A cosmetic composition for increasing color intensity that has at least one colorant, at least one anionic polymer, at least one starch, and optionally, at least one mattifying agent, optionally, at least one auxiliary ingredient, wherein the at least one anionic polymer and the at least one starch form hydrogen bonds with the at least one colorant. In addition, a method of increasing color intensity of a color cosmetic composition, wherein the method contains the following steps: (a) providing the cosmetic composition for increasing color intensity (b) increasing an amount of the at least one pigment to a range from about 5% to about 15% by weight (c) reducing the at least one mattifying agent to a range from about 1% to about 25% by weight and (d) maintaining about 2% to about 8% by weight of the at least one anionic polymer and about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of the modified starch, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition, and the composition exhibits increased color intensity. Further, a mascara containing the cosmetic composition for increasing color intensity.
