Beauty Colossal Clash: Big Shot Waterproof vs Washable Glam Black
Two Colossal icons face off: Big Shot waterproof against the original washable Glam Black. One never budges, the other washes off in seconds. Both cost under eleven dollars. We compare volume, wear and convenience.
| Factor | Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Volum E | Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express Wa |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | Waterproof, Xtreme Black | Washable, Glam Black |
| Volume | Big bold volume | Classic 7x volume |
| Staying power | Survives sweat and tears | Smudges by evening |
| Removal | Needs oil remover | Soap and water |
| Best for | Active days, events | Daily easy wear |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
Our Verdict
Choose Big Shot waterproof for guaranteed all-day lashes through anything. Choose washable Glam Black for effortless daily volume and easy removal. Active lifestyles need the waterproof; low-maintenance routines love the washable. Many fans keep both.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Maximum drama in waterproof form.
Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volum Express Waterproof
- Pumped Up Colossal waterproof formula
- Double the collagen for bigger lashes
- Patented spoon brush loads product
- 12x the volume claim
Pros
- Extra-bold lash look
- Waterproof wear all day
- Great for nights out
Cons
- Heavy formula can weigh lashes down
- Difficult removal
- Spoon brush has a learning curve
Best for: Bold lashes with easy cleanup.
Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volum Express Washable
- Pumped Up Colossal washable version
- Double collagen volumizing formula
- Spoon-shaped brush for lift
- Removes with regular cleanser
Pros
- Bold volume, easy removal
- Good for contact lens wearers
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Transfers under eyes by evening
- Not sweat-proof
- Tube runs out quickly
Best for: Cat-eye lash shape fans.
Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express Cat Eyes Waterproof
- Cat Eyes waterproof mascara
- Claw brush lifts outer corners
- Creates a feline flick effect
- Waterproof long-wear formula
Pros
- Winged lash effect without liner
- Lifts and fans outer lashes
- Holds up in humidity
Cons
- Effect is subtle, not dramatic
- Waterproof removal is work
- Brush shape suits some eyes only
Want the Full Picture?
Should You Switch to Tubing? A Colossal Wearer's Guide
The tubing versus traditional decision is never framed for volume loyalists, so here it is. Tubing mascaras form polymer tubes around each lash, remove with warm water alone, and almost never smudge; they are the answer for oily lids, contact lens wearers, and anyone tired of raccoon eyes. What tubing cannot do is match the Colossal range's raw volume; tubes lengthen and define but build less bulk than wax-based volumizing formulas. The switch makes sense if your priority is clean wear and easy removal over maximum drama. It does not make sense if you love the false-lash effect of layered Colossal. A middle path exists: tubing for workdays, Colossal for nights out. For the full tubing explainer, our tubing mascara guide covers what the format is and why it never smudges.
Colossal on Short, Straight Lashes
Short, straight lashes get one tested roundup and little else, so here is the Colossal-specific guidance. The challenge: volumizing formulas add bulk but not curl, so on straight lashes the result can read as heavy rather than lifted. The fix is mechanical, not product-based: curl thoroughly with a heated or traditional curler before applying, and choose the waterproof Colossal variant, since its firmer film holds the curl against gravity better than the washable. Apply with the wand held horizontally and wiggle at the base; the base deposit is what creates the illusion of lift. Two thin coats beat one heavy coat on short lashes, since excess product weighs the curl down. Keep lower-lash application light; heavy volume there closes the eye.
Waterproof vs Washable: The Colossal-Specific Verdict
The Pumped Up Colossal comes in both formulas, and the choice deserves product-specific guidance rather than generic advice. Choose waterproof when: your lids are oily, you need all-day curl hold, the weather is humid, or tears are likely. The film sets firmly and resists everything except oil-based remover. Choose washable when: removal gentleness matters, you wear mascara daily and want minimal lash stress, or your eyes are sensitive. The washable removes with standard cleanser and causes less cumulative breakage. Many buyers do best owning both: washable for the daily routine, waterproof for the specific days that demand it. The Cat Eyes variant on this page adds a winged-brush option for shaped volume; pair it with the formula that matches your day, not your mood.
How to Tell Tubing From Traditional on the Label
Identifying tubing formulas gets one tip in a single competitor post, so here is the practical method. Check the ingredient list for film-forming polymers like acrylates copolymer or VP/VA copolymer near the top; their presence in a water-based formula signals tubing. Marketing terms like no-smudge, 24-hour, or warm-water removal also indicate tubing, while waterproof and washable indicate traditional. The removal test is definitive: if it slides off in solid tubes under warm water with gentle pressure, it is tubing. Why this matters for Colossal wearers: you cannot layer a tubing mascara over traditional or vice versa and expect either to perform; the chemistries conflict. Knowing what you own prevents the mismatched layering that causes flaking. Our Clinique Lash Power guide profiles a classic tubing formula for reference.
Cat Eyes vs Pumped Up: Wand Differences
The wand comparison within the Colossal line is never made directly. The Pumped Up wand is a classic large bristle brush built for maximum product deposit and bulk; it suits full lashes that can carry volume. The Cat Eyes wand has a shaped, winged bristle pattern designed to push lashes outward toward the temples, creating the feline flick effect without eyeliner. Technique differs: Pumped Up wants the horizontal wiggle at the base, Cat Eyes wants an outward-angled stroke following the wing direction. On small or hooded eyes, the Cat Eyes shaping can open the eye more flatteringly than uniform volume. Choose by the effect you want; the formulas are close enough that the wand is the real decision. For volumizing wand skills generally, see our volumizing mascara guide.