Which mascara colour suits your eye colour
Black is still the go-to shade in almost every make-up bag. Yet choosing your mascara colour for your eye colour is one of the simplest ways to brighten your eyes. Brown on blue eyes, plum on green eyes, midnight blue on brown eyes: the right shade makes the iris stand out, softens the features and brightens your eyes, without adding a single touch of eyeshadow.
After 50, the question matters even more, as hair grows lighter, brows fade and the natural contrast of the face changes. A very dense black can start to look a little harsh, while a more nuanced shade is far more flattering. In this guide, we explain the principle of complementary colours in simple terms, then go through each eye colour in turn, with a summary table and an application method so you can try colour without ever overdoing it.
Contents
The principle of complementary colours, explained simply
Picture a colour wheel, the circle of colours you may remember from art lessons at school. Two colours that sit opposite each other on the wheel are called complementary: blue opposite orange, green opposite red, violet opposite yellow. Placed side by side, each one makes the other look more intense. That is exactly what we are looking for with mascara: a shade that, sitting right next to the iris, makes its colour more vivid.
Why it works on the eyes
Your lashes frame the iris directly. The colour of your mascara therefore works like a picture frame: a well-chosen frame shows off the painting, while one too close to its tones makes it fade into the background. A blue mascara on blue eyes, for example, tends to "melt" into the iris instead of making it stand out.
No need for bright colours
Don't worry: applying this principle does not mean wearing bright orange or red mascara. Instead, we choose deep, sophisticated versions of these colours. Brown is a very dark orange, plum a deep red-violet, midnight blue an almost-black navy, emerald an intense green. That is the whole point of the five shades of Livora Tubing Mascara: Intense Black, Brown, Plum, Midnight Blue and Emerald, colours you can wear every day.
Which mascara colour for blue or grey eyes?
Blue and grey eyes are often the most sensitive to contrast. A heavy black can sometimes harden the look, especially if your hair is fair or greying. As the complementary colour of blue is orange, warm shades bring it out best.
The ideal shade: brown
Brown mascara on blue eyes is a classic for good reason: its warm undertones awaken the blue of the iris while staying very natural. It defines the lashes without creating a dark line, giving a soft, open look. It is also the easiest shade to adopt if you have never worn anything but black.
The alternative: plum
Plum mascara brings a bolder note. Its red-violet sheen creates a lovely contrast with blue and gives grey eyes a luminous glow, so they can look bluer. For grey eyes, midnight blue is also worth trying: applied lightly, it brings out the blue flecks in the iris.
The Livora tip — If you have blue eyes and white or grey hair, start with brown for daytime and save plum for evenings or for occasions when you would like your eyes to make more of a statement.
Which mascara colour for green or hazel eyes?
The complementary colour of green is red. Shades that lean towards red, burgundy and violet are therefore your best allies. Hazel eyes, which often mix green, gold and brown, follow the same rules.
The ideal shade: plum
If you are looking for the best mascara colour for green eyes, plum is a safe choice. Its violet tints strikingly intensify the green of the iris, while remaining elegant. On hazel eyes, it brings out the green and golden flecks and adds warm depth.
The alternative: brown or emerald
Brown is a very gentle option, ideal for every day, particularly if you have a fair complexion. More daring, emerald mascara plays the tone-on-tone card. It does not contrast with the iris, but it highlights its green nuances: a more fashion-forward effect, best kept for hazel eyes or used as a subtle accent, on the tips or the lower lashes.
Which mascara colour for brown or very dark eyes?
Brown eyes can wear almost anything, which makes them a wonderful playground. As brown is a deep orange, its complementary colour is blue: cool, intense shades give it plenty of sparkle.
The ideal shade for brown eyes: midnight blue
Midnight blue (navy) mascara is perhaps the best-kept secret for brown eyes. From a distance, it passes for black; up close, it makes the whites of the eyes look brighter and the iris warmer and deeper. It is a very discreet way to try colour.
The alternatives for brown eyes: plum or emerald
Plum brings out the amber or golden glints in light brown eyes. Emerald, on the other hand, creates a more visible contrast with a brown iris: it looks lovely on the tips of the lashes, for a playful yet subtle touch.
Black or very dark eyes
On very dark eyes, Intense Black remains a safe bet for an intense, defined look. For a change, midnight blue and emerald bring an unexpected light: choose midnight blue for a subtle effect, emerald for a more graphic look.
The summary table: your shade at a glance
To help you choose with confidence, here are the pairings we recommend for each eye colour from the five Livora shades.
| Eye colour | Ideal shade | Alternative | Desired effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | Brown | Plum | Brings out the blue of the iris; soft, natural look |
| Grey | Plum | Midnight Blue | Reveals the blue flecks; luminous look |
| Green | Plum | Brown | Intensifies the green through contrast |
| Hazel | Plum | Emerald (as an accent) | Highlights the green and golden flecks |
| Brown | Midnight Blue | Plum or Emerald | Warmer iris, brighter whites of the eyes |
| Black | Intense Black | Midnight Blue or Emerald | Defined look with a touch of light |
Matching the shade to your hair and skin tone
Eye colour is the starting point, but it is not the only factor. After 50, the colour of your hair and brows often changes, and the overall harmony of the face matters as much as the contrast with the iris.
