Do you remember that MTV show The Hills? More specifically, that one glorious episode where Lauren Conrad [LC] tried to salvage her friendship with Audrina and she cried. But not just any cry. This was a dramatic, runny-nose, black-mascara-tears-streaming-down-your-face kind of cry. From then on, I was convinced I should never wear waterproof mascara ever again. Sounds strange, but once I saw that scene, I knew that if I ever cried in public [which is not a common occurrence,

teamnofeels over here], I wanted people to see it.

Even before that life-changing LC cry, however, I've never been a fan of waterproof mascara. Initially, it was because I couldn't get it off. Maybe I was too young at the time, or didn't fully get the concept of eye makeup remover, but the first time I wore a waterproof mascara, I kid you not, I probably had it on for a week. Now that I know how to properly take off stubborn makeup [cleansing oil is my weapon of choice], I still find taking off waterproof mascara to be a major pain in the ass. I also never liked the fact that waterproof formulas can be waxy and clumpy.

So considering all of this, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was given the waterproof Maybelline New York The Colossal Big Shot Mascara to test for our Best of Beauty Awards.

Now, I love the regular, non-waterproof formula of The Colossal Big Shot and its wavy-bristled brush. It's been my go-to for a very long time. I keep a tube of it at home, at my desk, in my gym bag, and usually in my purse. When I first applied the waterproof version, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't too waxy or thick, and it coated my lashes evenly, which is something I've always struggled with when it comes to waterproof formulas. To test out the staying power, I decided to wear it to a hot yoga class.

This may be TMI, but I sweat a lot. To the point where the sweat gets in my eye, which, when mixed with whatever mascara I have on at the time, can really sting. I knew that if this were a true waterproof formula it would last, and last it did. It stayed put the entire hour of class without budging, even as the sweat streamed down my face. And the removal process was completely painless. My usual one pump of DHC cleanser was enough to take it off without ripping out all my eyelashes.

Maybelline New York Colossal Big Shot Mascara – the newest sister in the famous Colossal mascara family – is designed to make a statement. Formulated with collagen, this super pigmented, black mascara coats lashes from root to tip to deliver a serious dose of volume, sans clumping. Our Review Crew® were tasked with putting this new volumising mascara to the test.

The panel

Beauty Crew sent Maybelline New York Colossal Big Shot Mascara to women aged between 18 and 39 who want to create bold, volumised lashes.

The lowdown

Here’s what the Review Crew® loved about Maybelline New York Colossal Big Shot Mascara:

The impact it had on lashes: Most of our Review Crew® members were happy to report that the mascara added instant volume to lashes, with many finding all they needed was one coat to get the finish they were after.

The longevity of the mascara: While some reviewers found the mascara didn’t hold up in heat and through sweat, most were happy to discover the formula didn’t budge or smudge through normal conditions – with a few mentioning it even lasted around 12 hours.

This may not be for you if: You’re looking to maximise curl. Some testers found that although the mascara delivered in terms of volume, it didn’t give as much curl as they would have liked. Some reviewers found curling their lashes before applying the mascara helped.

The verdict

“This mascara was great at creating standout lashes. I loved how much it lengthened my lashes & how long wearing it was. I could wear this all day, through work & a workout and have no smudging even though it is not a waterproof mascara!”

Meg

/

Review Crew® member

“It is everything I personally look for in a mascara: provides good length, good volume, isn't goopy, dries quickly, doesn't smudge or crumble when I put on my lashes, and most importantly it separates my lashes rather than clumping them together.”

T Kaur

/

Review Crew® member

“My lashes were instantly fuller, separated and there was no clumping to try and pat away. It felt a little heavier on my eyes than my current natural mascara – but it wasn't uncomfortably so and it made a bigger difference in my eyelash texture and length as opposed to the natural one.”

Mandy

/

Review Crew® member

“Prior to trailing this product, I was anticipating the lip paint to be drying to the lips. To my surprise, I find the lip paint to be moisturising and long lasting. The felt tip applicator makes for easy use and neat application. I would definitely recommend this product and I certainly purchase the other shades.”

Which Maybelline mascara is best for volume and length?

BEST MASCARA FOR DRAMATIC LENGTH & VOLUME For days you want surreal length and volume, you'll love the Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara. The formula includes a mix of fibers to load lashes from root to tip without clumping, smudging, flaking, or smearing, so it's a great mascara for those with short lashes.

Why is Maybelline mascara so good?

The lash-doubling formula glides on to build great-looking lashes while the lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full-lash look. Allure Readers' Choice and Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Is Maybelline a good brand for mascara?

As America's best-selling mascara brand, Maybelline New York has been making the best drugstore mascaras for decades. And whether you're looking for a curling mascara, lengthening mascara, volumizing mascara, colored mascara, clear mascara, or even the best mascara primer, Maybelline New York has the best one for you!

Is Maybelline colossal mascara smudge proof?

Yes, the Maybelline colossal mascara waterproof formula is ophthalmologically tested and suitable for all, including contact lens wearers. It ensures smudge-free and budge-free application effortlessly!