As a beauty expert with extensive experience testing various eye makeup products, I recently had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the Maybelline New York New The Colossal Kajal in Super Black. This kajal eyeliner has generated significant buzz in the beauty community, particularly for its claims of being 2X blacker, waterproof, and offering 16 hours of wear. After extensive testing and analyzing hundreds of user reviews, I’m ready to share my comprehensive assessment of this popular drugstore eye product.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Colossal Kajal comes in a sleek, matte black retractable pencil format that exudes a certain elegance despite its affordable price point. The packaging is sturdy and travel-friendly, eliminating the need for constant sharpening associated with traditional pencil eyeliners. The twist-up mechanism works smoothly, dispensing just the right amount of product for precise application.
What immediately stands out is the intensity of the black pigment. While many eyeliners claim to be “blackest black,” this product genuinely delivers on that promise. The color is deeply saturated and creates a striking contrast, particularly for those with darker skin tones who often struggle to find liners with sufficient color payoff.
Application Experience
The Colossal Kajal glides on exceptionally smoothly along the lash line and waterline without tugging at the delicate eye area. The creamy texture allows for easy application while still setting quickly enough to prevent immediate smudging. This makes it particularly suitable for creating various eye looks:
- Tight-lining: The pointed tip works perfectly for getting between lashes to create the illusion of fuller, darker lashes
- Waterline application: It applies smoothly to the waterline with intense pigmentation in a single swipe
- Smokey eyes: The formula allows for easy smudging when intentionally done immediately after application, but sets afterward to prevent further migration
- Defined lines: Despite its creamy texture, it can create relatively precise lines for everyday definition
The texture strikes an excellent balance between being soft enough for comfortable application yet firm enough to maintain control and precision. No warming up or tugging is needed, making it particularly friendly for makeup beginners.
Performance and Longevity
The 16-hour wear claim is ambitious for any eye product, particularly one designed for waterline use where longevity is notoriously challenging. My experience and that of many reviewers indicates that while it may not consistently last the full 16 hours for everyone, it certainly outperforms many competitors in its price range.
Waterproof Claims
The waterproof claims merit a more nuanced evaluation. The Colossal Kajal demonstrates impressive resistance to:
- Light tearing
- Moderate humidity
- Light splashes of water
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations—no kajal is truly 100% waterproof under all conditions. Heavy crying, swimming, or extremely sweaty workouts will eventually compromise even the most resistant formulas. That said, this kajal performs admirably compared to other drugstore options when faced with moisture.
Smudge Resistance
User experiences with smudging vary significantly, reflecting the reality that eye makeup performance is highly individual and dependent on:
- Skin type (oily vs. dry eyelids)
- Eye shape (hooded eyes tend to experience more transfer)
- Climate conditions (humidity levels)
- Application technique
For those with oily eyelids or hooded eyes, setting the kajal with a matching black eyeshadow significantly enhances its staying power. When used on the waterline alone, expect some migration after 4-6 hours, which is actually quite impressive for a kajal product.
Comfort and Eye Sensitivity
One significant advantage of this kajal is its ophthalmologist-tested formula, making it suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Many reviewers specifically mentioned switching to this product after experiencing irritation with other brands. The formula appears to be well-balanced—pigmented and long-lasting without containing excessive irritants.
However, a small percentage of users reported mild irritation, reminding us that individual sensitivities vary widely. As with any eye product, discontinue use if you experience any burning or unusual discomfort.
Removal Process
The impressive staying power does come with a trade-off—removal requires patience and the right products. A dedicated oil-based eye makeup remover is highly recommended, as regular facial cleansers often leave residual product behind. The removal process typically involves:
- Saturating a cotton pad with oil-based remover
- Gently pressing (not rubbing) against the eye area for 20-30 seconds to dissolve the product
- Wiping away dissolved product with minimal pressure
- Following with a regular cleanser to remove any oily residue
Some users noted that even with thorough cleansing, they awakened with slight remnants of the product—a testament to its impressive staying power rather than a flaw.
