You’ve seen the videos. Someone stands in front of a ring light, swipes a flexible pink wand across their lashes, and suddenly they look like they’re wearing falsies. It’s been years since Sky High Maybelline mascara first blew up on TikTok, yet it’s still sitting at the top of the drugstore charts. Why? Because it actually works, but also because it’s one of the most polarizing tubes of goo in the beauty aisle. People either treat it like holy water or complain that it’s a nightmare to take off at night.
Honestly, the hype was exhausting at first. We’ve all been burned by "viral" products that turn out to be mediocre at best. But this one stuck around. It wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It changed how we think about drugstore lash products.
The secret isn’t just the marketing; it’s the chemistry of the "Flex Tower" brush and the bamboo-infused formula. Most mascaras choose a side: they either give you fat, chunky volume or thin, spidery length. Sky High Maybelline mascara tries to do both by being incredibly thin and buildable. It’s meant to stretch the lash from the root without weighing it down with heavy waxes.
The Science of That Weirdly Bendy Wand
If you open a tube of Lash Sensational Sky High, the first thing you notice is the wand. It’s skinny. It’s plastic. And it bends. A lot.
Maybelline calls this the Flex Tower brush. While most brands brag about how stiff and sturdy their applicators are, this one is designed to give way when it hits your lash line. This is actually a massive deal for people with short or straight lashes. If a wand is too stiff, you end up poking yourself in the eye or getting "mascara stamps" on your eyelids because you can’t get close enough to the base.
The flexibility allows the tiny plastic bristles to grab every single hair. It’s precise. You can wiggle it into the inner corners where those tiny, invisible lashes live. Because the formula contains bamboo extract and specialized fibers, it coats these tiny hairs and extends them outward. It’s less about "thickening" and more about "telescoping."
But there’s a catch. Because the wand is so flexible, some users find it hard to control. If you’re used to a big, bushy natural-bristle brush like Better Than Sex, this is going to feel like trying to paint a fence with a blade of grass. You have to be patient. You have to build it up in layers.
Waterproof vs. Washable: Choose Your Fighter
This is where the drama happens.
The washable version of Sky High Maybelline mascara is pretty standard. It stays on well, it doesn't flake too much, and it comes off with a decent micellar water. But the waterproof version? That stuff is basically industrial-grade sealant.
I’ve seen reviews where people say they went through a breakup, a thunderstorm, and a swimming lesson, and their lashes still looked perfect. That sounds like a win until it’s 11:00 PM and you’re trying to go to sleep. If you don’t have an oil-based cleanser, you are going to lose some eyelashes. It’s a commitment.
- Washable (Blackest Black/Very Black): Great for everyday use, easy to remove, but might smudge if you have super oily eyelids.
- Waterproof: Indestructible. Best for weddings or humid climates. Requires a dual-phase remover.
- Cosmic Black: This is a newer variation with even more intense pigment. If regular black feels too "grey" for you, this is the one.
The formula is technically a "tubing-adjacent" style, though it’s not a true tubing mascara like those from Thrive Causemetics or Blinc. It uses pro-vitamin B5 and those aforementioned fibers to create a film around the lash. This is why it doesn't usually give you raccoon eyes halfway through the day.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Application
People grab the tube, swipe three quick coats on, and then wonder why their lashes look like three thick spider legs stuck together. You can't apply this like a traditional volumizing mascara.
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The trick is the "wait time."
If you apply the second coat while the first one is still soaking wet, you’re just moving product around. If you wait until it’s bone dry, it’ll clump. You need that sweet spot—about 20 to 30 seconds—where the first coat is "tacky."
Also, don't pump the wand. Stop doing that. It pushes air into the tube and dries out the bamboo extract formula faster. Just twist it.
Does it actually grow your lashes?
Let’s be real: No.
There is no clinical evidence that the bamboo extract in Sky High Maybelline mascara acts as a growth serum. It’s a conditioning agent. It keeps the lashes from becoming brittle while the mascara is on, which might prevent breakage, but it’s not going to change your genetics. If you want longer lashes naturally, you’re looking at Latisse or GrandeLash. This mascara is strictly a cosmetic illusion—albeit a very convincing one.
