7 Best Purple Mascara Picks That Actually Show on Lashes

Finding the best purple mascara isn’t about chasing the brightest tube—it’s about choosing a shade and formula that looks intentional on your lashes.

Soft plums can give everyday polish, while true violets make the color obvious when you want it to be seen.

The problem? Many people try purple once, it looks black, flakes, or feels uncomfortable—and they give up.

This guide exists to stop that from happening and help you pick purple that works in real life, not just in the tube.

Quick Chooser (So You Don’t Have to Scroll Blindly)

• Want subtle, office-safe depth? → Look for purple-black or soft plum shades
• Want visible color? → Choose true violet, eggplant, or brighter purple formulas
• Tried purple before and it looked black? → Likely deep plum + dark lashes (we’ll show you how to make it show)
• Sensitive eyes or wear contacts? → Prioritize comfort-first formulas and easy removal
• Prefer something softer than black (especially on lighter or mature lashes)? → Muted plum tends to be more flattering

Quick undertone rule:

• Warm / olive → wine or muted plum
• Cool → blue-violet
• Neutral → most purples work

⚡ Quick Comparison (Best Purple Mascara Winners at a Glance)

How to read this table:

• Subtle = reads like a softer black/plum in most lighting.
• Medium = purple shows in daylight or with a second coat.
• High = clearly purple, even indoors.

Important note: Each pick is listed under its primary strength to keep choosing simple. Some formulas overlap use cases (for example, a few show up better on darker lashes). Those nuances are explained in the full reviews below.

About Burgundy Haze: This shade leans burgundy-plum, not a bright violet. It’s included as a soft-purple, everyday option—great if black feels harsh.

If you’re specifically shopping for wine-red tones, the burgundy category goes deeper on that angle.

Why Purple Mascara Feels So Wearable Right Now

Purple sits in a sweet spot as a chromatic neutral. You still get definition like black, but with a softer edge that doesn’t look heavy on the eyes.

Many people prefer shades that define and brighten—especially on brown, green, and hazel eyes—without tipping into costume territory. Plum-leaning purples do exactly that.

Pair that with modern formulas (lighter feel, less flaking, better comfort), and purple mascara feels less risky and more like an easy upgrade from black.

What Does Purple Mascara Actually Look Like on Lashes?

This is where most people get confused—because purple almost never looks the same in the tube as it does on lashes. On real lashes, purple usually lands in three clear buckets:

Purple-black (office-safe)

The most subtle option. On lashes, it reads like a softer black with a hint of depth. Indoors, it can look nearly neutral; in daylight, you’ll catch that quiet plum tone that brightens the eyes without obvious color.

Deep plum/eggplant (noticeable in daylight)

This is the sweet spot for most people. The purple shows when light hits, but it still feels polished and wearable. Noticeable without looking theatrical—this is where purple starts to feel intentional.

Violet/lavender (statement)

True color. These shades look purple even indoors and are meant to be seen. Great for creative days or when you want lashes to be the main character. Not subtle—but very fun.

Quick reality check: If you tried a purple mascara and thought, “Why does this just look black?” you likely chose a purple-black or deep plum expecting a violet payoff—especially on darker lashes or with just one coat.

Dark lashes, no-primer note: If you don’t use primer, choose true violet or higher-pigment formulas and plan on two light coats. Softer plums can disappear on very dark lashes without that extra pigment.

How Purple Mascara Enhances Eye Color (And When It Doesn’t)

Purple can make eyes look brighter and more defined—but only when the shade depth matches the goal. Keep this practical (no overthinking):

Brown Eyes

• Subtle everyday: purple-black or soft plum adds depth without obvious color.
• More impact: eggplant or violet can pull out warm, golden flecks that black often hides.

Green Eyes

• Even softer plums can make green look more vivid.
• You don’t need neon—deep plum usually creates enough contrast.

Hazel Eyes

• Plum and wine-leaning purples help unify green + brown tones, making hazel look richer rather than muddy.

