Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Published By Laura Townsend
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Our Verdict
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara remains a drugstore staple for a reason. Its iconic pink and green tube delivers a classic, separated lash look, easily buildable without clumping excessively. The small brush excels at coating even the tiniest lashes, making it ideal for lower lashes or creating a natural, everyday look. Value-wise, it's unbeatable. However, don't expect dramatic volume or significant lengthening. Its formula, while buildable, can smudge or flake slightly throughout the day, especially in humid conditions. Buy it if you're seeking an affordable, accessible mascara for a natural enhancement. Avoid it if you prioritize all-day wear, waterproof capabilities, or dramatic lash transformations. For a basic, dependable mascara, Great Lash holds its own.
Audience Score
Pros
- It's affordable and readily available at most drugstores.
- The classic curved brush is easy to use and separates lashes well.
- It provides decent lengthening and volumizing for everyday wear.
- It's washable and easy to remove with makeup remover.
- The formula is generally considered non-irritating for sensitive eyes.
Cons
- It can clump easily if too many coats are applied.
- The formula can be a bit wet, leading to smudging.
- The brush can be difficult to maneuver for precise application.
- It's not very volumizing compared to other mascaras on the market.
- It's not waterproof or water-resistant, making it prone to running.
Before
After
Comparison
The most similar products compared
| Audience Score | 89 Great! | 83 Great! | 82 Great! | 73 Good! |
| Price | $6.96 | $12.99 | $29 | $20 |
| Size | 0.34 oz | 0.27 oz | 0.27 oz/ 8 mL | 0.29 oz / 8.5 g |
| Sensitive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Volumizing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lengthening | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curling | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vegan | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tubing | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hypoallergenic | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Waterproof | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Who Should Buy
This mascara is a great option for makeup newbies looking for an easy-to-use, affordable product that delivers noticeable results. It's also ideal for those who prefer a more natural, everyday lash look and don't want to spend a lot of time on their makeup. If you're looking for a classic mascara that has stood the test of time and provides decent lengthening and volumizing effects, this could be a good choice for you. It's also a great option if you are looking for a drugstore buy, or if you're on a budget. This mascara has achieved iconic status for a reason, and its accessible price point makes it worth a try.
Who Should Not Buy
This mascara may not be the best choice for individuals seeking dramatic volume or length. If you prefer a high-impact, false-lash effect, you might find this mascara lacking. Those with very sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses might also want to consider other options, as some have reported irritation. Finally, if you're committed to using only cruelty-free or vegan products, this mascara won't meet your needs.
Sensitive
While generally considered safe for most, some users with particularly sensitive eyes have reported experiencing irritation with this mascara. This could be due to the specific ingredients in the formula or simply the mascara's tendency to flake throughout the day. If you have sensitive eyes, it's recommended to do a patch test before applying it to your lashes fully. Look for mascaras specifically formulated for sensitive eyes, often labeled "hypoallergenic" and free of common irritants like fragrances and parabens. If you experience any redness, itching, or watering, discontinue use immediately.
Volumizing
This mascara provides a decent amount of volume, but it's not its strongest suit. It adds thickness to the lashes, making them appear fuller, but don't expect dramatic, false-lash volume. The formula coats each lash, creating a slightly thicker appearance without excessive clumping. This is perfect for a natural, everyday look, but if you're looking for significant volume, layering multiple coats or exploring other mascara options might be necessary.
Lengthening
This mascara offers noticeable lengthening effects, helping to create the illusion of longer lashes. The formula and brush work together to coat each lash from root to tip, extending its appearance. While it won't give you the extreme length of some high-end mascaras, it provides a respectable boost for a natural, defined look. The lengthening effect is particularly noticeable on shorter lashes, making them appear significantly longer and more defined.
Tubing
This mascara is not a tubing mascara. Tubing mascaras use polymers that wrap around each lash, creating tubes that extend and lengthen the appearance of lashes. These tubes are easily removed with warm water, sliding off without the need for harsh makeup removers. This mascara utilizes a traditional formula that requires makeup remover for thorough cleansing. While this classic formula is effective, it doesn't offer the same easy removal benefits of tubing mascaras.
Curling
While this mascara doesn't specifically claim to curl lashes, its formula and brush can help to hold a curl if you've already curled your lashes beforehand. The slightly wet formula adds weight to the lashes, helping to maintain their shape. However, it doesn't provide the same dramatic curling effect as a dedicated lash curler. If you desire significant curl, using a lash curler before applying the mascara is recommended.
Hypoallergenic
This mascara is not explicitly labeled as hypoallergenic. While it is generally considered safe for most users, some with sensitive eyes have reported experiencing irritation. If you have sensitive eyes or are prone to allergic reactions, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Look for mascaras specifically formulated for sensitive eyes and labeled as "hypoallergenic." These formulas are designed to minimize the risk of irritation.
Vegan
This mascara is not vegan. It contains beeswax, an animal-derived ingredient. Many vegan mascara options are available on the market, utilizing plant-based waxes and other ingredients to create similar effects without the use of animal products. If you are committed to a vegan lifestyle, carefully check the ingredient list of any mascara before purchasing to ensure it aligns with your values.
Clumping
While this mascara is generally known for its smooth application, some users have reported experiencing clumping, particularly when applying multiple coats. This can be due to the formula's consistency or the brush design. To minimize clumping, try wiping off any excess mascara from the brush before applying and use a lash comb to separate lashes after application. This will help create a more defined, clump-free look.