In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, few items have achieved the iconic status of Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara. With its distinctive pink and green packaging that has remained unchanged for decades, this drugstore staple has earned its place in makeup bags across generations. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into the waterproof version in Brownish Black shade – a product that promises to deliver defined lashes that can withstand tears, sweat, and even a dip in the pool.
As a beauty professional who has tested countless mascaras across all price points, I’ve always been intrigued by products that maintain their popularity year after year. What makes Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara such an enduring favorite? Is it truly worth the hype, or is it simply riding on nostalgia and brand recognition? Let’s explore this beauty classic through a comprehensive analysis of its performance, application, longevity, and overall value.
Product Overview
Product: Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara Shade: Brownish Black Price Point: Budget-friendly ($5-7 range, depending on retailer) Packaging: The iconic pink tube with green cap Claims: Waterproof formula that conditions as it thickens lashes
History and Reputation
Before delving into my personal assessment, it’s worth noting the historical significance of Great Lash. Introduced in 1971, this mascara has been a mainstay in the beauty industry for over 50 years. It’s frequently cited in magazines as a makeup artist favorite and has been called “America’s favorite mascara” by many beauty publications.
The waterproof version maintains the same recognizable packaging but promises added staying power for those with active lifestyles or sensitive, watery eyes. The Brownish Black shade offers a softer alternative to the intense black that dominates the mascara market – a particular benefit for those with lighter coloring or who prefer a more natural look.
Application Experience
The Brush
One of the most distinctive features of Great Lash is its brush design. Unlike the oversized, curved, or high-tech wands that dominate today’s mascara market, Great Lash sticks with a classic, straight brush that’s relatively small and simple. This slender wand has short, evenly spaced bristles that provide precise application.
For those accustomed to modern, voluminous brushes, the Great Lash wand might initially seem underwhelming. However, its compact size offers distinct advantages:
- Corner Access: The small brush easily reaches the innermost and outermost lashes without smudging.
- Lower Lash Application: The precision allows for controlled application on those delicate lower lashes.
- Layering Capability: The design permits building coats without immediate clumping.
That said, the traditional brush design does have limitations. Several users note that it requires more passes to achieve full coverage compared to newer brush technologies. As one reviewer mentioned: “The brush is thinner, takes more effort to coat lashes sufficiently.” Another specifically complained about “the very small original wand that easily slips and leaves mascara on your upper lid.”
Formula Consistency
The consistency of the Brownish Black waterproof formula appears to vary somewhat between tubes. Most reviewers described it as having medium viscosity – not too wet nor too dry. However, several users received products that seemed aged or dried out upon first opening.
One reviewer noted: “I received my order the first week of March 2022. In the past with a new tube, there is a lot of extra product all around the wand and on the tip. I think these have had a long shelf life and are drying out.”
Another was more direct: “Was dry. Seemed like it was old because of how dry it was.”
This inconsistency points to potential issues with inventory management or product freshness, something to consider when ordering online versus purchasing in-store.
Performance Analysis
Color Payoff
The Brownish Black shade offers a distinctive alternative to pure black mascaras. For those with lighter coloring (blondes, redheads, or those with fair complexions), this softer hue provides definition without the harshness of a deep black.
“I have worn this mascara for years, and this color is very hard to find. Most all mascara comes in black or very black now. Not exactly a good color for us natural blonds,” one reviewer explained.
Another echoed this sentiment: “The brownish shade is better for me since I have blonde hair… As you get older the make-up needs to be toned down. No dark black eyeliner and black eyelashes for me.”
However, not everyone appreciated the subdued tone. One user commented: “I would have ordered Very Black instead of Brownish-Black….it doesn’t darken my lashes as much as I would like.” Another felt it lacked impact: “It also doesn’t ‘pop’ maybe because I have the ‘Brownish Black’ color.”
The color intensity appears to be moderate – sufficient for everyday enhancement but not dramatically transformative.