Blue Eyes

• Lighter or softer purples work best.
• Very dark violet can feel heavy; aim for contrast and brightness, not intensity.

7 Best Purple Mascara Picks

Best Purple Mascara for Everyday Wear

L’Oréal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara — Deep Violet

Buildable volume + length · washable formula

If you’re hunting for the best purple mascara that still feels effortless day to day, this one sits in a very specific lane.

It puts classic, full lashes first, with a soft violet hint layered in—not a bold color moment. Think subtle depth, not “wow, that’s purple” from across the room.

Quick Pros

✅ Builds noticeable volume and length while keeping lashes separated

✅ Lightweight and comfortable, even with two coats

✅ Holds up well for long days with minimal smudging for many

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone expecting a strong, vibrant purple payoff

❌ People who want a perfect one-swipe result every time

❌ Very sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers prone to irritation

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“After a long, humid shift, the lashes still looked full with no raccoon eyes, but the purple stayed very soft and subtle.”

⭐Editor’s Note

Best if your priority is volume and wear-time, with purple as a quiet extra—not the main attraction. This also tends to feel gentler than jet black on lighter or mature lashes that can look harsh with very dark mascara.

Helpful next reads (after this pick):

📌 Best Colored Mascara

📌 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Clinique High Impact Mascara — Black Honey

Lengthening, volumizing · comfort-first formula

If your eyes react to almost everything, this one shows up very differently. The color is soft and toned-down—more muted plum-brown than a bold purple moment.

What it really leans into is comfort, easy wear, and lashes that look like your own—just better.

Quick Pros

✅ Comfortable for many sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

✅ Natural-looking length and definition without a crunchy feel

✅ Easy removal for many; no aggressive rubbing needed

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone expecting an obvious or vibrant purple payoff

❌ Watery eyes or tear-prone days (can run for some)

❌ People who want dramatic volume in one or two coats

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“Felt comfortable all day with no itching, but once my eyes watered, I noticed smudging under the eyes by the end of the shift.”

⭐Editor’s Note

This is about eye comfort and soft definition, not color impact. The “purple” here is understated—great if black looks too harsh, especially on mature or lighter lashes.

Sensitivity tip: If your eyes are easily irritated, skip fiber-heavy mascaras and stick with simpler formulas like this one.

Helpful next read (after this pick):

📌 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Best Bold & Bright Purple Mascara

Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara — Fascinating Violet

Luxury volume + elongation in a statement violet shade

If you want the best purple mascara that actually looks purple, this one instantly stands out. The shade is deep, rich, and intentional—true violet, not a barely-there tint. It feels like a deliberate color choice, not an afterthought.

Quick Pros

✅ Distinctive, noticeable violet shade that gets compliments

✅ Long-lasting wear that can handle rain and damp weather

✅ Removes easily at night without harsh scrubbing

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone expecting classic black (shade confusion happens)

❌ Buyers worried about old or dried-out marketplace stock

❌ Value-focused shoppers are sensitive to luxury pricing

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“Wore it through a humid day and light rain, and it stayed put, but still came off easily at night without aggressive rubbing.”

⭐Editor’s Note

Here, color is the point. Double-check the exact shade name and seller—freshness matters with high-impact pigments.

Helpful next read (after this pick):

📌 Best Colored Mascara

3INA MAKEUP The Color Mascara — 482 Purple

Vibrant purple color with volume, lift · vegan formula

If you’re chasing the best purple mascara because you’re bored with black and want real color on your lashes, this one genuinely plays in that space.

When you get a good tube, the purple shows up clearly and feels expressive—not just “almost black.” That said, it’s a little high-maintenance and rewards patience more than speed.

Quick Pros

✅ Noticeable pigment for users who want visible color

✅ Playful shade range with a true purple option

✅ Vegan and cruelty-free; some report decent comfort

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone who hates thicker formulas or clumping risk

❌ Buyers who want ultra-consistent results straight out of the box

❌ Very sensitive eyelids that react to firmer wands or texture

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“The color looked great once it warmed up and settled, but I had to work slowly to avoid blobs, and the wand felt a bit pokey near the lash line.”

