A decade ago, drugstore mascara meant choosing between volume or length, clumpy brushes or formulas that flaked by noon. Now? The best maybelline mascaras deliver tubing technology, all-day wear, and lash-lifting effects that rival high-end brands, all while staying under twenty dollars.
Maybelline's current lineup spans everything from the cult-classic Great Lash to newer innovations like Sky High and tubing formulas that peel off in one piece. Some brushes grip every lash for definition, others build dramatic volume, and a few do both without clumping.
Finding the right one depends on what your lashes need most: separation, length, curl hold, or pure drama.
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– Tubing mascaras create polymer tubes around each lash and remove cleanly with warm water, making them ideal if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses. – Curved or hourglass-shaped brushes lift and curl while depositing product, while straight bristle wands offer more precise control for lower lashes and inner corners. – Waterproof formulas stay put through humidity and tears but require an oil-based remover, so save them for events or workouts rather than daily wear. – Buildable formulas let you layer coats for customizable volume, but check that the mascara dries quickly between layers to avoid clumping or weighing down your lashes. – If your lashes are short or straight, prioritize lengthening and curling claims over pure volume, since too much product can make sparse lashes look spidery instead of full.
| Gentle Waterproof Classic |  |
Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara | Waterproof without feeling stiff | Gentle on sensitive eyes | Natural, soft volume | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Cult Favorite Length |  |
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara | Extreme lengthening with visible lift | Reaches every tiny lash | Holds curl all day | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Full Fan Effect |  |
Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara | Creates wide, fanned-out lashes | Ten-layer brush catches everything | Removes easily without tugging | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Clean Removal Innovation |  |
Maybelline Sky High Tubing Mascara | Removes with just warm water | Stays 24 hours without smudging | Conditioning shea butter and castor oil | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Curl Hold |  |
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara | Lifts and holds curl dramatically | Double-curved brush hugs lash line | Buildable without clumping | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Drugstore Original Icon |  |
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara | Classic, no-fuss volume | Conditioning formula that thickens | Small brush for precision | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bold Separated Volume |  |
Maybelline Colossal Bubble Mascara | Bold volume with clean separation | Buildable without getting goopy | Unique bubble brush design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Smudge-Proof Volume |  |
Maybelline Lash Sensational Body Mascara | 24-hour smudge-proof wear | Volume without clumping | Lifts while adding fullness | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Soft Volume |  |
Maybelline Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara | Soft, conditioning formula | Natural volume without stiffness | Removes easily with face wash | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Instant Mega Volume |  |
Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara | Instant dramatic volume | Collagen-infused plumping formula | Fast, one-coat application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
If you want a mascara that won't budge through tears, sweat, or a beach day but also won't feel like you glued your lashes together, this waterproof formula delivers that balance. The Full 'N Soft line has built its reputation on being one of the softer, more conditioning waterproof options out there, which means you get all-day wear without the stiff, crunchy feeling some waterproof formulas leave behind. It builds natural-looking volume rather than drama, making it a go-to for anyone who wants their lashes enhanced but not obviously made-up.
The formula contains conditioning agents that keep lashes feeling flexible, and the brush design separates well without clumping. It's particularly useful for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers who need bulletproof wear but can't handle formulas that irritate.
The tradeoff? This isn't your high-drama, falsies-in-a-tube mascara. It's subtle, buildable, and prioritizes comfort and wearability over maximum impact.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Waterproof
- Shade:Very Black
- Key Benefit:Conditioning and softness
- Waterproof Option:Yes
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Conditioning formula keeps lashes flexible
- Additional Feature:Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Additional Feature:Buildable coverage for natural looks
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
This became the internet's darling for good reason. Sky High delivers serious length and lift with a formula that contains bamboo extract and fibers, creating that wide-eyed, almost false-lash effect without the weight. The flexible brush tower reaches even the tiniest inner and outer corner lashes, fanning them out for maximum eye-opening impact.
What makes it stand out in the Maybelline lineup is how it manages to be both lengthening and volumizing without tipping into spidery territory. The formula stays wet just long enough to let you build multiple coats, then sets to a flexible, smudge-resistant finish that holds a curl all day. It's become a staple for those who want their lashes to look noticeably longer and more defined.
The only real downside? If you prefer a drier formula that sets instantly, this one's wetter texture might feel like it takes a moment to work with.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Lengthening and volumizing
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Bamboo extract and fiber formula
- Additional Feature:Flexible tower brush reaches corner lashes
- Additional Feature:Buildable, smudge-resistant finish
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara
The original Lash Sensational focuses on creating a full-fan effect that spreads lashes out in a wide, feathery arrangement. Its curved brush has ten layers of bristles in different lengths, which catch and coat every single lash from root to tip, spacing them out as it goes. This creates that fluttery, separated look rather than thick, dense volume.
