We tested Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara on different lash types and in real-life conditions to see if the viral length claims hold up. Here is how it performs, who will love it, and what to know before you buy.
Overview
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara became a viral favorite for one core promise: impressive length with lightweight lift. The tube is a metallic rosy pink with raised lettering, and inside you will find a slim, flexible elastomer brush that tapers to a fine tip. The brush has short, evenly spaced bristles that aim to catch tiny lashes at the inner corner while building length across the lash line. The formula starts slightly wet and sets to a flexible feel within about a minute. It is available in washable and waterproof versions, with core shades in black and brown tones.
On lashes, Sky High is primarily a lengthening and separating mascara with moderate volume and a softly fanned effect. The thin brush makes it easy to reach base-to-tip on short or straight lashes without blotching the lid. With one coat you get clean definition and extra reach; a second coat adds more visible length and some fullness. A third coat pushes toward a spikier, more dramatic look but can tip into stickiness if you do not comb through. The washable version removes with regular cleanser, while the waterproof formula is more smudge resistant and better at holding a curl, but it requires a bi-phase remover or cleansing balm.
Who it’s for
Sky High is a strong match for people who want standout length and a lifted, fanned look without a heavy, crunchy finish. It shines on the following lash types and preferences:
- Short, fine, or sparse lashes: The slim, flexible brush grips small hairs, and the formula builds visible length without weighing them down.
- Straight lashes that lose curl: Choose the waterproof version if curl retention is your priority. It sets more firmly and resists humidity better than the washable.
- Everyday makeup lovers: One coat gives a clean, defined look suitable for work or casual days, with minimal effort.
It may be less ideal if you want instant, high-impact thickness. You can get bolder volume by layering, but the trade-off is a greater chance of stickiness or spidery tips. If your lids are very oily or your eyes water frequently, the washable version can transfer under the eyes late in the day. In those cases, the waterproof formula is the safer bet, though it will take more care to remove.
How it feels and performs
Texture and application: Fresh out of the tube, the formula feels lightly wet with a smooth slip that coats evenly from root to tip. The brush flexes as you work, which helps hug the lash curve but can feel a little floppy until you find the right pressure. The pointed tip reaches tiny inner-corner lashes and the lower lash line without blob marks when you wipe the excess first.
Length and separation: The first coat delivers noticeable extension and definition. Lashes look longer and individually coated, rather than thick and bulky. The second coat adds more reach and a bit of fullness while still reading as soft and feathery. If you push to a third coat, expect more drama but also more risk of tips clinging together. Having a clean lash comb nearby pays off.
Volume: Moderate. You will see some root build, especially if you press and wiggle at the base, but Sky High is not a plush, volumizing formula in the classic sense. The look skews long and lifted rather than thick and dense.
Wear time: On normal to dry lids, the washable formula wears 8 to 10 hours without obvious flaking. Mild smudging can develop on very oily lids or in humid weather, especially on the lower lash line. The waterproof formula extends wear to 12 hours or more with strong smudge resistance and better curl hold. Neither version feels stiff or brittle once set, and lashes remain touchable.
Curl hold: The waterproof version is the clear winner for straight or downward-pointing lashes. The washable holds a curl decently for the first half of the day, but it can relax by late afternoon on heavy or straight lashes. If curl is your nonnegotiable, go waterproof.
Flaking and transfer: Minimal flaking when applied in two thin coats and left alone once set. Overworking the third coat or pressing lashes after they have dried can cause crumbly tips. Transfer is more likely with the washable formula on lower lashes or if you apply a thick second coat before the first has set.
Removal: The washable formula comes off with warm water and a gentle cleanser. The waterproof formula needs a dual-phase eye makeup remover, cleansing oil, or balm. Saturate a cotton pad, press to the lashes for 15 to 20 seconds, then slide away. Avoid aggressive rubbing to protect lash health.
How to use for best results
- Start with clean, dry lashes. If you curl your lashes, do that first. Sky High layers well over a curl but can stick to a curler if applied beforehand.
- Wipe the excess. Pull the wand out slowly and swipe the tip against the wiper. This keeps the fine tip precise for inner and outer corners.
