The Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner in Black promises intense color, precision application, and long-lasting wear in a compact 3g package. But does it deliver? I analyzed over 100 customer reviews to get the real scoop on this popular drugstore eyeliner. Let’s dive in!
APPLICATION & TEXTURE
Many users raved about how smoothly this eyeliner glides on. One said “It glides on so smoothly and easily without tugging on my eyelids. The creamy formula is a dream to work with!” Several noted the fine brush tip allows you to create both thin, precise lines and bold, dramatic wings. As one happy customer put it – “the brush gives you TOTAL control from the thinnest line to the thickest cat-eye!”
However, some reviewers complained the brush was too thick, making it hard to achieve a clean thin line. “The brush is on the thicker side, so it’s not great for super fine, detailed work,” according to one user. A few also said the formula takes a bit of time to fully dry down.
COLOR PAYOFF
“This eyeliner is SUPER BLACK!” raved one reviewer. Many complimented the rich, deep pigmentation that makes the eyes pop. “The color payoff is fantastic – such an intense black that really makes my eyes stand out,” said another.
But a handful of users were disappointed, saying the black wasn’t as bold as they hoped. “It’s more of a soft black/dark gray, not the dramatic jet black I was expecting,” one explained. A few also had to layer it up to get their desired intensity.
STAYING POWER
Longevity seems to be this eyeliner’s strongest suit! The vast majority of reviews praised how well it lasts. “I put this on in the morning and it stayed put without smudging or fading through a whole day of work, errands and chasing my kids. Over 12 hours! SO impressed!” one user marveled.
Even those with oily lids said this really stays in place. “I have super oily eyelids and every eyeliner I’ve tried ends up smudging and transferring… except this one! My wings are still sharp and smudge-free after a full day. It’s a miracle!” shared one relieved reviewer.
SMUDGE & BUDGE-PROOF?
Many reviews touted this liner as totally smudge-proof and budge-proof. “It does NOT move! I accidentally rubbed my eyes and it didn’t smear at all. This stuff is LOCKED on!” said an excited customer.
However, some people did experience smudging and transferring, especially after several hours of wear. “It held up okay for the first 4-5 hours, but then started smudging and fading, especially on the inner corners of my eyes. Not as budge-proof as it claims,” one disappointed user reported.
WATERPROOF CLAIMS
The waterproof claims were hit or miss. Some raved about how well this stayed put, even through sweat, tears and swimming! “I wore this to the beach and even after swimming in the ocean, my eyeliner was still perfectly intact. SO impressed with the waterproof power!” one person shared.
On the flip side, plenty of reviewers said this smudged and ran when wet. “Definitely NOT waterproof! My wings were streaming down my face the second I started sweating at the gym. Such a bummer as I was really hoping this would be completely water-resistant,” lamented one user.
REMOVAL Is this eyeliner easy to take off at the end of the day? Many said yes! “For how well this stays put, I was surprised that it came off so easily with just my regular makeup remover. No harsh rubbing or tugging on my delicate eye area!” a user happily reported.
Some did have a tougher time with removal though. “This stuff CLINGS to my lashes and lids! I have to use a dedicated waterproof makeup remover and really work at it to get this off. But I guess that’s the price you pay for such intense long-lasting color!” said one customer.
SENSITIVE EYES & CONTACTS
Many reviewers with sensitive eyes said this liner didn’t irritate them at all! “My eyes can be so sensitive and watery, but this eyeliner didn’t sting or burn at all, even after wearing it all day!” shared one happy user. Contact wearers also gave this their stamp of approval, with one saying “Usually eyeliner flakes off into my contacts, but this stayed put without bothering my eyes at all! Finding contact-safe liner is a game changer!”
However, some did experience irritation. “This made my eyes SO red and sore! I tried to power through thinking I just needed to get used to it, but after a few days my eyes were a watery, itchy mess and I had to stop using it. Maybe it was a particular ingredient I’m sensitive to, but my eyes hated it,” one person sadly reported.
PACKAGING
I saw a lot of complaints about the small amount of product you get. At just 3g (0.1oz), many felt it wasn’t great value. “I love the product itself, but it’s SO TINY! I feel like I’m going to run out after just a few uses. I wish they made a larger size,” said one reviewer.
The teeny component can also be easy to lose in a bigger makeup bag. However, some actually liked the compact packaging for travel and on-the-go touch ups. “This little guy is so portable – perfect for popping in my purse for liner emergencies!” one user cheerfully shared.
OVERALL
After poring over all this feedback, my overall verdict is that Maybelline Colossal Bold liner is a solid choice for most – with some caveats. If you want an intensely pigmented black, a smooth, creamy formula and all-day wear, this could be your holy grail! Many users were thrilled with how dramatic, long-lasting and smudge-resistant this liner is. Especially for a $7 drugstore find, it punches WELL above its weight!
However, your mileage may vary in terms of the waterproof claims, ease of removal, and suitability for sensitive eyes. What’s foolproof and gentle for some caused irritation and smudging for others. Packaging-wise, you’re not getting a ton of bang for your buck with the wee 3g tube – but the compact size can be handy for travel.
Some tips if you’re considering trying this:
- For the blackest black, dramatic look, layering a few coats helps boost intensity
- If you struggle with transfer/smudging, pairing this with a good eyeshadow primer and setting with powder can really lock it in place
- For sensitive eyes, patch test first! A swipe on the back of your hand can be a good gauge of whether your skin will react before putting it near your precious eyes
- Have a quality oil-based makeup remover on hand in case this is stubbornly clingy come removal time
- For a thinner line, wipe excess product off the brush before lining or use a separate angled liner brush
All things considered, for the modest price, I’d say this liner is worth a shot, as long as you keep your expectations realistic. It’s not the most transfer-proof, waterproof, or irritant-free formula out there – but it delivers great color payoff and stellar longevity that’s hard to beat at the drugstore! In the words of one enthusiastic reviewer: “For staying power, pigmentation and glide, this CANNOT be topped for the price. Holy grail status!!!”
I hope this honest, detailed review helped shed some light on this popular Maybelline eyeliner! Let me know if you’ve tried it and what you think. In the meantime, happy lining, beautiful! May your cat-eyes always be razor-sharp and smudge-free!
PROS:
- Glides on smoothly and easily
- Rich, intense black pigmentation
- Precise brush tip creates a range of looks
- Seriously long-lasting (12+ hours for some!)
- Smudge & budge-resistant for most
- Stays put on oily lids
- Easy to remove (for most)
- Non-irritating for many sensitive eyes & contact wearers
CONS:
- Some felt brush too thick for fine lines
- Can take a while to set/dry down
- Not a true waterproof or an ultra dark black for everyone
- Some experienced smudging & transferring, especially after a few hours
- Difficult to remove for some
- Caused irritation for certain sensitive eyes
- Teeny 3g packaging isn’t great value, can be easy to lose
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