Doutzen Kroes, Pat McGrath
Hair and Makeup – The 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Sony Pictures Studios, Los Angel, Culver City, California, United States – 18 Oct 2026
For most of us, black mascara is a reflex we’ve had since our teens. But after 60, makeup artists say a simple switch can make a visible difference: trading black for brown. The result, they explain, is a softer, more natural expression, without giving up definition.
In short
- Makeup artists quoted by the Spanish beauty site Trendencias agree that brown mascara softens the look after 60.
- Black creates a strong contrast around the eyes, while brown adds depth more gently.
- Brown mascara still curls, lengthens and defines the lashes.
Picture this
You’re getting ready in front of the bathroom mirror. Foundation, a touch of blush, then the same black mascara you’ve used for 40 years. The lashes look great, yet the whole face suddenly seems a little harder than you’d like. Makeup artists say the culprit may simply be the color in that tube.
Why black can feel harsh
The main difference is contrast. Tamara Preece, makeup artist and training director for the British lash brand Uklash, explained to Woman magazine, as reported by Trendencias, that black strongly outlines the contour of the eyes, while brown brings depth in a softer way.
With age, lines and a little sagging can appear around the eyes. A very dark frame tends to draw attention to that area, whereas a softer shade blends in.
What brown does better
According to Trendencias, brown tones add warmth and can make the eyes look more open, fresher and more rested. Sofia Alves, a makeup artist at the beauty retailer Care to Beauty, notes that a chocolate shade blends better with the natural tones of the face.
And there is no need to give up on lashes that stand out. Preece points out that one of the advantages of brown is that it still allows very defined lashes. Brown mascara keeps the curl, length and volume, and it remains clearly visible.
Who it suits best
- Women who prefer a natural, everyday look.
- Blondes, because brown reduces the contrast with their natural lashes.
- Women with brown eyes or brown hair.
How to make the switch
- Choose a chocolate or coffee brown rather than a very light shade.
- Pair it with a brown eyeliner, or an invisible eyeliner along the lash line, instead of black, as Trendencias suggests.
- Keep your black mascara for evenings and special occasions: it remains a makeup bag essential.
Part of a softer approach after 50
The same logic applies to hair. Stylists favor softer lines and lighter shapes, as with the 4 haircuts that instantly look younger after 50 or the short cuts that make silver strands look chic.
This is advice from makeup professionals, not a rule. Black mascara can still look great, especially on very dark lashes or for a dramatic evening look. The best shade is the one that suits your coloring.
After 60, the most flattering change may be the smallest one. A brown mascara keeps your lashes defined while letting your eyes, not the makeup, do the talking.
