Last week, I met up with a bunch of beauty-obsessed friends over lunch. After discussing what all we were adding to our Christmas lists, the conversation turned to the time when we started wearing makeup. Whilst some of us favoured lip glosses and others went for sparkly shadows, everyone unanimously agreed that they wore Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara… except me. When I timidly explained that I had never tried the product out, I was met with audible gasps and shaking heads (yes, we’re that passionate about makeup). To see if I was truly missing out on something incredible, I went out and got myself a tube that very day. Here is my review of the shade, ‘Blackest Black’.

Unlike the trendy packaging I am used to seeing, this mascara comes in a bright pink and green tube. Whilst the colour combination is unusual, it definitely makes it easy to spot the mascara. The brush was a surprise for me. Considering all the hype surrounding this product, I expected tiny bristles, a curved wand and something magical. Instead, this brush was a simple, medium-sized one with dense bristles.

After getting over my disappointment over the brush, I decided to test out the formula. The mascara went on smoothly, without clumping at all. ‘Blackest Black’ is a jet black shade that is fairly pigmented. To get visible results, I recommend applying at least 2-3 coats.

I’ve been wearing this mascara daily, for over a week now and have been steadily getting more impressed with it. Whilst it doesn’t deliver a dramatic, full fringe or insanely long lashes, it works well for a natural look. The best part? The formula does not flake at all. Another major bonus is that this baby does not make my lashes feel crunchy, brittle or weighed down. It also comes off really easily with a makeup remover and does not take any lashes hostage with it.

If clean, separated lashes are your thing, this mascara could be the one for you. Whilst I will turn to more volumizing formulas for formal events, this affordable tube gives just the definition I need every morning.

Price: USD 5.99