In the ever-expanding universe of beauty products, finding a mascara that truly delivers on its promises can feel like searching for a needle in a cosmic haystack. As a beauty expert who has tested countless formulations across price points, I’m always on the lookout for that perfect combination of performance, price, and reliability. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into Maybelline New York’s Volum’ Express The Rocket Washable Mascara in Brownish Black (0.3 fl. oz) – a product that has generated significant buzz in the beauty community.
Maybelline positions this mascara as a volume-boosting powerhouse, promising “8X bigger, smoother lashes” with its patented supersonic brush and formula. But does it truly take your lashes to astronomical heights, or is it just another overhyped product that fails to launch? After extensive testing and analyzing hundreds of customer experiences, I’m here to break down everything you need to know before adding this rocket to your beauty arsenal.
First Impressions: Packaging and Design
The Rocket mascara features Maybelline’s signature pink and blue packaging, with a chunky, rocket-shaped tube that’s both eye-catching and functional. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, which contributes to easier application – an often overlooked but important aspect of mascara design.
The tube has a satisfying weight to it, feeling substantial without being cumbersome. This might seem like a minor detail, but it actually plays into the overall user experience. The cap screws on tightly, which helps prevent the dreaded mascara dry-out that can happen with looser designs.
The wand itself is where things get interesting. Maybelline’s patented “supersonic brush” features short, plastic bristles arranged in a dense pattern around the core. This is a departure from traditional fiber brushes, and as we’ll see later, this design choice has significant implications for application and results.
The Formula: Consistency and Composition
The Rocket’s formula has a medium-thick consistency that strikes a balance between being too wet (which can lead to smudging and transfer) and too dry (which often results in flaking and difficult application). However, several consistent observations from users suggest that the formula may benefit from slight “aging” – many report that after a week or two of use, when the product has dried slightly, the performance actually improves.
In the Brownish Black shade (which is the focus of this review), the color delivers a softer alternative to traditional black mascaras while still providing definition. This particular shade has proven to be surprisingly versatile across different skin tones and hair colors – even those with reddish-blonde hair report that it appears natural yet still provides enough contrast to define the eyes.
One notable characteristic is the formula’s relative lack of scent. Many mascaras have a distinct chemical odor, but The Rocket keeps this to a minimum, making it more appealing to those with sensitive noses or who prefer fragrance-free cosmetics.
Application Experience: The Brush Factor
The plastic bristle brush is perhaps the most polarizing feature of this mascara. Unlike traditional fiber brushes, The Rocket’s plastic bristles are firmer and more precisely spaced. This design choice creates a distinct application experience that users either love or find challenging.
The benefits of this brush design include:
- Superior separation: The firm bristles effectively comb through lashes, reducing clumping and creating defined, separated lashes.
- Even coverage: The bristle spacing ensures that product is distributed evenly from root to tip.
- Buildable application: The brush allows for multiple coats without excessive product buildup.
However, there are also some considerations:
- Learning curve: First-time users may need a period of adjustment to master the application technique.
- Potential for eye-poking: Multiple reviewers note that the firmer bristles can be uncomfortable if you accidentally poke your eye – something to be mindful of during application.
- Product load: Some users report that the brush can hold excess product, requiring wiping before application to avoid clumps.
The optimal application technique involves a slight wiggling motion from the base of the lashes upward. This ensures maximum coverage while minimizing the risk of clumping. For those seeking a more natural look, a single coat provides subtle definition and length. For more dramatic volume, 2-3 coats can be applied, with a brief pause between applications to allow for slight drying.
Performance: The Claims vs. Reality
Maybelline makes bold claims about The Rocket’s volumizing capabilities, promising “8X bigger” lashes. While such specific metrics are always difficult to verify, the real-world performance does demonstrate significant volumizing properties.
Volume and Definition
The Rocket delivers noticeable volume enhancement, particularly at the base of the lashes. This creates a fuller lash line that makes eyes appear more defined and open. The separation provided by the brush contributes to this effect, as lashes remain distinct rather than clumping together.
Multiple users report receiving compliments on their “big eyelashes” when wearing this mascara, with many noting that observers assumed they were wearing falsies or had naturally voluminous lashes. This “your-lashes-but-better” effect is the holy grail for many mascara users, and The Rocket seems to consistently deliver in this regard.
