Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review: Does This TikTok Famous Mascara Live Up to the Hype?

Key Takeaways

• Best for: Lengthening and separating lashes naturally
• Price: Around £10-12 (often on offer at Tesco for less!)
• Standout feature: Flex Tower brush that bends to coat every lash
• Wear time: All-day without smudging or flaking
• Bottom line: Lives up to the TikTok hype – this is proper good mascara for the price
• Perfect if you want: “My lashes but better” rather than false lash drama

Right, let’s talk about the mascara that’s been absolutely everywhere on social media, shall we? I’m talking about Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara – you know, the one that’s had everyone on TikTok claiming their lashes could “touch the sky.” As someone who’s been religiously using Maybelline Volume Express since I was a teenager in the late 1990s (yes, I’m dating myself here!), I decided to give it a go when my usual mascara wasn’t available in our Tesco delivery order one week. My teen daughter also uses it on a day-to-day basis, and had lots of good things to say about it, so I decided to give it a go!

Now, I’ll be completely honest with you – I wasn’t actively seeking out a new mascara. I’m a creature of habit, me. But sometimes the universe (or in this case, Tesco’s substitution algorithm) has other plans, doesn’t it? And blimey, am I glad it did!

What Actually Is Maybelline Sky High Mascara?

Let me give you the lowdown on what this mascara actually claims to do. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara promises to “lengthen and volumise your lashes” using something called a “Flex Tower” brush and a formula that’s infused with bamboo extract and fibres. Sounds fancy, right?

The idea is that this bendable wand coating system captures every single lash from root to tip, giving you buildable volume without the dreaded clumping that makes you look like you’ve got spider legs stuck to your eyelids. We’ve unfortunately all been there!

It comes in washable and waterproof versions, plus they’ve gone mad with the colour options – there’s everything from the classic black to pink, burgundy, and even a cosmic black version.

Why Is Sky High Mascara So Popular?

Let me tell you, the hype around this mascara isn’t just marketing nonsense. When something gets over 367 million views on TikTok (yes, you read that right!), there’s usually a good reason for it. This little tube has been creating waves since before it even properly launched in the UK, with American beauty enthusiasts raving about it on social media.

But here’s the thing – and this is where my beauty product testing comes in handy – not every viral beauty product actually deserves the attention. I’ve been burned before by hyped-up products that promise the world and deliver… well, not much really.

The popularity of Sky High seems to stem from three main things: it’s affordable (always a win in my book), it actually works (revolutionary concept, I know), and it gives you that “your lashes but better” look that we’re all after in 2025. None of this false eyelash nonsense that takes forever to apply and makes you look like you’re heading to a drag show when you’re just popping to Sainsbury’s.

My Honest Experience: Does Sky High Mascara Make Your Eyelashes Longer?

This is a very humbling photo, but as I’ve got older, my lashes definitely aren’t as thick or long *sob*, so you can see what we’re working with here. Despite being blonde, they’re naturally on the darker side, which is obviously to my advantage, although I’m clearly needing some length!

So, with this first experience with this mascara, I’m not going to lie – I was a bit sceptical at first. The wand looked different from what I was used to as it’s not as chunky, and change isn’t always my friend when it comes to makeup. I’ve got my routine down to a fine art when I’m trying to get three kids ready for school while simultaneously making packed lunches and locating lost PE kits.

But blimey, the difference was immediate. And I mean immediate. Literally one or two sweeps of this mascara and my lashes looked longer than they had in years, and it’s not as clumpy initially like the Great Lash Mascara. Not in that fake, overdone way though that some mascaras give you, but in a “bloody hell, I didn’t know my lashes could look like that” way. I was impressed, as I also have hooded lids, and this mascara lifted them well clear – result!

The Flex Tower brush really is something special. It’s bendy (hence the name), which means it moulds to the curve of your eye and gets right into those awkward corner lashes that usually get ignored. You know the ones – those stubborn little lashes that never seem to get coated properly with traditional wands. I’m really pleased with the result below! (Wearing here with my Laura Geller Baked Foundation, Elf Bronzing Drops and Rimmel black eye liner).

Does the wand actually make lashes longer? Yes, it genuinely does. The bamboo extract and lengthening fibres in the formula seem to work together to extend each lash, and the flexible brush ensures every single one gets coated from root to tip. I was genuinely shocked at how long my lashes looked after just one application.

Is Sky High Mascara Good? The Nitty Gritty Details

The Application Process

Let’s talk about application because this is where things get interesting. The plastic comb-style wand was completely different from my usual thick, fluffy brushes. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but it genuinely grips each lash individually and coats it with just the right amount of product.

The formula is smooth and creamy but not too wet, which means no waiting around for it to dry before you can apply a second coat (because let’s face it, as mums, we don’t have time to stand around waiting for our mascara to set, do we?).

Buildability Without the Clumps

This is where Sky High really shines. You can layer this mascara multiple times without it going clumpy or looking overdone. I typically go for two coats for my everyday look, but when I’m feeling a bit more glam (rare occurrence in South East London suburbia, but it happens!), I can add a third coat without any issues.

