In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, finding the perfect mascara can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With countless options promising to lengthen, volumize, and define, it’s challenging to separate marketing hype from genuine quality. Today, I’m putting the spotlight on Maybelline New York’s Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara in Very Black (0.32 fl. oz.), a product that has garnered significant attention in the beauty community.
As a beauty expert who has tested hundreds of mascaras across price points, I approach this review with a critical eye and practical expectations. After analyzing feedback from numerous users and putting this mascara through rigorous testing, I’m ready to provide you with an honest, comprehensive assessment to help you determine if this product deserves a spot in your makeup collection.
- Brand: Maybelline New York
- Product Line: Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot
- Type: Waterproof Mascara
- Color: Very Black
- Volume: 0.32 fluid ounces
- Packaging: Single tube
First Impressions & Packaging
The mascara comes in Maybelline’s recognizable yellow and purple packaging, which stands out on store shelves and in your makeup collection. The tube feels substantial in hand—not too light to suggest a lack of product, but not overly bulky for storage or travel. The wand is designed with a medium-sized brush that aims to strike a balance between precision and coverage.
Upon opening the tube, the first thing many users notice is the wet formula consistency. Unlike many mascaras that start off with an ideal consistency but quickly dry out, this formula maintains its moisture for an extended period—a significant advantage for longevity and preventing premature product waste.
Application Experience
Formula Consistency
One of the most commented-on aspects of this mascara is its consistency. The formula is notably wet compared to many other options on the market. This wetness offers several advantages:
- Extended Product Life: The formula resists drying out, even after months of use.
- Smooth Application: The wet consistency helps the product glide onto lashes without tugging.
- Better Adherence: The formula sticks effectively to lashes, creating a fuller appearance.
However, this wet formula does have a learning curve. First-time users might find it requires a moment to set, and there’s a risk of transfer to the eyelid if you blink before it dries. With practice, though, most users adapt their application technique to work with, rather than against, this characteristic.
Brush Design
The brush design is a critical factor in any mascara’s performance. The Colossal Big Shot features a medium-sized brush that strikes a balance between precision and coverage:
- Not too small that it requires multiple passes
- Not so large that it becomes unwieldy for those with smaller eyes
- Bristles spaced to separate lashes while still depositing adequate product
Some users note that the brush design helps prevent clumping while still allowing for buildable coverage. However, there are mixed reviews about this aspect, with some reporting clumping issues, particularly after the mascara has been open for some time or if multiple layers are applied without allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Performance
Volume & Length
Living up to its “Colossal” name, this mascara does deliver noticeable volume enhancement. Users with naturally sparse or thin lashes consistently report a dramatic transformation with just 1-2 coats. The before-and-after difference is striking, with many users sharing that they’ve received compliments and questions about whether they’re wearing false lashes.
While primarily marketed as a volumizing product, it also provides respectable lengthening benefits. The formula coats the tips of lashes effectively, creating the appearance of extended length. This dual action makes it particularly appealing for those who want dramatic results without layering multiple mascara products.
Color Intensity
The “Very Black” shade lives up to its name, delivering intense pigmentation that creates a dramatic lash look. The deep black color enhances the appearance of both volume and length, creating a striking frame for the eyes. The color intensity remains consistent throughout wear, without fading or dulling—a problem common with less pigmented formulas.
Longevity & Waterproof Claims
The waterproof claims of this mascara are perhaps its most impressive feature. Numerous users report exemplary performance in challenging conditions:
- Swimming
- Crying at events
- Rainy weather
- High humidity environments
- Long workdays (12+ hours)
The staying power is remarkable, with minimal to no smudging, flaking, or transferring reported by most users. This longevity makes it particularly suitable for special occasions, active lifestyles, or those with oily skin or watery eyes who typically struggle with mascara migration.
Comfort During Wear
Comfort is an often-overlooked aspect of mascara performance. Some users specifically mention that this formula doesn’t cause the stiff, crunchy lash feeling common with many long-wearing formulas. Instead, lashes remain relatively soft to the touch, which contributes to a more comfortable wear experience.
A small percentage of users report eye irritation, but this appears to be less common than with many other mascaras. The formula seems generally well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive eyes, though individual sensitivities always vary.
Potential Drawbacks
Removal Process
The most frequently cited drawback of this mascara is directly related to its greatest strength: the waterproof formula is challenging to remove. This is the inevitable trade-off with any truly waterproof product, but it’s worth considering before purchase.
Users emphasize the need for dedicated eye makeup remover—preferably oil-based or specifically formulated for waterproof products. Regular face wash, micellar water, or water-based removers generally prove insufficient. Even with proper removal products, it may require some patience and gentle persistence to fully remove the product without causing lash loss or eye irritation.
Formula Consistency Variation
Some users report receiving tubes that were already dried out or clumpy upon first opening. This suggests potential inconsistency in manufacturing or storage conditions. While most users experience the intended wet formula, this variation is worth noting as it significantly impacts the application experience and results.