Lengthening Effects
While marketed primarily as a volumizing mascara, The Rocket also provides moderate lengthening. The effect is most noticeable when applied with the brush tip to the outer corners of the eyes, creating a subtle fanning effect that enhances the eye shape.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned the mascara’s ability to make their lashes “bloom” – a visual descriptor that captures the combined volumizing and lengthening effect that opens up the eye area.
Wear Time and Smudge Resistance
As a non-waterproof formula, The Rocket performs admirably in terms of wear time. Most users report that it maintains its appearance throughout a standard workday without significant flaking or smudging. However, there are some inconsistencies in this area:
- Some users report excellent smudge resistance, even in conditions like gym workouts or high humidity.
- Others note some transfer to the upper lid area, particularly for those with hooded eyelids or who tend to get oily in the eye area.
It’s worth noting that several reviewers mentioned they couldn’t tell the difference between the waterproof and regular versions in terms of wear time, suggesting that the standard formula may offer better-than-average staying power for a washable mascara.
Comparison with Higher-End Products
A recurring theme in the reviews is comparison with high-end mascara brands. Multiple users specifically mentioned that The Rocket performs on par with luxury options like Benefit and Buxom – mascaras that typically retail for 3-4 times the price. This perceived value makes The Rocket particularly appealing for those seeking premium performance without the premium price tag.
Removal Process: The Washable Advantage
One of the significant advantages of choosing the washable version of The Rocket is the relatively easy removal process. Unlike waterproof formulas that often require dedicated eye makeup remover and vigorous rubbing (which can contribute to premature aging around the eye area), The Rocket’s washable formula removes with standard cleansers.
Most users report successful removal with:
- Micellar water
- Makeup remover wipes
- Regular facial cleanser
- Oil-based cleansers
This ease of removal contributes to the overall user experience and makes The Rocket suitable for daily wear. However, a small subset of reviewers did note some difficulty with complete removal, suggesting that individual skin chemistry and removal techniques may influence this aspect of performance.
Long-Term Considerations: Formula Stability and Product Lifespan
An important consideration for any mascara is how it performs over time. Mascaras typically have a shorter shelf life than other cosmetics, with most experts recommending replacement every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial growth and formula degradation.
The Rocket shows interesting characteristics in this area:
- Initial formula evolution: As mentioned earlier, many users note that the formula performs better after a week or two of use when it’s slightly less wet.
- Longevity: Several reviewers mentioned using the product until it was “almost empty” without experiencing significant drying or clumping issues.
- Consistency between tubes: Some inconsistency between tubes was reported, with a few users noting that replacement tubes weren’t identical in performance to their previous ones.
This last point raises the possibility of manufacturing variations or storage conditions affecting the product, though these instances appear to be the exception rather than the rule.
Special Considerations: Sensitive Eyes and Allergies
Eye cosmetics can be particularly problematic for those with sensitivities or allergies. The reviews for The Rocket present a mixed picture in this regard:
- Many users report no irritation, even when some product accidentally got into their eyes.
- Some specifically mention having to “alternate between 2-3 mascaras” due to developing allergies easily, suggesting that The Rocket is gentle enough to be part of their rotation.
- A small percentage reported eye irritation and had to discontinue use.
These varied experiences underline the highly individual nature of cosmetic sensitivities. Those with known sensitivities might want to patch test or be particularly careful during initial use.
Color Experience: The Brownish Black Advantage
The specific shade reviewed here – Brownish Black – deserves special attention for its versatility. Traditional black mascaras can sometimes appear harsh, especially on those with fair coloring or those seeking a more natural daytime look. Brownish Black provides a softer alternative that still delivers definition.
One particularly compelling testimony came from a user who had exclusively worn “blackest black” mascaras their entire life before trying this shade. They reported that the Brownish Black made their brown eyes appear more vibrant and received numerous compliments – enough to convert them permanently to this softer shade.
This suggests that Brownish Black might be particularly flattering for those with brown, hazel, or amber eyes, enhancing their natural color while still providing the desired definition and volume.
Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance
At its price point (typically $7-10 depending on retailer), The Rocket represents excellent value in the mascara market. When compared to high-end alternatives costing $25 or more, the performance gap is minimal according to many users.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned purchasing The Rocket from Amazon rather than drugstores, noting significant savings. This price advantage becomes even more compelling given the recommended replacement schedule for mascaras – being able to replace your mascara every 3 months feels more reasonable at this price point than with luxury options.
Common Complaints and Considerations
Despite the generally positive reception, there are some consistent criticisms worth noting:
- Initial wetness: Some users find the formula too wet initially, requiring blotting or a period of “drying out” before achieving optimal results.
- Brush learning curve: The plastic bristle brush can take time to master and may not appeal to those accustomed to traditional fiber brushes.
- Product consistency: A small percentage of users reported receiving dried-out tubes or experiencing inconsistency between purchases.
- Drying time: Some note that the formula doesn’t dry quickly enough on application, leading to transfer issues, particularly for those with hooded eyelids.
- Clumping potential: While many praise its non-clumping formula, others experienced clumping, suggesting that application technique and individual lash characteristics play a significant role.
Who Would Benefit Most from This Mascara?
Based on the collective review data, The Rocket seems particularly well-suited for:
- Those seeking natural-looking volume: The separation and moderate volume enhancement create a “your-lashes-but-better” effect.
- Makeup minimalists: Many reviewers specifically mentioned using this for days when they want to look polished without appearing heavily made-up.
- Value-conscious consumers: The performance-to-price ratio makes this appealing for those who want premium results without the luxury price tag.
- Those with sensitive eyes: While not universally non-irritating, the relatively high percentage of sensitive-eyed users who tolerate this formula well suggests it’s a good option to try.
- People with brown or hazel eyes: The Brownish Black shade seems to particularly enhance these eye colors.
Those who might want to look elsewhere include:
- Dramatic volume seekers: While The Rocket provides noticeable volume, those seeking false-lash-level drama might prefer more intense formulations.
- Waterproof necessity: Active swimmers or those who require absolute smudge-proof guarantee would be better served by the waterproof version or other waterproof options.
- Those who prefer traditional brushes: The plastic bristle brush is a dealbreaker for some who strongly prefer fiber brushes.
Application Tips for Optimal Results
To get the most from The Rocket mascara, these techniques seem to yield the best results:
- Allow slight drying before use: If the formula seems too wet initially, leaving the tube uncapped for literally 1-2 minutes (not longer) can achieve the ideal consistency.
- Wipe excess product: Before applying, gently wipe the wand on a tissue to remove excess product if needed.
- Wiggle at the base: Start at the root of lashes and wiggle the wand slightly before sweeping upward.
- Layer strategically: For added volume, focus additional coats on the outer corners and upper lashline rather than applying heavily throughout.
- Allow slight drying between coats: 15-30 seconds between applications can improve buildability without clumping.
- Use a lash comb if needed: Keep a metal lash comb nearby for any clumping emergencies.
Conclusion: Is The Rocket Worth Launching?
After thoroughly analyzing hundreds of user experiences with Maybelline’s Volum’ Express The Rocket Washable Mascara in Brownish Black, the verdict is clear: this is a standout performer in the drugstore mascara category that genuinely rivals many high-end alternatives.
The plastic brush design, while potentially challenging for some to master initially, delivers exceptional separation and definition while building impressive volume. The Brownish Black shade offers versatility that works across a range of skin tones and eye colors, making it a particularly wise choice for those seeking a softer alternative to traditional black.
At its accessible price point, The Rocket delivers remarkable performance, earning its reputation as many users’ “secret weapon” and “favorite mascara ever.” The combination of volume, separation, and relative smudge resistance in a washable formula makes it suitable for everyday wear, while still providing enough impact for special occasions.
Like any product, it’s not without its flaws – some inconsistency between tubes, a learning curve with the brush, and potential issues for those with hooded eyes are worth considering. However, these drawbacks are minor compared to the overall performance and value offered.
For those seeking voluminous, defined lashes without breaking the bank, Maybelline’s The Rocket has rightfully earned its place as a cult favorite in the beauty community. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, this affordable gem deserves a spot in your makeup collection – just be careful not to poke your eye with those firm bristles!
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