At the beginning of the year, I wrote about the new Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Burgundy Haze, £12.99 in our first 2024 budget Glossy Picks. I predicted that this reddy-brown-hued mascara would fly off the shelves even faster than the classic black shade, which is already the nation’s best-selling mascara FYI. And it seems I was right. I’d like to think it was all down to my wise words, but I’m not naive enough to realise that countless TikTok videos are more likely the cause for its sellout success. This one from professional makeup artist, Amy @billieblonde has already racked up 5 million views.
So why the big fuss over a mascara shade? Scroll on to find out why.
Who should wear burgundy mascara?
Of course, anyone can wear burgundy mascara, however, green and blue eyes will get the most out of it and this is down to good old colour theory. If the colour wheel isn’t fresh in your mind you may need to cast your mind back to secondary school art lessons where you studied the rainbow-coloured wheel and learnt that colours that were opposite each other are complementary shades. Red and purple (aka burgundy) are slap bang opposite green and blue so that explains why it works particularly well against those eye colours. However, because of the volume of purple in the formula, it will show up against brown eyes and on darker lashes. However those with lighter lashes allow for the greatest contrast to show the colour off.
There’s also something very clever about when an eye product has red in it as it automatically makes white look whiter, which might not be something you naturally expect. If you’re in need for something to make your eyes look a bit more alive and sparklier, burgundy mascara is a great option.
Having naturally fair lashes, mascara is a daily essential for me to help give my face definition. Black mascara is great for a night out or when I want a dramatic look but it’s quite harsh for a casual day look. Of course, there’s brown mascara, which I love – my favourite is L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise in Dark Brown, £9.99 – but if you have brown lashes, brown mascara isn’t going to add that much. And that’s where burgundy comes in. It’s important to say that this isn’t the first ever burgundy mascara. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Dream Pop, £26 has arguably been the most popular (until now) but I find the formula to be powdery and it’s twice the price of Maybelline Burgundy Haze.
Burgundy Haze has more red in it which I think makes more of an impact on the lashes – especially fair ones – so it shows up more. One coat does everything you want it to, two coats is perfection. Since it landed on my desk I have worn it every day. It lifts and volumes my lashes and the colour makes my eyes look even bluer. It’s the ultimate sweet spot. The only issue is it’s currently sold out online so you need to get into stores (Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets) and scour the shelves for one. And if you do find it, buy as many as you can!