Comparison to Other Kajal Products
When placed alongside competitors both from drugstore and high-end brands, the Maybelline Colossal Kajal distinguishes itself in several ways:
- Color intensity: It delivers superior blackness compared to many kajals twice its price
- Value proposition: Offers performance comparable to some prestige brands at a fraction of the cost
- Availability: Widely accessible both in stores and online, unlike some imported authentic kajal products
- Formula consistency: Avoids the excessive dryness of some long-wearing formulas and the excessive creaminess of traditional kajals that smudge too easily
Compared specifically to the original Maybelline Colossal Kajal, this Super Black version delivers noticeably deeper pigmentation and improved longevity.
Versatility and Usage Scenarios
The Colossal Kajal proves remarkably versatile across different makeup styles and occasions:
- Everyday office wear: Provides definition without appearing excessively dramatic
- Smokey evening looks: Can be built up and smudged for more intense styles
- Cultural occasions: Delivers the intense black finish required for traditional South Asian eye makeup
- Photography: The deep black pigment photographs beautifully without disappearing under flash
This versatility makes it an excellent staple product for makeup enthusiasts at any skill level.
Value Assessment
Considering its performance, the Maybelline Colossal Kajal offers exceptional value. While not the least expensive kajal on the market, its performance-to-price ratio is outstanding. The retractable format also ensures minimal product waste compared to traditional pencils that require sharpening.
One pencil typically lasts 2-3 months with regular use, making it an economical choice for daily wear. The only significant caveat regarding value involves purchasing from unauthorized resellers, as several reviewers reported receiving used or damaged products when not purchasing from verified sources.
Potential Drawbacks
In the interest of providing a balanced assessment, several limitations should be acknowledged:
- Shade range: Available only in black, limiting options for those who prefer brown or other softer tones for everyday wear
- Setting time: While it does set, the few minutes of initial flexibility can lead to transfer if eyes are touched immediately after application
- Climate sensitivity: Performance may decrease in extremely humid or hot environments
- Not truly 16 hours for everyone: Longevity varies significantly based on individual factors
Application Tips for Optimal Results
Based on both personal experience and analysis of user reviews, these techniques maximize the kajal’s performance:
- Allow 30-60 seconds of setting time before fully opening eyes after application
- For maximum longevity, set with a matching black eyeshadow, especially for oily eyelids
- Store horizontally rather than vertically to maintain optimal formula consistency
- Apply thin layers rather than attempting to build intensity in a single heavy application
- For smokey effects, smudge immediately after application before the product sets
Who Should Try This Product?
The Maybelline Colossal Kajal is particularly well-suited for:
- Those seeking intense black definition, especially individuals with deeper skin tones
- People with sensitive eyes who have struggled with irritation from other formulas
- Makeup enthusiasts looking for a versatile eye product that can create various looks
- Individuals seeking long wear in humid conditions or for special occasions
- Anyone wanting the intensity of traditional kajal with improved modern staying power
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
This product may not be ideal for:
- Those specifically seeking a soft brown or colored eyeliner for subtle definition
- Individuals with extremely oily eyelids who experience smudging with all pencil formulas
- People looking for a kajal that can be completely removed with just water or basic cleansers
- Those needing absolute waterproof performance for swimming or very watery eyes
Final Assessment
The Maybelline New York New The Colossal Kajal Super Black Waterproof 16Hours Intense Pencil largely delivers on its core promises. While individual experiences vary somewhat with regard to longevity and smudge resistance, its intense pigmentation, smooth application, and relative staying power make it a standout product in its category and price range.
For those seeking an affordable yet high-performing kajal for everyday wear or special occasions, this product deserves serious consideration. It successfully combines the intense pigmentation of traditional kajal with modern performance features, creating a versatile eye product suitable for various styles and preferences.
With proper application techniques and realistic expectations regarding waterproof claims, the Maybelline Colossal Kajal easily earns its place as a makeup bag staple for kajal enthusiasts seeking intense black definition with impressive staying power.
Rating Breakdown
- Pigmentation/Color Intensity: 5/5
- Ease of Application: 4.5/5
- Smudge Resistance: 3.5/5
- Waterproof Performance: 3.5/5
- Longevity: 4/5
- Comfort/Eye Sensitivity: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 5/5
- Overall Score: 4.3/5
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