Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review (2026): Is It Worth It?

The Maybelline Sky High mascara (sold as Lash Sensational Sky High) is a lengthening and volumising mascara with a flexible, tapered brush, and for most people with straight, fine Indian lashes it is worth it: it gives visible length in one or two coats and is easy to find in India. Its weak spots are smudging on oily lids in the washable version and a tougher clean-up in the waterproof one, so pick the formula that matches your eyelids and your weather.

This guide explains what the mascara is, who it suits, how to apply and remove it, the complaints users commonly report, and how it compares with other popular mascaras in India. It is an informed overview built on the product’s published claims and widely shared user feedback, not a lab test.

Maybelline Sky High mascara review: the quick verdict

• Best for: length and lift on straight, short or fine lashes that are hard to curl.
• Finish: long, separated, fluttery lashes; buildable from natural to dramatic.
• Versions: washable (easier removal) and waterproof (better for humidity, tears and monsoon).
• Watch out for: smudging under the eyes on oily lids, and clumping once the tube starts drying out.
• Price band: mid-range drugstore, widely sold online and in stores across India.

What is Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High?

Sky High is part of Maybelline’s Lash Sensational range. Its headline feature is the Flex Tower brush, a flexible wand with short bristles that bends to reach lashes from the inner corner to the outer edge and coat them from root to tip. The aim is length first, with soft volume that builds as you layer.

Maybelline describes the formula as lightweight and infused with bamboo extract and fibres, which help lashes look longer. The brand also markets it as ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. Those are the brand’s claims; individual eyes can still react, so treat any new eye product with care.

Washable vs waterproof

The washable version comes off with a regular eye makeup remover or micellar water and is kinder for daily wear. The waterproof version (often listed as Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof) holds better against sweat, humidity, rain and watery eyes, but needs an oil-based or bi-phase remover to come off cleanly.

Shades

The classic shade is Very Black. Maybelline also released Cosmic Black, a deeper, more intense black. Shade and formula availability varies by seller and over time in India, so check the label on the exact listing before you buy, especially if you specifically want the waterproof version.

Who does Sky High mascara suit?

Many Indian lashes are dark but straight, fairly fine and point downwards or forwards. That lash type benefits most from a lengthening formula and a slim brush that can grip each lash from the root, which is exactly what Sky High is built for.

• Straight or short lashes: the tapered tip reaches the tiny inner-corner and lower lashes, and the formula adds visible length.
• Hooded or deep-set eyes: length helps lashes peek out from under the lid fold; the waterproof version is less likely to print onto the lid.
• Humid cities and monsoon: if you live in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Kerala, the waterproof version holds curl and resists smudging better.
• Office and daily wear: the washable version gives a clean, defined look and is easier on lashes when you remove it every night.
• Weddings and long events: waterproof is the safer bet for haldi, sangeet and emotional moments. Pair it with our guide to wedding guest makeup looks.

If you mainly want thick, dramatic, dense volume rather than length, a volume-first mascara may suit you better. See the comparison below.

Sky High vs other mascaras in India: comparison table

How to read this: Sky High leans towards length and separation. Lash Paradise and The Colossal lean towards volume. Lash Princess is the budget option for a false-lash look, and the Lakmé Eyeconic Curling Mascara is a simple, easy-to-find pick for curl. Waterproof versions exist for several of these, so match the formula to your climate.

Key features at a glance

• Flexible Flex Tower brush that bends to the shape of your lash line.
• Lengthening, buildable formula with bamboo extract and fibres (as per the brand).
• Washable and waterproof versions.
• Very Black and Cosmic Black shades (availability varies).
• Marketed as ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Noticeable length, even on short, straight lashes.
• Separates lashes well when applied in thin coats.
• Slim tip makes inner-corner and lower lashes easy.
• Waterproof version suits Indian humidity and monsoon.
• Easy to find in India, online and offline.

Cons

• Washable version can smudge or transfer on oily lids and in heat.
• Waterproof version needs an oil-based or bi-phase remover.
• Can get clumpy as the tube ages and the formula thickens.
• Gives more length than dense, dramatic volume.
• Wiping the wand to avoid clumps can feel fiddly at first.

How to apply Maybelline Sky High mascara

Most clumps and smudges come from technique, not the mascara. Follow these steps for long, separated lashes.