Grey, white or salt-and-pepper hair
With silver hair, a very dense black can create a sharp break. A brown mascara for grey or white hair is often more harmonious: it defines the lashes without harshness and suits brows that have become lighter. Plum and midnight blue also work beautifully, as their cool or violet tints pair nicely with silver hair.
Blonde, light brown or red hair
If you are blonde or a redhead, you often have naturally fair lashes. Brown is your best everyday ally; plum adds a warm touch that is particularly flattering on copper hair.
Dark hair
If your hair has stayed brown or black, you can keep Intense Black as your base and play with midnight blue or emerald for variety.
And skin tone?
On very fair skin, soft shades (brown, plum) avoid too strong a contrast. On olive or deeper skin, intense colours such as midnight blue, emerald and Intense Black stand out beautifully.
Trying and applying coloured mascara after 50
Coloured mascara after 50 is not eccentric at all when it is well judged. Deep shades read as a nuance rather than an obvious colour, and daylight gently reveals their tints.
Three ways to wear the colour
- On all your lashes: with brown, plum or midnight blue, the effect stays natural.
- On the tips only: apply Intense Black or brown at the roots, then the colour on the ends. The tint shows each time you blink.
- On the lower lashes: a touch of emerald or plum underneath is enough to brighten the eyes, while keeping the upper lashes more classic.
The application method, step by step
- Start with clean, completely dry lashes, with no eye cream residue, for better staying power.
- Wipe the brush on the rim of the tube to remove excess product.
- Place the brush at the root of the upper lashes, looking down into a mirror.
- Sweep from root to tip in a zigzag motion, to coat and separate each lash.
- For the "coloured tips" effect, apply the colour only to the upper half of the lashes, once the first shade is on.
- For the lower lashes, hold the brush vertically and lightly stroke them with the tip.
- Add a second coat if you would like more intensity, before the first one is completely dry.
The fine, precise brush on Livora Tubing Mascara catches short, straight lashes, right down to the tiniest ones, which is invaluable for this kind of targeted application. To understand the different types of brush and choose the right one for your lashes, see our guide to mascara for thin, sparse lashes over 50.
The Livora tip — Thanks to tubing technology, you can try a colour without any worry: in the evening, the mascara comes off with warm water and gentle pressure, without rubbing. All the details are in our article tubing mascara: how to remove it with warm water.
Coordinating with the rest of your make-up
A coloured mascara is enough on its own: let it take centre stage. Choose neutral eyeshadows (taupe, rosy beige, soft brown), avoid repeating exactly the same colour on the lids, and focus on a luminous, even complexion. A light powder such as Livora Blurring Powder, applied in small touches around the eyes, visually blurs the appearance of fine lines and shows off your eyes: find out how to use it in our article on blurring powder for mature skin.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a shade identical to your iris: blue on blue eyes or green on green eyes, applied to all your lashes, tends to dull the colour rather than enhance it.
- Piling on colours: a coloured mascara, a coloured eyeshadow and a coloured eye pencil all at once end up competing. One strong colour is enough.
- Overloading the lashes: too many coats weigh down fine lashes. Two light coats are better than one thick one.
- Forgetting your brows: if they are very light, a very intense mascara can unbalance the face. Remember to define them lightly.
- Judging the colour under artificial light: deep shades show their true colour in daylight. Try them out near a window.
- Rubbing to remove your mascara: with a tubing mascara, warm water and gentle pressure are all it takes to slide the tubes off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mascara colour for green eyes?
Plum is the most flattering shade for green eyes, because its red-violet tints contrast with green and intensify it. Brown is a softer alternative for every day.
Does midnight blue mascara suit blue eyes?
Applied to all your lashes, it may blend into the iris. It works better on grey or brown eyes. For blue eyes, choose brown or plum instead.
Which mascara colour should I choose for brown eyes?
Midnight blue is the ideal shade: it makes the iris look warmer and the whites of the eyes brighter. Plum and emerald are lovely alternatives when you fancy a change.
Can you wear coloured mascara after 50?
Of course. Deep shades such as plum, midnight blue or emerald remain elegant and read as a nuance. To start gently, apply them only to the tips or to the lower lashes.
Which mascara should I choose if I have white or grey hair?
Brown is often the most harmonious, as it defines the lashes without creating too harsh a contrast. Plum and midnight blue also go beautifully with silver hair.
Does plum mascara make eyes look red?
Not when applied well: placed on the lashes rather than right against the waterline, it brightens the eyes. If your lids tend to look a little red, use it on the upper lashes and keep brown or Intense Black for the lower lashes.
Is coloured mascara harder to remove?
Not with Livora Tubing Mascara: whatever the shade, the tubes come off with warm water and gentle pressure, without rubbing.
Is Intense Black still a good choice?
Yes, especially for black or very dark eyes and for hair that has stayed dark. It can also serve as a base at the roots, with a coloured shade on the tips.
Conclusion: colour, your new eye-brightening secret
Choosing your mascara according to your eye colour comes down to one simple rule: look for the contrast that makes your iris come alive. Brown or plum for blue eyes, plum for green and hazel eyes, midnight blue for brown eyes, Intense Black or midnight blue for very dark eyes. Then adjust according to your hair and skin tone, keep the colour to the tips or lower lashes if you prefer something discreet, and let your eyes do the talking.
