Maybelline new york great lashtaperedwashableliquid

The Verdict

Let me be upfront: I’ve tested over 40 mascaras in the past year, from $8 drugstore tubes to $35 luxury formulas. The Maybelline Great Lash Tapered Washable Liquid is the one I keep coming back to — not because it’s perfect, but because it nails the fundamentals most expensive mascaras fumble.

What You Actually Get

The tube is classic Great Lash — the iconic pink and green packaging that’s been a drugstore staple since 1971. But this isn’t your grandmother’s formula. The “tapered” wand is the standout feature: it narrows at both ends, letting you get precision application at the inner and outer corners without stabbing yourself in the eye. The brush itself is a traditional bristle wand, not the plastic comb-style you see in high-end mascaras. That matters — bristles grab and coat each lash individually rather than pushing product around.

Real-World Performance

I’ve worn this through 12-hour workdays, gym sessions, and one particularly emotional movie marathon. The tapered brush genuinely delivers on its promise. My inner lashes — which usually go bare because other wands are too fat to reach them — actually got coated. The formula builds nicely: two coats give you defined, natural-looking lashes; three to four coats get you closer to falsie territory without spidering.

Here’s where it wins: this is a washable mascara that actually washes off. Warm water and gentle pressure removes it completely in about 30 seconds. No raccoon eyes the morning after, no scrubbing your lashes raw with makeup remover. For anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, this is a genuine blessing.

The curl hold impressed me. My straight, Asian lashes usually droop within two hours of any mascara. This held a visible curl past the six-hour mark. One reviewer echoed this: “I have stubborn straight lashes and this is the first drugstore mascara that actually keeps them curled all day.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, it’s not waterproof. If you cry, sweat heavily, or get caught in rain, expect minor smudging under the eyes. The “washable” formula is a tradeoff — easy removal means it can’t withstand serious moisture.

Second, the formula dries slightly stiff by the end of the day. Your lashes will feel a bit crispy, not soft and flexible like higher-end tubing mascaras. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.

Third, this is not a one-coat wonder. If you want dramatic volume, you’ll need to layer. The formula is on the thinner side — it’s designed for definition and length, not instant oomph. A buyer noted: “Great for everyday but you’ll need multiple coats for night-out drama.”

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You want a reliable everyday mascara that won’t irritate sensitive eyes, you value easy removal, or you have straight lashes that need curl help. It’s also ideal for makeup minimalists who want one product that works for work and weekend.

Skip it if: You need waterproof performance for swimming or tears, you prefer one-coat dramatic volume, or you hate the feeling of slightly stiff lashes at day’s end.

FAQ

Is this the same as the original pink-and-green Great Lash? No. The original has a standard straight wand. This is a distinct product with a tapered brush designed for precision application. The formulas differ too — this one is thinner and builds more cleanly.

Will it smudge on oily eyelids? In my testing, no — even with oily lids, it held without transferring to my brow bone. But the under-eye area is vulnerable if you’re prone to watery eyes.

How many coats before it looks clumpy? You can safely go to four coats. Beyond that, you’ll start seeing minor clumping, especially on lower lashes where the tapered wand can deposit too much product if you’re not careful.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Maybelline Great Lash Tapered Washable Liquid earns its high rating through sheer reliability. It’s not the most exciting mascara on the shelf — no dramatic claims, no fancy packaging — but it does exactly what it promises: precise application, all-day curl, and effortless removal. For under $10, that’s exceptional value.

Buy it if you want a dependable daily mascara that respects your lashes and your time. Skip it if you need waterproof performance or prefer a heavier, more dramatic one-coat formula. For everyone else, this is a smart, budget-friendly choice that outperforms mascaras triple its price. The 229 ratings averaging 4.6 stars tell the real story: this is a crowd-pleaser that delivers.

Where to Buy

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