Volumizing and Lengthening Effects
Great Lash Waterproof is not marketed as a high-drama, falsies-effect mascara, and the reviews confirm this positioning. It provides natural-looking enhancement rather than theatrical volume or length.
“It doesn’t really thicken or lengthen much but it looks natural,” one reviewer noted accurately. Another described it as “Perfect for everyday use if you like natural ‘no makeup’ makeup.”
For those seeking dramatic lash transformation, this product may disappoint: “It does not do what it is supposed to do which is to make the lashes look longer, thicker, etc.”
However, many appreciated its subtle enhancement for daily wear: “I really like this mascara, it goes on nicely no clumping and stays on great.”
Clumping Factor
Reviews are mixed regarding clumping. Some users praise its smooth application: “It doesn’t clump,” and “I like this because it doesn’t clump.”
Others experienced significant clumping issues: “It was clumpy and made my eyelashes look gross,” and “It is long lasting; it stays on all day, but it CLUMPS!”
This inconsistency may relate to the formula freshness issue noted earlier, or to individual application techniques. The smaller brush does require a different approach than larger, more forgiving modern wands.
Waterproof Performance
As a waterproof product, this mascara’s water-resistance capabilities are central to its appeal. The feedback on this front is predominantly positive, with some limitations:
Many users confirmed excellent water resistance:
- “I swipe this on top of a regular coat to give a little resistance to watery eyes/rainy weather. If I’m going to the beach, I use just the waterproof one.”
- “My eyes water a lot and this waterproof mascara never runs.”
- “I have super watery waterline, and this mascara is not affected by it at all.”
Others found the waterproofing adequate but not absolute:
- “This stuff is not completely waterproof — it bleeds in the pool.”
- “It does smear if you get your face very wet though but that’s expected.”
- “Not as waterproof as other Maybelline mascaras I have used; frequently leaves black under eyes if you wipe your eyes.”
The consensus suggests that while it offers good resistance to tears and light moisture, it may not hold up to complete immersion or heavy water exposure.
All-Day Wear and Smudging
The mascara’s ability to stay put throughout the day without transferring or smudging generated the most divided feedback:
Many experienced excellent staying power:
- “Finally, a mascara that doesn’t transfer to my cheekbone!”
- “It stays on all day and requires a make-up remover to get it off at night.”
- “It really wants to stay on!”
Others reported significant transfer issues:
- “This was my third attempt to find a reasonably priced mascara that didn’t give me dark smudges under my eyes after only a few hours.”
- “Looks nice and pretty natural but I always end up with it under my eyes by the end of the day.”
- “Not an awful product, but it smudges very easily for something touted as waterproof.”
This disparity likely relates to individual factors such as skin type (oily vs. dry), climate conditions, and whether users apply setting powder under the eyes.
Removal Process
With waterproof mascaras, removal often becomes a significant consideration. The more tenacious the formula, the more challenging (and potentially damaging) the removal process.
Great Lash Waterproof received mixed feedback on removal:
Some found it reasonably easy to remove:
- “Easily taken off with baby oil.”
- “It does smear is you get your face very wet though but that’s expected.”
Others struggled significantly:
- “This stuff is not completely waterproof — it bleeds in the pool — and yet IMPOSSIBLE to remove. I tried makeup removers, micellar water, oils, lotions, and nothing works!! My lashes get pulled out no matter how gentle I try to be.”
- “Be sure to get some mascara remover pads for this, however, because it really wants to stay on!”
- “You will need a good makeup remover to take it off, because it won’t go anywhere otherwise.”
The consensus suggests that while not the most difficult waterproof mascara to remove, it does require dedicated eye makeup remover products rather than simple cleansing.
Comfort and Sensitivity
For those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, mascara comfort is paramount. Great Lash Waterproof received generally positive feedback in this area:
- “I have very sensitive eyes. Many products make my eyes itch. This one works well and doesn’t cause itching problems.”
- “Wear contacts, so need it to be waterproof. Applies easily and stays pretty well.”
