Having beautiful, stand-out eyes is a goal for many women when applying makeup. For those with hazel eyes, picking the right mascara can really make them pop. Mascara frames the eyes, enhances lashes, and draws attention to one of the most expressive features of the face. With so many mascara colors and formulas available, it can be challenging to choose the best option for hazel eyes. Understanding undertones, contrast, and color theory is key to selecting a mascara that complements and intensifies the different colors found in hazel eyes.
What are hazel eyes?
Hazel eyes are a fascinating blend of color that can shift between green, brown, and amber tones. This multi-dimensional eye color is caused by a combination of melanin content and Rayleigh scattering of light through the iris. Hazel eyes often contain a burst of yellow or gold around the pupil, with a greenish-brown or light brown color toward the edge of the iris. Less melanin overall results in the mixed light appearance of hazel eyes compared to darker brown eyes. The exact hue of hazel eyes can vary between people and even between the two eyes of the same person!
General tips for making hazel eyes pop
Here are some general tips to enhance hazel eyes with makeup:
- Use an eyelid primer before eye makeup – this evens out skin tone and helps eyeshadows stay vibrant
- Curl eyelashes before applying mascara – this opens up the eyes and allows for better mascara coverage
- Use waterproof mascara – as hazel eyes tend to contain some green tones, waterproof formulas help keep mascara from smudging or running
- Apply mascara in a zig zag motion – this ensures each lash is evenly coated from base to tip
- Use an eyelash curler after mascara – this lifts and separates lashed to better frame the eyes
- Finish with an eyebrow gel – groomed brows balance the eye look and draw attention upward
How color theory helps choose mascara for hazel eyes
Color theory explains how colors interact with and complement one another. Understanding these principles allows choosing mascara colors that work best with the complex pigments in hazel eyes.
Undertone: Hazel eyes often contain hints of green, brown, gold, and amber. Identifying the undertones allows choosing a mascara color that enhances those natural tones.
Contrast: The right undertone contrast creates visual interest. Warm-toned mascaras make hazel eyes pop more compared to cool tones. Complementary colors like purple mascara also intensify hazel eyes.
Hue: Mascara hues should coordinate with the skin’s undertone as well. Olive skin benefits from black or brown mascara while fair skin suits black or gray mascara.
Saturation: More vivid, saturated mascara shades make eyes stand out. Darker pigmented black mascara has better eye-opening impact than softer brown mascara.
Best mascara colors for hazel eyes
Using color theory principles helps narrow down the best mascara colors for making hazel eyes pop. Here are the top mascara shades to bring out the green, brown, amber, and gold flecks in hazel eyes:
| Mascara Color | Undertone | Benefits for Hazel Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Neutral | High contrast frames eyes; best for fair skin |
| Brown Black | Warm | Enhances brown/amber; suits olive skin |
| Dark Green | Cool | Intensifies green; vibrant, unique effect |
| Burgundy | Cool | Deep warm tone; brings out golden ring |
| Purple | Cool | Complements green tones |
| Navy Blue | Cool | Bold enhancement for brown hues |
| Charcoal | Neutral | Softer contrast for subtle definition |
How to apply mascara for hazel eyes
Once you’ve selected the perfect mascara color for your hazel peepers, proper application is key to making them dazzle. Here are some application tips for bringing out the beauty of hazel eyes:
- Curl eyelashes first – curling upward opens the eyes up
- Wiggle wand at base – deposit color at lash roots by wiggling brush back and forth
- Apply light even coat – first layer should evenly cover each lash from base to tip
- Let first coat dry – allows mascara to set before building layers
- Apply second coat – build drama and intensity with a second coat
- Brush up and out – sweep brush upward and outward to lift lashes
- Catch stray lashes – use the tip of wand to capture corner and bottom lashes
- Seal with curler – recurl after mascara to set lashes in place
With this mascara routine, you’ll achieve beautifully fanned out and defined lashes that enhance the colors of hazel eyes. Go with a lighter touch for daytime and add extra coats in the evening for bombshell lashes.
Mascara formulas for hazel eyes
The formula of mascara also impacts how well it accentuates different eye colors. Here are the top mascara formulas for making hazel eyes pop:
- Volumizing – plumps lashes from roots to tips
- Lengthening – extends lashes for wide-eyed look
- Waterproof – prevents smudging of green tones
- Tubing – tubes wrap around each lash for defined separation
- Curling – lifts and curls straight lashes upward
Look for formulas labeled “volumizing-lengthening” to maximize lash impact. Waterproof formulas are ideal for holding curl and keeping mascara in place on lower lashes. For an intense look, choose a mascara labeled “mega volume” or “false lash effect.”
Best brand recommendations
Now that you know what to look for on the mascara label, here are some top brand recommendations for hazel eye enhancing mascara:
Drugstore
- L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Black
- Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara in Very Black
- CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black Brown
- Rimmel London Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara in Extreme Black
Mid-Range
- Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara in Black
- NARS Climax Mascara in Black
- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara in Black
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Waterproof in Black
Luxury
- Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black
- Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara in Burgundy
- Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in Extreme Black
Conclusion
Hazel eyes are stunning, but the right mascara can make them mesmerizing. Choosing a color and formula that complements the natural green, brown, gold, and amber flecks is the key. Black and brown black mascaras offer classic definition, while colors like green, burgundy, and purple provide eye-catching effects. Volumizing, lengthening, and waterproof formulas also enhance hazel eyes. Pair your eye-popping mascara with proper application techniques for show-stopping lashes that amplify the beautiful complexity of hazel irises.
