Mascara is a staple in any makeup kit. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s the most important item in any makeup regime. Even when I’m in a rush, I’ll never leave my apartment without at least a swipe of mascara first. While black mascara and liner is a tried and true combo, sometimes it’s fun to switch it up a bit! Pastels and bright colors have been taking over everything from your hair to your nails to your accessories this year, so it’s really no surprise that color is infiltrating our mascara game too!

Bright blue and dark green mascara brushes

I’ve used colored mascara before, but nothing like what’s popular in this trend! I’d always opted for subtle dark blue or brown to help my blue eyes pop, but that’s far from the adventurous colors that brands are offering up for our lashes now. Any trend that involves color and creativity gets me excited, and this one is no different!

Embrace the last few weeks of summer by sporting some colorful hot pink lashes with Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara, or try their blue and purple colors too. If you really want your peepers to pop, opt for RMK W Color Mascara, which has a different color on each end. Switch it up and use one color on your upper lashes and the other on your lower lashes. And the fun doesn’t have to stop just because the heat’s going away—you can stick with the bright colors year-round, or opt for subtler hues as we head into fall. Makeup Forever Smokey Lash has some great darker colors that are a perfect way to add a bit more edge to any smokey eye. I absolutely love their forest green color and think it’s the perfect shade for fall.

It’s not just high-end designer makeup brands that are embracing the color. Maybelline has a great blue color and Hard Candy has a few different color options that won’t break the bank. It’s easy to just sub in any color for your regular black and stick with your usual shadow or liner look, or you can really draw attention to your lashes by putting a simple thin line of black liquid liner on your lash line.