Hey makeup lovers! After spending WEEKS going through customer reviews and testing this product myself, I’m spilling ALL the tea about Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft Mascara. This drugstore staple has been flying under the radar for YEARS, but does it deserve a spot in your makeup bag? Let’s find out!
Quick Overview
Product: Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara (Washable version) Price Range: $7-9 Best For: Natural-looking lashes, sensitive eyes, daily wear Not Great For: Dramatic, falsies-like volume
The Good Stuff 💯
1. True to Its Name
First things first – this mascara ACTUALLY lives up to its name! Countless users mentioned their lashes feeling genuinely SOFT after application. One 60+ year-old reviewer said it “makes your lashes look voluminous without the clumps,” while another mentioned how their “lashes seem long & full” without feeling stiff or spiky.
2. Great for Sensitive Eyes
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, this might be your holy grail. Many reviewers specifically mentioned switching to this mascara because of eye sensitivity issues. One person who described having “very sensitive eyes” noted this mascara “causes absolutely no irritation.” Another mentioned switching after learning that waterproof mascaras can cause dark circles under eyes over time.
3. Easy Application
The brush design gets a lot of love! It separates lashes well and applies evenly without clumping. Several people mentioned how it “goes on smooth without clumps or lashes sticking together.” The formula isn’t too wet or too dry right out of the tube, making application pretty foolproof.
4. Easy Removal
Unlike waterproof formulas that require intense rubbing (goodbye, precious lashes!), this washable version comes off easily with warm water or gentle cleanser. Many users specifically mentioned loving how they “don’t have to use oil to remove it at the end of the day.” This is HUGE for preventing lash loss, especially as we age!
5. Buildable Coverage
Want a natural daytime look? One coat does the trick. Need more drama for evening? Users say 2-3 coats build up nicely without getting spidery. One reviewer mentioned, “I can wear it happily” for everyday, while another noted you can “make your lashes as long as you like by layering.”
6. Longevity (of Formula)
Many reviewers mentioned being LOYAL to this mascara for YEARS – some for over 20 years! One 83-year-old mentioned using it daily for over 20 years because “it makes every single lash stand out.” When people stick with a product for decades, that says something!
7. Great for Mature Eyes
Multiple reviewers in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s mentioned this being perfect for aging lashes. One 68-year-old who previously used only high-end brands said, “This is better than the high-priced brands.” Another person in their 60s mentioned it works well with thinning lashes and is “easily removed.”
The Not So Great Stuff 😕
1. Not Dramatic Enough for Some
If you’re looking for that bold, false-lash effect, this might not be your go-to. Several users described it as providing a “subtle” or “natural” look. One reviewer mentioned, “It doesn’t make my lashes really long like some of the other kinds.”
2. Formula Drying Issues
A common complaint was how quickly some tubes dry out. One long-time user mentioned having to “replace the tube every two weeks because it dries out,” despite sealing it quickly and never leaving the tube open longer than necessary.
3. Some Quality Inconsistency
A few users mentioned receiving tubes that seemed different from what they normally purchased in stores. One person noted a “very distinct chemical smell” in a recent tube, while another mentioned the mascara being “covered with mascara” upon delivery, suggesting possible quality control issues.
4. Minor Smudging
Though not waterproof, most users found it stayed put well, but a few mentioned some smudging by the end of the day, particularly in hot weather or when wearing masks (“smizing with my mask on”).
5. Could Use More “Oomph”
Some users felt the formula was a bit “weak” or “lacking in oomph.” One reviewer described it as giving “depth, length, and color without struggle” but wished for “a more moisturized look” with some sheen rather than the matte finish it provides.
Appilication Tips From Reviewers
- For Cold Mornings: One smart user mentioned holding the tube in their hand or tucking it in a pocket for a few minutes before applying on cold mornings, as “it applies easier when warmed up a bit.”
- For Extra Volume: Several mentioned using an eyelash curler first, then applying 2 coats for more dramatic results.
- For Defining Lashes: One user suggested combing through with an old wand after application for more definition.
- For No Smudging: Apply setting powder under your eyes after application.
Who Should Buy This?
- People with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers – Consistently rated as non-irritating
- Makeup minimalists – Perfect for a natural, “my lashes but better” look
- Mature makeup users – Works well with thinning or aging lashes
- Those who hate removing waterproof mascara – Comes off easily without lash loss
- Anyone wanting healthy-feeling lashes – The soft formula doesn’t damage lashes
Who Shoud Skip It?
- Drama seekers – If you want major volume and length, this might be too subtle
- Those in very humid climates – Not being waterproof, it may smudge in extreme conditions
- People who need all-day, no-touch-up wear – Some reported minor smudging by day’s end
How it Compares?
Several users compared this mascara to higher-end options:
- One called it “a good dupe for Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara”
- Another mentioned it works “just as well as Too Faced Better Than Sex” (their “pricey go-to”)
- A self-described “mascara snob” who usually uses YSL or Hourglass found this drugstore option made lashes “soft, fluffy and full not hard/spiky”
My Personal Experience
After trying this mascara for two weeks, I have to agree with the majority of reviewers. The brush is what REALLY shines here – it distributes product evenly without clumping, and the slightly curved shape helps reach even those tiny corner lashes.
I found one coat gave a natural, defined look perfect for daytime, while two coats provided enough definition for evening without getting spidery. My sensitive eyes had zero irritation, even when I accidentally poked myself while applying (we’ve all been there!).
The biggest surprise? How HEALTHY my lashes felt after two weeks of daily use. With other mascaras, I’d often notice lashes falling out during removal, but not with this one!
My only complaint matches what others mentioned – it does smudge slightly by the end of a long day, especially under my bottom lashes if I’m not careful. A bit of setting powder helps, but it’s not completely smudge-proof.
Value For Money
At around $8, this mascara performs better than many options 3-4 times the price. While you might need to replace it a bit more frequently than some pricier options (some users mentioned it drying out faster than they’d like), it’s still an excellent value overall.
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.3/5
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft mascara delivers exactly what it promises – full, soft lashes without the drama (both in terms of look and application!). It’s not the most dramatic mascara out there, but it’s a reliable everyday option that treats your lashes well.
If you want naturally enhanced, healthy-looking lashes that still feel like YOUR lashes (not plastic spider legs!), this is absolutely worth trying. Just keep in mind you might need to replace it a bit more frequently than other mascaras, and it may not be dramatic enough for special occasions.
As one long-time user perfectly summarized: “It might not work for you, but at least it won’t cost you a fortune to find out.” With such a budget-friendly price point, what do you have to lose?
Have you tried Maybelline Full ‘N Soft? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 💕
Buy on Amazon: Here
