I Just Tested the Trending Natural-Looking Alternative to Black Mascara, and I'm Never Going Back
Burgundy mascaras are big news right now. These are the best ones on the market.
I know I'm a beauty editor, but when it comes to the best mascara, I tend to stick to the formulas that I know and love. Don't get me wrong, I love researching and testing out new launches, but incorporating them into my daily routine is another story. You see, I love a natural makeup look. I've used the same mascaras for years as I know that I can rely on them to give me that "no-makeup" makeup finish. So, when I heard that burgundy mascara was trending, I immediately assumed it wasn't for me.
I've been loyal to black and brown mascara for as long as I can remember, so the idea of adding in a pop of colour terrified me. However, as it turns out, there was nothing to be afraid of. Yep, after being persuaded to give burgundy mascara a go, I realised that this is actually a super subtle way to make your eyes pop. "Burgundy mascara is a fun way of adding colour to your makeup without being too much of a statement or being too bright," says Yolanda Dohr, makeup artist at inclusive London makeup experience, Beam. "This mascara is a subtle way to make your makeup look more exciting by adding a unique (and on-trend) touch."
Intrigued to know more? I decided to do some research into the trend, and have spent the past few months testing out some of the best burgundy mascaras on the market. Keep on scrolling to shop my edit.
Is Burgundy Mascara More Natural Than Black Mascara?
One thing I love about the burgundy mascara trend is that it makes my makeup look a lot more natural. Similar to brown, burgundy mascara can look a lot softer than black, so it's perfect for more understated makeup looks.
"Burgundy mascara is having such a moment because it really does look great on everyone," says Givenchy Beauty national MUA, Claire Mulleady. "It's a softer version of black that allows us to play a little with colour in the most wearable way."
"I would say it definitely looks more subtle than black mascara," adds Dohr. That being said, Dohr says that the results do depend on your natural lash colour. If you have lighter eyelashes, then burgundy mascara could be perfect for making a softer statement with your makeup.
Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, wearing burgundy mascara.
Does Burgundy Mascara Suit All Eye Colours?
One thing I was keen to know was whether burgundy mascara could work with all eye colours. If you didn't know, blue mascara can really make brown eyes pop, so I was intrigued to know what effect burgundy formulas could have.
"Everyone can wear a burgundy mascara, but it will look especially great on those with green, hazel or blue eyes," says Dohr. "The contrast will ensure the eye colour stands out or pops a lot more that it would with other mascara shades."
If you really want your eyes to pop, Mulleady recommends adding a matching eyeshadow. "Givenchy's Le 9.09 eyeshadow palette is great for adding a burgundy liner or a softer, smoky eyeshadow look."
I was also intrigued as to whether this makeup product would work with all skin tones. "Yes, burgundy mascara suits all skin tones," Dohr tells me. "It is especially nice to use on those with very fair skin tones as it is more subtle-looking compared to black mascara, which can sometimes be a little too much for those with very fair skin and light hair."
The Best Burgundy Mascaras, as Chosen by a Beauty Editor
- Best Affordable Burgundy Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Burgundy Haze, £13
- Best Subtle Burgundy Mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! in Dream Pop, £28
- Best Luxury Burgundy Mascara: Hermès Trait D'Hermès Revitalizing Care Mascara in 03 Rouge H, £58
- Best Burgundy Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique Limited Edition High Impact Mascara in Black Honey, £26
1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Burgundy Haze
Waterproof: No
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara might be one of the best affordable mascaras I've ever tried, so I was delighted to see that it came in a deep burgundy hue. Not only does this formula add serious volume without any clumps, but thanks to the new shade, it's perfect for taking your everyday makeup up a notch.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adds volume without clumps
- Lengthens and separates lashes
Cons
- Can sometimes smudge under the eyes
2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! in Dream Pop
Waterproof: No
This is one of my favourite burgundy mascaras when I want a really natural makeup look. It's definitely not the mascara to reach for when you want lots of volume, but it's great for separating lashes and adding that fluttery effect. The burgundy hue is very subtle, but it always earns me compliments whenever I wear it.
