After 26 years, I found a smudge-proof mascara that actually works

This is not a paid story. 

In fact, it didn’t cross my mind to write about this but as I was raving about my new find to my beauty editor, she suggested that it would be a great story to share with others who are struggling with the same problem.  

You might think, is this writer a tad too dramatic? We are just talking about mascaras. Well, yes… and no. If you’re not fussed about your lashes or makeup in general, then you won’t be reading this. But if you are, that means you’re just as invested as me, so… you’re welcome. 

For years, I have been getting eyelash extensions because I’m a vain but lazy girlie. But, we know it’s not so great for your real lashes so I decided to take a break and go back to the good ol’ mascara. See, the problem with regular mascaras (not a fan of waterproof mascaras as it’s so hard to remove) is that no matter what brands  I have tried - or hacks like eye primer, eyeshadow base and setting powder - it always smudges.  

So, let’s cut to the chase. I booked myself a lash lift and lash tint session one evening and my regular therapist and I were talking about mascaras. I shared with her that I wanted to let my lashes grow out naturally and stop doing extensions but I’m also afraid that I may cave in and go back to doing lash extensions again only because of my frustrations with mascaras that always smudge.  

Try the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, she said. She’s been wearing it for some time now and confidently claims that it is smudge proof and easy to clean off. I was intrigued but I didn’t want to get my hopes up as I have tried many brands over the years - either it still smudges or it’s a b**ch to remove after application.

But when you get a scoop like that, there’s no time to waste. So after my session with her, I ran to the nearest drug store to buy it. There were two options - washable and waterproof. I chose washable because as I mentioned earlier, I find it tedious to remove waterproof mascara. The first day I tried it on, I was impressed by how it lifted my lashes and made it fuller and longer. And these are my lashes after countless eyelash extensions (they used to be thicker and fuller). I didn’t curl it and just left it on its own to see if the lift would stay throughout the day. And of course, to see if it smudged. The first day was a success. No smudges at all and my lashes stayed curled and defined after a full work day.

The next few weeks I experimented with my trusted heated eyelash curler from Nodspark. I tried it first by curling it with my heated curler then applying the mascara. The effect was stunning - I looked like I got eyelash extensions (except that it was natural). Again, no smudge, flake, or transfer after 12 hours. Amazing.

Another plus is that even though it takes a few coats (I do about 3 coats), the mascara lasts all day, so you don’t have to constantly reapply. If you do want the curl to be more pronounced,  I discovered I could just curl my lashes with my heated curler mid-day and my curler would not be stained (because of its smudge-proof formula).  

I have also tried going for a game of pickle ball, an evening run, intermediate pilates session with my Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara after work, and I’m happy to report as well that was no clumping and under eye or eyelid smudges. Also did I mention its totally affordable price point?

I can’t believe it took me almost three decades to finally find “the one”. But hey, better late than never, right?