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5 best Maybelline mascaras that provide volume, length and don't smudge, starting at £6 – tested with pics
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For me, mascara has always been about more than lashes. It's the finishing touch that makes my glam feel intentional and the one product I reach for on autopilot. Sure, I may skip foundation every now and then, but never mascara. And few brands understand that balance between accessible and iconic quite like Maybelline.
The brand's mascaras have become cult classics in their own right – recommended between friends, hoarded in handbags, and repurchased with the sort of loyalty usually reserved for your go-to jeans and Tesco meal deals.
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
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Sky High has achieved near-mythical status, Lash Sensational remains a high-street stalwart, and the Colossal lineage continues its quest to make lashes as structurally ambitious as skyscrapers. These mascaras don't just coat lashes; they get on with lifting, lengthening and volumising, no pep talk required. You could say it's the casual confidence of a brand that knows it will inevitably end up in your makeup bag...
So, in the name of journalistic integrity (and good lashes), we've sifted through the tubes, the brushes and the hype to round up the very best mascaras Maybelline has ever bestowed upon us. Prepare for curl, drama and at least one product that becomes your unexpected personality trait.
Best Maybelline mascaras for volume, length and curl
Pros
- Great separation
- Buildable intensity
- Curved brush makes application easy
Cons
- Curved brush may not be suitable to every eye shape
The mascara that needs no introduction... Maybelline's Lash Sensational! It was a big hit circa 2014 thanks to Zoella, and while it's been over a decade, it still lives up to the hype today.
This formula delivers fanned-out volume with its unique curved brush that catches every single lash (no hair goes unscathed!). It builds without clumping, giving a full, multi-layered look that feels lightweight and fluttery. Truly, there's not much this mascara can't do – a tried and tested cult classic that rivals its high-end counterparts at just a fraction of the price.
Features at a Glance
| What it does | Lengthening, volumising, curling |
|---|---|
| Is there a waterproof version? | Yes |
| Colours available | 4 varying shades of black |
Testing the Lash Sensational Mascara
Pros
- Huge volume
- Doesn't flake
Cons
- Doesn't come in a waterproof version
Maybelline’s Colossal Bubble Mascara is for anyone who wants visible impact without committing to full false-lash drama. The oversized brush builds fluffy, rounded volume quickly, catching even short lashes without too much poking. One coat gives a soft, wide-eyed effect; two or three dials things up without turning spidery.
Comfort-wise, it's lightweight, it doesn't flake by lunchtime, and washes off without tugging at sensitive skin. So, overall, you could say it's a solid everyday volumiser.
Features at a Glance
| What it does | Lengthening, volumising |
|---|---|
| Is there a waterproof version? | No |
| Colours available | 2 varying shades of black |
Testing the Colossal Bubble Mascara
Pros
- Dramatic length
- Comfortable wear
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is the answer if your priority is length, not bulk. The flexible, skinny brush grips every lash from root to tip, stretching them out for a clean, fluttery finish. One coat looks polished and defined; two gives that long-lashed, wide-awake effect without clumps.
It also holds a curl impressively well and stays put all day, making it ideal if you like your lashes lifted, separated and unmistakably there.
Features at a Glance
| What it does | Lengthening, volumising, curling |
|---|---|
| Is there a waterproof version? | Yes |
| Colours available | 12 shades including Pink Air, Gold Glitz and Black |
Testing the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Pros
- Intense pigment
- Powerful volume
Cons
- Slight flaking
Maybelline's Lash Sensational Firework Mascara is made for lash maximalists who still want definition, which is why it's my personal fave! The bendy, flexible wand fans lashes out, keeping them separated even as you build layer after layer. It adds volume and length without tipping into clumps – no crunchy finish, no spidery panic.
The result is bold but clean lashes that look deliberately fanned rather than stuck together. If you love impact but hate mess, this one delivers drama with impressive control.
Features at a Glance
| What it does | Lengthening, volumising, curling |
|---|---|
| Is there a waterproof version? | No |
| Colours available | 3 varying shades of black |
Testing the Lash Sensational Firework Mascara
Pros
- Excellent curl hold
- Plump results
Cons
- Curved brush may not work for everyone
Maybelline's Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara is a great shout if straight lashes are your personal nemesis. The curved brush hugs the lash line, lifting and curling from the first swipe, while the formula keeps lashes buoyant rather than stiff. You can build it up without losing shape, and the curl actually holds instead of dropping by mid-morning.
The finish is soft, lifted and wide-eyed, ideal if you want bounce and definition without heavy volume.
Features at a Glance
| What it does | Volumising, curling |
|---|---|
| Is there a waterproof version? | No |
| Colours available | 2 varying shades of black |
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
