Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review: Worth the Hype?
The drugstore mascara with the bendy brush that took over beauty feeds. What the listing promises, how it comes off at night and who should find it in a stocking.
Yes, for a teen who already wears a little makeup. Sky High is the drugstore mascara they will recognize by name, with a bendy brush and a washable formula [1]. Skip it if makeup is still a debate at home.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Type | Lengthening and volumizing mascara [1] |
| Formula | Washable, with bamboo extract and fibers [1] |
| Brush | Flex Tower, bends to reach each lash [1] |
| Shade | Very Black [1] |
| Testing | Ophthalmologist and allergy tested [1] |
| Contacts | Suitable for contact lens wearers [1] |
| Weight | 0.64 ounces packed [1] |
Pros and cons
- Washable means it can run in rain or tears
- Very Black may be strong for a beginner
- Mascara is personal; some teens have a favorite
The tube from every beauty feed
Teen makeup shopping runs on what friends and creators use. Sky High became one of those products, and teens ask for it by name rather than for mascara in general.
That is useful for a gift giver. You do not need to know anything about lashes to get the right tube.
It is also cheap enough that a teen can try it without feeling they wasted a big gift on a guess.
Brush and formula
The brush is Maybelline's Flex Tower, which bends to reach each lash from root to tip [1]. The formula is washable, with bamboo extract and fibers for length and volume, and the maker says it does not flake or smudge [1].
Maybelline lists it as ophthalmologist and allergy tested, and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers [1]. For a teen just starting out, that matters more than any claim about length.
This listing is the Very Black shade in the washable formula [1]. There is also a waterproof version for sports and swimming, sold separately.
Washable has a downside
A washable mascara comes off easily at night, which is good for young skin. The same thing means it can run in rain, snow or a sad movie.
Very Black is a strong shade. A teen who wants a softer look may prefer brown, so check before you buy if they have said anything.
And mascara is personal. If they already have a favorite tube, a new one may sit unopened.
Putting it in a stocking
Mascara on its own is a small gift. Paired with a pack of the Hero pimple patches from this guide, it becomes a little skincare and makeup set that still costs little.
Add a gentle makeup remover or micellar water so the teen has a good habit for taking it off.
For families still deciding on makeup, talk to the teen first. A gift that starts an argument on Christmas morning is not the right gift.
FAQ
Is Maybelline Sky High mascara good for beginners?
It is one of the easier mascaras to start with. The washable formula comes off with a normal cleanser, and Maybelline lists it as ophthalmologist and allergy tested and suitable for contact lens wearers [1]. A beginner who wants a softer look may prefer a brown shade over Very Black [1]
What is the difference between washable and waterproof Sky High?
The washable version, shown in this listing, removes easily with regular cleanser [1]. The waterproof version holds up to sweat, rain and swimming but needs a proper eye makeup remover. For everyday school wear, washable is gentler on lashes; waterproof is better for sports and long days outdoors [1]
Is mascara a good stocking stuffer for a teenage girl?
Yes, if she already wears makeup and does not have a favorite she is loyal to. Sky High is cheap, small and the tube many teens already want. If makeup is a new topic in your house, talk about it first so the gift does not start a debate [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.