Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 1 Co

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: most waterproof mascaras are a trade-off. You get smudge-proof staying power, but you pay for it with lashes that feel like brittle twigs by 6 PM. The Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara in Very Black tries to rewrite that equation — and for the most part, it succeeds.

What You Actually Get

You’re getting a standard 0.2 fluid ounce tube with Maybelline’s classic straight-bristle brush. Nothing fancy in the packaging department — it’s drugstore practical, not luxury showpiece. The formula itself is where the magic lives. It’s a creamy, silicone-based blend that coats each lash evenly without clumping, even on the second and third passes.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where this mascara earns its 4.4-star rating. The “Full ‘N Soft” name isn’t marketing fluff — it genuinely delivers both. One coat gives you defined, natural-looking lashes that could pass for your own on a good day. Two coats amp up the volume without turning into that dreaded spiky, glued-together mess.

The waterproof claim holds up under real pressure. I’ve worn this through humid summer commutes, a tear-jerking movie scene, and an accidental face-full of pool water. Zero smudging. Zero raccoon eyes. The formula dries down to a flexible film that moves with your lashes rather than locking them in place like cement.

What buyers consistently note in their reviews is the softness factor. As one verified purchaser put it: “Finally a waterproof mascara that doesn’t feel like I have plastic lashes on. My lashes stay soft all day but nothing smears.” Another reviewer praised its staying power: “Wore it to a wedding in July. Cried during the ceremony. Still looked perfect at midnight.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. That same waterproof film that keeps everything in place is an absolute bear to remove. A standard makeup wipe won’t cut it — you’ll need an oil-based remover or a double cleanse to get it all off. If you’re someone who prefers quick, low-effort makeup removal, this will test your patience.

The brush is also a missed opportunity. It’s a basic straight wand that does the job but doesn’t separate lashes with any precision. You’ll want to use a lash comb afterward if you’re aiming for that feathery, separated look. The formula also takes about 60 seconds to fully set, so don’t blink aggressively immediately after applying or you’ll transfer product to your brow bone.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if you’re someone who needs mascara that survives real life — workouts, emotional events, humid climates, or long days where you won’t have time for touch-ups. It’s also great for those with oily eyelids who find regular mascaras smudge within hours.

Skip it if you hate the extra removal step, prefer precision brushes for lash separation, or you want a tubing mascara that slides off with warm water alone. You’ll be fighting this formula at the end of the day.

FAQ

Q: How many coats can I apply without clumping? A: Two coats is the sweet spot. A third coat starts to get heavy and increases dry time significantly. If you want more drama, layer a volumizing mascara on top.

Q: Is this safe for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers? A: Multiple reviewers with sensitive eyes report no irritation. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested, though you should still remove it thoroughly each night to avoid lash breakage.

Q: How does the Very Black shade compare to regular Black? A: Very Black is a true, intense jet black with no brown undertones. It makes a visible difference if you have dark lashes — it adds real definition rather than just tinting.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5

The Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara delivers on its core promise: full, soft, smudge-proof lashes that last through anything. It’s not perfect — the basic brush and stubborn removal are genuine annoyances — but at its price point, it outperforms many prestige waterproof mascaras. If you prioritize staying power and comfort over quick removal, this is a winner.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.