It's the kind of mascara that makes people ask if you're wearing falsies, not because of dramatic thickness but because of how defined and evenly distributed each lash appears. The washable formula removes easily with warm water and a gentle cleanser, and it doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day if you're not rubbing your eyes.
Where it falls short is in holding a curl if your lashes are naturally straight and stubborn. It adds definition and length beautifully but won't dramatically lift.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Full fan effect
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Curved brush with ten bristle layers
- Additional Feature:Separates and defines each lash
- Additional Feature:Flake and smudge resistant formula
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Maybelline Sky High Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascaras wrap each lash in tiny polymer tubes that slide off with just warm water, no oil-based remover or rubbing required. This Sky High version combines that easy-off technology with the lengthening power the Sky High line is known for, plus shea butter and castor oil for conditioning benefits while you wear it.
The tubes created by this formula are genuinely impressive. They stay put for 24 hours through humidity, sweat, and watery eyes, but when you're ready to remove them, they come off in those characteristic little tubes rather than smearing black everywhere. This makes it particularly valuable for anyone with sensitive eyes, lash extensions, or simply anyone who hates harsh makeup removal.
The one consideration? Tubing formulas can sometimes look slightly less intense than traditional mascaras, trading a bit of dramatic blackness for that easy-removal feature.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Tubing
- Shade:Very Black
- Key Benefit:Easy removal and conditioning
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Polymer tubes wrap each individual lash
- Additional Feature:Shea butter and castor oil formula
- Additional Feature:24-hour smudge and flake proof wear
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Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Lash Lift promises to do what it says: lift and curl your lashes up and out, then hold that position all day. The double-curved brush has a unique shape that hugs your lash line and pushes everything upward as you sweep through, while the formula sets with enough hold to maintain that lifted effect for hours.
This is the one to reach for when you want your lashes to look like you just came from a lash lift appointment. It adds volume and length as well, but its real strength is in that upward sweep that opens up your eyes and makes you look more awake. The buildable formula lets you go natural or stack multiple coats for more intensity without getting clumpy.
If your lashes are already quite curled or you prefer a straighter, more separated look, this might provide more lift than you're after.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Lifting and curling
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Double-curved brush creates lifting effect
- Additional Feature:Formula sets to maintain upward curl
- Additional Feature:Volumizing and lengthening in one
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Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
You've probably seen the pink and green tube at every drugstore since the 1970s. Great Lash is the OG Maybelline mascara, and it's still around because it does exactly what it promises: adds volume without fuss, conditions lashes as it thickens them, and costs less than your lunch.
The formula is remarkably simple and gentle, making it a reliable choice for sensitive eyes, beginners who don't want to fuss with complex application techniques, or anyone who just wants their lashes to look slightly better than bare without any drama. It's the lash-doubling effect without trying to be something it's not. The small brush works well for lower lashes and precise application.
Don't expect length miracles or sky-high drama. This is volume in the most straightforward, no-frills sense, and that's exactly its appeal.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Volumizing and conditioning
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Lash-doubling volumizing formula
- Additional Feature:Conditions while it thickens
- Additional Feature:Compact brush for lower lashes
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Maybelline Colossal Bubble Mascara
The Bubble mascara lives up to its name with a formula that creates bold, dramatic volume while keeping lashes separated rather than clumped together. The buildable formula lets you control how intense you want to go, and the unique brush design (with its bubble-like curves) grabs and coats each lash individually for that defined, fanned-out effect even at maximum volume.
This is your choice when you want big, noticeable lashes that still look like individual lashes rather than one solid mass. The formula builds easily without getting goopy or heavy, and it dries down to a flexible finish that moves with your lashes instead of stiffening them. It creates that perfectly separated, almost spiky look that feels very modern.
If subtle is your goal, this isn't it. Colossal means colossal, and even one coat will give you visible impact.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Volume and separation
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Buildable formula for custom intensity
- Additional Feature:Bubble-curved brush separates while volumizing
- Additional Feature:Flexible finish that moves naturally
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Body Mascara
Body focuses on creating volume and fullness that lasts 24 hours without smudging, clumping, or needing touch-ups. The formula is designed to add thickness and body to each lash, making sparse or thin lashes look considerably fuller and more substantial. It lifts as it volumizes, giving you that wide-eyed effect that lasts from morning to night.
What sets it apart is the smudge and clump resistance. If you've dealt with raccoon eyes by midday or found yourself with spider lashes after a few hours, this formula addresses both issues. It builds smoothly for layered volume without getting messy or uneven, and it genuinely stays put through long days without migrating under your eyes.
The focus is clearly on volume and fullness rather than extreme length, so if you're after millimeter-by-millimeter lengthening, other options deliver that better.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Blackest Black
- Key Benefit:Volume and smudge resistance
- Waterproof Option:No
- Additional Feature:24-hour lash lift formula
- Additional Feature:Smudge and clump resistant technology
- Additional Feature:Builds smooth, even volume
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Maybelline Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara
This is the washable version of the waterproof Full 'N Soft, offering that same soft, conditioned feel but in a formula that removes easily at the end of the day. It's built for people who want their lashes to look fuller and slightly darker without any stiffness, crunch, or obvious makeup look.