- “It doesn’t cause irritation and gives great and lasting coverage that lasts all day.”
However, a few users experienced discomfort:
- “It definitely burns my eyes!”
Value Assessment
At a price point typically under $7, Great Lash Waterproof positions itself as a budget-friendly option. Many reviewers specifically mentioned the excellent value proposition:
- “Great value. Lasts as well as much more expensive mascaras.”
- “Buy this if you’re tired of spending big bucks on a small-ticket item. It works just fine.”
- “Great product for a great price. I don’t know why I ever tried the expensive brands.”
Several noted they had tried high-end alternatives only to return to this affordable staple:
- “I have tried probably 50 different mascaras from expensive to this price and I keep coming back to this product.”
- “I have bought expensive brands throughout the years.. I try this again and think, ‘why did I waste my money on that pricey mascara?!'”
- “Started using Great Lash probably 40 years ago and always come back to this product! Better than the expensive brands I occasionally let myself be talked into.”
Professional Perspective
It’s worth noting that several reviewers mentioned Great Lash’s reputation among makeup artists:
- “Professionals know that Great Lash is the best mascara ever made. As a professional, I have always counted on Great Lash washable and waterproof.”
- “My professional make-up stylist says they use this brand because it works well and looks great!”
- “I work in television, and every make up artist will tell you, this classic mascara is the workhorse of eye make up- the waterproof version is a beauty must have.”
While these statements should be taken with appropriate skepticism, the product’s longevity in the industry does suggest genuine professional appreciation.
Longevity and Customer Loyalty
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the review data is the remarkable customer loyalty. Numerous reviewers mentioned using the product for decades:
- “I have been using Great Lash Waterproof since the seventies!”
- “I’ve been using this mascara for over 30 years.”
- “I have been using Maybelline products for over 45 years and have never been let down.”
- “This has been my go-to mascara purchases for DECADES!”
This multigenerational loyalty speaks to the product’s consistent performance and reliability – rare qualities in the constantly evolving beauty industry.
Who Should Try This Mascara?
Based on the comprehensive review data, Great Lash Waterproof in Brownish Black is best suited for:
- Those with fair coloring who find black mascaras too harsh
- People with sensitive or watery eyes who need reliable stay-put formula
- Makeup minimalists seeking natural-looking enhancement rather than dramatic effects
- Contact lens wearers looking for non-irritating formulas
- Budget-conscious consumers who want reliable performance without high-end pricing
- Swimmers and active individuals needing water-resistant eye makeup
- Those with limited makeup application skills who benefit from the precise small brush
Who Should Skip It?
This mascara may not satisfy:
- Drama seekers wanting falsies-effect volume and length
- Those with very sparse lashes needing significant building capabilities
- People with very oily skin or hooded eyes prone to smudging
- Those preferring modern brush technologies with curved or oversized wands
- Individuals seeking quick, one-swipe application (the small brush requires more passes)
- People without dedicated eye makeup remover in their routine
Final Assessment
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof in Brownish Black maintains its iconic status through consistent, reliable performance at an accessible price point. It excels at providing natural-looking enhancement with good water resistance, particularly valuable for those with watery eyes or active lifestyles.
Its greatest strengths lie in its precise application capability, gentle formula suitable for sensitive eyes, and the distinctive softer color option that benefits those with lighter coloring. The incredible customer loyalty – with users reporting decades of repurchasing – speaks to its reliable performance.
Its weaknesses include inconsistent formula freshness when purchased online, limited volumizing capabilities compared to modern formulations, and mixed performance regarding smudge resistance throughout the day.
For those seeking a budget-friendly, everyday mascara that enhances rather than dominates, Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof remains a solid choice after half a century on the market. The enduring classic status of this pink and green tube isn’t merely about nostalgia – it’s earned through consistent performance that meets the essential needs of mascara wearers without unnecessary frills or excessive cost.
In an industry constantly chasing the next innovation, there’s something reassuring about a product that continues to deliver exactly what it promises, generation after generation.
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