Sky High Mascara Battle: Very Black vs Blackest Black Tested

Very Black and Blackest Black are the two bestselling Sky High shades. They share the same brush and formula, so the only real difference is pigment depth. We compared them side by side on color payoff, wear, and best use cases.
| Factor | Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Was | Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Was |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment | Rich, deep black | Darkest black in the line |
| Everyday Wear | Perfect for daily use | Can look intense for daytime |
| Length | Excellent length in two coats | Excellent length in two coats |
| Smudging | May smudge on oily lids | May smudge on oily lids |
| Best For | Everyone, all occasions | Drama lovers and evening looks |
| Price | Around 10 to 13 dollars | Around 10 to 13 dollars |
Our Verdict
Very Black wins for most people because it suits every occasion from office to evening. Blackest Black is the better pick if you love intense, dramatic lashes and mostly wear makeup at night. You cannot go wrong with either, so choose based on how bold you like your lashes.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.

Best for: You want a hint of color without going overboard.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, Blue Mist
- Blue Mist adds a subtle navy tint
- Flex Tower brush for root-to-tip length
- Bamboo extract and fiber formula
- Washable and ophthalmologist tested
Pros
- Fun color that still looks wearable
- Makes brown eyes pop
- Same reliable lengthening formula
Cons
- Color looks subtle, not bold blue
- Limited availability compared to black shades
- Not ideal for conservative work looks

Best for: You want defined lashes that look natural and soft.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, True Brown
- True Brown gives a softer lash look
- Flex Tower brush separates and lengthens
- Bamboo extract and fiber infused
- Washable formula, contact lens safe
Pros
- Softer than black for daytime wear
- Flattering on fair hair and light skin
- Natural-looking length
Cons
- Less dramatic than black shades
- Can look washed out on deep skin tones
- Still needs two coats for impact

Best for: You love experimenting with bold lash color.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, Green Altitude
- Green Altitude offers a trendy green tint
- Flex Tower brush for full extension
- Bamboo extract and fiber formula
- Allergy and ophthalmologist tested
Pros
- Trendy shade for creative makeup looks
- Striking on hazel and green eyes
- Same lengthening power as classic shades
Cons
- Bold color is not for everyday wear
- Harder to find in stock
- Can clash with warm-toned eyeshadow
Want the Full Picture?
Brown And Colored Mascaras: Who Each Shade Flatters
Sky High's shade range beyond black exists for real face-matching reasons. True Brown suits fair skin, blondes, and redheads, defining lashes without the stark contrast that makes light features look harsh. It is also the best office shade, reading as polished rather than made-up. Blue Mist flatters brown eyes through color contrast, making the whites look brighter, but it competes with blue eyes instead of complementing them. Green Altitude is the adventurous one: it suits hazel and brown eyes in evening looks but washes out green eyes in daylight. The practical approach is owning black for evenings and one alternative shade for days, rather than collecting every color. The full Sky High buyer guide swatches each shade so you can judge intensity before committing.
Washable Versus Waterproof: The Real Tradeoff
Sky High's washable formula versus a waterproof alternative is a genuine dilemma with no universal answer. Washable removes with warm water and minimal rubbing, which preserves lashes over months of daily wear, and it is the right choice for office days, dry climates, and sensitive eyes. Waterproof survives swimming, sweaty workouts, tears, and humid travel, but demands oil-based removal that costs lashes through friction. Tubing formulas split the difference for many buyers: water-resistant enough for humidity, removable without oil. The honest system is two mascaras chosen by the day's conditions, not one forced to do everything. Using waterproof daily when you do not need it just trades lash health for protection you are not using.
Mascara Over Lash Lifts
Mascara over a lash lift needs a light touch, because the curl is already built in. Lengthening formulas like Sky High are ideal: they extend the lifted lash without the weight that drags curl down. Avoid heavy volumizing mascaras on lifted lashes, since the fiber load collapses the lift faster. Wait 48 hours after the lift appointment before applying anything, while the lifting solution fully sets. Removal matters enormously for lift longevity: gentle washable or tubing formulas preserve the lift weeks longer than waterproof, whose oil-based removal undoes the curl. Apply with a light hand, one or two coats maximum, because the lift provides the drama and the mascara just adds definition. If one side drops faster, that is usually the sleep side, not a product failure.
Primer Interactions With Lengthening Formulas
Lash primers promise extra length under mascara, but they interact unpredictably with lengthening formulas like Sky High. White fiber primers add visible length but shed particles that irritate eyes and look messy if the mascara does not fully cover them. Conditioning primers without fibers are safer but can make lengthening mascara slide, reducing the very separation the formula is designed for. The cleanest approach is skipping primer: Sky High's brush and formula already maximize length, and the primer's marginal gain rarely justifies the added removal effort and flaking risk. If your lashes are extremely straight and need curl hold, a heated lash curler before mascara does more than any primer, without the compatibility gamble. For special occasions where maximum drama matters, apply primer, wait two full minutes until completely dry, then mascara, and test the combination on an ordinary day first. The Sky High background guide covers application technique that gets full length without any primer at all.