Hey beauty lovers! After trying literally DOZENS of mascaras over the years (and wasting way too much money), I’m FINALLY sitting down to give you my complete, no-holds-barred review of Maybelline’s Define-A-Lash Lengthening Mascara. This little green tube has been around for ages, but is it actually worth all the hype some people give it? Let’s dive in!
First Impressions & Packaging
The Define-A-Lash comes in Maybelline’s signature green tube – nothing super fancy or Instagram-worthy, but it’s functional and recognizable. At around $8-10 depending where you shop (and WAY cheaper than high-end brands charging $25+), it’s definitely budget-friendly.
The first thing you’ll notice when you pull out the wand is that it’s DIFFERENT from most mascaras. The applicator is thin, flexible (almost wobbly), and made from a silicone-like material rather than the traditional bristle brush. This bendiness definitely takes some getting used to – especially when putting the wand back in the tube!
Application Experience
Okay, let’s talk about applying this mascara:
The formula is on the wetter side – especially when you first open it. Some reviewers mentioned that the first couple of uses can be a bit messy until you get the hang of it, but by the third use, the consistency becomes perfect.
The tube is designed to scrape excess product off the wand, which means NO CLUMPS. Seriously, if you HATE clumpy mascara, this might be your holy grail. The thin wand with uniform bristles helps separate each lash, which is exactly what the “Define-A-Lash” name promises.
For those with short, fine, or straight lashes (me!), this mascara is actually a godsend. It doesn’t weigh lashes down like some thicker formulas can. Even with multiple coats, it keeps lashes separated instead of sticking them together in that spider-leg look nobody wants.
Pro tip: If you want to build volume, apply the second coat while the first is still wet. But honestly, this mascara is definitely more about LENGTH and DEFINITION than dramatic volume.
Performance & Wear
The staying power is impressive for a non-waterproof formula. It lasts all day (I’m talking 6am to 10pm) without much flaking or smudging. However, it’s not going to survive a long nap or overnight – but then again, you shouldn’t be sleeping in your mascara anyway!
For people with oily skin or who live in humid climates, this is a great option because it doesn’t leave those annoying black marks on your upper eyelids or under-eye area. Several reviewers specifically mentioned this as a major selling point.
What impressed me most is how it keeps your lashes looking fresh all day – when you check your makeup after work, it still looks like you just applied it, which is RARE for drugstore mascaras.
The Removal Process
This might be the BEST part about this mascara – it comes off SO EASILY with just regular face wash and water. No need for harsh makeup removers or oils that make your eyes burn and require excessive rubbing.
If you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, this is a huge benefit. No more pulling out eyelashes or irritating your eyes just to get your mascara off at night!
Who Is This Mascara Perfect For?
- People with fine, straight, or short lashes who need definition without weight
- Anyone who HATES clumpy mascara with a passion
- Contact lens wearers or those with sensitive eyes
- People looking for a natural, everyday mascara
- Makeup minimalists who want a subtle enhancement
- Beginners who are new to mascara (the easy application and removal make it forgiving)
Who Should Skip It?
- If you’re looking for dramatic volume or a falsies effect, this isn’t your best bet
- People seeking a waterproof formula for swimming or crying sessions
- Those who prefer traditional bristle brushes might find the flexible wand annoying
- If you need EXTREME length, you might want something more intense
The Long-Term Relationship
What’s really telling is how many reviewers mentioned they’ve been using this mascara for YEARS – some for over a decade! Many have tried higher-end options but keep coming back to this one. When beauty enthusiasts stick with a product for that long, it says something.
One reviewer mentioned they’ve been using it consistently for 12 YEARS! Another said they’ve been loyal to it for 8-10 years. That kind of long-term commitment to a beauty product is rare, especially with all the new launches constantly hitting the market.
Several people expressed fears that Maybelline would discontinue it (which happens ALL the time with cult favorites). The passion in these comments really shows how dedicated the fans of this mascara are!
The Negatives (Because No Product Is Perfect)
In the interest of total transparency, here are the complaints that came up repeatedly:
- The Wobbly Wand: The flexibility of the applicator is the #1 complaint. Some people find it difficult to control, especially when putting it back in the tube. It can bend easily and feels flimsy compared to stiffer wands.
- Drying Time: A few reviewers mentioned this mascara runs out faster than some other brands. On average, people seemed to get about 5-7 weeks of use before needing a replacement.
- Smell Issues: A few recent reviews mentioned an unusual smell with newer batches – this wasn’t a widespread complaint but came up enough to mention. Some suspected it might be related to warehouse storage temperatures.
- Not Dramatic Enough: If you’re looking for mega-volume, this isn’t it. Some users were disappointed that even with multiple coats, it still gives a more natural look.
- Occasional Flaking: While most people said it doesn’t flake, a small percentage mentioned seeing flakes throughout the day, particularly with older tubes.
The Before & After Effect
Multiple reviewers shared that people often ask if they have lash extensions or falsies when wearing this mascara! One person even mentioned that TWO different people asked where they “get their lashes done” and were shocked to learn it was just this $9 mascara.
For those with blonde or lighter lashes, the Very Black shade gives a dramatic transformation while still looking natural enough for everyday wear.
Is It Worth The Money?
100% YES. At around $8-10, it performs better than many mascaras 3-4 times its price. Several reviewers specifically mentioned trying expensive brands ($25-40 range) and coming back to this one.
One clever user mentioned adding a few drops of essential oil when the tube starts getting empty to extend its life even more – talk about getting your money’s worth!
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Define-A-Lash is truly one of those under-the-radar drugstore gems that deserves more recognition. While it’s not perfect for everyone (especially if you want mega-volume), it excels at exactly what it promises: defining and lengthening lashes without clumping.
The ease of removal, long-wearing formula, and budget-friendly price make it a standout in a sea of overhyped mascaras. The fact that so many users have remained loyal to it for 5+ years speaks volumes about its consistent quality.
If you’ve been disappointed by mascaras in the past (especially clumpy ones), give this a try – you might just find your new holy grail product!
Helpful Tips When Using Define-A-Lash:
- Be patient with the wand at first – the flexibility takes practice
- Apply second coats while the first is still wet for better building
- Curl your lashes BEFORE application, never after (it will stick to the curler)
- Combine with a lash primer or growth serum if you want extra drama
- Store the tube upright to prevent it from drying out quickly
- If it starts to get too thick, a drop or two of contact solution can revive it
Have you tried Maybelline Define-A-Lash? I’d love to hear your experiences with it! And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Happy mascara hunting! 😊
Buy on Amazon: Here
