You've seen it. That pink, ribbed tube that seems to be in every "get ready with me" video since 2021. Honestly, most viral makeup is a letdown. We buy the stuff, try it once, and then it sits in the drawer because it didn't magically turn our lashes into butterfly wings. But Maybelline Sky High Mascara is a weird outlier in the beauty world. It didn't just have a moment; it stayed.
It’s been years since the initial explosion of videos showing people with short, stubby lashes suddenly hitting their brows with a few swipes. Usually, when something goes that viral, the backlash starts within a week. People realize the lighting was fake or the creator was wearing individuals. With Sky High, the conversation changed from "Is this real?" to "Which version should I buy?" because there are now about six different iterations.
Let’s get into why this specific formula actually works and where it might fail you. Because it isn't perfect. No mascara is.
The Science of the Flex Tower Brush
Most people focus on the formula, but the brush is the real hero here. Maybelline calls it the "Flex Tower." It’s a tapered, plastic-bristle wand that is incredibly bendy. If you push it against your finger, it gives way immediately.
Why does that matter?
Usually, stiff brushes deposit too much product at the root and then clump as you pull through. The flexibility of the Sky High wand allows it to wiggle through every single lash without tugging. It’s thin. Very thin. This makes it a godsend for bottom lashes or for people who have those tiny, annoying hairs in the inner corner that thicker brushes always miss.
The bristles are short. They grab the hair from the base. If you have hooded eyes, you know the struggle of getting mascara on your eyelid because the brush is too chunky. This wand minimizes that mess significantly. It’s precise.
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Bamboo Extract and Fiber Tech
If you look at the ingredients, you’ll see bamboo extract. Marketing teams love to talk about this like it’s a hair growth serum, but let’s be real: it’s mostly there for structural integrity. The formula uses "pro-long" fibers. Unlike the fiber mascaras of the early 2010s that felt like you were putting actual hair extensions on your eyes (and then having them fall into your contacts), these are microscopic.
They add length. They don't necessarily add a ton of "falsie-level" volume. If you want that thick, chunky, Elizabeth Taylor look, Sky High might frustrate you. It’s a length-first product. It creates a "clean girl" aesthetic—defined, long, and separated.
The Difference Between the Washable and Waterproof Versions
This is where people get confused. They buy the one in the pink tube and wonder why their lashes fell flat after an hour.
If you have stick-straight lashes that refuse to hold a curl, you must use the waterproof version. Period. The washable formula is great for easy removal, but like most water-based mascaras, the weight of the moisture can cause the curl you just painstakingly created with an eyelash curler to drop.
- The Pink Tube (Original): Great for everyday. Removes with warm water. Smudges slightly if you have oily lids.
- The Black/Teal Writing (Waterproof): Bulletproof. It stays up all day. You will need a dual-phase oil remover to get it off, or you'll lose three lashes trying to scrub it away.
There’s also the "Cosmic Black" version now. It’s just... blacker. If the original looks a bit charcoal to you, Cosmic Black is the intensely pigmented sibling. It’s basically the "Vantablack" of drugstore mascaras.
Does it actually compare to high-end brands?
People often compare Maybelline Sky High Mascara to Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions or Lancôme Idôle.
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The Thrive comparison is interesting because Thrive is a tubing mascara. Sky High isn't a traditional tubing mascara in the sense that it doesn't come off in perfect "socks" with just warm water, but it behaves similarly in terms of length. Compared to Lancôme Idôle, Sky High is actually a bit more "wet."
Idôle gives a more feathered, soft look. Sky High gives a more spiked, dramatic length. For $12.99 versus $30, the difference is negligible for anyone who isn't a professional makeup artist. It’s one of the few drugstore products that truly holds its own against the luxury floor at Sephora.
The "Icy" Controversy and New Shades
Maybelline recently leaned into the "clutter" of the market by releasing tinted versions. Burgundy, Blue, and even a "Pink" tint.
The Burgundy Haze shade is genuinely fantastic for people with green or hazel eyes. It isn't "red-eye" burgundy; it’s a deep, blackened plum that makes your eye color pop without looking like you have an allergy. It’s a subtle way to do color.
But be careful with the Blue. It’s bright. If you’re going for a 90s revival, it’s perfect. If you want subtle, stick to the blacks and browns.
Real Talk: The Smudge Factor
Let’s be honest. If you have oily skin, the washable Sky High will likely leave those "raccoon" prints under your brow bone by 3:00 PM. It’s a "wet" formula. It takes a minute to dry down. If you sneeze thirty seconds after applying it, it’s game over.
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To fix this, some people dust a tiny bit of translucent powder over their lashes after the first coat. It sounds crazy, but it works. Or, you can just "sandwich" it: one coat of Sky High for length, and a quick swipe of a tubing mascara or a waterproof top coat to seal the deal.
How to Apply It for Maximum Impact
Don't just zig-zag.
Because the brush is so flexible, if you zig-zag too hard, the wand just bends and doesn't actually grip the hair. Instead, place the brush at the very base of your lashes. Press it in. Hold for a second. Then pull straight up with a slow, steady motion.
If you want more volume, wait 15 seconds—no longer—before the second coat. If you wait until it’s fully dry, the fibers will clump and you’ll get "spider legs."
- Step 1: Curl your lashes. Use a heated curler if you’re fancy.
- Step 2: One thin coat from root to tip.
- Step 3: Focus the second coat only on the outer third of your lashes. This gives a "foxy eye" lift that makes you look more awake.
- Step 4: Use a clean spoolie if you see any clumps forming.
The Verdict on Maybelline Sky High Mascara
Is it the best mascara ever made? Probably not. But it is arguably the best mascara for the price point for anyone seeking length and separation. It’s accessible. You can find it at a CVS or a Target or a grocery store in the middle of nowhere.
It works best for people with short, sparse lashes who want to look like they actually have hair there. It’s less effective for people who already have massive lashes and want thick, voluminous drama—it might actually make those lashes look too spindly.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to try it or want to get better results from the tube you already have, here is how to handle it:
- Check your tube age: If your Sky High is more than three months old, throw it out. The formula dries out and becomes flaky, which is why some people think the mascara "sucks" when they’ve just been using an old tube.
- Go Waterproof for special events: If you're heading to a wedding or live in a humid climate, don't even bother with the washable version. The "waterproof" label on this specific product is one of the strongest in the drugstore.
- Pair it with a primer: If you want that TikTok "wow" factor, use the Maybelline Sky High Tinted Primer (the black one) underneath. It adds the thickness that the standard mascara lacks.
- Removal Hack: Use a cleansing balm. Don't use makeup wipes. Wipes are too abrasive for the delicate eye area and won't break down the fibers effectively. A balm like Clinique Take The Day Off or a simple Micellar water (the blue cap version) will melt it right away.
The hype is mostly earned. Just know your lash type before you buy into the trend. If you want length, you're in the right place. If you want thickness, buy a primer too.