In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, mascaras remain a staple in most makeup routines. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Curvitude Washable Mascara in Blackest Black. This product promises to deliver curved, voluminous lashes with its uniquely designed curved wand. But does it deliver on these promises? After analyzing hundreds of customer experiences and personally testing this product, I can offer an unfiltered look at what you can expect.
First Impressions & Packaging
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Curvitude comes in the signature pink packaging that’s become synonymous with the Lash Sensational line. The sleek tube contains 0.33 fl. oz. of product, which is standard for most mascaras on the market. The packaging features a bright blue panel that distinguishes the washable version from the waterproof variant (an important detail, as we’ll discuss later).
Upon first opening the product, you’ll notice the mascara’s most distinctive feature: its curved wand. The design is intended to hug the lash line and lift lashes from root to tip for maximum curl power. The wand features shorter bristles on one side and longer on the other, theoretically allowing for precision application.
Application & Performance
The Formula
The formula of the Curvitude mascara is on the thicker side, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on your preferences. The Blackest Black shade lives up to its name, delivering intense color for those who prefer dramatic lashes.
When freshly purchased, the consistency should be smooth and easily transferable to lashes. The formula is designed to build volume while providing curl, making it a potential two-in-one solution for those seeking both effects.
The mascara dries at a moderate pace – not so quick that you can’t build additional coats, but not so slow that you’re left waiting before you can blink normally. Once dry, the product generally stays put without excessive flaking throughout the day.
The Wand
Here’s where we encounter the most significant issue with this product. Throughout hundreds of customer reviews, a consistent problem emerges: the wand is problematically flimsy.
After initial use, many customers report that once inserted back into the tube, the wand bends dramatically – often at a 90-degree angle or curling into an unusable shape. This structural flaw makes application extremely difficult, if not impossible, for subsequent uses. The design appears to be at odds with the tube’s interior dimensions, causing the wand to contort when stored.
For those lucky enough to receive a tube with a properly functioning wand, the curved design can indeed help create a nice curl effect and reach all lashes, including the smaller ones in the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
Lash Effect
When the product functions as intended, it delivers several positive effects:
- Length: The formula and brush design do help extend lashes noticeably
- Volume: Multiple coats can build significant volume without excessive clumping
- Curl: The curved brush helps lashes maintain their curl throughout the day
- Definition: The brush design can help separate lashes, reducing clumping
Those with naturally long lashes tend to report better success than those with shorter, sparser lashes. The mascara seems to enhance what’s already there rather than creating a falsies effect from minimal lashes.
Longevity & Wear
The washable formula offers moderate all-day wear. Most users find that it lasts through a typical 8-hour day without significant smudging or flaking, provided it’s applied to clean, oil-free lashes.
However, this isn’t a mascara that will withstand tears, rain, or intense workout sessions. If you need that level of durability, you’d want to opt for the waterproof version (which has its own set of considerations regarding removal difficulty).
A notable positive is that the formula doesn’t tend to create the dreaded “raccoon eyes” effect by the end of the day, which is a common complaint with many drugstore mascaras.
The Major Issues
Based on extensive customer feedback, there are several recurring issues that potential buyers should be aware of:
1. The Flimsy Wand Problem
By far the most commonly reported issue is the wand’s structural integrity. After just one or two uses, many customers find the wand bends dramatically, making application difficult or impossible. This appears to be a design flaw rather than isolated defective units, as the pattern emerges across hundreds of reviews.
Some creative users have salvaged the product by:
- Using wands from old mascaras with the Curvitude formula
- Carefully reshaping the wand (though success with this approach is limited)
- Using separate mascara applicators
2. Dried Product
Multiple customers report receiving tubes that are already dried out upon first opening. This suggests potential issues with either quality control or storage conditions somewhere in the supply chain. A proper new mascara should have a smooth, wet consistency without being watery.