Learning Curve
The wet formula, while beneficial for many reasons, does present a learning curve for those accustomed to drier formulas. First-time users might experience:
- Transfer to eyelids if blinking occurs before drying
- Clumping if multiple coats are applied without sufficient drying time
- Potential smudging during initial application
Most users report adapting their technique after a few uses, but the initial learning period might be frustrating for those expecting immediate, foolproof results.
Value Assessment
At a mid-range drugstore price point (typically $7-9, depending on retailer), this mascara offers exceptional value compared to high-end alternatives. Many users directly compare it to prestige brands costing 3-5 times more, often finding that the Maybelline option performs equally well or better.
Some users note that the tube seems to contain less product than expected or runs out relatively quickly. However, the majority find that a single tube lasts for the standard 3-month recommended usage period for mascara, making it a reasonable investment.
Who Should Consider This Mascara?
This mascara is particularly well-suited for:
- Active individuals: The truly waterproof formula stands up to sweat, tears, and water exposure.
- Those seeking dramatic lashes: The volumizing and lengthening effects deliver noticeable results.
- All-day wear needs: The exceptional staying power makes it ideal for long events or workdays.
- Budget-conscious beauty enthusiasts: The performance rivals high-end options at a fraction of the price.
- People with straight or downward-pointing lashes: Many users report that it holds a curl effectively.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
This mascara might not be ideal for:
- Those with very sensitive eyes: A small percentage of users report irritation.
- People seeking a natural, subtle lash look: The dramatic effect might be too intense for minimalist makeup preferences.
- Those without dedicated eye makeup remover: The removal process requires specific products and patience.
- Users who prefer very dry mascara formulas: The wet consistency, while beneficial in many ways, might not appeal to everyone.
Application Tips for Best Results
Based on user experiences, these techniques can help maximize results:
- Curl lashes before application for enhanced lift and openness.
- Allow a few seconds between coats to prevent clumping.
- Use a lash comb if needed to separate any clumped lashes.
- Apply to the roots first and then wiggle the wand upward for maximum volume.
- Keep a cotton swab nearby during application to quickly clean up any transfer to the eyelid before it sets.
Removal Recommendations
For effective removal without lash damage:
- Use an oil-based remover or dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover.
- Apply remover to a cotton pad and hold against the eye for 15-30 seconds to dissolve the product before wiping.
- Be gentle and patient rather than rubbing aggressively.
- Consider following with a gentle cleanser to remove any residual product or remover.
How It Compares to Other Mascaras
Vs. High-End Brands
Many users directly compare this mascara to luxury options from brands like Dior, Lancôme, and Estée Lauder, often finding that the Maybelline option performs comparably or better at a fraction of the price. The exceptional staying power, in particular, often outperforms even the most expensive alternatives.
Vs. Other Maybelline Mascaras
Within the Maybelline lineup, this mascara stands out for its balance of volume, length, and waterproof performance. Compared to the original Colossal (yellow tube), users generally find this version provides more dramatic volume. Compared to Lash Sensational, it offers better waterproof properties but perhaps slightly less definition.
Vs. Other Drugstore Options
Among drugstore competitors, this mascara distinguishes itself with the combination of true waterproof performance, volumizing capabilities, and the wet formula that resists drying out. Few options at this price point offer all three advantages simultaneously.
Cultural Impact & Demographics
Interestingly, this mascara has developed something of a cult following across diverse demographics. It receives positive reviews from:
- Teenagers and young adults on limited budgets
- Professional makeup artists who incorporate it into their kits
- Mature users who appreciate its non-flaking properties
- Beauty influencers who recommend it as a “drugstore gem”
This cross-demographic appeal speaks to its versatile performance and reliable results.
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara in Very Black stands as a remarkable achievement in drugstore beauty. It delivers on its core promises—dramatic volume, intense black pigmentation, and exceptional waterproof properties—while maintaining a price point accessible to most consumers.
While not without minor drawbacks, primarily related to removal challenges and occasional formula inconsistency, its strengths substantially outweigh these considerations for most users. The combination of performance, longevity, and value makes it a standout product worthy of its enthusiastic following.
For those seeking dramatic, resilient lashes without the luxury price tag, this mascara deserves serious consideration. Its performance transcends its price category, making it not just a good drugstore option, but a legitimately excellent mascara by any standard.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Pros:
- Exceptional waterproof performance
- Dramatic volumizing and lengthening effect
- Long-lasting wet formula that resists drying out
- Intense black pigmentation
- Excellent value compared to high-end alternatives
Cons:
- Challenging removal process
- Occasional formula inconsistency between tubes
- Learning curve for optimal application
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, this mascara offers a rare combination of performance and value that makes it a worthy addition to your makeup collection. Just remember to stock up on quality eye makeup remover—you’ll need it, but the results make the extra removal step worthwhile.
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