- First coat for length. Place the brush at the base, wiggle slightly, then pull straight through to the tips. Work one eye at a time so the formula stays workable.
- Let it set briefly. Wait about 15 to 30 seconds. The formula becomes tackier, which helps the next layer attach and lengthen.
- Second coat for fullness. Repeat the root wiggle, then use the tip vertically to place extra product on outer lashes for a soft cat-eye lift.
- Comb if needed. If tips start to cling, run a clean lash comb through while the mascara is still slightly tacky.
- Light hand on lower lashes. Touch the tip to the roots and flick down lightly. Overloading here is the fastest route to smudges on the washable formula.
- Set and forget. Once dry, avoid touching or pressing lashes. For waterproof, remove at night with a bi-phase remover or cleansing balm, letting it soak before wiping.
Pro tip: If the brush feels too floppy, anchor your elbow on the counter for stability and work in shorter strokes. If you see smudges during application, wait for them to dry completely and lift them off with a dry cotton swab.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Long, lifted effect with clean separation in one to two coats
- Slim, tapered brush reaches small lashes and inner corners with control
- Lightweight feel that does not make lashes stiff
- Waterproof version holds curl and resists humidity very well
- Washable version removes easily without lash tugging
- Buildable to a more dramatic look with mindful combing
- Cons
- Not a true thickening mascara if dense volume is your goal
- Third coat can get sticky or spidery without a lash comb
- Washable version may smudge on oily lids or in heat
- Waterproof version needs an oil or dual-phase remover and can feel drier by day’s end
- Flexible brush can feel floppy until you learn the right pressure
Final verdict
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara earns its popularity for delivering dramatic length and a lifted, fanned look that stays comfortable all day. It is an especially good fit for short or straight lashes that need reach and structure without weight. If you value curl hold and smudge resistance, choose the waterproof formula. If easy removal and everyday softness matter more, the washable version will serve you well, provided you keep lower-lash application light.
It is not the best pick if you want instant, plush volume or a thick, false-lash effect without effort. You can build to more intensity, but the sweet spot is two careful coats for striking length, clean separation, and a softly defined lash line. For the price, the performance is reliable, and the flexible brush gives real precision once you get the feel for it.
See also
If length is your main goal, expand your options beyond Sky High with our picks in Best Mascara for Short Lashes and curl-supporting favorites in Best Mascara for Curling Lashes. Prefer a barely there effect for work or weekends? You might like the soft, defined choices in Best Mascara for Natural Look.
Those with reactive eyes can also explore gentle formulas and removal tips in Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes. And if you want to frame that new length with a budge-resistant tightline, see our field notes in the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eyeliner Pencil Review.
FAQ
Should I buy the washable or the waterproof version of Sky High?
Choose waterproof if you need strong curl hold, you have oily lids, you live in a humid climate, or your eyes water. It sets more firmly and resists smudging better. Choose washable if you prefer easy removal and your lashes already hold a curl decently. The look is similar for the first two coats, but performance diverges late in the day and during heat or humidity.
How many coats of Sky High give the best results without clumps?
Two thin coats are the sweet spot for most people. Apply the first coat from root to tip, wait about 20 seconds, then add a second coat focusing at the base. If you want a third coat, comb through while the formula is still slightly tacky to prevent stickiness at the tips.
Will Sky High hold a curl on straight lashes?
The waterproof version holds a curl well through a workday and into the evening for most straight lash types. The washable version holds a curl for several hours, but the lift can relax on heavy or very straight lashes by late afternoon. Always curl before applying mascara for the best results.
Does Sky High flake or smudge under the eyes?
Flaking is minimal with two thin coats. Smudging can occur with the washable version on oily lids or if you load the lower lashes. To reduce transfer, keep lower-lash application light and set your under eyes with a bit of powder. If smudging persists, the waterproof version is the better choice.
How do I remove the waterproof Sky High without pulling out lashes?
Saturate a cotton pad with a dual-phase remover or massage a cleansing balm over closed eyes. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds to dissolve the formula, then gently wipe downward. Repeat until clean and finish with your usual face cleanse. Avoid scrubbing, which can loosen lashes over time.
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