WHEN Maybelline announced that it was launching colourful versions of its cult Sky High mascara, the beauty industry gasped.
Beauty editors shared snaps of the news to their stories, and influencers weighed in on their favourite shade.
However, despite working in the beauty industry – and being a huge mascara fan – I initially steered clear.
I’ve tried too many mascaras to count, but I can safely say I’ve never worn coloured mascara, as I’ve always shied away from bold make-up.
But I swallowed my fears and put the three new shades to the test. Here’s what I really think.
This vibrant blue shade is actually flatteringCredit: Supplied
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Blue Mist Mascara, £12.99 – BUY NOW
One of my old schoolteachers always wore blue mascara. She opted for an understated, turquoise shade that looked subtle on her blonde lashes.
So I was a little nervous when I unscrewed this bright, electric blue formula.
And rightly so – once applied to lashes, this mascara has a vibrant appearance that’s worlds away from classic blue mascara shades that tend to lean towards teal.
This mascara was one of 2024’s most anticipated launchesCredit: Maybelline
This mascara’s formula is incredibly pigmented, meaning I had to apply a lot of product to avoid my lashes looking patchy. Obviously, though, the more product you apply, the clumpier and heavier your lashes become, so I had to spend a while combing my lashes into place.
While the shade seems bold up close, it’s actually hard to spot at a distance. I had to really lean into the camera to showcase the shade.
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However, overall, I’m a fan! This stunning mascara is much more flattering than expected, offering a soft pop of colour without looking too bold. I’m not brave enough to wear it to work, but I’d absolutely wear it on a night out.
This shade would be flattering on blonde lashesCredit: Supplied
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Pink Air, £11.99 – BUY NOW
Pink is my favourite colour. My wardrobe easily slotted into last year’s Barbiecore trend, and I almost always opt for pink manicures. However, pink eye make-up is a big no for me.
This mascara’s formula is a pretty bubblegum pink that isn’t neon or excessively bright (which most pink mascaras fall foul of). So I had high hopes.
However, as soon as I applied the product, I knew it wasn’t for me. Its light formula is very bleaching, giving lashes a blonde, barely there appearance. Up close, the pink formula layered on top of my dark lashes created a red shade, which wasn’t very flattering.
This bubblegum formula isn’t for the faint-heartedCredit: Maybelline
Its pink formula, up against my pale complexion, made my lower lashes look nearly invisible. So, if you’re of a similar complexion, I’d recommend that you only use this shade on your upper lash line.
This shade would complement blonde lashes beautifully, especially if used as an extension to a pink eyeliner look.
This shade is perfect for brown mascara fansCredit: Supplied
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Burgundy Haze, £11.99 – BUY NOW
If you’re looking for a route into coloured mascara, this is the formula for you. Disguised in maroon packaging, I expected this mascara to be a bold purple.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it’s just a gorgeous, brown mascara, spruced up with a hint of purple.
Straight out of the tube, the formula has a deep, purple appearance. However, once applied, it dries down to a dark brown shade. Sadly, I think its purple hue was lost on my dark lashes, leaving behind a natural-looking brown appearance.
Don’t be fooled by its purple packagingCredit: Maybelline
The biggest strength of this mascara, which applies to each of the above too, is how lengthening it is. Now, this is no surprise – the OG Sky High mascara went viral for this very reason – and fortunately, this quality hasn’t been lost in the new colour formulations.
All of the colours I tried are easy to remove, too. I used each of these mascaras in succession – so prepared myself for sore eyes caused by scrubbing away each product – but all of the formulas lifted off with a quick glug of micellar water.
Other coloured mascaras we love…
This green mascara is the perfect way to complete a brown eyeshadow lookCredit: Shiseido
Shiseido ControlledChaos MascaraInk in 04 Emerald Energy, £29 – BUY NOW
This yellow formula brightens eyes, giving your look a softened apperance and a natural liftCredit: 3INA
3ina The Color Mascara in Yellow 137, £12 – BUY NOW
Red mascara flatters hazel eyes, and isn’t a million miles away from brown formulasCredit: PAT MCGRATH
Pat McGrath Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara, £12 – BUY NOW