I don’t know about you, but at 53, I find myself wearing makeup less and less. Most days, I throw on a bit of tinted moisturizer (with SPF, of course!), grab my cherry Chapstick and call it good. That said, when I WILL want to put on a bit of a face, I’m no longer interested in products that don’t do what they’re supposed to do, and I’m willing to invest more in first-rate cosmetics. But if I can find a quality product and still save a bit of coin? That makes my hormonal heart very happy!
Enter: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. I was a fan of this stuff before I found out that Yahoo Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini is too and, truly, you should trust her word much more than mine. CEO calls it “beyond-the-pale amazing” and “better than luxury brands.” Even better, this lash-lengthening formula is marked down to a mega-affordable $10.
Amazon
This formula, which comes in nine colors ranging from basic black to blue and burgundy, helps define, lengthen and thicken your lashes.
$10 at Amazon
Why is it a good deal?
I hardly think I need to tell you that makeup, along with everything else in the world, is pretty freaking expensive these days. In our round-up of the best mascaras of 2025, this formula took top honors. The other two? North of $25. Heck, I’ve seen mascaras that’ll set you back way more than that, so if you can snag a tube or two of expert-recommended lash love for $10 a pop? That’s the good stuff right there.
Why do I need this?
When it comes to impact, mascara is major. Other than lipstick, I’m struggling to think of one item in my makeup bag that makes my face pop more. And if most mascaras do that, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara does it and then some.
In her review, Romolini gave kudos to everything from the brush to the formula to the pigment. But it was the effect that she particularly hyped up. “Ultimately, what you’re here for is long, thick lashes, and this product delivers,” she wrote. “It lengthens and thickens without being a globby hassle to apply.” She also touted its smudge-free finish and gentle, easy-to-remove formula, which is especially important for those of us who are losing precious collagen around our eyes. She did note that it’s not as thickening or buildable as pricier brands, but for $10, I can live with that.
Choose from a number of fun colors, as well as basics like black and brown.
(Amazon)
What reviewers say
If my “yes, buy this!” entreaties aren’t enough to make you hit “add to cart,” check out some reviews from the mascara’s 90,000-plus five-star fans.
Pros
One mascara maven called it their “holy grail,” adding: “After trying countless others over the years … I keep coming back to this one because … nothing else compares. The wand design is honestly perfection — it grabs every single lash, including those tiny corner ones that other mascaras always seem to miss. I love how it builds up beautifully for dramatic evening looks but also works great for a natural daytime appearance with just one coat.”
Another customer who was pleased with their peepers said she loved the colors. “They have just enough color to be fun while also looking natural. The burgundy violet tones enhance blue and green eyes … The formula goes on and comes off easily. Nice separation, coats well, absolutely no smudging or eye irritation throughout the day and good value.”
It’s even a great option for makeup neophytes, as this cosmetics newcomer noted: “At age 54, I am new to wearing makeup every day. I have tried many, many different mascaras, from cheap drugstore mascaras to very expensive, designer-store brands. This mascara, hands down, is my favorite … It makes my lashes extend out much longer, darker and sexier without clumping.”
Cons
“This formula is a little goopy, so I have to wipe off the wand a lot not to get clumping,” noted one muck misanthropist. “However, it doesn’t seem to irritate my very sensitive eyes, and it stays on well.” The same reviewer also remarked on removal. “Be prepared to clean your lashes a LOT to get it all off, as there are times when I’d swear I must have gotten every scrap of makeup off, but then realize there is still mascara at the base of my lashes. I’m not upset about the staying power, though!”
A final wearer noted that if you’re going for a dramatic effect, this might not be the formula for you. “I really like this mascara. It lengthens my lashes and doesn’t clump very often. It doesn’t make them look thick, though, so if you’re into that, then look elsewhere.”
Amazon
As a green-eyed gal, I’m looking forward to trying this Burgundy Haze shade to see how much it makes my peepers pop.
$10 at Amazon
Speaking from personal experience, this mascara can be a little tough to fully remove. I use this to ease the process — it also works fantastically well on waterproof mascaras.
Amazon
Like all micellar waters, Garnier’s formula contains micelles, which are tiny particles that contain a bit of water and oil. This is fragrance-free, super gentle on sensitive skin, and I’ve never experienced any irritation using it. Even better, it actually hydrates and soothes my face after I use it. And two bottles will last you needle.
$15 at Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.