Beauty Maybelline Lash Sensational Showdown: Our Top Two Compared
Sky High Washable in Very Black and Sky High Waterproof in Very Black are the two most bought Sky High mascaras. Same lengthening formula, different staying power. Here is the head-to-head breakdown.
| Factor | Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Was | Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Was |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | Washable | Waterproof |
| Length effect | Limitless length | Limitless length |
| Smudge resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Removal ease | Easy | Needs oil remover |
| Curl hold | Moderate | Strong |
| Best for | Daily wear | Humid days, events |
Our Verdict
Washable wins for daily comfort and easy removal. It is the better everyday choice for most people. Waterproof wins when you need all-day, smudge-proof wear. Oily lids and humid climates favor waterproof. Buy washable first, then add waterproof for special days.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Swimmers and humid-climate wearers.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, Very Black
- Waterproof Sky High formula
- Flex Tower brush for root-to-tip coating
- Bamboo extract, no flaking or smudging
- Ranked #1 in Mascara
Pros
- Viral length that survives water
- Great for beach and gym days
- Still feels lightweight
Cons
- Needs waterproof remover
- Can dry out faster in the tube
- Less forgiving during application
Best for: Party looks wanting a hint of sparkle.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, Cosmic Black
- Cosmic black shimmer-infused shade
- Flex Tower brush, bamboo fibers
- Full volume, limitless length
- Ranked #1 in Mascara
Pros
- Subtle shimmer catches the light
- Same trusted Sky High formula
- Fun twist on classic black
Cons
- Shimmer is subtle, not dramatic
- Limited edition availability
- Not for strict no-shimmer looks
Best for: Natural makeup lovers and lighter hair colors.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, True Brown
- True brown natural shade
- Flex Tower brush, bamboo extract
- Weightless length and volume
- Allergy and ophthalmologist tested
Pros
- Natural brown suits daytime makeup
- Great for redheads and blondes
- Same lengthening power as black
Cons
- Less dramatic than black shades
- Can look sheer in photos
- Fewer restocks than core shades
True Brown vs Very Black: Which Sky High Shade Suits You
The three Sky High mascaras on this page are really a shade decision wearing a formula decision. The True Brown Washable is the standout for natural makeup lovers and lighter hair colors, it lengthens without the stark contrast that can make fair skin look washed out or overdone. The Waterproof in Very Black is the drama pick, deepest pigment plus water resistance for long days, humid weather, and emotional events. The Cosmic Black Washable sits in the fun middle ground, a shimmer-infused black for parties and evenings when you want a hint of sparkle with your length. Match the shade to your coloring and the occasion: brown for daytime and minimal makeup, very black for definition and photography, cosmic black when the lighting will be dim and festive. For another angle on the same waterproof vs washable tradeoff, our L'Oreal Telescopic waterproof vs washable comparison shows how the two formulas behave differently through a full day of wear.
Sky High in Heat, Steam, and Humidity
Mascara fails most often in summer, and the failure mode depends on the formula. The Sky High Waterproof on this page is built for the hard cases: pool days, outdoor workouts, and crying at weddings, it holds through water and sweat where washable formulas dissolve. In hot, humid weather, humidity alone can melt a washable mascara into under-eye smudges by mid-afternoon, so the waterproof version earns its place in a summer kit. One caveat: the same warm-water removal that makes some modern formulas convenient becomes a liability in saunas, steam rooms, and very hot showers, where heat can loosen the wear prematurely. If your mascara always fails at the gym, switch to the waterproof for workout days and keep the True Brown Washable for air-conditioned office days. And on truly scorching days, a light dusting of powder on the lids before application gives any formula a better grip.
All-Day Curl: Pairing Sky High With a Lash Curler
Sky High is famous for length, but length without curl can make lashes look straight and droopy by afternoon. The fix is a lash curler used correctly: always curl before mascara, never after, because curling coated lashes snaps them. Clamp at the base of clean, dry lashes, hold for ten seconds, then walk the curler out in two gentle pulses toward the tips instead of one hard squeeze. Here the waterproof formula has a real edge: waterproof mascaras set firmer and hold a curl longer than washable ones, so if your curl always falls flat, the Sky High Waterproof in Very Black will outperform the washable versions. Heated lash curlers are the next level for stubbornly straight lashes, a few seconds of gentle heat sets the curl the way a curling iron sets hair, but keep the heat low and never use one on mascara-coated lashes. Finish with the Flex Tower brush wiggling at the roots, which deposits product where it supports the lift.
One last tip: Sky High tubes dry out faster than most mascaras because the flexible brush lets in air, so replace yours at the three-month mark even if product remains. A dried-out tube is the real cause of most clumping complaints, not the formula. Mark the opening date on the tube with a small sticker and you will never guess.