Green eyes will love this stunning violet formula that’s dramatic yet wearable. It has a vibrant purple finish with a slight iridescence for a touch of sparkle, unlike any other colored mascara on the market. It’s long-wearing as well, which means you can wear it from dawn to dusk.

Shades: 3 (including black)

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No

Green mascara might sound intimidating to some, but it stands out on hazel eyes. This vibrant mascara pick is one of our favorites for this reason—it adds just the right amount of green hue and gives you a clean, defined, and curled lash finish.

Shades: 4

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No

PSA: You can find a colored mascara that’s vegan with nourishing ingredients. This soft brown lengthening mascara pick is a must-have in our book for these reasons, plus it’s long-wearing, water-resistant, and gives a natural, lifted finish.

Shades: 2 (including black)

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No

A buildable, colored mascara doesn’t get much better than this formula which comes in five rainbow shades: brown, blue, purple, green, and pink. It won’t clump or flake and is easy to remove with just water. Add one coat for a subtle colored finish or up to three for a bold look—this one is totally customizable.

Shades: 6 (including black)

Cruelty-free: Yes

Waterproof: No