Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review: Worth It in 2026?
By Mubboo Editorial Team · Updated May 29, 2026 · 8 min read
Mubboo Verdict
🟢 BuyThe Maybelline Sky High earns a Buy for everyday length and volume. At $9.87, it outshines many pricier mascaras with its clump-free, buildable formula and flexible brush. However, it's not waterproof — skip if you'll be crying at a wedding or sweating in a spin class. For most daily wear, this is the drugstore mascara to beat in 2026.
Pros
- Buildable length and volume without clumps
- Flex tower brush coats every lash evenly
- Ophthalmologist tested, safe for sensitive eyes
- Easy to remove with micellar water
- Affordable at under $10
Cons
- Not waterproof; smudges in humidity or tears
- Limited to Very Black shade (no brown or waterproof version this review)
Best for: budget-conscious buyers wanting dramatic, clump-free length and volume without the luxury price tag.
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Key Specifications
| Type | Washable |
|---|---|
| Brush | Flex Tower |
| Formula | Bamboo extract & fibers |
| Finish | Volumizing & lengtheningStandout |
| Waterproof | No |
| Suitable for Sensitive Eyes | Yes (ophthalmologist tested) |
| Contact Lens Safe | Yes |
| Color | Very Black |
| Size | Full size |
| Price | $9.87Standout |
Volume
9.0/10The Sky High formula adds dramatic volume without weighing lashes down. The Flex Tower brush deposits just enough product to build fullness in two coats without clumping.
In Wirecutter's 2026 blind testing, Sky High was the top drugstore pick for volume at its price point. They praised how the fluffy brush separates lashes while coating each fiber evenly.
If volume is your #1 priority, this mascara competes with $25+ prestige brands — it's a standout. For reference, Sky High matches the volume of Too Faced Better Than Sex but without the heaviness, according to Purchase Queens.
If volume is your priority, Sky High delivers — just don't expect waterproof durability.
Length
9.2/10Sky High literally lives up to its name for length. The unique tower brush bends to reach every lash, extending them from root to tip for a dramatic, eye-opening effect.
Wirecutter named it an excellent lengthening drugstore mascara, outperforming many competitors in the category. Even after a full day, lashes stay separated and lifted, rarely drooping.
Compared to essence Lash Princess, Sky High provides more visible length with fewer coats. Dominique Sachse found the length comparable to high-end mascaras, though the Very Black pigment can fade slightly by evening.
For maximum length at under $10, this is unbeatable — but reapply after 8 hours if you want to maintain the deepest black.
Wear & Smudge
7.5/10While Sky High holds up well in air-conditioned offices, it's not immune to humidity or tears. The washable formula can smudge in hot weather or after a workout — a common complaint among buyers.
Wirecutter's top-ranked mascaras prioritize all-day smudge-proof performance, which Sky High lacks. If you live in a humid climate like Florida, you'll want to layer a waterproof topcoat or skip this mascara on rainy days.
However, for typical indoor wear, it lasts 6–8 hours without flaking. Dominique Sachse noticed the color faded slightly by evening, but no visible smudging on her lids.
For long, humid days, pair it with a waterproof topcoat, or choose a smudge-proof tubing mascara instead.
Formula & Sensitivity
8.5/10The bamboo extract and fiber formula feels lightweight and comfortable, even on sensitive eyes. It's ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers — a rare feature at this price.
Unlike many volumizing mascaras, Sky High doesn't flake into your eyes or feel gritty by afternoon. The washable formula removes easily with micellar water, important for daily wear without tugging.
It's not cruelty-free, unlike essence Lash Princess, but it skips harsh perfumes that can irritate eyes. If you have lash extensions, it's safe to use — the lightweight wash doesn't weaken adhesive.
If you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, Sky High is a safe, comfortable choice.
Value & Competition
9.5/10At $9.87, Sky High rivals mascaras four times its price. It consistently matches or beats $25+ competitors in volume and length tests, making it the clear budget champion.
L'Oréal Voluminous at $9.97 is a close rival that builds even more thickness but tends to clump. While L'Oréal currently has a live Amazon coupon, Sky High's brush gives cleaner separation.
