As a beauty expert who has tested countless mascaras over the years, I’m always on the lookout for products that combine quality, innovation, and a touch of uniqueness. The Maybelline New York Snapscara Washable Mascara in 330 Deja Blue has been creating quite a buzz in the beauty community, offering something different from the standard black and brown options that dominate the market. Blue mascara has a storied history in makeup trends, cycling in and out of fashion since its heyday in the late 70s and early 80s. Today, I’m diving deep into this particular blue offering from Maybelline to determine if it deserves a spot in your makeup collection.
Product Overview
Maybelline’s Snapscara line represents the brand’s venture into wax-free mascara formulations. The Deja Blue shade is a navy blue color that aims to enhance eye color while providing definition and length to lashes. Priced affordably (typically under $10), this mascara positions itself as an accessible way to experiment with colored lashes without breaking the bank.
The product comes in Maybelline’s signature square packaging, designed to be spill-proof and practical. It features a curved brush applicator intended to catch and coat each lash for maximum impact.
Color Analysis: The Perfect Blue?
The most distinctive feature of this mascara is, of course, its blue color. After thorough testing and analyzing numerous customer experiences, I can confirm that Maybelline has created what many describe as the “perfect blue” – not too bright, not too dark.
The Deja Blue shade presents as a deep navy blue that reads sophisticated rather than costume-like. In dim lighting, it appears almost black, providing subtle definition to the lashes. However, in natural or bright lighting, the blue tone becomes more apparent, creating an interesting dimensional effect that black mascara simply cannot achieve.
For those concerned about the color being too intense, rest assured that this is not an electric or cobalt blue. Several reviewers with previous experience using bright blue mascaras note that this is significantly more subdued and wearable for everyday use. One reviewer aptly described it as “bluish-green” when it gets on fingers, suggesting complex undertones that contribute to its sophisticated appearance.
The color payoff varies somewhat depending on your natural lash color. Those with naturally blonde or light-colored lashes report the blue being more immediately noticeable, while those with darker lashes may need to apply multiple coats for the blue to truly pop. Some users recommend layering techniques – either using this as a base coat under black mascara for a subtle depth or applying it over black mascara for a more dramatic effect.
Application Experience
The Snapscara Deja Blue applies smoothly and consistently according to most users. The curved brush design receives particular praise for its ability to reach even the smallest lashes and separate them effectively during application. The brush allows for precise application with minimal clumping – a common issue with colored mascaras.
The formula itself is described as relatively dry compared to some other mascaras. This characteristic contributes to its ability to separate lashes without creating the spider-leg effect that wetter formulas can sometimes cause. However, the drier formula means that some users find they go through the product more quickly than they would with other mascaras.
Most users report that the mascara builds well with 2-3 coats, though some note that attempting to apply too many layers can result in clumping. For best results, allowing a brief drying time between coats seems to be the optimal approach.
Performance: Longevity and Wear
The Snapscara Deja Blue is marketed as a washable (non-waterproof) mascara, and this classification accurately reflects its performance. The wear experience varies significantly among users, largely depending on their skin type, environmental conditions, and daily activities.
For many users, the mascara performs admirably throughout a normal day, maintaining its color and effect without significant smudging or flaking. However, there’s a consistent pattern in the reviews indicating that this is not a mascara for situations where you might cry, sweat heavily, or be exposed to rain.
Several reviewers note experiencing “raccoon eyes” or blue smudges under their eyes after a few hours of wear. This issue appears more prevalent in those with oily skin or those who live in humid climates. Some users recommend using a good mascara primer underneath to improve longevity and prevent smudging.
On the positive side, the non-waterproof nature of this mascara means it’s exceptionally easy to remove at the end of the day – a feature that many users specifically seek out. Those with sensitive eyes particularly appreciate being able to remove their mascara with just warm water and regular facial cleanser, without the need for harsh makeup removers that can irritate the delicate eye area.
Effect on Different Eye Colors
One of the most interesting aspects of this blue mascara is how it interacts with different eye colors. Based on user experiences:
- Blue eyes: The Deja Blue shade creates a harmonious effect that intensifies and enhances blue eyes. Many blue-eyed users report receiving compliments specifically about their eye color when wearing this mascara.
- Brown eyes: The contrast between the cool blue mascara and warm brown eyes creates a striking effect that makes brown eyes appear richer and more dimensional.
- Hazel/green eyes: Several users with hazel or green eyes reported that the blue mascara helps bring out the green tones in their iris, creating a beautiful complementary effect.
For maximum impact, many users pair the blue mascara with coordinating blue eyeliner, creating a cohesive look that draws attention to the eyes without appearing overly dramatic.
Removal and Eye Sensitivity
One of the most consistently praised aspects of the Snapscara Deja Blue is its easy removal. The wax-free formula lives up to its “snapscara” name, washing away easily with warm water and gentle cleanser. This feature makes it particularly appealing to those with sensitive eyes or those who are cautious about tugging and pulling at the delicate eye area during makeup removal.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned switching to this mascara after experiencing irritation with other formulas. However, it’s worth noting that a small number of users did report experiencing eye irritation, suggesting that individual sensitivity to ingredients can vary. As with any eye product, patch testing is always recommended if you have particularly sensitive eyes.