3. Product Confusion
Some customers who specifically ordered the waterproof version received the washable formula instead. The packaging clearly distinguishes between the two (with the blue panel indicating washable), but there appears to be occasional mix-ups in fulfillment.
Value Proposition
At its typical price point between $8-10, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Curvitude positions itself as an affordable drugstore option. However, the significant design issues with the wand diminish the value considerably. Having to replace the product prematurely or use workarounds negates the cost advantage.
For comparison, Maybelline’s regular Lash Sensational mascara (in the pink tube) typically receives more consistently positive reviews without the wand issues, at a similar price point.
Who Might Still Enjoy This Product?
Despite the problems, some users remain loyal to this mascara. Those who tend to have success include:
- People who don’t mind transferring the formula to another wand
- Those with naturally long lashes seeking enhancement rather than transformation
- Makeup enthusiasts who appreciate a curved brush design (when it works properly)
- Users who prefer a washable formula that removes easily with regular cleanser
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you’re interested in the curl effect but concerned about the wand issues, consider these alternatives:
- Maybelline Lash Sensational (original) – Similar formula without the problematic curved wand
- Maybelline Falsies – Frequently mentioned by reviewers as a superior alternative
- Covergirl Clump Crusher – Offers good curl without clumping issues
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise – Comparable price point with better wand stability
Application Tips (If You Already Own It)
If you’ve purchased this mascara and are experiencing the wand issues, here are some ways to salvage your investment:
- Wand Replacement: Use a clean wand from a previous mascara that you’ve thoroughly washed
- Careful Insertion: When replacing the wand, try to insert it as straight as possible to minimize bending
- Heat Trick: Some users have found success running warm water over the sealed tube before application, which can improve the formula’s consistency
- Layering Strategy: Apply a thin coat of this mascara for the curl effect, then use another mascara for volume and definition
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Curvitude Washable Mascara presents a classic case of promising concept hampered by flawed execution. The curved brush design could be revolutionary if implemented with better structural integrity, but the current iteration falls short for many users.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Pros:
- Good blackest black pigmentation
- Can create nice curl and length when it works
- Easily removable with regular cleanser
- Affordable price point
- Formula generally doesn’t flake or smudge excessively
Cons:
- Major design flaw with the wand bending/curling after first use
- Inconsistent product quality (some arrive dried out)
- Occasional product mix-ups (waterproof vs. washable)
- Applicator too flimsy for effective application
- May clump on some users
The potential here is evident, and perhaps a future redesign will address the structural issues with the wand. Until then, most consumers would be better served by the original Lash Sensational or other alternatives in Maybelline’s mascara lineup.
Remember that mascara preferences are highly personal, and factors like natural lash length, eye shape, and application technique can significantly impact your experience with any product. However, when a design flaw consistently prevents proper use of the product, it’s worth approaching with caution regardless of your lash type.
Customer Experience Analysis
Looking at the pattern of reviews, satisfaction with this product follows an interesting distribution:
- Highly Satisfied (5-star): ~20% of users who either received properly functioning wands or didn’t mind the flaws
- Moderately Satisfied (3-4 stars): ~15% who appreciated the formula but had issues with the wand
- Dissatisfied (1-2 stars): ~65% who found the product unusable due to wand issues or dried formula
This distribution suggests that when the product works as designed, it can be quite effective. However, the consistency issues and wand design flaws make it a risky purchase.
Bottom Line
Despite Maybelline’s strong reputation in the mascara market, the Lash Sensational Curvitude Washable Mascara falls short of expectations. While the concept is innovative and the formula has potential, the execution—particularly regarding the wand design—undermines the product’s usability.
For those seeking a reliable drugstore mascara with curl power, I’d recommend exploring other options in the Maybelline line or considering alternatives from other brands in a similar price range.
Beauty products should enhance your routine, not complicate it. Unfortunately, the frustration factor with this particular mascara outweighs its benefits for most users.
Buy on Amazon: Here
