Hey beauty lovers!
So I’ve been testing out the Maybelline New York Great Lash Big Washable Mascara in Very Black (0.34 Fluid Ounce) for a while now, and I NEED to share my thoughts with you all. This isn’t just any mascara review – it’s about a product that’s basically been a beauty staple for DECADES.
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s talk about what you notice right away – that iconic pink and green tube! Seriously, who doesn’t recognize this classic? The Great Lash line has been around forever, but this “Big” version comes with a significant difference: the brush is HUGE compared to the original.
The packaging feels exactly like what you’d expect from Maybelline – nothing fancy or premium, but solid and functional. At this price point (typically under $10), I wasn’t expecting luxury packaging anyway.
The Brush – Size MATTERS
Okay, the brush is definitely the talking point here. If you’re used to the regular Great Lash, you’ll immediately notice this one is significantly larger. The brush is designed to coat more lashes at once, which sounds great in theory, but…
For some people (like me), the oversized brush can be tricky to maneuver. I found myself having to change the direction I was holding it to get to all my lashes, especially the corner ones. It was a bit of a hassle, to be honest! If you have smaller eyes or shorter lashes, you might struggle with precision application.
That said, the bigger brush does distribute product more evenly across lashes, so there’s definitely a trade-off.
Formula & Application
The formula itself is pretty consistent with what you’d expect from Great Lash – not too thick, not too watery. It has a nice consistency that makes application smooth when you get the hang of the brush. The Very Black shade is definitely intense enough for a day-to-day look without being too dramatic.
I found that one coat gives a natural enhancement (perfect for work or casual days), while two coats start to build more volume and length. It’s not the most voluminous mascara I’ve ever tried, but it definitely defines and separates lashes nicely.
Performance Throughout the Day
Let’s get real about the staying power – this is a WASHABLE mascara, not waterproof, which has pros and cons.
Pros:
- It comes off easily with regular facial cleanser (no need for special makeup remover – HUGE plus!)
- No raccoon eyes when removing
- Less drying on lashes than waterproof formulas
Cons:
- It can smudge if you get caught in rain
- Tears will definitely cause some smudging
- You might notice some flaking by the end of a long day
- Not ideal for super hot or humid days
I noticed minimal flaking throughout an average 8-hour day, but by hour 10, there was some smudging under my lower lashes. If you’re looking for something that stays put through a wedding or beach day, you’ll want to look at their waterproof option instead.
Wearability
One thing I really appreciate about this mascara is how it feels on the lashes. Some mascaras can feel heavy or make your lashes feel stiff and crunchy. The Great Lash Big formula keeps lashes relatively soft while still holding a curl pretty well.
It’s also buildable to a certain extent. You can apply a second coat within about 30 seconds of the first for more impact, but I wouldn’t recommend going beyond two coats as it can start to clump.
For glasses wearers – this is actually pretty good news! The formula extends lashes enough to be noticeable but not so much that they constantly hit your lenses (which is SO annoying).
Value for Money
At around $7-9 depending on where you shop, this is definitely in the budget-friendly category. You’re getting 0.34 fluid ounces, which typically lasts about 3 months with regular use before it starts to dry out.
When comparing cost per use, this beats most high-end mascaras hands down. I’ve honestly tried $30+ mascaras that don’t perform any better than this one!
The Mixed Reviews Explained
Looking at what others say about this product, opinions seem pretty divided. After using it myself and talking to friends who’ve tried it, I think I understand why:
- Brush Size Preference: The oversized brush is polarizing. Some people LOVE it for coverage, others find it unwieldy.
- Expectations vs. Reality: People expecting dramatic, falsie-like results might be disappointed. This gives more of a defined, enhanced natural look rather than a dramatic effect.
- Application Technique: This mascara seems to work better with a specific technique – wiggling from roots to tips with a steady hand. People who just swipe it on might not get the best results.
- Skin Chemistry: Like with most makeup products, how it wears throughout the day varies from person to person based on skin type, oil production, etc.
Who This Is Perfect For
You’ll probably LOVE this mascara if:
- You want an affordable everyday mascara
- You prefer a natural-looking enhancement rather than dramatic volume
- You like mascaras that wash off easily
- You’re already a fan of the original Great Lash but want more coverage
You might want to pass if:
- You need something completely smudge-proof
- You have very small eyes (the brush might be challenging)
- You’re looking for dramatic, false-lash effects
- You need something that lasts through swimming or heavy sweating
My Personal Experience Over Time
I’ve actually been using Great Lash products on and off for YEARS, and this Big version for the past few months. What I’ve noticed is that the formula performs best in the first 6-8 weeks after opening. After that, it starts to dry out a bit, which can actually be good if you prefer a thicker application, but not great for smooth coverage.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this mascara doesn’t seem to irritate sensitive eyes. I wear contacts sometimes, and I haven’t had any issues with irritation.
The Bottom Line – Worth It?
So here’s my final take – Maybelline New York Great Lash Big Washable Mascara is a solid 7.5/10 product. It’s reliable, affordable, and performs well for everyday use.
Is it the most amazing mascara ever created? No. But is it worth the $8 or so you’ll spend on it? Absolutely!
It’s the type of product I always keep in my makeup bag as a reliable standby. Even when I try fancy new mascaras, I often find myself coming back to this one because it just WORKS without any fuss.
If you’re new to mascara or looking for an affordable daily option, you really can’t go wrong giving this a try. Just be prepared to practice a bit with that bigger brush! 🙂
Quick Pros and Cons Summary
PROS:
- Affordable price point
- Intense black color
- Easy to remove
- Non-irritating formula
- Recognizable iconic packaging
- Good for everyday wear
- Decent staying power for a non-waterproof formula
- Doesn’t dry out lashes
CONS:
- The oversized brush can be difficult to maneuver
- Not completely smudge-proof
- Some flaking after 8+ hours
- Not ideal for dramatic, voluminous looks
- May require technique adjustment if you’re used to smaller brushes
Would I repurchase? Yep! It’s earned its place as a makeup bag staple for good reason.
Have you tried this mascara? I’d love to hear about your experience with it too!
Buy on Amazon: Here
