The teenagers I interviewed this spring were in love with all things Maybelline, but especially Maybelline mascara. The Colossal Volume Express in the yellow tube was one of the ones they talked about the most.
(Maybelline has a whole line of Volume Express mascaras with different wands and formulas.) So, when I had some CVS Extrabucks and needed a new waterproof mascara for the beach, I thought I’d give their fave a try.
I had high expectations for Colossal Volume mascara. I have had great results from Maybelline’s One By One Volume Mascara in the red tube: no clumps, no raccoon eyes, big lashes, easy to apply. I figured this would be even better than that one since it’s newer and more expensive, right?
The Volume Express packaging says it delivers 7x volume. No clumps. Sounds good. It has a wand with lots of filaments for volume. It has collagen. What’s not to like?
I was so surprised that I didn’t really like this mascara. It’s a thick formula that makes sense since it’s volumizing. But I did find it kind of clumpy to apply especially on my outer lashes that would sometimes stick together. Ugh. When applying, it dries quickly so if you want to go back and apply a second coat, you have to work fast. I’ve had some problems with it flaking during the day. I just don’t like it. The biggest disappointment is that it doesn’t substantially increase the volume of my lashes. It certainly isn’t “7x volume”, not even close.
Oh, and did I mention it was hard to remove? I used my usual reliable makeup remover, and I woke up yesterday with raccoon eyes. 🙁
IMHO, essence I Love Crazy Extreme Volume mascara is still the winner. It goes on easily, makes my lashes huge, has an easy-to-use wand that works on even tiny lashes, and it costs less: $4.99.
If you want to give Maybelline Colossal a try and see for yourself, it is widely available in the U.S. at supermarkets, drugstores, mass merchandisers, and Ulta. The container holds 0.27 fl. oz/8 ml. It’s ophthalmologist tested and contact lens safe. It’s made in the U.S. The MSRP is $6.99. It comes in Classic Black and Glam Black, and I have no idea what the difference is. I bought Classic Black.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Cera Alba (Beeswax) (Beeswax), C8 9 Isoparaffin (Aqua), Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera Wax) (Carnauba Wax), Water (Aqua), Propylene Carbonate, Allyl Stearate/VA Copolymer, Lecithin, Silica, Sodium Polymethacrylate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PEG/PPG 17/18 Dimethicone, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Ethylparaben, Polyvinyl Laurate, Polyquaternium 10, Soluble Collagen, Panthenol, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Oryza Sativa Starch (Rice Starch), May Contain (+/-): CI 77499, CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides) (Iron Oxides), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens) (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green) (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet) (Manganese Violet), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferroxyanide), Mica
Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara does not appear to have gluten-based ingredients, but it’s always good to check the ingredient list against your own ingredients-to-avoid list if you’re gluten-free. For others who try to avoid parabens, It does contain them so you’ll want to pass on this one. Maybelline is not a cruelty-free brand.
So has anyone had a good experience with Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express? Is it just me? Do let me know.
I didn’t like the Maybelline Colossal mascara either. I found the brush didnt combe through my lashes and so it was hard to deposit mascara on my lashes. I tossed this one.
I haven’t tried the Essence mascara, but will pick one up at my next Ulta visit. I’m currently using the Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara and it’s ok. Nothing amazing, but gets the job done.
Monica.
Monica P recently posted…Dinner in the desert outfit
I heard from another friend that she didn’t like the Maybelline Colossal either. After having good results with the red tube, One by One, I thought maybe it was me. Glad you two agreed! If you do check out the essence at Ulta, don’t be put off by the “little girly” display. It’s a European brand that’s targeted young, but the products are good quality and some are very good quality. I’ve been hearing a lot about various Tarte Amazonian Clay products lately. I almost bought one of their neutral pencils but balked at the price and bought an NYX Wonderpencil instead. When my ship comes back in, I’ll give the Amazonian Clay line a try lol!
Glad to cross another drug store mascara I haven’t tried off my list! There are so many great options! My favorite is CoverGirl clump crusher. I also like the Maybelline falsies and for a more natural look, Maybelline Full n Soft. 🙂
Amber recently posted…Beauty Blogazons Weekly Round Up 8/30
Thanks, Amber, for the other mascara suggestions! There are just sooo many now. I haven’t reviewed Clump Crusher yet, because it was “meh” for me. Not much volume. I’ve heard go things about Maybelline Falsies so maybe that one will be next to buy. I still like Maybelline One by One. And I’ve still gotta review CK and Estee Lauder Sumptuous, lol.