The easy removal also makes this mascara a good option for those who change their makeup looks frequently or who don’t want to commit to a product that might be difficult to take off if they don’t like the final effect.
Comparison to Other Blue Mascaras
Many reviewers mentioned trying this mascara after struggling to find the right blue shade in other products. Common complaints about other blue mascaras include colors that are too bright, too metallic, or that don’t show up well on the lashes.
The Snapscara Deja Blue seems to hit a sweet spot for many users who were specifically seeking a navy blue rather than a cobalt or royal blue. Some noted that it’s not as vibrant as the Benefit blue mascara (likely referring to Benefit’s They’re Real! Beyond Blue mascara), but appreciated the more subtle effect for everyday wear.
Several longtime blue mascara users mentioned that this product replaced discontinued favorites, suggesting that Maybelline has successfully identified a gap in the market for a wearable blue mascara at an accessible price point.
Value Assessment
Priced typically between $6-10 depending on retailer, the Snapscara Deja Blue represents excellent value compared to high-end colored mascaras that can cost $20 or more. The quality of the formula and the sophisticated color are frequently cited as surprising given the budget-friendly price point.
However, some users mentioned that they seem to go through this product more quickly than other mascaras, potentially due to the drier formula or the need to apply multiple coats for full color impact. Still, even accounting for potentially more frequent replacement, most users find the price point reasonable for the quality delivered.
Several reviewers mentioned discovering this product at discount stores like Dollar Tree, suggesting that savvy shoppers may be able to find it at even lower price points through certain retailers.
Who Should Try This Mascara?
Based on the collective feedback from users, this mascara would be particularly well-suited for:
- Those new to colored mascara who want to experiment without investing in a high-end product
- People with sensitive eyes who need an easily removable formula
- Anyone seeking a subtle pop of color rather than a dramatic effect
- Blue, green, or hazel-eyed individuals looking to enhance their natural eye color
- Makeup enthusiasts looking to create a signature look that’s distinctive without being overly bold
- Those who prioritize easy removal over extreme longevity
Who Might Want to Skip This Product?
On the other hand, this mascara might not be ideal for:
- Those seeking a waterproof formula for swimming, intense workouts, or emotional events
- People who need their mascara to last 12+ hours without touch-ups
- Anyone looking for dramatic volume and length as primary benefits (the color is the star here)
- Those seeking a bright, electric blue rather than a sophisticated navy
Expert Tips for Best Results
After analyzing hundreds of user experiences, I’ve compiled these tips for getting the most out of the Snapscara Deja Blue:
- Use a lash primer before application to improve longevity and prevent smudging
- Allow each coat to dry slightly before applying another for maximum definition
- Pair with blue eyeliner for a coordinated look that maximizes the blue effect
- Layer under or over black mascara for different effects – blue as a base adds subtle dimension while blue over black creates more visible color
- Keep a cotton swab and micellar water handy for quick cleanup of any smudges throughout the day
- Curl lashes before application as some users note that the formula can weigh down curled lashes over time
- Consider setting with translucent powder under the eyes if you’re prone to smudging
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After thoroughly examining this product from all angles, my professional assessment is that the Maybelline New York Snapscara Washable Mascara in Deja Blue is absolutely worth trying, particularly at its accessible price point.
What truly sets this mascara apart is its ability to straddle the line between subtle and statement-making. The sophisticated navy blue color manages to be both workplace-appropriate and interesting enough to draw compliments. The easy application and removal process makes it user-friendly for makeup novices and experts alike.
The primary drawback – its lack of waterproof staying power – is balanced by the gentle removal process that many users specifically seek out. For those requiring waterproof performance, this may not be your ideal mascara, but Maybelline does offer waterproof formulations in other mascara lines (though not currently in this specific blue shade).
For anyone looking to expand their makeup repertoire beyond traditional black and brown mascaras, the Snapscara Deja Blue offers an accessible entry point into the world of colored lashes with a sophisticated hue that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Final Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Pros:
- Beautiful, sophisticated navy blue color
- Easy application with curved brush
- No-fuss removal with just soap and water
- Enhances different eye colors effectively
- Affordable price point
- Doesn’t clump significantly
- Great for creating a signature look
Cons:
- Limited staying power in humid conditions
- May smudge throughout the day for some users
- Requires multiple coats for maximum color impact on dark lashes
- Drier formula may use up product more quickly
The Maybelline New York Snapscara Washable Mascara in Deja Blue has earned its place as a beauty bag staple for those seeking something a little different without venturing too far outside their comfort zone. Whether you’re reliving the blue mascara trend of decades past or exploring colored mascara for the first time, this product offers a sophisticated and accessible way to play with color.
This comprehensive review is based on analysis of numerous user experiences and professional assessment of the product’s performance, formulation, and value proposition.
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