TikTok’s Favorite Maybelline Mascara Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

In the era of social media, products can go viral seemingly overnight. The latest to blow up: Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. This budget-friendly mascara has taken TikTok by storm, with beauty enthusiasts raving about its volumizing and lengthening powers.

What Makes It So Popular?

This mascara promises to deliver next-level length and volume with its flexible wand and intense black pigment. The wand’s unique design features shorter bristles to grip and coat even the tiniest lashes. Meanwhile, the longer bristles comb through longer lashes from root to tip.

The formula contains bamboo extract for nourished lashes that won’t get brittle or fall out with regular use. Plus, it’s been ophthalmologist tested and is safe for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

The Hype Is Real!

We decided to put this viral sensation to the test to see if it lives up to its claims. After applying two coats as directed, we were blown away by our lashes. They looked dramatically longer, fuller, and more fanned out. The intense black pigment also made our eyes pop.

We were worried it might be clumpy or flaky, but the light, flexible formula layered beautifully without any clumping. Our lashes looked separated and defined. And we didn’t experience any flaking, smudging, or irritation throughout the day, even after wearing it for over 10 hours.

Affordable Yet High-Performance

Considering the incredible results, we were shocked that this mascara costs less than $10. For the volumizing and lengthening effects comparable to high-end brands, the price point can’t be beat.

We also love that the formula is waterproof yet easy to remove with makeup remover. No panda eyes or raccoon masks here!

Our Final Verdict

We rate this mascara 5 out of 5 stars. It delivers gorgeous, long lashes that lasted all day without smudging or irritation. The wand design ensures even coating and separation for clump-free definition.

For dramatic lashes at an affordable price point, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara absolutely lives up to the hype.

Mastering the “Flex Tower” Wand Technique

The secret to the Sky High mascara’s performance lies in the proprietary “Flex Tower” wand, which is far more than a standard spoolie. Unlike rigid plastic wands that can poke the waterline or metal combs that can feel abrasive, this brush is engineered to bend slightly under pressure. To get the most out of it, try the “wiggle and pull” method: start at the very base of the lash line and vibrate the wand horizontally for two seconds to deposit the bulk of the pigment at the roots. This creates a natural “tight-line” effect that makes your lashes look denser. As you pull the wand upward toward the tips, rotate the brush slightly. Because the bristles are staggered in length, this rotation ensures that the longer, outer lashes are caught by the longer bristles while the inner-corner baby lashes are grabbed by the shorter ones. If you find the wand feels too flimsy, try holding it closer to the base of the brush rather than the very end of the handle to give yourself more control over the tension.

The Science of Layering Without Weight

Many mascaras fail because they become too heavy after the first coat, causing the lashes to droop or “lose their curl.” The bamboo extract in this formula is the unsung hero here; it keeps the lash fiber supple rather than stiffening it into a brittle shell. To maximize length without adding unnecessary weight, apply your second coat while the first is still slightly tacky—not completely dry. If you wait until the mascara is fully dry, the second layer will have nothing to grip onto, leading to those dreaded “spider leg” clumps. If you are aiming for a “falsie” look, use the tip of the wand to vertically dot the mascara onto the very ends of your lashes. This deposits a tiny extra bit of product and pigment onto the tips, which can add an additional 1-2mm of visible length that standard sweeping motions often miss.

Navigating the Waterproof vs. Washable Dilemma

While the waterproof version is a staple for humid climates or long-duration events, it is important to note the difference in removal strategy. The waterproof formula is incredibly resilient against sweat, humidity, and even rain, but it requires a dedicated bi-phase makeup remover or an oil-based cleansing balm. If you use a simple micellar water, you will likely find yourself tugging at your delicate eye area, which can lead to premature lash breakage. We recommend applying an oil-based cleanser to dry lashes, letting it sit for 30 seconds to break down the bamboo-infused wax, and then gently massaging in a circular motion before rinsing with warm water. If you have naturally oily lids, the washable version might smudge slightly by the end of a long day; in that case, applying a light dusting of translucent setting powder just below the lower lash line can act as a “barrier” to keep the mascara from migrating.

Customizing for Different Eye Shapes

Not all lash lines are created equal, and the Sky High wand is surprisingly adaptable to specific eye shapes. For those with hooded eyes, the risk is usually “transfer”—where the mascara hits the skin above the lash line. To prevent this, focus your application on the middle of the lash line and avoid heavy saturation on the outer corners, which are the first to hit the skin when you open your eyes. For those with almond or upturned eyes, you can exaggerate the shape by pulling the lashes toward the outer corners during the application process, creating a “cat-eye” effect. If you have downward-turning lashes, use an eyelash curler *before* applying the mascara, but be careful not to clamp down too hard. Since the Sky High formula is lightweight, it does an excellent job of locking in that pre-curled shape without weighing the lashes back down, which is a common issue with heavier, wax-heavy formulas.

Troubleshooting Common Application Pitfalls

Even the best mascaras can look subpar if the application technique is off. One common issue is “clumping” at the inner corners. Because the inner lashes are often smaller and more prone to sticking together, we suggest using a clean, disposable spoolie or a metal lash comb immediately after applying the first coat. If you do notice a small clump forming, do not try to add more mascara to “cover it up”—this will only make the clump larger. Instead, take a dry, clean spoolie and brush through the lashes while the product is still wet to redistribute the pigment evenly. Another tip: if you accidentally get a dot of mascara on your eyelid, do not wipe it off immediately! Let it dry completely for about 30 seconds. Once it is dry, it will flake off cleanly with the swipe of a dry Q-tip without smearing the product across your eyeshadow or foundation.

Maximizing Product Longevity

To keep your Maybelline Sky High tube in peak condition, avoid the common mistake of “pumping” the wand in and out of the tube. This action pushes air into the container, which accelerates the oxidation of the formula and causes the mascara to dry out and become clumpy much faster than it should. Instead, gently swirl the wand inside the tube to pick up the product. Additionally, store your mascara in a cool, dry place—not in the bathroom where humidity from the shower can degrade the formula over time. If you notice the formula starting to feel a bit thick after three months of use, it is time to replace it. Mascara is the one makeup product that should be swapped out regularly to ensure the preservative system is still effective at preventing bacterial growth, keeping your eyes healthy and irritation-free.

Pairing with Complementary Eye Makeup

Because the Sky High mascara is so pigmented and defines lashes with such precision, it pairs exceptionally well with a “clean girl” aesthetic or a minimal makeup look. If you are wearing a bold eyeshadow look, the mascara acts as the perfect frame, providing enough volume to stand out against heavy pigments. However, if you prefer a no-makeup look, you can use the wand to lightly coat the lower lashes as well. Because the wand is so thin, it prevents the “clownish” look that thicker brushes often create on lower lashes. For an even more natural appearance, try using a brown shade of the Sky High mascara rather than the intense “Very Black” version; it provides the same lengthening benefits but with a softer, more subtle finish that is perfect for daytime or office settings.

FAQ

Is this mascara actually waterproof?

Yes! We tested it by splashing water directly on our lashes after application, and it retained the length, volume, and curl with no smudging or flaking.