Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review: Is the UK's #1 Best-Seller Worth the Hype?

First Impressions and Packaging

The Sky High comes in a distinctive pink metallic tube that looks more expensive than it is. It's slim and lightweight, easy to toss in a bag without adding bulk. Nothing groundbreaking in terms of packaging, but it feels solid and the cap clicks shut securely.

What really sets this mascara apart from the tube alone is the wand. Maybelline's Flex Tower brush is a thin, flexible applicator with straight bristles arranged in a tapered shape. It bends slightly during application, which sounds gimmicky but actually serves a purpose - it helps the brush reach lashes at every angle, including those tricky inner corner and lower lashes that thicker wands tend to miss.

The formula itself is a liquid mascara infused with bamboo extract, designed to deliver length and volume without weighing lashes down. It's ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, and suitable for both sensitive skin and contact lens wearers - a genuine plus if your eyes tend to react to cosmetics.

Performance: Length, Volume, and Lasting Power

Here's where the Sky High earns its reputation. The lengthening effect is genuinely impressive. Lashes look noticeably longer from the first coat, and the formula builds well if you want more drama without turning into a clumpy mess. Several long-term users describe it as giving them "false lash" results from a single product.

As one reviewer, Linda Scarborough, puts it: "The best mascara I've ever had and I've had hundreds, as I'm 67 years old." That's a woman who knows her mascaras.

The no-clump, no-flake performance comes up again and again in positive reviews. Sophie Owen, who's used it for years across multiple colours, notes that it "lengthens and lifts really well without clumping" and "doesn't flake away or budge during the day." For a washable formula at this price, that kind of staying power is unusual.

Louise Macintyre, a former Max Factor loyalist, switched to Sky High and was impressed enough to subscribe: "It does not clump, lasts all day and night, does not smudge." When someone changes their long-standing brand loyalty AND sets up a subscription, that says something.

The flexible wand does take a little getting used to. One reviewer, JO, mentioned preferring a stiffer brush for more upward push. That's a fair point - if you like a rigid, structured wand that really curls, the Flex Tower's bendiness might feel too soft. But for most users, the flexibility is a benefit, letting you coat lashes from root to tip with more precision than a standard brush allows.

Who Will Love This Mascara?

The Sky High works across different lash types, which is part of why it's become so popular. Whether your natural lashes are sparse, straight, or already have some curl, the formula adds visible length and fullness without looking overdone.

It's particularly well-suited for:

• Anyone who hates clumping - the thin wand and buildable formula keep things separated and natural-looking, even with multiple coats
• Contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes - ophthalmologist and allergy tested, and the washable formula removes easily without harsh rubbing
• Budget-conscious beauty buyers - at £7.86, it consistently outperforms mascaras costing two or three times as much. As Miss K Foxon says: "I've had to downgrade from the big cosmetic names over the years but this is by far, better than any big name mascara."
• Everyday wear - buildable from natural daytime looks to fuller evening coverage

If you're after extreme waterproofing for swimming or very humid conditions, note that this is the washable version. Maybelline does make a waterproof variant, though some reviewers found its waterproof claims inconsistent. For daily wear in normal conditions, the washable version holds up well and comes off easily at the end of the day.

Available Shades: Beyond Basic Black

One area where Maybelline has gone further than most drugstore mascaras is the shade range. Sky High comes in eight colours: Black, Cosmic Black, Brown, Blue Mist, Burgundy Haze, Space Diamond, Plum Twilight, and Green Altitude.

The coloured options have developed their own following. Brown is popular for a softer, more natural look - particularly on fair-skinned users. Burgundy Haze and Plum Twilight get love from reviewers who want something a bit different without going full costume. These deeper tones can really make green and hazel eyes pop.

Sophie Owen mentions owning multiple colours, which speaks to how wearable the shades are day-to-day. They're subtle enough for work but distinctive enough to feel like you're wearing something more interesting than plain black. If you've never tried a coloured mascara, the Sky High range is a low-risk way to experiment at under £8.

The Negatives: What You Should Know

No review would be complete without addressing the complaints, and the Sky High has a notably polarised rating distribution - 48% five-star reviews sit alongside 34% one-star. That's a wider split than you'd expect, so what's going on?

The biggest issue isn't actually with the mascara itself. A significant chunk of negative reviews (20+) report receiving products without hygiene seals, with unfamiliar packaging, or with text in other languages. Some reviewers suspect these are counterfeit or grey-market products. A couple of people reported eye irritation from these suspect items, which is genuinely concerning.

This is an Amazon fulfilment issue, not a Maybelline product issue. When buying beauty products online, especially popular ones, it's worth checking that the packaging looks correct on arrival and that it has proper seals. If anything seems off, return it. Buying directly from the Maybelline store listing on Amazon (check the seller name) reduces this risk.

Beyond the seller issues, there are a few product-related criticisms worth noting:

• A small number of long-term users report the formula may have changed recently, with one reviewer noting the quality of their latest tube didn't match previous ones
• Some products arrive partially dried out, suggesting stock rotation could be better
• The flexible wand isn't for everyone - if you prefer a stiff, structured brush, this might feel too bendy

These are real but relatively minor gripes. The core product, when you get the genuine article, performs well for the vast majority of buyers.

The Specs at a Glance

For the detail-oriented among us, here's what you're getting:

• Size: 7.2 ml (standard mascara tube)
• Formula: Liquid, infused with bamboo extract
• Wand: Flex Tower brush - thin, flexible, straight bristles
• Coverage: Buildable - one coat for natural, two or three for drama
• Suitable for: Sensitive skin, contact lens wearers
• Testing: Ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, cruelty-free
• Free from: Teflon
• Made in: Italy
• Price: £7.86 (RRP £12.99 - that's 39% off)

Made in Italy, cruelty-free, and Teflon-free ticks several boxes that increasingly matter to buyers. The bamboo extract isn't just marketing fluff either - it contributes to the lightweight, flexible feel that keeps lashes from feeling stiff or brittle.

Our Verdict: 4.3 out of 5

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara didn't become the UK's #1 best-seller by accident. The lengthening and volumizing performance is genuinely excellent, the no-clump formula holds up all day, and the Flex Tower brush gives you more control than most wands at any price point. At £7.86, it outperforms mascaras costing considerably more - and the shade range gives you options that most drugstore brands don't bother with.

The polarised Amazon reviews mostly reflect seller and fulfilment issues rather than product problems. When you get the genuine product (and most people do), this is a reliable, impressive everyday mascara that has earned its loyal repeat buyers. S Aldridge sums it up well: "The best mascara on the market, light feeling on the lashes and does not flake. I have used for years and am not sure I will find something as good quality at this price point."

If you're looking for a new daily mascara that delivers length, volume, and staying power without the premium price tag, the Sky High is an easy recommendation. Just buy from a reputable seller listing and check those seals.

Check the latest price on Amazon here.