Maybelline Sky High Plum Twilight Review: A Subtle Burgundy Hue Worth $10? (2026)
By Mubboo Editorial Team · Updated May 29, 2026 · 7 min read
Mubboo Verdict
🟢 BuyThe Maybelline Sky High Plum Twilight earns a Buy for anyone wanting subtle burgundy definition with everyday ease. It delivers clump-free length with a flexible brush, though the color softens by evening. At $10.82, it's a fun twist on classic black. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free, gentle for contact lens wearers. Its Flex Tower brush bends to coat every lash from root to tip, making it beginner-friendly. Skip if you need waterproof wear or intense volumizing.
Pros
- Buildable length with flex tower brush that bends to coat every lash
- $10.82 — a budget-friendly pick against prestige mascaras
- 4.5 stars from over 182,000 reviews on Amazon
- Cruelty-free and ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes
Cons
- Plum color fades to a muted black by the end of the day (washable formula)
- Not waterproof — smudges with moisture or tears
Best for: Subtle, natural-looking lash definition with a hint of color
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Key Specifications
| Formula | Washable, infused with bamboo extract and fibers |
|---|---|
| Brush | Flex Tower brush bends for root-to-tip coverageStandout |
| Color | Plum Twilight burgundy shadeStandout |
| Volume | Buildable, no clumping |
| Length | Lengthens with each coat |
| Wear | Not waterproof; smudges with moisture |
| Removal | Washable with warm water or micellar water |
| Suitable for | Sensitive eyes and contact lens wearersStandout |
Lengthening & Volume
9.0/10The flexible Flex Tower brush grabs every lash from root to tip for clump-free length. In a 7-day test, YouTube reviewer Dominique Sachse saw impressive separation after one coat, rivaling $30+ mascaras.
While it doesn't add dramatic volume, it builds nicely with a second coat. Over 182,000 reviewers average 4.5 stars, with many praising the natural but defined look. One user noted it’s “perfect for no-makeup makeup days.” The infusion of bamboo extract helps condition lashes over time, a bonus for daily users.
For lengthening without heaviness, this is a standout. Compare it to L’Oréal Voluminous, which gives more bulk per swipe but risks clumping. Even after a full day, testers reported no flaking or heaviness.
Buy if you want clump-free, natural-looking length.
Value & What You Get
9.5/10At $10.82, Maybelline Sky High delivers high-end length without the sticker shock. Wirecutter ranks the Sky High line as the best lengthening drugstore mascara, noting its buildable formula stays put all day.
Compared to the $4.97 Essence Lash Princess, Maybelline offers a softer look and a unique plum color. The Flex Tower brush is also sturdier, giving more control. For just $5 extra, you move from everyday basic to a curated tint.
Given that even drugstore mascaras can climb above $12, this $10.82 pick is a steal. Its performance often rivals $20+ offerings, making it a smart buy for budget-conscious beauty lovers.
The value shines brightest if you want a subtle color upgrade. No need to pay $25+ for similar length.
Buy if you want quality length under $12, but check our alternatives for waterproof options.
Color & Wear
7.0/10The Plum Twilight shade is more of a dark-tinted black than a true burgundy. In Sachse's test, the color appeared noticeably plum only in bright lighting; by evening, it looked like a softer black.
Real-world feedback matches: users in humid climates like Florida report that the color can disappear quicker. The washable formula means it's not smudge-proof — workouts or emotional moments will cause running.
The washable formula allows for easy correction if you make a mistake during application, a plus for beginners. Plus, its buildable nature means you can layer for a deeper tint when needed.
If you need a reliable color that lasts, this may disappoint. Consider Essence Lash Princess for volume or opt for a waterproof version in Very Black.
Skip if you need a budgeproof burgundy that lasts all day.
Brush & Application
8.5/10The Flex Tower brush bends to hug your lash line, making even short lashes accessible. Reviewers on Ulta note it coats every lash without requiring contortion. One swipe delivers defined length; two adds soft drama.
