December 13, 2012

Maybelline the Rocket Volum’ Express Mascara Review

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Maybelline Volum’ Express the Rocket Mascara ($7.79) is launching for Spring 2013 in drugstores shortly. This is a volumizing mascara with a clump-free formula that promises to create full, fatter lashes as much as 8 x the normal size.

The Rocket has a gellant formula which contains micronized pigments and thickening agents to coat lashes and create a fuller look. It’ll be available in three wash off shades and two waterproof ones.

Let’s take a look!

The brush might be familiar to you as it is very similiar to Covergirl’s Lashblast. It’s a larger club style plastic applicator with tiny spikes which grasp onto lashes, coating them, and pulling them up and out.

You know my issues with LashBlast, it’s just a mascara that refuses to work for me so I was a little wary going into my Rocket Mascara review. It does perform better than Lashblast for me but not so much I was wow’ed by it sadly. Needless to say if you already love Lashblast you’ll love the Rocket. If you’ve had issues with Lashblast you might like the Rocket but feel it’s a bit uneventful overall.

The formula is lightweight and easy to remove. It doesn’t leave my lashes stiff nor crunchy and has a lighter texture which won’t let lashes droop so any curling you do before hand should last you through the day with this in place as it won’t weight lashes down.

There’s some length to be had here but it separates my lashes a little too much for any volume. My lashes aren’t fuller after application and have more of a pointy, longer appearance. I sometimes think that this type of lash applicator works best for those that have really short, sparse lashes as anyone with longer lashes already might not really see the results. Or perhaps that applies to me only?

The look below is about four or five layers of the Rocket. As you can see its not really a dramatic finish.

This does wash away fairly easily with warm water. I tried the non-waterproof version and it removes easily enough. I used an oil based remover to swipe it away. It isn’t a tubing or a fiber mascara but will remove easily with warm water as well but I do recommend an oil based remover for the best results.

Overall, the Rocket is a shoe in for those who love Lashblast. I imagine the formula will work very well for those who get on well and love Covergirl’s version. If you feel like Covergirl’s version produces mediocre results, I think you’ll experience much of the same with the Rocket.

I was hoping for more volume with this. It’ll make a good companion mascara to my personal favorite mascara, Illegal Lengths.

This launches in drugstore in January or may already be appearing at your local shops.

Tried it?

I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Debster

    My lashes are similar to yours, and I get the same results with lashblast. It’s ‘okay’ but not even close to smashbox or loreal mascara.

    • the Muse

      same here deb…lashblast seems to work for some and not for others. it’s an odd mascara :-/

  • Lorraine ER

    It definitely adds length on you. I need thickening more but don’t mind length too. Have you tried combining a thickening and a lengthening mascara in one application? I’ve heard of people doing it, was curious on your opinion?

    • the Muse

      I actually apply this and follow up with something to get more volume lorraine, that def helps! but sadly I’d love both from volume and length from the one mascara ;-D

  • leya

    I’m not a fan of these plastic type brushes. The L’Oreal million lashes mascara had this type of brush and though it makes my eyelashes so long and make them stretch for like forever, it gives me no volume at all which is what I need! I like the Maybelline Colossal’s brush way better. Now there’s a mascara. Length & Volume!

  • OrangeLipstickBlog

    4 or 5 coats? OMG! I guess I’m lazy when it comes to mascara because I see a 2nd coat as being a chore. I’ll pass on this one. Thanks for the review!

    • the Muse

      my pleasure ;-D I just wanted to see if I can get more drama from it but sadly no go!

  • alice

    I just bought this yesterday! I felt like the formula was a bit too wet for my liking, which made building up layers a bit difficult on my lashes. The brush is nice and works just as well as lashblast. I’m hoping to like this more after I give it a little time to dry up :] Thanks for the review!

  • Cindy

    I like this mascara to start off as a base with. I do use Illegal Lengths and/or They’re Real! mascara with it. I’m a layering kinda girl ;]

  • rochmakeupgirl

    I picked this up the other day and I am thrilled with it. I have short, sparse lashes and hated lashblast in all it’s forms. This gives me unreal length and separation. I agree there is not much volume, but one coat of Armani eyes to kill and I look like I have fakes on. For day, this will be enough on it’s own. I have never gotten this much length from a mascara. Ever! I like that the formula is a little wet, as I hate dry formulas. This can be built up nicely too. Needless to say I give it a huge thumbs up!

  • rochmakeupgirl

    Oops..I meant to say one swipe of eyes to kill ON TOP of the Rocket gives me fake looking results.

  • Tres

    I LOVE THIS!!! But, in the Waterproof formula, Very Black/Blackest Black. I’ve got thin, short, light colored lashes. Chanel lash curler plus one or two swipes of Rocket & I get super black, full lashes. No smudges or flakes. Not drying but stays put all day. It’s hands down my new fave mascara. Never a fan of the hard plastic brushes either & I hate all Lash Blasts. This has a similar plastic brush it’s a bit more flexible. Seriously, waterproof mascara girls need to try this ASAP!

  • Noha Arafa

    Do you know what it’s made of? Does it have the fiber technology that other mascaras have been using that are harsh on eyelashes?

  • hannah

    i needed a new mascara and i love maybelline great lash so I thought i would try the new rocket- needless to say i hate it. fell short to my expectations. never buying again

  • Bethany

    I have short sparse eyelashes and they are light colored . So you see I need a lot in a mascara . I just bought the rocket .I have been using great lash but i just read this review and put this mascara on overall first impression it is a thumbs up in the lengthiness and blackness department