By Jessica Thompson, Beauty Expert – April 30, 2025
As a beauty professional who has tested countless mascaras over my 15-year career, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of Maybelline New York’s Volum’ Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Washable Mascara in Glam Black. I’ll break down everything from packaging and formula to application and wear, helping you decide if this drugstore staple deserves a place in your makeup bag.
First Impressions: Packaging and Design
The Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Cat Eyes mascara comes in the brand’s signature bright yellow packaging with purple accents – unmistakable on any drugstore shelf. The tube is substantial but not bulky, making it easy to grip during application while still fitting comfortably in a makeup bag.
What immediately sets this mascara apart is its distinctive curved wand. This unique design is purposefully created to follow the natural curve of your lash line, promising to reach every lash from inner to outer corner. The curved brush is narrower at the tip, allowing for precision application, particularly on those tricky outer lashes that create the coveted cat-eye effect.
The Formula: Consistency and Ingredients
The formula strikes a balance between wet and dry textures. It’s not so wet that it smears easily, but not so dry that it clumps upon first application. The mascara contains collagen, which aims to plump lashes while coating them with intense black pigment.
As a washable (non-waterproof) formula, it’s designed to provide dramatic results while still being easy to remove at the end of the day. The formula has a slight fragrance – nothing overwhelming, but worth noting for those with sensitivities.
Application Experience: The Curved Brush Advantage
The curved brush is arguably this mascara’s most distinctive feature, and there’s a definite learning curve to mastering it (no pun intended). During my testing, I found that holding the wand horizontally and following the natural curve of my eye yielded the best results. The curved shape hugs the lash line perfectly, grabbing even the smallest lashes at the inner corners.
For those accustomed to traditional straight brushes, it might take 2-3 applications to get comfortable with this design. However, once mastered, the curved brush becomes a significant advantage, especially for creating that dramatic outer lash flare that gives the “cat eye” effect this mascara promises.
One technique I found particularly effective: start from the base of lashes and wiggle slightly as you move upward. This allows the formula to coat each lash evenly from root to tip. For more dramatic results, allow the first coat to dry slightly (10-15 seconds) before applying a second coat.
Performance Breakdown
Lengthening: 8.5/10
The Colossal Cat Eyes excels at lengthening, extending lashes to impressive lengths with just two coats. The formula builds well, allowing you to add length without excessive product buildup. The curved brush plays a key role here, as it can grab and extend even the shortest lashes at the corners of the eyes.
Volumizing: 7/10
While “Volum’ Express” is in the name, I’d say this mascara prioritizes length and definition over dramatic volume. It does add moderate volume, especially at the base of the lashes, but if you’re looking for extremely thick, fluffy lashes, you might want to layer this with a more volumizing formula or opt for a different product altogether.
Defining/Separating: 8/10
The mascara performs admirably in defining individual lashes. The brush design, with its varied bristle lengths, allows for good separation between lashes. When applied properly (not too many coats), it rarely clumps lashes together – a common issue with many drugstore mascaras.
Creating the “Cat Eye” Effect: 9/10
This is where the mascara truly shines. The curved brush and formula work together to emphasize outer lashes, creating that subtle upward flare that gives eyes an elongated, feline appearance. For those seeking the cat-eye look without the hassle of winged eyeliner, this mascara delivers as promised.
Longevity: 7.5/10
During my testing over multiple days, I found the mascara held up well through 8-10 hour days in various conditions. There was minimal flaking and only slight smudging by day’s end. However, in particularly humid environments or during workouts, you might notice some transfer to the under-eye area – a common limitation of washable (non-waterproof) formulas.
Ease of Removal: 9/10
As a washable formula, the Colossal Cat Eyes removes easily with standard makeup remover or even just warm water and facial cleanser. This is a significant benefit for daily wear, as it doesn’t require harsh rubbing or specialized makeup removers that might irritate the delicate eye area or cause lash damage.