Essence Lash Princess at $4.97 is even cheaper, with 400,000+ reviews, but some users report flaking. For just a few dollars more, Sky High offers better longevity and a more premium feel.
For most buyers, Sky High's combination of performance and price can't be beat — grab it at $9.87 before it sells out.
What Users Say
4.5★ · 182,754 Amazon reviewsAmazon Buyers
4.5★ · 182,754 reviewsAmazon reviewers (182,754 ratings, 4.5 stars) consistently praise Sky High for its ability to dramatically lengthen and volumize without clumping. Many note it holds curl well and removes easily with micellar water. Common criticisms include smudging in humid weather and not being as impactful as waterproof formulas. Overall, it's a clear winner for everyday, non-waterproof wear.
YouTube Reviewers
YouTube reviewers Dominique Sachse and Purchase Queens both tested Sky High against competitors. Sachse found it lengthened well but the black color faded slightly after a full day compared to Essence. Purchase Queens praised its buildable length and water-resistant (not waterproof) properties, noting easy removal with micellar water.
Expert Publications
Wirecutter ranks Maybelline Sky High as an excellent lengthening drugstore mascara, praising its affordable price and strong performance against pricier options. They note it achieves impressive length but lacks the smudge-proof durability of their top picks.
Buy this if…
- Everyday makeup wearers. Clump-free volume and length that lasts through an 8-hour workday
- Budget-conscious shoppers. High performance at under $10, rivaling $25+ brands
- Contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. Ophthalmologist tested, lightweight, and easy to remove
Skip this if…
- You need waterproof protection for weddings or workouts. → Buy the essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara on Amazon instead — While still not waterproof, essence Lash Princess is more smudge-resistant in humid conditions and costs half the price.
- You want a mascara available in multiple shades. → Buy the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara (Plum Twilight) on Amazon instead — The Sky High line includes Plum Twilight for a fun, unexpected pop of color without sacrificing length.
- You prioritize a cruelty-free, vegan formula. → Buy the essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara on Amazon instead — Essence is PETA-certified cruelty-free and free from gluten, silicones, and parabens, while Maybelline is not.
Consider These Alternatives
essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
$4.97
An even cheaper cult favorite with dramatic volume and over 400,000 reviews.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara (Carbon Black)
$9.97
A classic thickening mascara with a live Amazon coupon — builds 5X volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maybelline Sky High Mascara worth the price?
At $9.87, Sky High delivers length and volume comparable to many $25+ mascaras. With over 182,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it's widely considered one of the best drugstore buys. For non-waterproof daily wear, it's an unbeatable value.
How does Sky High compare to other drugstore mascaras?
Wirecutter rates it as a top lengthening option, outperforming many similarly priced competitors. L'Oréal Voluminous offers more thickness but can clump; essence Lash Princess is cheaper but flakes more. Sky High's Flex Tower brush gives cleaner separation.
What problems does Sky High have?
It's not waterproof, so it can smudge in humidity or during tears. The Very Black shade may also fade slightly after 8+ hours. If you need 12-hour smudge-proof wear, consider a waterproof mascara or a tubing formula.
Is Sky High Mascara waterproof?
No, the washable formula is not waterproof. It's designed to be removed easily with micellar water but may run if you swim or cry heavily. For waterproof needs, try a dedicated waterproof mascara.
How do you remove Sky High Mascara?
Simply soak a cotton pad with micellar water and hold it over closed eyes for 10–15 seconds, then wipe gently. Because it's washable, it comes off without tugging or oily residue, unlike waterproof formulas.
Is it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers?
Yes, Maybelline Sky High is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The lightweight, fiber-infused formula rarely causes irritation or flaking into the eyes.
About this review
Mubboo Editorial Team. Our review is based on analysis of 182,000+ verified buyer reviews and cross-referenced expert test results. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
How we evaluated this product
We analyzed 182,754 verified Amazon reviews, expert verdicts from Wirecutter, and video tests from Dominique Sachse and Purchase Queens to evaluate the Maybelline Sky High Mascara's volume, length, wear, and value. No fluff — just data-driven insights.
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