⭐Editor’s Note

This is a creative, expressive purple—not a foolproof one. It works best if you’re willing to slow down and accept a bit of unpredictability.

NYX Professional Makeup Color Mascara — Purple

Bold color with buildable length and better control

If you want visible color without going full costume, this NYX option often hits the sweet spot. The shade reads clearly as purple in natural light, but it’s easier to control than many ultra-graphic formulas—especially if you build it gradually.

Quick Pros

✅ Purple payoff that doesn’t read black

✅ Buildable application for better control

✅ Comfortable for many users, including some contact lens wearers

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone expecting intense color in a single swipe

❌ Flake-sensitive users during very long wear days

❌ People who hate layering or working in light coats

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“The color popped nicely in daylight and felt comfortable most of the day, but after extended wear, I noticed a few tiny flakes under the eyes.”

⭐Editor’s Note

Treat this as a build-slowly color mascara. Flattering and fun—but not the most bulletproof if you rush.

Helpful next read (after this pick):

📌 Best Colored Mascara

Best Drugstore Purple Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara — Burgundy Haze

Extreme length, definition · burgundy-leaning plum accent

If you’re browsing for the best purple mascara but want something wearable and not costume-y, Burgundy Haze sits in an in-between zone.

It’s not a bright violet—think muted berry/plum that deepens lashes while delivering that signature Sky High length. Length is the star here; color is the accent.

Quick Pros

✅ Extremely lengthening with clean, defined separation

✅ Slim, flexible wand reaches tiny corner lashes easily

✅ Long wear for many with minimal daytime smudging

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone who needs truly quick, easy removal

❌ Sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers prone to irritation

❌ Shoppers expecting bold, obvious purple payoff

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“My lashes looked long and defined all day in humidity, but removing them at night took more effort than expected.”

⭐Editor’s Note

A length-first mascara with a burgundy-plum twist. Excellent performance; removal is the tradeoff. If you’re after true violet, look elsewhere in this list.

Helpful next read (after this pick):

📌 Best Colored Mascara

ColourPop BFF Mascara — Purple Prose

Playful purple color with buildable volume

If you want something fun, affordable, and visibly purple, Purple Prose earns its spot. When the tube is good, the color shows up more than you’d expect and adds personality without a liner. It’s expressive—just not the neatest formula.

Quick Pros

✅ More visible purple payoff than many “barely-there” shades

✅ Budget-friendly way to experiment with color

✅ Cruelty-free; some users report minimal smearing

Not Ideal For

❌ Anyone who hates dry formulas or clumping risk

❌ Sensitive or watery eyes (flake/irritation signals exist)

❌ People who prefer small, ultra-precise wands

💡Lash Lab Notes — Dr. Rabeya (Heat/Humidity/Shift Test):

“The color definitely showed up and looked fun, but the wand was messy, and I noticed some under-eye fallout after a few hours in humidity.”

⭐Editor’s Note

Best for short wear or playful looks, not long, flawless days. Fun wins here; fuss-free does not.

How to Apply Purple Mascara So It Looks Intentional (Not Costume-Like)

Purple mascara looks best when you control how much color shows. A few small tweaks are usually the difference between polished and “why does this feel off?”

• 1 coat = soft definition:

One thin coat gives a purple-black or plum effect. It reads clean and subtle—especially indoors. Ideal if you want something gentler than black without obvious color.

• 2 coats = visible purple:

A second coat is where purple starts to show, particularly in daylight. Let the first coat set for a few seconds, then add the second lightly so the color builds without clumping.

• Layering trick (when you want control):
  • Black first, purple on top → keeps lashes defined while letting purple peek through.
  • Purple first, black on the outer corner only → adds structure without covering the color everywhere.

