Every Editor I Know Raves About This Brand's Range of Under-£15 Mascaras, so I Put Them to the Test

Of all the drugstore makeup brands, Maybelline has a special place in my heart. A mainstay in my makeup bag since my very first exploration into the makeup world, Maybelline has been responsible for some of my all-time favourite affordable makeup products over the years. Who else remembers saving up pocket money to purchase their very first tube of Great Lash Mascara?

From the always reliable Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer to the iconic pink and green packaging of Great Lash Mascara, Maybelline has stood the test of time for a reason—the quality of the brand’s products are every bit as good as their high-end, luxury counterparts.

While the brand covers everything from foundation and blusher to lipsticks and lipglosses, chances are when you think of Maybelline, you probably think of mascara first. Aside from the aforementioned Great Lash, the brand is also known for Sky High Mascara (which famously went viral on TikTok) and Lash Sensational Mascara (yep, that curved brush)—all featuring innovative formulas and high-tech applicators that set their results apart. Whether your lash goals are volume, length, or curl, (or all of the above) Maybelline has something for everyone. And the best part? Purchasing a Maybelline mascara certainly won’t break the bank.

When it comes to finding the best Maybelline mascara for you, there’s a lot to get through. With that in mind, I’ve put every Maybelline mascara I could get my hands on to the test. Evaluating everything from formula and brush shape to longevity and pigmentation, I’ve shared my findings below.

The best Maybelline mascaras:

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Let's start with the mascara that broke the internet—and continues to go viral and sell out on a pretty much annual basis. Despite its unassuming brush (slim, tapered, short bristles), this is without a doubt one of the best lengthening mascaras I've ever used, and the tapered tip does a great job of separating each individual lash without clumping them. 'Sky High' really is the perfect name for it.

Rating: 10/10

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2. Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

If you have super straight lashes that struggle to hold a curl, look no further. The curved brush gives the most impressive lift I've found without using eyelash curlers, capturing even the shortest lashes without clumping them together. I like to use the longer-bristled side for my top lashes and the shorter-bristled side on my lower lash line.

Rating: 9/10

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3. Maybelline The Falsies Instant Lash Lift Mascara

This is my personal favourite, because when it comes to mascara I am all about volume and length. The thick, fluffy hourglass-shaped brush ensures all lashes are coated in the fibre-infused formula, which works to extend lashes from the root for all-day definition.

Rating: 10/10

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4. Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

This was my first time trying this mascara, which delivered impressive definition and curl in just a few swipes. The brush is curved which helps it to give lift and the formula is so light, it almost doesn't feel like you're wearing mascara. Plus, thanks to its waterproof formula, it didn't smudge or flake at all during my testing.

Rating: 9/10

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5. Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Mascara

If you're someone who like their mascara to tick every box—volume, length, and lift—this is the Maybelline mascara for you. The applicator wand is fluffy and chunky, but the formula is quite thin and silky, which means it goes on smoothly and layers up really well. My verdict: expect thick, full lashes that could easily be mistaken for falsies.

Rating: 9/10

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6. Maybelline The Colossal Go Extreme Mascara

This mascara is proof that the size and shape of the wand really does make all the difference—it has a double curve shape which really maximises on volume. My only complaint? It wasn't great for defining individual lashes, but if you do like a thick, clumpy lash effect, this is the Maybelline mascara for you.

Rating: 7/10

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7. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Even after 40 years, this is still Maybelline's bestselling product—and it's easy to see why. The serum-like formula applies smoothly and evenly, meaning lashes look defined and enhanced but still natural. It's easy to use if you're a mascara newbie and separates lashes well, without needing to comb through multiple times.

Rating: 8/10

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