Comparing Sky High to the High-End Rivals
Is it a dupe for Lancôme Idôle? Kind of.
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Both use a rubber/plastic wand and focus on "fanning out" the lashes rather than clumping them together for volume. Lancôme is a bit more sophisticated in its pigment and doesn't feel as "crunchy" when it dries. However, for a third of the price, Maybelline holds its own.
Then there’s the comparison to Glossier Lash Slick. Glossier is for the "no-makeup makeup" crowd. It’s very subtle. Sky High Maybelline mascara is like Lash Slick’s older, more dramatic sister who stays out too late. It gives way more length and much more visible impact.
If you have sensitive eyes, though, be careful. Some users report that the fibers can migrate into the eye if you wear contacts. It’s not a universal problem, but it’s worth noting if you find your eyes getting itchy by 4:00 PM.
Why the "Cosmic Black" Version Changed the Game
A lot of people complained that the original "Very Black" wasn't dark enough. It looked a bit soft in direct sunlight. Maybelline responded with Cosmic Black.
They added more black pigments and a bit of a glossier finish. It makes the lashes look thicker simply because the color is so dense. If you have blonde or light brown lashes, the jump from nothing to Cosmic Black is honestly pretty shocking. It’s a "look." It’s not subtle.
The Removal Process (Don't Scrub Your Eyes)
Seriously, don't do it.
Because of the film-forming polymers in Sky High Maybelline mascara, if you just rub your eyes with a makeup wipe, you’re going to irritate your skin. The best way to get this off is the "soak method."
- Saturate a cotton round with a waterproof-eye-makeup remover (something with oil).
- Press it against your closed eye.
- Hold it there for a full 60 seconds. Don't move it.
- Gently slide it downward.
The mascara should slide off in little "tubes" or chunks rather than smearing all over your face. This protects the delicate skin around your eyes and keeps your natural lashes from being pulled out prematurely.
Navigating the Hype: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Beauty trends move fast. We’ve seen "clean girl" makeup come and go, and now we’re seeing a return to more maximalist looks. The reason Sky High Maybelline mascara stays relevant is that it’s versatile.
One coat is fine for the office. Three coats is enough for a night out. It’s accessible. You can find it at a CVS in rural Ohio or a high-end pharmacy in London.
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It’s not perfect. It can be finicky. The wand feels flimsy to some. But in terms of sheer "bang for your buck" length, it’s hard to beat. Just remember that mascara is a personal thing. Your lash shape, the oiliness of your skin, and even the humidity where you live will change how it performs.
If you have downward-pointing lashes that refuse to hold a curl, you must use the waterproof version. The washable one has too much water content and will cause your lashes to straighten out within an hour. The waterproof formula acts like hairspray for your eyelashes, locking that curl in place until you manually remove it.
Your Actionable Sky High Checklist
- Check the Seal: Make sure the tube is shrink-wrapped when you buy it. Drugstore mascara is notorious for being opened and tested by random people in the aisle.
- The 3-Month Rule: Like all mascaras, this formula starts to get "goopy" after 90 days. If it starts flaking, it’s not the product’s fault—it’s just old.
- Wipe the Tip: The wand often collects a big glob of product at the very end. Wipe that on a tissue before you go near your eye to avoid a mess.
- Layering: Apply your first coat, do your brows or your lipstick, then come back for the second coat. That short break allows the polymers to set just enough to grab the next layer.
- Comb It Out: If you do overdo it and get clumps, use a clean, dry spoolie or a metal lash comb immediately. Once this stuff dries, it’s set in stone.
Ultimately, the best mascara is the one that makes you feel like you don't need to check the mirror every twenty minutes. For millions of people, this pink tube is exactly that. It’s reliable, it’s cheap, and it makes you look like you actually slept eight hours. Just make sure you have a solid oil cleanser waiting for you at the end of the day.