** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **
Declaration: I usually don’t bother with mascaras. I’ve tried many and didn’t like how heavy they feel, how they clumped, etc. etc. etc. But I decided to give the Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara a go when I saw it – I got sucked in by the bright and happy yellow packaging. Yes, I’m a sucka.
My thoughts? Not bad, but not perfect.
Claims: TRUSTED
√ Creates 7x the volume
√ Dramatic volume with no clumps
√ Waterproof
? Contact lens safe (I don’t wear contacts)
Key Notes
- Name: Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara
- Amount: 8ml
- What I Paid: $6.99 (CAD)
- Price Per Unit: $0.87/ml (CAD)
- Colors Available: Classic Black, Glam Black, Glam Brown
- Where to Buy: Drugstores, grocery stores, big-box stores, ULTA, Target, Walgreens
The Review
My first reaction when I opened the Maybelline The Colossal mascara was “Whoa. Fat brush.” I didn’t expect that even though the packaging says “Mega Brush.”
My eyelashes are quite small, so I wasn’t sure how the Mega Brush is going to work since big brushes don’t mix with small eyelashes usually. But my worries were for nothing. The brush is quite easy to handle, and the mascara goes on quite easily. The formula is more on the wet side, instead of creamy or thick, which I like since it goes on smoother. But because of this, it takes a tad longer to dry completely.
From my experience: all mascaras clump. But I will say that the Maybelline Volum’ Express mascara is on the low-clumping side. The clumping on my eyelashes isn’t very noticeable, so I’m quite happy with that. No lash brush necessary!
As for the 7x volume claim…well, I’m not sure if it’s 7x exactly. But with just two coats, the Maybelline mascara does make my lashes appear longer and thicker, so I won’t do a full-on scientific experiment to deny/prove that number.
The color I have is called Glam Black/Blackest Black. It has a slightly glossy finish to it (I guess that’s the “Glam” part). I haven’t tried Classic Black, so I can’t say how it compares. But really, Glam Black can pass for your everyday black mascara.
Now onto the bad. The Maybelline waterproof mascara flakes. Not terribly, but it flakes. And it also smudges even though it is waterproof. (Once it dries, water and soap can’t remove it.) Again not terribly, but it does.
Big no-nos. It puts a huge “Hold it right there” road block on my way to calling this the best mascara. There’s gotta be a mascara out there that doesn’t clump, that lengthens, that volumizes, that’s easy to apply, that’s waterproof, that won’t flake, that won’t melt…oh, am I just a dreamer?
Pros
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Cons
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Final Verdict: 7.5/10
The Maybelline The Colossal waterproof mascara knocked off quite a few things from my The Perfect Mascara checklist. But it left two big ones unsatisfied. This is definitely not the perfect mascara, but it is my favorite so far until I find something better.
Pictures:
Left: Before & Right: After
What’d you think of this waterproof mascara? Some people pit it against CoverGirl LashBlast – who’s the winner in your eyes?
Hey, I’m using this one and I quite like it. True it flakes a bit. but, so far I had my best experience with Avon Supershock Mascara
Nivedita recently posted: LOreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Protector
Hi Nivedita!
I like this mascara, too, just not in love with it. 😛 What is it about AVON Supershock that you like?
well, the wand was too good. My lashes are naturally long and a bit curled. It perfectly separated and voluminized them giving the best doe-eyed look without the falsies.The root to tip application was also very easy. It was water resistant, non-flaky.I actually got into shower once and it still stayed put. I don’t buy too many mascaras at a time. but as soon as this one gets over, I’ll switch back to it.
Nivedita recently posted: LOreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Protector
Wow. That does sound awesome. I might have to try this AVON Magic Mascara. 🙂