Natural-colored mascaras — your blacks and browns — are great enhancers for the eyelashes. Technology has given us a brilliant selection of formulas and brushes so there is literally something for everyone’s desired lash look. With a quick, zigzagging upward stroke or two of the wand, we magically obtain a thick, lengthened, curled fringe that instantly gives us the doe-eyed look you can’t go wrong with.

I’m a big fan of the cult-adored Diorshow, among others. Lumene makes an excellent mascara that contains natural blueberry seed oil, and it nourishes the eyelashes for strength, thickness and length – it’s available at Ulta. I also enjoy the new Lash Stiletto from Maybelline New York, which is in drugstores. The precision brush gives me the longest lashes I’ve ever had (and mine are naturally long as it is) and the formula boasts a shiny finish.

What you might not know, however, is that colored mascaras offer special benefits that regular black or brown mascaras don’t. For example, did you know that blue mascara makes the whites of your eyes look even whiter?

The idea of colored mascara may seem tacky or immature, but the truth is that you can take your makeup to another level of fabulousness with it.

More fun facts about colored mascara:

- purple mascara accentuates brown eyes, making them pop
- green or olive mascara looks beautiful on brown eyes and blue eyes alike
- burgundy mascara flatters green and hazel eyes
- it’s good for everyday wear, not just going out
- the color of the mascara doesn’t normally show up on your eyelashes, but it depends on how much you use. Most of the time only a hint of the color can be seen up close from certain angles; otherwise you get all the extra effects of the color without looking like you have unnaturally colored eyelashes

I recommend Yves Saint Laurent’s award-winning Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara ($28.50). The formula comes in seven gorgeous shades, and it is well-known for giving Diorshow a formidable challenge for its cult-favorite status. The brush is easy to use and as the name suggests, delivers the effect of wearing false eyelashes.

Dior, Benefit Cosmetics, Urban Decay and Tarte are just a few popular brands that carry mascara in dazzling shades. There are also some available in drugstores. Check Max Factor and Rimmel London for some unusual lash colors. Give one a try!