By Jessica Montgomery, Cosmetics Specialist
As someone who has spent over two decades in the cosmetics industry, I’ve seen mascaras come and go like seasonal trends. But every so often, a product creates such buzz that it demands closer examination. The Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara in Very Black has generated significant attention online, with beauty enthusiasts divided in their opinions. Today, I’m diving deep into this affordable drugstore option to determine if it deserves a place in your makeup collection.
First Impressions: Packaging and Scent
The Total Temptation mascara comes in Maybelline’s signature pink and black packaging – sleek, no-frills, but still appealing to the eye. The tube appears smaller than some luxury options at just 0.27 fl. oz., but as many users pointed out, a little goes a long way with this formula.
What immediately sets Total Temptation apart is its distinctive scent. Multiple reviewers commented on the pleasant coconut fragrance, which is unusual for eye products. One customer wrote, “I’ve used so many mascaras in my lifetime… The best part about it is it’s not your ‘typical’ mascara horrible smell. It smells so good like a light coconut scent.” Another mentioned, “It smells good, coconutty.” This subtle tropical fragrance adds an unexpected but welcome sensory element to the application experience.
The Brush: Design and Functionality
The Total Temptation brush features a full, round design that allows for maximum coverage with minimal effort. Its generous size can reach from root to tip while depositing product evenly along each lash. One reviewer described it as “a great applicator brush,” while another specifically noted, “I think the wand is wonderful. Absolutely the best I have ever used.”
The brush size proved particularly beneficial for those with naturally fine or sparse lashes: “I have thin, blonde eyelashes. This mascara is perfect for adding volume and it doesn’t clump.” However, the larger brush design may require some practice for precision application, especially for those with smaller eyes or shorter lashes.
Formula: Texture and Performance
Consistency
The mascara formula trends slightly on the wetter side compared to other drugstore options. User experiences varied significantly, suggesting possible inconsistencies between batches or personal preferences:
“This mascara is generally a good product… The product I’m familiar with from the store does lengthen and add volume. This one I purchased on Amazon, is dried out and therefore did not perform well.”
“What I like is this mascara is nice and thick, I hate watery ones that have no volume. This will make your lashes look really full.”
“I like bc it’s not super liquid like, it more of a thicker mascara so for me my lashes seem to react nicer to this type of mascara.”
The ideal consistency appears to be creamy without being overly liquid or too dry, allowing for buildable coverage without weighing down the lashes.
Application & Building
Total Temptation offers buildable coverage, though experiences varied on its layering capabilities:
“I put on two coats letting them dry in between and then take a dry spoolie and brush them out really good – in between coats AND at the end. That is the key, at least for me, in getting very fluffy, full looking not spindly lashes.”
“It builds without clumping and I haven’t noticed any flaking after wearing it all day.”
For best results, many users recommend allowing a brief drying period between coats, but not letting it dry completely: “I use 2 applications. Do not let first application dry completely before applying second coat.”
Clumping Factor
This appears to be an area of significant disagreement among users. Some reported excellent separation with minimal clumping:
“It fans out and separates my lashes so I don’t have to curl them. No clumps.”
“It is easy to remove and not hard on your lashes. In addition, the black is very black.”
Others experienced significant clumping issues:
“Maybelline has such good products, disappointed as went on so clumpy. Spent more time separating lashes than applying.”
“Very clumpy and like dry. Not pleased with this product.”
“It was lumpy and clumpy and I did not find the wand very desirable at all.”
These disparate experiences suggest potential batch variations or differences in application technique. The brush-through technique mentioned by several reviewers appears crucial for achieving clump-free lashes.
All-Day Wear: Longevity and Comfort
Staying Power
Most users reported impressive longevity with the Total Temptation formula:
“This stays on all day!! Washes off easy. I love it!”
“It looks great when I put it on in the morning. Long lashes. But by the end of the work day, they start looking a little less bold.”
“This mascara was unimpressive. Didn’t plump them very well at all. Very average.”