All-Day Wear

Now, this is the real test, isn’t it? I’ve worn this mascara through:

• The school run in torrential rain
• A full day of working from home (which includes several video calls)
• Evening activities with the kids
• Weekend family outings

And it stays put. No smudging under my eyes (the classic panda look), no flaking onto my cheeks, and no weird transfer onto my glasses. For someone who’s constantly rubbing her eyes (thanks, hay fever), this staying power is nothing short of miraculous.

Removal – The True Test

Here’s something that really impressed me – despite staying on all day, this mascara comes off easily with my usual cleanser routine. I use Simple eye make up remover, followed by a gentle hot cloth facial cleanser, and it dissolves without any aggressive rubbing or tugging at my delicate eye area. No more looking like I’ve gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson the next morning!

What’s the Difference Between Pink and Black Sky High Mascara?

Now, you might be wondering about all these different colour options, especially that Instagram-famous pink version. I’ve tried both the classic black and the pink (because obviously I had to, didn’t I?), so here’s the lowdown:

Black Sky High Mascara:

• Classic, timeless look
• Perfect for everyday wear
• Makes lashes look naturally darker and more defined
• Suitable for all eye colours
• My go-to for work and daily life

Pink Sky High Mascara (Pink Air):

• More subtle than you’d expect
• Gives a soft, romantic look
• Perfect for spring/summer or when you want something a bit different
• Works surprisingly well with brown and hazel eyes
• Great for that “no-makeup makeup” vibe

The pink isn’t screaming hot pink – it’s more of a soft, dusky rose that gives your lashes a hint of colour without looking costume-y. Perfect for when you want to try something different but still look put-together for the Tesco run.

Both formulas perform identically in terms of lengthening, separating, and staying power. The only difference is the subtle colour variation.

How Does It Compare to Other Mascaras?

As someone who’s been testing beauty products as a hobby for a while now, I feel qualified to make some comparisons here.

Vs. My Old Faithful Maybelline Volume Express: Look, I loved my Volume Express for nearly two decades, but Sky High is simply better, so I’m not sure I’ll be going back (eek!). It gives more length, better separation, and lasts longer throughout the day. The brush technology has clearly come on leaps and bounds since the late ’90s.

Vs. High-End Options: I’ve tried mascaras costing £30+ and honestly, Sky High holds its own against much pricier options. While some high-end mascaras might give slightly more volume, the difference isn’t worth paying three times the price for IMO.

Vs. Other Supermarket Favourites: Compared to other affordable options, such as Rimmel (that I’ve never got on with tbh!), Sky High consistently outperforms. It’s become my benchmark for what a good, cheaper, mascara should do.

The Practical Review: Pros and Cons

What I Love:

• Affordable: Usually around £10-12, often cheaper in supermarket offers
• Actually works: Lives up to the hype (rare in beauty!)
• Long-lasting: Survives school runs, work calls, nights out and family chaos
• Easy application: Even when rushing, it goes on smoothly
• No clumping: Buildable without looking overdone
• Gentle removal: Comes off easily without tugging

What’s Not Perfect:

• Learning curve: The flexible wand takes getting used to
• Limited volume: If you want dramatic, really thick lashes, this isn’t your mascara
• Tube size: Smaller than some mascaras, though it lasts well

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sky High Mascara waterproof?

It comes in both regular and waterproof versions. I use the regular one daily and find it plenty resilient, but the waterproof version is great for holidays or emotional events.

Q: How long does the mascara last once opened?

Like most mascaras, you should replace it every 3-6 months. I find it stays fresh and performs well for about 4 months with daily use.

Q: Can you use it with contact lenses?

Absolutely! It’s gentle enough for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers like myself. No irritation here.

Q: Does it work on short lashes?

Yes! The flexible brush and lengthening formula are particularly good for shorter lashes like mine. It really does seem to find and coat every single lash.

Q: Is it suitable for mature eyes?

Definitely. The gentle formula and easy removal make it perfect for mature skin, and the lengthening effect is very flattering, so it’s definitely one of the best mascaras for hooded eyes.

Where to Buy and Best Deals

I typically pick this up during my weekly Tesco shop, but you can find it pretty much everywhere – Boots, Superdrug, online at Lookfantastic, Amazon, you name it.

Top tip: keep an eye out for supermarket beauty offers. I’ve snagged this for as little as £6 during various promotions, which is an absolute steal.

For those interested in the science behind great mascaras, Allure Magazine often has detailed breakdowns of mascara formulations and technologies.

The Verdict: Is Maybelline Sky High Worth the Hype?

After months of using this mascara (and going through several tubes because my daughter keeps “borrowing” it, even when she supposedly has her own), I can confidently say: yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype.

This isn’t one of those flash-in-the-pan social media products that disappoint when you actually try them. Sky High delivers on its promises – it lengthens, separates, and stays put all day without breaking the bank.

It’s become my daily go-to, replacing my decades-long loyalty to Volume Express. And coming from someone as set in her ways as me, that’s saying something!

Perfect for: Anyone wanting naturally enhanced lashes, busy parents who need reliable makeup, contact lens wearers, and anyone seeking great value for money.

Skip if: You prefer dramatic, voluminous lashes or hate trying new application techniques.

My Rating: 9/10

The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 is because I’d love just a tiny bit more volume, but honestly, for the price and performance, this mascara is pretty much perfect.

Have you tried Maybelline Sky High? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more honest beauty reviews from a real mum’s perspective, check out my other beauty product reviews where I test everything so you don’t have to.