I Tried All of Maybelline's Top Mascaras—These Are the Ones I Absolutely Swear By (2025)

I've been using Maybelline products for what feels like forever. It was one of the first drugstore brands I used in middle school, when I was just starting to learn about makeup. Years later, the over 100-year-old brand continues to be a favorite among people of all ages and skill levels, regularly going viral with products like the Sunkisser Blush. One category that's remained a fan favorite? The mascaras.

With so many brands available, why do people still reach for Maybelline? I put five of the brand's most popular mascaras to the test—Lash Sensational Sky High, Great Lash, The Falsies Surreal Extensions, The Falsies Lash Lift, and The Colossal—to find out and to see how they compare. Keep reading to discover how each performed and whether they truly deliver that "maybe she's born with it" look.

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Things started off strong with the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. With the endless TikTok hype surrounding this one, my expectations were high from the jump—and they were met. The applicator wand is chef's kiss: skinny yet flexible, gripping each individual lash to create a wispy, fanned-out effect. The first coat went on evenly, and after curling my lashes and adding a second coat, my lashes had a lifted, fluttery look. The formula felt light on my eyes and added some length to my short lashes without weighing them down. I did notice a little transfer onto my upper eyelid right after application, but a swipe of makeup remover took care of it. I didn't experience any smudging or flaking throughout the day.

As for hold and curl? I was amazed. My straight lashes typically lose their curl in twenty minutes, but this mascara kept them lifted for over twelve hours. That never happens to me. Even after spending the evening at a roller-skating party in a warm, AC-free space, I didn't end up with raccoon eyes. When it came time for removal, I used a cleansing balm, and it melted away effortlessly. Safe to say, this one has officially earned a spot in my makeup routine.

The Colossal Mascara

The Colossal Mascara has the thickest brush, and it really makes my lashes pop. The formula feels slightly heavier than the others, but not overwhelmingly so. I did notice some clumping, however, especially with multiple coats. The curl was noticeable, and two coats gave my lashes a nice lift. I found that curling my lashes before applying the second coat helped keep them separated and lifted.

This mascara delivers bold, thick lashes, and the curl held up well throughout the day, though by the evening, they didn't look as lifted as they had with the Lash Sensational Sky High. There was minimal flaking after a few hours, but I also went through some windy weather (which caused a few tears) and emotional Grey’s Anatomy episodes—and somehow, my mascara didn't smudge. Overall, it's a solid pick for adding fullness and some lift. Plus, removal was easy.

The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara

The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara is part of Maybelline's Falsies Collection, which is all about drama—think major volume and lift. The twisted-bristle applicator hugged my lashes during application, making it easy to build intensity without clumping. Even with just one coat, I noticed an immediate difference. I curled my lashes, applied a coat, let it dry, then curled them again, and the result was stunning: My lashes appeared longer, lifted, and darker, and had that wispy, individual lash look.

The formula also feels very comfortable, almost like I'm not wearing anything at all. I didn't experience any flaking or smearing throughout the day, and I even wore this mascara while walking on the treadmill. By the end of the night, my lashes still looked voluminous and lifted. This one tied with the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara—it's officially a favorite.

The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

Another mascara from the Falsies collection—and it's a winner! This one has officially become a staple in my routine. The bristles on the wand are thicker, but still manage to grab each lash beautifully. I only had to remove one tiny speck from my lashes, but other than that, there was zero clumping. My application process was a bit extra, but worth it: curl, apply one coat, let it dry, curl again, apply another coat, wait, then curl one last time. With this process, the lift I got was next level—my lashes genuinely looked like I had just gotten a lash lift. It achieves the trifecta: volume, lift, and length. The formula is slightly thick (it can feel like you're wearing mascara), but it's not heavy or uncomfortable. It brings all the drama, and I am absolutely in love.

The real test for me is always seeing how a mascara holds up in different temperatures and situations, so I wore it on cooler days and those random hot spring ones. The first time, I noticed the tiniest smear in my inner corner, but I wiped it away, and that was that. The next few times? No smudging, no clumping—just perfectly lifted lashes that lasted all day. And despite the staying power, it was surprisingly easy to remove with makeup remover. The Falsies Lash Lift truly gave me that "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline" moment. Who knew I had these lashes this whole time?

Great Lash Mascara

The classic Great Lash Mascara has the smallest wand and packaging of the five I tried, and while it may look simple, it's designed to help you build up volume with ease. The slim brush made layering and coating my bottom lashes effortless and clump-free. For me, it was more of a lengthening mascara, though it does offer a slight curl hold. (I did not think that was its strength.) What stood out most was the bold, inky-black finish it gave my lashes. It was also easy to remove: I just used a makeup removing balm. Overall, this is a great option for everyday wear and natural makeup days.