What we like about the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Brown Mascara: This smudge-resistant formula has a smooth application thanks to a creamy formula and a silicone wand. It works particularly well for lengthening lashes, and we love that it’s easy to wash off and doesn’t make a mess.

What could be improved: This product can get clumpy with time as the tube dries out. It also isn’t the best at creating volume, though it still works well. This product has a low toxicity and irritation rating of three out of 10.

Hoping to build up sparse lashes? If so, try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Building Mascara in brown. This washable, smudge-resistant formula is beloved by makeup artists because it creates voluminous lashes without getting too clumpy. The wand is also easy to use on both the top and bottom lashes.

However, this product has a moderate toxicity and irritation rating of six out of 10 because it contains propylparaben, a potential endocrine disruptor and irritant. The formula also tends to dry out after a month and get clumpy.

If you’re looking for a simple brown mascara that holds a curl, defines lashes and creates length at a drugstore price, we recommend the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara. It comes in both brown and black-brown waterproof, and both versions are resistant to clumps. Plus, it has a low toxicity and irritation rating of two out of 10.

On the other hand, we found this formula to be more lengthening as opposed to volumizing, even though Covergirl advertises volume. The silicone brush is also not the best we’ve tried, though it still does a decent job.

What we like about the e.l.f. Lash ‘N Roll Curling Mascara: The silicone bristle brush helps create a smooth application, and the mascara holds a curl all day long. In addition, the product is cruelty free and vegan.

What could be improved: Some users noticed clumping and flaking right away, and the formula continues to dry out as time goes on. This product also has a toxicity and irritation rating of four out of 10.

On the hunt for a true brown mascara that performs as well as traditional black formulas? If so, check out the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in chocolate. The hourglass-shaped brush helps separate and evenly coat the lashes so they are less likely to clump together. Overall, this mascara creates beautiful, fully-fanned lashes with a soft color.

However, the formula is prone to flaking after a few hours, and the tube dries out as time goes on. This product also has a toxicity and irritation rating of four out of 10.

Brown mascaras aren’t known for volume, but the Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara is the exception to the rule. This mascara comes with a double-conical brush (a brush with a twist), which is designed to hold onto more product so you can apply a thick, even coat in one go. The formula also contains polymers, which tube around the lashes and make them thicker.

This product does not yet have a toxicity and irritation rating, though several past mascaras from Yves Saint Laurent have received ratings between three and eight out of 10. The main culprit for the higher ratings is fragrance. In addition, a few customers found that the formula is too heavy, and the product tends to smudge.

Whether your lashes are short, straight or both, the Tarte Maneater Mascara in brown will help you create beautifully defined, long and curved lashes that last all day. The key is in the buttery-smooth formula (thanks to moisturizers like jojoba esters and glycerin). Plus, the thin, silicone wand makes it easy to apply mascara in one long swoop, from root to tip.

On the other hand, the Maneater Mascara isn’t the best at creating volume. The tube also tends to dry out after about a month. This product has a low toxicity and irritation rating of two out of 10.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your mascara, we recommend switching to Burt’s Bees. The brand’s Natural Nourishing Mascara in brown contains gentle, hydrating ingredients including jojoba oil and glycerin, which help nourish the lashes. In addition, the product is easy to apply and has a lengthening effect.

However, some buyers found that the formula doesn’t always stick to lashes easily, so you may need to apply more than one coat. It also tends to clump, especially after a month or so of use. This product has a low toxicity and irritation rating of two out of 10.

Need a mascara that can hold a curl for eight hours or more? Stick with the Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara. The quick-dry formula resists flaking and smudging, all while creating a lifted, volumized appearance. Plus, the product contains strengthening and hydrating ingredients like olive esters and rice bran to help counter the negative effects of mascara.

What could be improved: It’s important to wipe excess mascara off the wand before applying, because the formula can become gloopy when you swipe it onto the lashes. Buyers also wish the product came in a bigger tube (it’s 0.13 ounces) for the price. This mascara has a toxicity and irritation rating of four out of 10.

Sweat, water and tears are no match for KissMe’s Heroine Make Long Up Brown Super Waterproof Mascara. This product lasts all day long without smudging or flaking, and it maintains a curl.

While the formula contains hydrating and strengthening ingredients such as amelia oil, royal jelly extract and argan oil, it can still be irritating and tough on lashes with repeated use. It also isn’t available at most retailers. This product has an unknown toxicity and irritation rating.

A tubing mascara may be exactly what you need if you want thicker, longer lashes but don’t like the messy removal process of traditional volumizing mascaras. The Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is an excellent pick because it creates that thick appearance in just one or two coats, and the thin silicone wand makes it easy to apply. We also like that the formula is vegan and cruelty free, and that this product has a low toxicity and irritation rating of three out of 10.

However, this mascara is expensive, and it isn’t available at most in-person retailers. The brown color is also too light for some users.

Spending a day outdoors and don’t want to worry about a flakey, smudgy mascara? If so, try the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Waterproof Mascara. This quick-dry formula holds a curl extremely well, and the product stays all day long.

The downsides: This mascara is difficult to remove, and it can be harsh on lashes. In addition, the formula has a toxicity and irritation rating of four out of 10, primarily because it contains BHT, a pro-inflammatory and potentially carcinogenic ingredient

Looking for a mascara that strengthens and softens your lashes more than it harms them? Consider the Ere Perez Natural Almond Mascara in brown. It contains sweet almond oil, beeswax and vitamin E to help nourish your lashes throughout the day. We love that it glides on like butter, and the thin wand makes it easy to apply.

However, this product is expensive, and you may need to shake the tube before applying because the oils can separate. It also doesn’t last as long as other brands. This mascara does not yet have a toxicity and irritation rating.

Rather than applying a keratin serum and a mascara, why not use just one product? If you want to simplify your routine, we recommend the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Mascara. It contains not only keratin, but also hydrating fatty acids from murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter. Overall, this formula helps create defined, lengthened lashes.

The downsides? You may need to apply multiple coats of this product in order to see the brown color. It also doesn’t have the staying power of similar products. Note that the Butter Bronzer Mascara does not yet have a toxicity and irritation rating, though similar Physicians Formula products have a rating between three and six out of 10.

If you enjoy the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara but wish it had a fatter brush to help realign your lashes, try the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara instead. The formulas for each product are the same, but the non-Sky High version has a curved, thick brush that makes it easier to grab onto lashes at the base and pull them into a uniform shape. The thicker brush is also excellent for building volume.

As with the Sky-High mascara, the Lash Sensational mascara gets clumpy as time goes on. In contrast, the thicker wand isn’t as great for creating length. This product has a low toxicity and irritation rating of three out of 10.