All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

10 Best Colored Mascaras for When You Want to Stand Out From the Crowd

IPSY LogoIPSY Logo
By
Published on Apr 4, 2024
A close-up image of a woman wearing blue mascara and complemented by a nude lipstick MobileA close-up image of a woman wearing blue mascara and complemented by a nude lipstick Desktop

We are of the religion that a makeup look isn’t fully finished without a coat of mascara. And can you blame us? There’s nothing like the high of getting larger-than-life lashes that makes everything extra dramatic. Nowadays, there are so many different mascara formulas on the market that can help you create any look you can dream up. And with the rise of colored mascara, the possibilities are truly endless.

Whether you’re wanting to experiment with colored mascaras, want a more affordable option, or want to find something that takes the place of your everyday black or brown formula, we have the lowdown on all of the best colored mascaras available right now—plus some bonus application tips to make the most of your new favorite color makeup product.

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

1. Best for Beginners:

MAYBELLINE Great Lash Royal Blue Washable Mascara

MAYBELLINE Great Lash Royal Blue Washable Mascara MobileMAYBELLINE Great Lash Royal Blue Washable Mascara Desktop

This iconic mascara formula is already known for taking lashes to new lengths, so the fact that it now comes in a rich royal blue shade is an added bonus. Hypoallergenic and suitable for contact-wearers, this mascara delivers extra length and volume for a hyped up look. Plus, this blue color adds an understated edge to any eye look, making it a great starter shade for those wary of bright colors.

2. Best Color Options:

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara MobileTHRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara Desktop

When a brand offers more than just blue mascara, you know it’s a unique find. THRIVE CAUSEMETICS has a plethora of fun colors to choose from, like purple, green, and even pink in its signature Liquid Lash™ formula. This blend helps lengthen each lash and is boosted by flake-free technology so you can wear it all day long without it smudging off. 

3. Best Clump-Free:

COLOURPOP BFF Volumizing Mascara

COLOURPOP BFF Volumizing Mascara MobileCOLOURPOP BFF Volumizing Mascara Desktop

COLOURPOP can do no wrong, and this clump-free formula proves it. The twisted nylon fiber brush actually combs and separates through each lash, so your eyes will be packed with bold, bright color. Are we brave enough to try red lashes? We say yes! 

4. Best Budget:

L.A. Girl Volumatic Mascara

L.A. Girl Volumatic Mascara  MobileL.A. Girl Volumatic Mascara  Desktop

This mascara takes your lashes to the next level without breaking the bank. It volumizes, lifts your lashes, and provides water-resistant coverage for a look that won’t smudge. In addition to the traditional black and brown shades, you can choose from the beautiful gem-like pigments of blue, purple, or turquoise.

5. Best Thickening:

CHANEL Le Volume de Chanel in Blue Night

CHANEL Le Volume de Chanel in Blue Night MobileCHANEL Le Volume de Chanel in Blue Night Desktop

This high-precision mascara delivers instant volume and thicker-looking lashes in a single stroke. The brush has a unique combination of short and long bristles that coat each lash in a unique deep blue shade that makes any eye color pop. To take your look up a notch, pair with a bronze eyeliner. 

6. Best Pigments:

CIATÉ LONDON Keep an Eye on Coloured Mascara

CIATÉ LONDON Keep an Eye on Coloured Mascara MobileCIATÉ LONDON Keep an Eye on Coloured Mascara Desktop

Heads up: This mascara is not for the shy. While many color mascaras deliver just a subtle tint of color, these fun-filled shades are bright and have a high color payoff for a vibrant look that you won’t miss. It comes in three shades: Be - Bold (a rich teal), Be - Brave (a bright pink), and Be - Happy (a standout neon yellow). Wear them alone for a dramatic look or layer them over your favorite black mascara.

7. Best Curling:

EPILYNX Long Lashes Mascara

EPILYNX Long Lashes Mascara MobileEPILYNX Long Lashes Mascara Desktop

The curved brush is the secret to achieving a sky-high curl. This mascara from EPILYNX is nut-free, vegan, and waterproof. Festival season is begging us to swipe a few coats of this bold color on. 

