Lately, I’ve found myself scrolling more and more on my phone.
Facebook, Mahjong, random little games, the news… and somehow, fashion and beauty articles have slipped into the rotation too.
This week’s theme in the beauty world?
Mascara.
Now, as a woman of a certain age, I don’t always stop for every “must-try” beauty trend. I’ve reached a point where I know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just going to end in regret and a makeup wipe.
But this one caught my attention.
The trend? Colored mascara.
Apparently, it’s supposed to make your eyes pop, enhance your natural color, and give you that little wow factor. And best of all—it didn’t sound like it required any real skill.
No complicated contouring.
No 12-step blending situation.
Just… mascara.
I could handle that.
So naturally, I decided to test it out and made a trip to Ulta Beauty.
According to the article, for brown eyes (hello, that’s me), the best shades to try are purple, burgundy, and brown. I’ve been a loyal black mascara girl for years, so this felt slightly rebellious.
(Quick side note—if you’re looking for a mascara that doesn’t smudge and actually adds volume, I have to give a plug to WowCombo Cosmetics and their “My Amazing Lashes.” No sponsorships here, no affiliate links… just me, my opinions, and a slightly concerning number of mascara tubes.)
The article suggested starting with brands like L’Oréal or Maybelline—affordable, easy entry point, low commitment if things go sideways.
Perfect plan.
Except…..
To my surprise, Ulta didn’t have any of those colors in either brand. Instead, my options were:
- one very budget-friendly brand
- or something that required a small financial discussion with myself
When the sales associated directed me to the very budget-friendly brand I knew it must be worth trying. (She was a little on the “older” side too.)
Apparently, it had gone viral on TikTok, and everyone loved it.
At $4.99 a tube… I didn’t need much convincing.
I grabbed:
- burgundy
- brown
- purple
- and a slightly unhinged but deeply discounted blue (because it was $2.49 and clearly meant to come home with me)
No regrets.
So far, I’ve tried the burgundy and the brown. The sales associate suggested layering them together on each eye to add a little depth and dimension.
And honestly?
I liked it.
It’s subtle—but in a good way. Not “look at my bright purple eyelashes,” but more of a “something looks a little extra put together here” kind of vibe.
This is one of those things that takes a little experimenting. Different eyeshadows, different eyeliner, maybe a bit of technique I haven’t mastered yet….
Next up: purple.
The blue… well… I’m not entirely sure when that moment will present itself.
But when the day comes that I feel called to have blue eyelashes, I will be ready.
Sometimes all it takes is a $4.99 tube of mascara to shake things up.
Have you ever tried colored mascara—or is black still your ride-or-die?
With love & glitter,
Valerie ✨
Feathers and Phases 