“I gave it a true test…..two full days running around dog show rings. Not one bit of flaking, clumping or smudging.”
The consensus seems to be that for most users, Total Temptation provides reliable all-day wear, though it may begin to fade slightly after 8-10 hours of wear.
Flaking and Smudging
Results were mixed regarding flaking and smudging:
“I do have crumbles either after wearing it all day like I’ve gotten with other mascara.”
“This mascara does not smear or flake. Looks great on lashes!”
“It started to flake, two coats applied at 10AM flaking off by 3PM. I mean flaked everywhere.”
“It would flake on me after being on for more than about 8-10 hours.”
“Unlike other Maybelline mascaras, this formula runs off on my eyelids. Won’t buy this again.”
The experience with flaking appears highly individual, possibly related to skin type, climate, and application technique. Those in more humid environments or with oilier skin may experience more transfer than others.
Comfort
A standout feature of Total Temptation is the lightweight, comfortable feel many users reported:
“The formula is light but has good volume and coverage. It builds without clumping.”
“My lashes feel soft, as of I’m not wearing any mascara.”
“I was looking for a mascara that leaves your lashes soft and flexible and this mascara is perfect.”
This soft, flexible finish distinguishes Total Temptation from mascaras that leave lashes feeling stiff or brittle throughout the day.
The Results: Volume, Length, and Overall Effect
Volume and Thickness
Volume enhancement is where Total Temptation seems to excel for most users:
“This will make your lashes look really full.”
“Everyone thinks I have false eyelashes with how long and thick it makes my lashes.”
“My lashes get compliments non stop with this stuff (I work at a spa so I am around women all day) and most think I have fake lashes with this mascara.”
The mascara appears particularly effective for those who already have decent natural lashes and are looking to enhance what they have:
“I luckily have fairly decent natural lashes, in both length and volume… for everyday I want mascara that adds a bit of length and volume, doesn’t flake or smear, creates fluffy, not gross spindly spider lashes, and mascara that once dry feels relatively soft, not hard and stiff. This delivers on all the points above.”
Length and Definition
Many reviewers specifically noted impressive lengthening effects:
“The absolute best mascara I have ever used!! I absolutely love it! It gives my eyelashes so much length and it’s super affordable!”
“This mascara makes my eyelashes look longer than any other brand.”
“The mascara makes your eyelashes look much longer, and lasts all day.”
“It gives my lashes length and volume, and it did not smudge during the day. I thought the brush did a great job of separating my lashes as well.”
Removal Process: Ease and Gentleness
As a washable formula, Total Temptation is designed for easy removal, and most users confirmed this benefit:
“It washes off easily.”
“Somehow it still washes off easily at night though.”
“I like that I can wash it off with soap & water.”
“Easy to remove and not hard on your lashes.”
A few users did note some challenges with removal:
“I love the look of the mascara but it’s not that easy to remove – takes forever to get it completely off.”
Overall, the ease of removal represents a significant advantage for daily wear, especially compared to waterproof formulas that can damage lashes during the removal process.
Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance
At a typical price point around $9-11, the Total Temptation mascara positions itself as an affordable drugstore option. Many users explicitly commented on the excellent value:
“The absolute best mascara I have ever used!! I absolutely love it! It gives my eyelashes so much length and it’s super affordable!”
“I purchase mostly high end cosmetics brands: Smashbox, Tarte, Becca, etc. but have always refused to buy high end mascara because 1.) I luckily have fairly decent natural lashes, in both length and volume & 2.) I can’t justify spending $20 or more on a product that for sanitary reasons should be thrown out and repurchased every 3 months.”
“The tube seems small, but it lasts a crazy long time… 1 swipe goes a long way.”
However, some users experienced disappointment with product longevity:
“I’d give this a 5-star review because I love the way it looks. However, the tube runs out rather quickly. Seemingly quicker than other mascaras. So 4 stars from me!”
“I went through 2 tubes in about a month before giving up. At the end of the day, I can spend a little more money on a nicer mascara (my preference is Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme) and it will last me nearly 2 months.”