The conditioning ingredients make it particularly good for anyone with dry or brittle lashes that break easily with harsher formulas. It adds gentle volume and definition without weighing lashes down, and the soft texture means it never feels like you're wearing much of anything. The washable formula comes off easily with regular face wash, no special removers needed.
This trades drama for comfort. If you want bold, look-at-me lashes, you'll want something more intense. But for natural, enhanced lashes that feel good all day, it's spot-on.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Very Black
- Key Benefit:Softness and conditioning
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Conditioning ingredients prevent lash damage
- Additional Feature:Lightweight formula feels barely there
- Additional Feature:Builds subtle, natural volume
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Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara
The Volum' Express Colossal brush is genuinely massive, with a collagen-infused formula that creates instant, visible volume with just one or two sweeps. This is the classic "colossal" approach to mascara: big brush, thick formula, dramatic results right out of the gate. It plumps up even thin, sparse lashes to look noticeably fuller and darker.
The oversized brush means you can cover all your lashes quickly, making this a fast application option for rushed mornings or when you need obvious impact without layering multiple coats. The collagen formula adds that plumping effect that makes lashes look thicker at the base and fuller overall.
The big brush can be tricky if you have very short lashes or need precise application on lower lashes. It's designed for speed and impact, not detail work.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Shade:Classic Black
- Key Benefit:Mega volume
- Waterproof Option:No
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Oversized brush for quick coverage
- Additional Feature:Collagen formula plumps lashes
- Additional Feature:Creates thick, full look instantly
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Maybelline mascara is best for short lashes?
Lash Sensational and Sky High both work well for short lashes, but for different reasons. Lash Sensational has a curved brush that physically lifts short lashes from the root and a formula with fibers that extend the tips, making them appear longer. Sky High has a flexible brush and a lighter formula that builds length without weighing down short lashes or making them droop. If your lashes are short *and* sparse, Sky High's Flex Tower brush grabs every single lash, including the tiny ones in the inner corner. The formula is buildable, so you can add coats without clumping. Just wiggle the wand at the base and pull through slowly to get maximum extension.
Do Maybelline mascaras work on sensitive eyes or with contact lenses?
Several Maybelline mascaras are ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers, including Lash Discovery, Full 'N Soft, and Great Lash. These formulas skip common irritants and are less likely to flake into your eyes throughout the day. If you have sensitivity, avoid waterproof versions, which require harsher removers that can irritate the eye area. The key is also in how you remove it. Even a gentle mascara can cause problems if you're rubbing your eyes hard to get it off. Use a bi-phase eye makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds, then gently wipe downward. If a specific Maybelline mascara still bothers you, it's usually the fragrance or preservatives, not the brand itself.
How long does Maybelline mascara last before it dries out?
Expect two to four months of good performance after opening, depending on the formula and how you use it. Wetter, creamier formulas (like Colossal) stay usable longer than drier ones (like Snapscara). The biggest factor is air exposure. Every time you pump the wand in and out, you're pushing air into the tube, which dries out the product faster. Pull the wand straight out with a twist instead. If your mascara starts getting clumpy or dry before three months, you can try adding a drop of saline solution or contact lens solution (not water, which introduces bacteria) and swirling the wand around to rehydrate it. But if it smells off or the texture changes significantly, toss it. Mascara is a breeding ground for bacteria once it's been opened, and eye infections aren't worth the $10 savings.
Can you layer different Maybelline mascaras together?
Absolutely, and layering is one of the best ways to customize your lash look. A common combination is a volumizing formula first (like Volum' Express or The Colossal) to thicken and darken the lashes, then a lengthening formula on top (like Lash Sensational or Illegal Length) to extend and separate them. This gives you both the fullness and the length without the clumping that happens when you overload one formula. Let the first coat dry for 30 to 60 seconds before applying the second mascara, or they'll mix together and get gummy. You can also use a defining mascara (like Snapscara) first to coat every lash individually, then go over with a dramatic wand on just the center and outer lashes for a wispy, dimensional effect. Just remember that more layers mean more weight, so if your lashes tend to droop, keep it to two coats total.
What's the difference between Maybelline's blackest black and regular black mascara?
Blackest black has a cooler, almost blue-toned pigment that creates maximum contrast against your skin and the whites of your eyes. It's the most dramatic option and shows up intensely in photos. Regular black is a true neutral black without the cool undertones, so it's bold but not quite as stark. The difference is subtle in the tube but noticeable on your face, especially in natural light. If you have very fair skin or light eyes, blackest black can look a bit harsh for daytime, and regular black or even brownish black might feel more balanced. If you have deeper skin tones or dark eyes, blackest black gives you that crisp definition and makes your eyes pop. Some people keep both and use blackest black for nights out and regular black for work or casual days.
