Let me cut straight to the chase – if you’ve been on the hunt for a mascara that doesn’t require an industrial-strength makeup remover and half a pack of cotton pads to take off at the end of the day, Maybelline’s Snapscara Washable in Pitch Black might just be your new best friend.
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on the Snapscara in Washable Pitch Black, I was immediately drawn to its unique square tube design. It’s such a small detail, but SO practical – no more mascara rolling off your bathroom counter! The tube actually twists off easily even when you’ve got makeup on your hands (a detail multiple reviewers mentioned loving).
The wand is slightly curved which helps reach all those little lashes in the corners of your eyes. It’s not one of those huge, fluffy brushes that makes application feel like you’re painting your entire eye area – it’s precise enough to coat each lash without making a mess.
Application: The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Wet
Let’s talk about how this mascara actually performs. The formula is on the wetter side when first applied, which has pros and cons:
PROS:
- Goes on smoothly without clumping (a HUGE win)
- Buildable – one coat gives a natural look, two coats add more drama
- The pigmentation is seriously intense (they weren’t kidding with “Pitch Black”)
- Separates lashes nicely without that spidery look
CONS:
- The wetter formula means you need to be careful during application
- Some users found it a bit too thin/watery at first use
- It’s easy to accidentally touch your skin with the wand (though it wipes off easily)
For best results, most reviewers recommend applying in one go rather than letting it dry between coats – this prevents clumping. Also, don’t pump the wand! Just one dip is all you need.
All-Day Wear: How Does It Hold Up?
This is where opinions get mixed. For many users (including myself), the mascara stays put throughout a normal day without significant smudging. However, there are some important caveats:
- It’s NOT waterproof, so crying or sweating heavily will cause it to run
- Some reviewers noticed flaking by the end of a long day (especially if the tube is older)
- It doesn’t hold curl as well as some waterproof formulas might
A 12-hour healthcare worker gave it a glowing review, saying it passed her test of lasting through an entire shift without smudging under her eyes. That’s pretty impressive!
For everyday wear, it performs admirably. But if you’re heading to a wedding or emotional movie, you might want to reach for something more waterproof.
The BIGGEST Selling Point: Easy Removal
Here’s where Snapscara absolutely SHINES. This mascara comes off with just warm water! No harsh makeup removers needed. As someone who’s spent years battling raccoon eyes even after thoroughly washing my face, this feature is revolutionary.
The “tubing” technology means that instead of smearing all over your face during removal, it comes off in little tubes or flakes. Sounds weird, but it’s actually genius! Just press a warm, wet washcloth to your eyes for a few seconds, wipe gently, and it’s GONE.
Multiple reviewers mentioned how this feature alone has made them loyal to this product. One person who’s been wearing makeup for 25+ years called it the first mascara they’ve ever truly loved, specifically because of how easily it removes.
Sensitivity and Allergies
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, this might be your new holy grail product. Many reviewers with allergies or sensitivities mentioned this is the ONLY mascara they can comfortably wear:
- One person with beeswax allergies was thrilled to find a mascara they could use
- Contact lens wearers reported minimal irritation
- Several mentioned no itching or watering eyes
However, a few users did mention mild irritation after wearing it for extended periods, so your mileage may vary.
Value for Money
At around $5-7, this mascara performs shockingly well compared to high-end options. Multiple reviewers compared it favorably to brands like Lancôme, Estée Lauder, and Thrive Causemetics that cost 3-5 times as much.
The only downside is that it seems to dry out relatively quickly compared to some other mascaras. Several reviewers mentioned needing to replace it monthly for optimal performance.
Color Options
While this review focuses on the Pitch Black shade, the Snapscara also comes in other colors that received positive feedback:
- Deja Blue (a vibrant blue that actually shows up on dark lashes)
- Black Cherry (subtle burgundy that adds dimension without looking costume-y)
These colored options give a nice change without being over-the-top, perfect for those wanting to experiment without going full peacock.
The Not-So-Great
In the interest of total transparency, here are the most common complaints:
- Flaking: Some users experienced flaking throughout the day, particularly as the tube got older
- Longevity: The formula tends to dry out faster than some other mascaras
- Dramatic effect: If you’re looking for false-lash drama, this might not be intense enough
- Curl holding: Doesn’t maintain curl as well as waterproof formulas
- Consistency issues: A few reviewers received tubes that seemed already dried out
Who Should Buy This?
This mascara is PERFECT for:
- People who hate the struggle of removing stubborn mascara
- Those with sensitive eyes or who wear contacts
- Anyone looking for a natural-to-medium lash look
- Makeup minimalists who want something quick and foolproof
- Those who prioritize easy removal over waterproof staying power
It might NOT be ideal for:
- Those wanting dramatic, false-lash effects
- People who need seriously waterproof mascara
- Anyone expecting their mascara to last 3+ months
Final Verdict
Maybelline Snapscara earns 4 out of 5 stars from me. It’s not perfect, but its easy application and REVOLUTIONARY removal make it a standout in a crowded field of mascaras.
The fact that so many reviewers mentioned stocking up when they heard rumors of discontinuation speaks volumes – this is a product that inspires loyalty. One person even ordered 36 tubes! If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.
For $5-7, it’s absolutely worth trying, especially if you’re tired of scrubbing your eyes raw every night trying to remove stubborn mascara. Your lashes (and delicate eye area) will thank you!
P.S. If you do try it and love it as much as many reviewers do, you might want to grab a few extra tubes. Several people mentioned having trouble finding it in stores and feared it might be discontinued. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😉
Buy on Amazon: Here
