September 12, 2013

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara Review

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Fall 2013

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara is the newest Volum’ Express Mascara formula to launch for the Fall 2013 season. I don’t always get on with drugstore mascaras but there have been a few that passed into my beauty world that I do enjoy using and some of the Volum’ Express formulations are fairly ok with me.

I admit at a glance Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes just seemed, I dunno, repetitive. How many variations do we need of the same formula? But it had me curious especially since smoky mascaras apparently like me…Look at L’Oreal Voluminous Power Volume Black Smoke Mascara, I’d never in a million years think I’d actually like a Voluminous formula but the Black Smoke formula is rather brilliant.

So of course, when I saw this new Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara I decided to give it a whirl.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara

According to Maybelline, Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara provides volume without clumping up plus it has the intensity of black kohl. The kohl effect pigments apparently provide matte lashes, there’s irony here considering the formula is WET as hell.

This comes with the standard Colossal brush which is basically an over sized traditional brush with bushier bristles. Typically if we’re talking matte mascara I’d expect a drier formula however, the problem with this mascara is the fact that it is very “wet” with a very thick texture. As far as smoky goes there’s no doubt it is extra black so pigmentation is dramatic however, the actually application process is a mess.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes

I wiped the brush off with a tissue prior to using but my lashes still ended up sticking together through the application process. As I stroked it on my lashes just started to clump altogether and created a uni-lash effect. On top of that the set time is very slow so best not blink as you wait for it to dry down because it ends up smearing every which way from Sunday. I didn’t experience great length with this and honestly if it wasn’t as wet and thick as it is I might have gotten ok volume from it but unfortunately it’s too much of a mess to actually create that volume!

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara After
This is a big mess.

In the long end Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes is a mascara that way too high maintenance and temperamental for this Muse.

If you’re smart you’ll skip it.

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Christina

    I HATE H-A-T-E HATE Maybelline mascaras — especially Great Lash! Run and keeping on running!

    • the Muse

      i detest great lash and so over hyped! I DO like the original Colossal, I remember being impressed with it but overall, most of their mascaras are hohum!

  • Hillarie

    I usually have good luck with Maybelline mascara, but I probably wouldn’t pick this one up.

  • Sara

    I think you linked a different L’Oreal mascara. I’m curious about which you actually liked!

  • Carrie

    I think Maybelline mascaras have been a toss up for me. A personal beauty staple for me is Mega Plush (I just love it!). But when I saw this, I had such high hopes because I loved the L’Oreal Black Smoke and I think it was LE? I haven’t seen it since and I’ve been kicking myself for not getting any back ups but yikes on those results!

  • Mandy

    I think Maybelline mascaras are not to be used immediately after opening. They usually are annoying within the first two weeks but get better and really start performing after a month of opening. Maybe you can try it again later?

  • Shea

    Aw, that’s sad. The normal Colossal mascara is my #1 favorite mascara ever. A close second is the One by One version. It gives me beautiful, fluttery lashes that I adore. I’ll try other mascaras, but I’ll always go back to that beloved yellow tube.