Hey beauty lovers! After testing the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Classic Black for several weeks and analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, I’m breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about this drugstore staple. Is it worth the hype? Let’s dive in!
This mascara has been on the market for years and remains a go-to for many mascara lovers. At around $8-10, it promises dramatic volume, waterproof wear, and clump-free application. But does it deliver? The short answer: YES for most users, NO for some – and I’ll tell you exactly why both camps exist!
The Good: Why People LOVE This Mascara
Serious Waterproof Performance
Let me tell you – this mascara is BULLETPROOF when it comes to staying power! One customer shared that it lasted through “7 hours at band camp in 90-degree weather, plus a mental breakdown in the ladies’ room” 😂. It has survived swimming (even with fully submerged faces), crying sessions, eye rubbing, and intense sweating without flaking, melting, or smearing.
If you’re looking for truly waterproof mascara that won’t give you raccoon eyes during a beach day or emotional movie, this is IT!
Impressive Volume and Length
Many users with short, thin lashes reported dramatic improvements:
- “Makes my lashes look really long and full”
- “It gives me volume, length, separation, fullness AND it actually adheres to the lashes – even on the ends”
- “Sometimes even get asked if my eyelashes are fake”
The formula seems to build well, allowing for customizable volume – one coat for natural definition, or multiple coats for more dramatic looks.
Long-Lasting Formula
When the product is fresh, it typically lasts all day without needing touch-ups. Many loyal customers have been using this mascara for YEARS and keep coming back because the formula holds a curl well and doesn’t smudge under normal conditions.
Value For Money
Several reviewers mentioned they’ve tried high-end mascaras costing $20+ but keep returning to this Maybelline option because it performs just as well or BETTER at a fraction of the price. One customer who’s been using mascara for almost 60 years claimed this was “truly the best I’ve ever used for quick and easy build up in volume and length.”
The Not-So-Good: Common Complaints
Consistency Issues
The #1 complaint across reviews was receiving dried-out or clumpy product. This seems to happen most often with online orders, suggesting potential inventory management issues:
- “I just opened it and it’s super dried up”
- “Old, dry and clumpy”
- “The mascara is clumpy when applied to the lashes”
Many customers mentioned that in-store purchases seemed fresher than those ordered online.
The Brush Size
The brush on this mascara is THICK! While this helps create volume, it can be problematic for some users:
- “The brush is so big I can’t even see my eyes”
- “It is so fat that it’s hard to get it on my lashes without getting it all over my lid”
People with smaller eyes or those who prefer precision application might struggle with the brush size and shape.
Application Learning Curve
Several users noted that the formula is quite wet when fresh, which can cause:
- Messiness during application
- Longer drying time between coats
- Potential transfer to eyelids
One reviewer mentioned: “I have to apply the top lashes of one eye, let it dry, apply to the top lashes of the other eye, let it dry, then proceed to the bottom lashes.” This technique works but requires patience!
Removal Challenges
While the waterproof formula is amazing for staying power, it requires dedicated eye makeup remover. Some users found it “VERY difficult to remove” even with proper products. If you hate double-cleansing or spending extra time on makeup removal, this might be a downside.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Based on customer experiences and my testing, here are some ways to get the MOST out of this mascara:
- Wipe excess product off the brush before application to prevent clumping and speed up drying time.
- Layer strategically – one reviewer shared: “I use it with a combination of mascaras… Using 2-3 different mascaras provides volume and length and prevents clumping.”
- Apply in thin coats, allowing each layer to partially dry before adding another for maximum volume without clumping.
- Invest in good eye makeup remover – oil-based removers work best with this waterproof formula.
- Purchase from physical stores when possible to reduce the chances of receiving dried-out product.
- Use a lash comb between coats if you experience any clumping.
Who Should Buy This Mascara?
This is PERFECT for you if:
- You need truly waterproof mascara for swimming, sweating, or crying
- You want dramatic volume and length at a budget price
- You prefer a buildable formula that can go from natural to dramatic
- You have straight lashes that struggle to hold a curl (the waterproof formula helps maintain lift)
Look elsewhere if:
- You have very small eyes or struggle with precision application
- You want a mascara that removes easily with regular face wash
- You prefer very natural, feathery lashes (this is definitely more of a volumizing formula)
- You have allergies or sensitivities to waterproof mascara ingredients
The Bottom Line
Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara delivers impressive results for most users, particularly in the waterproof and volumizing departments. At its price point, it outperforms many high-end competitors.
The main issues – dried product, chunky brush, and removal difficulty – are somewhat expected trade-offs for a waterproof, volumizing formula at this price point. If you can work around these challenges, you’ll likely be impressed with the results!
For my money, this remains one of the best waterproof drugstore mascaras on the market. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars, with points deducked only for the occasional dried-out tube and the learning curve required for application.
Have you tried this mascara? What was YOUR experience? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Comparison to Similar Products
If you’re considering alternatives, here’s how this mascara stacks up against similar options:
- vs. L’Oréal Voluminous: Some reviewers prefer L’Oréal for a less wet formula, but Maybelline wins for waterproof performance.
- vs. High-end brands: Multiple users mentioned trying prestige brands at $20-25 price points and returning to this Maybelline option for better performance.
- vs. Other Maybelline mascaras: This one seems to offer the most dramatic volume in their waterproof line, though some prefer their Great Lash formula for a more natural look.
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara has stood the test of time for good reason. Despite some consistency issues and application challenges, its performance in creating volume, length, and truly waterproof wear makes it a standout product at its price point.
If you’re willing to learn its quirks and work with them, this mascara might become your new holy grail product – just like it has for many long-term users who’ve been repurchasing for years!
Remember, the key to success with this product is fresh tubes, patient application, and proper removal techniques. Master those, and you’ll likely be impressed with what this affordable mascara can do!
Disclaimer: Results may vary based on individual lash type, application technique, and product freshness. While this review synthesizes hundreds of customer experiences, your personal experience may differ.
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