Beauty Best Maybelline Great Lash Mascaras: 5 Classics Reviewed
Maybelline Great Lash is the best-selling mascara of all time, and it earned that title. The iconic pink and green tube is instantly recognizable in any makeup bag. We reviewed five versions of this beloved classic. Washable, waterproof, curved brush, specialty wands, and shade options all get honest coverage. Every single version costs at a budget price which is remarkable in today's beauty market.
The classic conditioning formula visibly doubles lashes with gentle care. The waterproof version survives humidity, sweat, and tears reliably. The curved brush edition lifts and curls like a lash curler. Brownish Black softens the lash look beautifully for daytime. Lots of Lashes reaches every tiny corner lash precisely. Read on for honest takes on each version, including who should buy which and why.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Curved Brush Curved brush lifts and curls.
- Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, Blackest Black Waterproof classic formula.
- Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Blackest Black Deepest black shade.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Best for a classic everyday mascara that is cheap and reliable.
#1 Best OverallMaybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Curved Brush
- Curved brush lifts and curls
- Classic lash-doubling formula
- Washable, easy to remove
- Ophthalmologist tested
Pros
- Iconic affordable mascara
- Curved brush grabs every lash
- Removes easily with water
Cons
- Smudges on oily lids
- Not waterproof
- Basic, not dramatic
Best for: Best for waterproof reliability on a budget.
Runner-UpMaybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, Blackest Black
- Waterproof classic formula
- Intense Blackest Black pigment
- Lash-doubling brush
- Holds up in humidity
Pros
- Stays put all day
- Deep black color
- Very affordable
Cons
- Hard to remove
- Can flake by evening
- Dries out in the tube
Best for: Best for the darkest black lashes at the lowest price.
Best ValueMaybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Blackest Black
- Deepest black shade
- Classic conditioning formula
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- Contact lens safe
Pros
- Intense black lashes
- Gentle formula
- Unbeatable price
Cons
- Smudges easily
- No waterproof option here
- Modest volume
Best for: Best for coating every tiny lash, including corners and lower lashes.
Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Washable Mascara, Blackest Black
- Heart-shaped brush reaches tiny lashes
- Gets corner and lower lashes
- Classic Great Lash formula
- Washable wear
Pros
- Reaches every lash
- Good for lower lashes
- Cheap and cheerful
Cons
- Less volume than original
- Brush is small for some
- Smudges like the original
Best for: Best for a softer daytime lash look, especially on fair skin.
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Brownish Black
- Softer Brownish Black shade
- Classic lash-doubling formula
- Natural-looking definition
- Easy washable removal
Pros
- Softer than black for daytime
- Great for fair complexions
- Very affordable
Cons
- Less dramatic
- Smudges on oily lids
- Limited availability sometimes
Why Great Lash Endures
Great Lash launched in 1971 and still sells millions of tubes yearly. The conditioning formula colors lashes while caring for them gently. The price has stayed at a budget price for decades of inflation. It works reliably for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The beautiful simplicity is the entire appeal. No gimmicks, no false promises, just dependable lashes daily. True icons earn their status through decades of consistent performance, and Great Lash is the definition of a beauty icon. New mascaras launch constantly, yet this persists. Consistency beats novelty.
Washable vs Waterproof
The washable version removes easily with soap and warm water. It suits comfortable daily wear and sensitive eyes best. It may smudge on very oily lids by late afternoon. The waterproof version resists humidity, sweat, and tears impressively. It demands an oil-based remover and more patience at night. Daily waterproof use can dry lashes over time. Choose washable for everyday comfort and simplicity. Choose waterproof for events, summer, and guaranteed staying power. Your choice may change with the seasons. Keep both options in mind.
Picking Your Shade
Blackest Black delivers maximum lash drama and intensity. Very Black is the classic, iconic intense shade most people know. Brownish Black softens the lash look beautifully for daytime wear. Fair skin, blondes, and redheads suit brownish tones best. Dark hair and deeper complexions handle the blackest shades easily. Match the intensity honestly to your natural coloring. Softer shades look more natural and polished for professional daytime settings. When uncertain, choose the softer shade. It is more forgiving every day. Test shades in daylight for accuracy. Store lighting often misleads shoppers.
The Curved Brush Option
The curved brush version lifts and curls lashes during application. Its shape follows the natural curve of the lash line. Short, straight lashes benefit most dramatically from the curved design. It grabs and coats lashes that the straight brush misses. Try it if the classic version leaves your lashes looking flat. The visible lift rivals what a manual lash curler achieves. It is an easy upgrade for anyone wanting more curl without extra tools. The curved brush is worth trying at this price. You might never go back.
Lots of Lashes Explained
The heart-shaped brush is noticeably smaller than the classic wand. It reaches corner lashes and lower lashes with impressive ease. The formula inside matches the beloved classic exactly. It delivers slightly less overall volume than the original. It excels instead at clean definition and separation. Choose it for precise, naturally defined lashes. It is genuinely ideal for careful lower lash application without smudging. Small brushes offer surprising precision and control. Do not overlook this version. It is a specialist tool for precise definition. Try it for lower lashes first.
Getting the Most for Your Money
Great Lash costs just at virtually every drugstore. Regular sales events drop the price even lower throughout the year. Stock up during buy-one-get-one promotions for the best deals. Do not hoard more tubes than you can realistically use. Mascara expires three months after opening, no exceptions. Fresh tubes always perform better and protect your eyes. The wonderfully low price means you can always afford to buy fresh. At this price, freshness beats stockpiling. Buy a new tube every season.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right maybelline great lash product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the formula is ophthalmologist tested for eye safety. It suits sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers well. The washable version is the gentlest choice available. Always remove it fully every night before sleep. Discontinue use if any irritation ever occurs. The vast majority of sensitive eyes tolerate it beautifully.
It conditions and coats lashes for a visibly fuller appearance. The famous lash-doubling claim refers to the cosmetic appearance. No mascara can actually grow new lashes, of course. The formula builds noticeable, natural-looking fullness. Results look healthy and defined, not dramatic. It is an everyday mascara, not a false-lash effect in a tube.
The iconic color combination dates back to its 1971 launch. The distinctive design became instantly recognizable on shelves. Maybelline wisely kept it unchanged for brand heritage. It stands out boldly on crowded drugstore displays. The retro look is now a beloved part of its enduring charm and identity.
Yes, it was specifically designed for comfortable daily wear. The washable formula removes easily without harsh rubbing. It conditions lashes gently with continued use. Replace the tube every three months for safety. Give your lashes an occasional makeup-free rest day. Daily use is perfectly fine with proper nightly removal.
Start with the washable version in Very Black. It is the most forgiving and easiest to remove. Any application mistakes wipe away simply with water. The classic brush is easy to control for new users. Master your technique before trying the waterproof version. Beginners should always prioritize easy, gentle removal.