My Secret to Making My Green Eyes Pop Is This Viral $9 Makeup Hack

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested more than my fair share of TikTok beauty hacks, and to say that not all of them live up to the hype would be an understatement. However, when I noticed that TikTokers were swapping their black mascara for burgundy mascara, it piqued my interest. With 77.8 million posts on TikTok, it’s safe to say the unexpected wine-inspired shade is one of the biggest viral beauty trends of the past year.

“Burgundy mascara is the new black mascara,” proclaimed one video. “It’s super, super subtle and it just makes my brown eyes pop.” Another user compared black and burgundy mascara, saying the reddish purple shade “just makes your eyes [look] soft and pretty.”

With millions of videos gushing about the perks of wearing burgundy mascara, I was eager to put the trend to the test. I opted to try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Burgundy Mascara after Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown called it her “favorite mascara” in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video earlier this year.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Burgundy Mascara

I have light green eyes that sometimes appear blue, and I find that dark eye makeup can create too intense of a contrast with my eye color. For this reason, I often wear brown mascara instead of black mascara as part of my everyday makeup routine. Plus, there are tons of TikTok videos attesting to the complementary pairing of burgundy mascara and light eyes, so I was excited to try the theory for myself.

Before applying the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Burgundy Mascara, I was pleasantly surprised by the brownish red shade of the formula, which quelled any anxieties that the colored mascara would be too costumey to wear during the day. After applying primer and my first coat, I didn’t notice a huge difference between this mascara and typical black or brown formulas. Two coats later, though, I was beginning to understand the hype. The maroon tone became more vivid, yet it was still subtle enough for me to wear to the office without feeling overly made up. I decided to swipe some on my bottom lashes as well, and this step fully sold me on the burgundy mascara buzz. Completely framed by burgundy lashes, my green eyes looked notably brighter and more vibrant. 

In addition to the stunning shade, I loved the separated, fanned-out lash look this mascara gave me—and I’d be lying if I said the $9 price tag wasn’t a major selling point. Overall, it’s easy to see why this affordable mascara counts Millie Bobby Brown (and hordes of TikTokers) among its fans. 

Though burgundy may seem like a moody shade, the soft, romantic effect of fluttery red wine lashes is actually perfect for summer. Keep scrolling for a few more burgundy mascara options, and prepare to retire your black mascara for good.

Benefit Badgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara in Wild Plum

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Mascara in Dream Pop

Lancôme Hypnôse 8 Mascara in Noir Grenat