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 Listed:
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline The Colossal Go Extreme Mascara
- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
- Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Mascara
The Best Maybelline Mascaras to Buy Now:
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Black, blue and burgundy, as well as a deeper black.
Pros: Really does deliver when it comes to lash lengthening. Formula infused with bamboo extract that makes it suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Cons: There are literally none!
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Black and a slightly more brownish black.
Pros: Curved wand and brush that gives a lash curler affect.
Cons: Can clump a little, despite claims that it is clump free.
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Just black.
Pros: Delivers on impactful volume and length. Ophthalmologist tested.
Cons: Can smudge if you have a lot of liquid-based make-up on.
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Just black.
Pros: Waterproof formula that doesn't smudge or flake.
Cons: The most awkward wand to use.
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Just black.
Pros: Solid all-rounder, delivering on volume, length and lift.
Cons: You need to layer this one.
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Six different shades of black.
Pros: Double curved wand that helps maximise volume.
Cons: Not great for defining individual lashes.
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
Shop the Product:
Shade Range: Two different shades of black.
Pros: Affordable and easy to use if you want a natural look.
Cons: If you're looking for a big and bold difference to your lashes, this isn't the one for you.
How I Tested the Maybelline Mascaras:
Over the course of a couple of weeks I tried 7 of Maybelline's best-selling and highest-reviewed mascaras, reviewing shade-range, wand, lash-lengthening and final results.
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
-
An Ophthalmologist and a Makeup Artist Just ID'd the 10 Best Mascaras for Aging Lashes
Thank me later.
By Maya Thomas
-
This Classic, French Girl–Approved Mascara Is All You Need for Flirty Lashes
A must-have for volume, length, and curl.
By Maya Thomas
-
No Lie, This Editor-Loved $9 Mascara Delivers Falsies-Level Volume
I'm in love.
By Maya Thomas
-
From Jenna Rink to Andie Anderson—Here's Every Trending Rom-Com Makeup Look Step-by-Step
An ode to the original lover girls.
By Maya Thomas
-
Hot Tip: These Clean Mascaras Trick People Into Thinking I Got a Lash Lift
I'm sold.
By Jamie Schneider
-
The TikTok Crowd Is Swapping Black Mascara for This Cool-Girl Color—I Cosign the Trend
Total eye candy.
By Jamie Schneider
-
The Internet Was Intimidated by This Mascara Wand—Our Editors Can't Get Enough
Meet our favorite.
By Aniyah Morinia
-
A Makeup Artist and 5 Beauty Editors Walk Into Sephora—the 17 Mascaras They Buy
It's hard to pick a favorite, TBH.
By Shawna Hudson