8. Best Volumizing:

SHISEIDO ControlledChaos MascaraInk

SHISEIDO ControlledChaos MascaraInk MobileSHISEIDO ControlledChaos MascaraInk Desktop

This collection of colored mascaras has the green mascara of your dreams. The unique brush design features concave sides to boost volume and a flat side to lift your lashes, and it pumps out the bottom without weighing down your lashes for clump-free, smudge-free color. Choose from Emerald Energy, Violet Vibe, or Sapphire Spark.

Pro tip: To enhance the color of your mascara, pair with an eyeliner of the same color or a contrasting color for a color-blocked beauty moment.

9. Best Shimmer:

UNDONE BEAUTY Light On Holographic

UNDONE BEAUTY Light On Holographic MobileUNDONE BEAUTY Light On Holographic Desktop

If you’re not quite ready for a brightly colored mascara but you’re still interested in a unique finish, this holographic mascara is for you. The blue-black shimmer finish reflects light for a boosted, dimensional lash look. Plus, the formula contains castor oil to nourish and condition your lashes. 

10. Best Water-Resistant:

HALF MAGIC BEAUTY Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara

HALF MAGIC BEAUTY Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara MobileHALF MAGIC BEAUTY Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara Desktop

Sometimes waterproof mascaras can be a little too intimidating, which is where water-resistant formulas come in. Unlike waterproof mascara, water-resistant mascara generally comes in tubing formulas (like with this one from HALF MAGIC) that slide off easily with warm water when you’re ready to remove it. This formula comes in three different colors, including this stunning bright purple. 

Pro tip: Pair this gorgeous shade with a simple matte eyeshadow look for glam that stands out without being over the top.

Want in on all the IPSY fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

Model applying YSL Lash Clash Mascara, showcasing dramatic volume and lifted lashes with a bold, fluttery finish.Model applying YSL Lash Clash Mascara, showcasing dramatic volume and lifted lashes with a bold, fluttery finish.

Makeup

I Tried the YSL Lash Clash Mascara—Here’s My Honest Review

Published on Mar 31, 2026 • 8 min read

Model with slicked-back hair wearing frosted blue eyeshadow, glowing skin, and glossy lips for a modern soft glam makeup lookModel with slicked-back hair wearing frosted blue eyeshadow, glowing skin, and glossy lips for a modern soft glam makeup look

Makeup

Frosted Makeup Is Back—But Not How You Remember It

Published on Mar 26, 2026 • 4 min read

Miley Cyrus at the World Premiere for Disney+'s "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Miley Cyrus at the World Premiere for Disney+'s "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Makeup

Hannah Montana Gave Us These Looks 20 Years Ago—And They Still Work

Published on Mar 24, 2026 • 4 min read

Mikayla Nogueira holding Snif Only Sunshine perfume, showcasing the vibrant summer fragrance with a warm, glowing makeup look.Mikayla Nogueira holding Snif Only Sunshine perfume, showcasing the vibrant summer fragrance with a warm, glowing makeup look.

Makeup

This TikTok Creator’s Perfume Actually Smells… Really Good

Published on Mar 19, 2026 • 3 min read

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick held in hand, showing a creamy complexion stick designed for buildable coverage and a natural, blurred finish.LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick held in hand, showing a creamy complexion stick designed for buildable coverage and a natural, blurred finish.

Makeup

The Skin Tint That Has People Thinking My Skin Is Naturally This Good

Published on Mar 18, 2026 • 4 min read

Isabela Merced at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. Isabela Merced at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California.

Makeup

The Best Beauty Moments From the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Published on Mar 16, 2026 • 8 min read

Jasmine Tookes attends the media preview for The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience on December 05, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. Jasmine Tookes attends the media preview for The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience on December 05, 2025 in West Hollywood, California.

Makeup

Are Ghost Lashes (the Minimalist Lash Trend) Replacing Heavy Mascara?

Published on Mar 13, 2026 • 7 min read

NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation bottles arranged in a gradient of shadesNARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation bottles arranged in a gradient of shades

Makeup

I Tried The New NARS Matte Foundation on Dry Skin—These Are My Honest Thoughts

Published on Mar 5, 2026 • 5 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module NEWDefault Bottom Subscribe Module NEW

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $15/month. Cancel anytime.

Join IPSY