Unlike the oversized brush on Too Faced Better Than Sex, this slender design keeps clumps at bay. However, the flexible tip can be tricky to control if you're used to stiff wands. Practice yields a smooth, even coat.
For fuss-free, quick application, this brush is a winner. It's especially user-friendly for contact lens wearers.
Buy if you want easy, even coating from root to tip.
What Users Say
4.5★ · 182,754 Amazon reviewsAmazon Buyers
4.5★ · 182,754 reviewsAcross over 182,000 Amazon reviews, the Sky High mascara holds a solid 4.5-star average. Buyers love the buildable length and flexible brush, but many note the washable formula isn't waterproof and can smudge on oily lids. Common praise points include the soft, natural look and how it never flakes. (Rating and review count shared across Sky High washable shades — 4.5 stars from over 182,000 combined reviews.)
YouTube Reviewers
YouTube reviewer Dominique Sachse tested seven mascaras over a week and found the Maybelline Sky High held its own. It delivered good length and separation, though the color appeared less intense by evening. No flaking or smudging during the day, making it a solid daily pick.
Expert Publications
Wirecutter ranks Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High as the best lengthening drugstore mascara. They praise its buildable formula and fluffy brush that won't weigh lashes down, and note it stays put all day without smudge or flake.
Buy this if…
- Everyday makeup wearers. Buildable length with subtle color for a natural look
- Sensitive eyes. Ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free formula
Skip this if…
- You want a true burgundy that stays vibrant. → Buy the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara on Amazon instead — Provides dramatic black volume for $4.97, but no plum tint.
- You need waterproof mascara for humid days. → Buy the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara (Carbon Black) on Amazon instead — Voluminous delivers smudge-resistant volume, though it's not plum.
Consider These Alternatives
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
$4.97
Best under-$5 volume with over 412,000 reviews.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara (Carbon Black)
$9.97
Volumizing classic for bold lashes, now with coupon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maybelline Sky High Plum Twilight worth the $10.82?
Yes, if you want buildable length with a hint of burgundy. It's a solid everyday mascara priced below most drugstore alternatives. The color is subtle — more of a dark tint than a standout shade — but it adds nice dimension. For those who prioritize waterproofing or bold color, other options may be better.
How does Plum Twilight compare to the Very Black Sky High?
The formula is identical, but Plum Twilight adds a soft burgundy tone that's most visible in bright light. Very Black gives a more intense, classic lash line. Both provide the same clump-free length. If you want an everyday twist on black without drama, go Plum. For maximum impact, stick with Very Black.
Does the Plum Twilight mascara smudge or flake?
Most wearers report no flaking, but the washable formula can smudge on oily lids or in humid conditions. It is not waterproof — tears, sweat, or rain may cause running. For all-day smudge-proof wear, try the waterproof version (available in Very Black).
How do I remove Maybelline Sky High washable mascara?
Warm water and gentle pressure dissolves the formula. For hassle-free removal, use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser. Avoid rubbing to prevent lash loss. The washable formula means no special removers are needed, making it a good choice for sensitive eyes.
Is this mascara suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers?
Yes. Maybelline states it is ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested, making it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The formula is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. Still, patch test if you're prone to irritation.
How do Mubboo’s picks compare to expert ratings?
We cross-reference 182,000+ verified Amazon reviews with Wirecutter's mascara rankings and independent YouTube wear tests. Wirecutter named the Sky High line the best lengthening drugstore mascara, and our findings align — it's a top value pick for natural definition.
About this review
Mubboo Editorial Team. Independent US-market consumer research drawing from 182,000+ verified Amazon reviews, Wirecutter's expert analysis, and video tests. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
How we evaluated this product
We analyzed over 182,000 Amazon reviews, expert rankings, and video tests to evaluate the Maybelline Sky High Plum Twilight. Our process prioritizes verified-buyer feedback on length, smudging, and color performance, cross-referenced with Wirecutter's mascara guide and a 7-day YouTube wear test. No marketing claims — just real-world insights at this $10.82 price point.
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