• Use a primer for payoff (especially on dark lashes)

If your lashes are very dark, purple can disappear. A light coat of mascara primer gives pigment something to grip, so it reads purple instead of black—without needing extra layers.

Helpful technique guides (optional):

📌 How to apply mascara

📌 How to wear colored mascara

Common Mistakes People Make with Purple Mascara

No shame—almost everyone hits at least one of these the first time.

• Buying a shade that reads black on lashes: Purple-black and deep plum won’t look violet unless light hits them. If you want visible color, choose a true violet—or use primer.
• Over-layering until it clumps: Too many coats kill the color. Once lashes clump, purple turns muddy. Two controlled coats beat four heavy ones.
• Pairing with bruisy tones: If your eye area already looks pink or tired, heavy purple shadow can tip the look into “bruised.” Keep the rest of the eye clean and neutral.
• Applying too close to the lash root or waterline: Packing purple at the base looks heavy and isn’t great for hygiene. Focus color from mid-lengths to tips and keep the lash line clean.

Quick hygiene reminder: Replace mascara about every 3 months and avoid pumping the wand—both help prevent irritation and keep the formula performing as intended.

Who Should Try Purple Mascara (And Who Might Skip It)

Purple mascara isn’t all-or-nothing—it comes down to comfort, style, and sensitivity.

You’ll probably love it if…

• You want a definition that’s softer than black but more interesting than brown.
• You like subtle upgrades that still feel wearable day to day.
• You enjoy experimenting—even if it’s just one coat.
• Black mascara makes your eyes look tired.

You might want to skip (or be selective) if…

• You prefer ultra-dramatic, jet-black lashes every day.
• You’re very sensitive to eye makeup and already know certain pigments bother you.
• You don’t enjoy adjusting technique (primer, lighter coats, layering).

If sensitivity is your main concern, prioritize comfort first—then experiment with color.

Helpful next read (comfort-first):

📌 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Is Purple Mascara Work-Appropriate or Everyday-Friendly?

The honest answer? It depends, but it’s more wearable than most people expect.

• Shade depth matters most.

Purple-black and soft plum shades often read neutral, especially indoors. True violet or lavender is more noticeable and usually feels less office-safe.

• Lighting changes everything

In office lighting, purple mascara can look almost black. In daylight, the color shows more. That’s why many people wear it daily without Anyone realizing it’s purple.

• Your role sets the ceiling.

Creative or flexible environments make purple easy. More traditional roles usually call for subtler shades—but that doesn’t mean purple is off the table.

• One coat is the everyday trick.

A single, light coat keeps things polished and intentional. You still get the eye-brightening effect without obvious color.

If your goal is “no one notices my mascara, just my eyes,” subtle purple can actually work better than black.

Helpful style guide:

📌Best Natural-Looking Colored Mascara

Purple Mascara vs Blue vs Burgundy Mascara

If you’re deciding between these three, think vibe, not rules.

• Purple sits in the middle. It can read soft or bold depending on shade and coats—great if you want something different from black without going full color.
• Blue is cooler and more graphic. It pops fast and feels bolder, especially in daylight—best if you’re okay being noticed.
• Burgundy is the warmest and most subtle. It often reads like a “better black,” especially flattering on many skin tones.

If purple feels close-but-not-quite-you, the other two are worth exploring—but purple remains the easiest bridge from black.

FAQs About Purple Mascara

Helpful removal guide:

📌How to Remove Colored Mascara Without Staining

Final Thoughts — Is Purple Mascara Worth Trying?

If you’ve ever felt bored with black but nervous about color, purple is a great place to start. Go subtle first—one coat, softer shades—then build bolder once you know what you like. When you match the shade to your comfort level (and your lashes), purple mascara can feel surprisingly easy.

🎁Before You Move On…

If purple mascara made you curious—but you’re still dialing in what works best—these can help without guessing:

• 📌 Best Colored Mascara
• 📌 Best Waterproof Colored Mascara