“It’s a great product and great value.”
Comparisons to Other Products
Many reviewers specifically compared Total Temptation to other mascaras they’ve tried:
“I even worked in cosmetics for 20 years, so I have tried a lot! This tames and sets these big brows!”
“Previously my go-to mascara has been Maybelline’s Lash Sensational, but I think I’d purchase this again when it runs out.”
“The only mascara I use now. I prefer it over luxury brands I see at stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty.”
“Absolutely my fav mascara I’ve ever tried outside of a makeup forever one a few years ago.”
“I always use Maybelline mascara. This is good coverage, but a little on the dry side. Not sure if it is just the mascara or if this is an older batch. I probably won’t order this again, and stick to my favorite Pink and green Maybelline mascara.”
These comparisons highlight Total Temptation’s competitive performance even against higher-end brands, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Concerns: Quality Control and Product Consistency
A recurring theme in negative reviews centered around potential quality control issues:
“Normally a good product but got an old dried out one so it is uselesss.”
“Not in original packaging – just in a plastic bag. I don’t know if it has been tampered with. I won’t be using, so just wasted my money.”
“It came without packaging, just a loose tube of mascara. Ewww no thank you.”
“This mascara arrived in a ziploc type baggie without being in the manufacturer’s packaging. It is also dried out and looks like it may have been previously used!”
These concerns primarily appeared in online orders rather than in-store purchases, suggesting potential issues with third-party sellers rather than the product itself.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Based on the collective feedback, Total Temptation appears best suited for:
- Those seeking a comfortable, everyday mascara that feels lightweight
- People with decent natural lashes looking for enhancement rather than dramatic transformation
- Users who prefer a softer, more flexible finish over rigid hold
- Those with sensitive eyes who appreciate a gentle formula
- Anyone who enjoys a pleasant scent in their cosmetics
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want quality without the luxury price tag
It may be less ideal for:
- Those seeking dramatic, falsies-like volume from very sparse lashes
- Users who require guaranteed 12+ hour wear without touchups
- People in extremely humid environments who need waterproof formulas
- Those with very straight lashes who need extreme curl-holding power
Application Tips from Power Users
Several reviewers shared their techniques for maximizing Total Temptation’s performance:
“I put on two coats letting them dry in between and then take a dry spoolie and brush them out really good – in between coats AND at the end. That is the key, at least for me, in getting very fluffy, full looking not spindly lashes.”
“I still have to run it through a paper towel before using though.”
“Do not let first application dry completely before applying second coat.”
“It can be clumpy but nothing that can’t be fixed up with a few more strokes of the wand.”
These tips emphasize the importance of proper application technique in achieving optimal results.
The Verdict: Is Total Temptation Worth It?
After analyzing hundreds of user reviews, Total Temptation emerges as a solid drugstore mascara with particular strengths in comfort, wearability, and value. While it may not deliver the dramatic impact of some high-end formulations, it offers impressive performance for its price point.
The mascara excels in:
- Creating soft, flexible lashes without stiffness
- Providing noticeable length and definition
- Offering comfortable all-day wear
- Easy removal without excessive rubbing
- Pleasant coconut scent
- Excellent value for money
Areas for improvement include:
- Consistency between batches
- Potential flaking after extended wear for some users
- Package security for online orders
With a rating of approximately 4 out of 5 stars across reviewers, Total Temptation represents a worthwhile addition to your makeup collection, particularly for everyday wear when dramatic falsies-like effects aren’t necessary.
As one devoted user summarized: “Toral Temptation has become my go to mascara on a daily basis… I like this mascara so much, I even bought 3 backup tubes because whenever I find a beauty product I like, it seems it’s discontinued.”
For those seeking an affordable, comfortable, and effective daily mascara, Maybelline’s Total Temptation deserves serious consideration.
About the Author: Jessica Montgomery has worked in the cosmetics industry for over 20 years, specializing in product development and evaluation. She has tested thousands of mascaras across all price points and regularly consults with beauty brands on formula optimization.
Buy on Amazon: Here