Pros
- Adds a fluttery effect
- Separates lashes
- Looks natural
Cons
- Doesn't add much volume
- A little more expensive
3. Hermès Trait D'Hermès Revitalizing Care Mascara in 03 Rouge H
Waterproof: No
If you're looking for a luxury option, you can't go wrong with Hermès Beauty. Not only is this mascara beautiful to look at, but it also creates the illusion of thicker-looking lashes. It has an ultra-fine wand that coats every single lash from root to tip, without flaking throughout the day. The black mascara has been in my collection for a while now, but I have a feeling that this rich burgundy hue might become my new favourite.
Pros
- Ultra-fine wand coats every lash
- Doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day
Cons
- Really expensive
4. Clinique Limited Edition High Impact Mascara in Black Honey
Waterproof: No
I'm sure you've heard of Clinique's iconic Black Honey lipstick, but did you know that the brand also does a mascara in the same burgundy shade? I have quite sensitive eyes, so I'm a big fan of this product—it has been ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested and is also 100% fragrance free. Not only that, but it also adds natural-looking volume and length. If you want more of a statement look, the mascara is buildable, but you might have to apply a few coats.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Buildable length and volume
Cons
- More of a natural look
- A little more expensive
5. Benefit Limited Edition BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara in Wild Plum
Waterproof: No
Who What Wear UK's managing editor, Poppy Nash, got me onto this mascara. It's not one I would reach for every single day, but it's great for evenings and special occasions. The volumising formula makes your lashes look so full, and it's smudge-proof and water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it sliding off. Plus, the Wild Plum shade looks so chic.
Pros
- Adds a statement finish
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant formula
Cons
- Doesn't look as natural
- A little expensive
6. KIKO Milano Maxi Mod Colour Mascara in 03 Plum
Waterproof: No
If you like the sound of the luxury options on this list but want to test a burgundy mascara out before investing, I recommend trying this mascara from Kiko. Not only is it on the more affordable side, but it comes in the most gorgeous plum shade that is perfect for autumn/winter. You can probably tell from the picture, but this mascara comes with a teeny tiny brush. I thought it wouldn't do much, but it actually helps in coating every single lash and results in a smooth, natural-looking finish.
Pros
- More affordable
- Pretty plum shade
- Natural-looking finish
Cons
- Some might prefer a bigger brush
How to Choose the Right Burgundy for Your Eye Colour
Burgundy mascara is all about undertone and intention. As Chanel makeup artist Ninni Nummela explains: “Ultimately, there isn’t a single ‘right’ burgundy, it depends on the effect you want to create.” However, if you're not sure where to start, consider this expert guide a good jumping-off point.
Best Burgundy Mascara for Green Eyes
A plum-based burgundy mascara with soft purple undertones instantly brightens green eyes," says Nummela. "The contrast subtly intensifies the colour, making them appear almost jewel-like."
Best Burgundy Mascara for Brown Eyes
If you've got brown eyes, then makeup artist Emily Wood says you can't go wrong as the entire burgundy spectrum works for this eye colour. "I love layering a matte burgundy shadow in the crease and pairing it with Revolution Wrap Lash Burgundy on the lashes. It adds depth without the heaviness of black mascara and makes brown eyes look warmer and more dimensional."
Best Burgundy Mascara for Hazel Eyes
"Hazel eyes, which naturally shift between brown and green, tend to work best with a purple-toned burgundy," advises Nummela.
Wood agrees, adding that deep plum-based burgundy tones are magic for hazel eyes. "They intensify the green in a way that feels rich and sultry rather than obvious."
Best Burgundy Mascara for Blue Eyes
“For blue eyes, I love a warmer, red-toned burgundy," reveals Wood. "The contrast makes blue pop instantly and gives that striking, almost editorial finish without trying too hard.”
Not sure which eyeshadow to pair your burgundy mascara with? "A shade from the Revolution True Bronze Icon Palette with a subtle warmth works perfectly buffed softly through the crease," reveals Wood.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