1. Start with clean, dry lashes. Any leftover oil, cream or eye balm will stop mascara from gripping and can cause smudging.
2. Curl first. Use an eyelash curler at the root, hold for a few seconds, then move to the middle of the lashes. Never curl after mascara, as it can bend or pull lashes.
3. Wipe the wand. Pull the brush out without pumping it in and out (pumping pushes air in and dries the formula). Wipe excess on the tube’s rim or a tissue.
4. Wiggle at the root. Place the brush at the base of the upper lashes and wiggle side to side, then sweep up and out to the tips.
5. Use the tip for corners. Hold the wand vertically for the inner corners and lower lashes, and use light strokes.
6. Add a second coat while the first is still wet. Layering on wet mascara builds length without the crusty, clumpy look you get when you coat dry mascara.
7. Comb out clumps. If lashes stick together, run a clean spoolie through them before they dry.

For a polished eye look, define your brows too. Our guide to the best eyebrow pencil for Indian brows helps you pick a shade that matches your hair.

How to make it last in Indian heat and humidity

• Choose waterproof for summer and monsoon, or for days when you will be outdoors for long.
• Set your under-eye area. A light dusting of translucent or compact powder for oily skin under the eyes reduces the oil that causes panda eyes.
• Skip heavy eye cream in the morning, or let it absorb fully before makeup.
• Go lighter on the lower lashes, which smudge first in heat.
• Layer washable over waterproof? Some people apply a waterproof coat to hold the curl and a washable coat on top for volume. It can work, but it means using an oil remover at night.

How to remove Sky High mascara

Removing mascara gently matters as much as applying it well. Rubbing hard is one of the main reasons lashes break or fall out.

1. Pick the right remover. The washable version comes off with micellar water or a regular eye makeup remover. For waterproof, use an oil-based or bi-phase (two-layer, shake before use) remover, a cleansing balm or a cleansing oil.
2. Soak a cotton pad and press it on your closed eye for 15 to 20 seconds so the remover breaks down the mascara.
3. Wipe down and outward in one gentle stroke. Do not scrub sideways.
4. Use a cotton bud for the roots and lower lashes.
5. Follow with your face wash to clear any oily residue, then moisturise.

If you double cleanse, a good oil cleanser for oily skin will take off waterproof mascara along with the rest of your makeup. You can also read about Korean mascara removers if you want a dedicated eye product.

Common complaints users report

Sky High is popular, but it is not perfect for everyone. These are the issues that come up most often in user feedback, described generally, along with simple fixes.

• Flaking or smudging on oily lids: more common with the washable formula, in heat, or over eye cream. Switch to waterproof, powder under the eyes and keep the lower lashes light.
• Clumping as the tube dries: the formula thickens over a few weeks, especially if you pump the wand. Wipe the brush every time and replace the tube regularly.
• Curl drops by afternoon: straight, heavy lashes can lose curl with washable formulas. Waterproof versions usually hold curl better.
• Hard to remove: mostly with the waterproof version. Use an oil-based or bi-phase remover instead of rubbing.
• Not dramatic enough: if you want very thick lashes, a volume-first mascara such as The Colossal or Lash Paradise may suit you better.

Common mascara mistakes to avoid

• Pumping the wand in and out of the tube.
• Adding coats after the first layer has dried.
• Applying mascara over a thick eye cream or oil.
• Sleeping in mascara, especially waterproof formulas.
• Using an old, dry tube that tugs at the lashes.
• Rubbing eyes hard while removing makeup.

For more makeup basics, our guide on makeup for mature skin also covers how to keep lashes and eye makeup looking soft and lifted.

Eye safety: what every mascara user should know

• Replace mascara every 3 months, even if the tube is not finished. Bacteria can build up in the tube over time.
• Do not share mascara or use testers directly on your eyes.
• Never add water or saliva to revive a dry tube.
• Stop using it if your eyes sting, itch, swell or turn red, and see a doctor or eye specialist if the irritation does not settle.
• Skip eye makeup during an eye infection such as conjunctivitis, and throw away any mascara you used just before it.
• Contact lens wearers should put lenses in before makeup and take them out before removing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bottom line

Maybelline Sky High is a reliable choice if you want longer, lifted, separated lashes, and it particularly suits the straight, fine lashes many Indians have. Choose the waterproof version for humidity, monsoon and long events, and the washable one for easy daily wear.

Whichever you pick, curl first, layer while wet, remove gently with the right remover and replace the tube every 3 months. Your lashes will look better and stay healthier for it.