Value Analysis
At approximately $8-10 for a single tube (often found in value packs of two for $12-15), this mascara offers excellent value compared to high-end alternatives priced at $25+ that often deliver similar results. I’ve found tubes last approximately 3 months with daily use before drying out – on par with industry standards and recommendations for eye product replacement.
Many users report that purchasing this mascara through authorized retailers provides better value and product freshness compared to third-party sellers, where quality control might be less consistent.
Comparison to Competitors
Vs. L’Oréal Voluminous Original
The L’Oréal option provides more dramatic volume but less definition and “lift” than the Colossal Cat Eyes. If you prioritize thickness over the cat-eye effect, L’Oréal might be preferable.
Vs. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume
CoverGirl’s offering has a straighter, larger brush that can be easier for beginners but lacks the precision for creating the distinctive cat-eye look. The formulas are comparable in wear time.
Vs. High-End Options (Too Faced Better Than Sex, Benefit They’re Real)
The luxury alternatives provide marginally better wear time and more dramatic results but at 3-4 times the price. For everyday wear, the Maybelline option offers approximately 80% of the performance at 25% of the cost.
Who Should Buy This Mascara?
This mascara is ideal for:
- Those seeking a defined, elongated eye look without using liner
- Makeup enthusiasts who appreciate precision in application
- People with straight lashes who need help with lift and curve
- Budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice quality
- Anyone who prefers easily removable formulas for daily wear
It may not be the best choice for:
- Those seeking extremely dramatic volume as the primary effect
- People who struggle with detailed application techniques
- Users who need guaranteed waterproof performance
- Those with extremely sensitive eyes (though it’s better than many)
The Evolution Controversy
It’s worth addressing a recurring theme in user feedback: Maybelline has apparently modified this product’s brush design over the years, leading to some customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Long-time users often express strong preferences for either the “original” or “new” brush design. When purchasing, be aware that the product you receive might feature the redesigned applicator if you’ve been a long-term user.
Application Tips from a Pro
To maximize results with the Colossal Cat Eyes mascara:
- Curl lashes first for even more dramatic lift
- Hold the wand horizontally and follow the natural curve of your eye
- Apply in layers, allowing 10-15 seconds of drying time between coats
- Focus extra product on outer corners to emphasize the cat-eye effect
- Use the tip of the wand for precision work on bottom lashes and inner corners
- Combine with brown eyeliner smudged into the lash line for a subtle enhancement
- Set with translucent powder under eyes if you experience smudging in hot weather
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue: Clumping
Solution: Wipe excess product from the wand before applying, and comb through with a clean spoolie if needed.
Issue: Smudging Under Eyes
Solution: Apply a light dusting of setting powder under eyes before and after mascara application.
Issue: Dry Formula/Tube
Solution: Add 2-3 drops of contact lens solution or saline to revive the formula (though this should be a temporary fix).
Issue: Brush/Wand Breakage
Solution: Don’t “pump” the wand in and out of the tube, which introduces air and causes drying; twist gently instead.
The Verdict
The Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Washable Mascara lives up to its name, providing impressive lengthening and that distinctive cat-eye effect at an accessible price point. While it may not deliver the extreme volume some users crave, its precision application and defining capabilities make it a standout in the drugstore category.
The curved brush design, while requiring some practice to master, ultimately provides an advantage for creating lifted, fanned-out lashes. Combined with its easy removal and reasonable longevity, this mascara earns its place as a beauty staple for everyday glamour.
Final Score: 8/10
Key Strengths: Creates beautiful cat-eye effect; excellent lengthening; great value; easy removal; precise application
Areas for Improvement: Moderate rather than dramatic volume; occasional smudging in humid conditions; slight learning curve for brush technique
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, the Colossal Cat Eyes mascara offers impressive performance without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to spend a little time mastering the unique curved brush to unlock its full potential.
Buy on Amazon: Here
