You’re standing in Boots, squinting at rows of mascaras, trying to work out which won’t leave your eyes red and irritated by lunchtime. If you wear contact lenses or have temperamental eyes that rebel against most makeup, this scenario likely feels familiar. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High has been making waves across the UK—and not just on TikTok—for delivering impressive length and volume whilst claiming to play nicely with sensitive eyes. This post serves as a comprehensive Maybelline Sky High mascara review for sensitive eye wear.
This review draws on official product specifications, over 62,000 Amazon UK customer ratings, and external beauty industry evaluations to assess how this £6.39 mascara performs in real-world British conditions. We’ll examine whether its lengthening claims hold up, how comfortable it truly feels during extended wear, and whether it’s genuinely suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
In this Maybelline Sky High mascara review, we’ll detail how it compares to other products for sensitive eyes.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, Volumising & Lengthening Mascara, Washable… |
£12.99
£7.66 |
Buy on Amazon UK |
Key Highlights
Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review
- Ophthalmologist-tested and contact lens-safe: Official specifications confirm allergy testing and suitability for sensitive eyes
- Bamboo extract and fibre formula: Designed to deliver length without weighing down lashes or causing flaking throughout the day
- Flexible Flex Tower brush: The unique bristle design adapts to reach every lash from root to tip, including shorter corner lashes
- Washable yet resilient: User feedback consistently notes the formula holds up through British weather, whilst removing easily at day’s end.
- Exceptional value: Currently ranking #1 in Amazon UK’s Beauty category with over 40,000 purchases last month alone
In-Depth Review
Design & Build Quality
The Sky High mascara arrives in Maybelline’s signature dusty pink tube—compact enough to slip into even the smallest makeup bag or coat pocket during your morning dash to the Tube. At just 10 grams and measuring roughly 12.5cm in length, it’s about the size of a standard highlighter pen, making it genuinely portable for touch-ups throughout the day.
The standout feature is the Flex Tower wand itself. Unlike traditional rigid mascara brushes, this one features short, flexible plastic bristles arranged around a slightly tapered core. The brush diameter is noticeably slimmer than many volumising mascaras—approximately the width of a standard pencil—which proves beneficial for precision application, particularly if you’ve got smaller eyes or prefer a more controlled approach. User feedback suggests the wand’s flexibility allows it to bend slightly as you sweep through lashes, helping to coat even the tiniest lashes near the inner corner without jabbing your eye.
The 7.2ml tube feels sturdy enough to withstand being tossed about in a handbag, though some users note the pink finish can show scuffs over time—a minor cosmetic concern rather than a functional issue.
Setup & Ease of Use
There’s no learning curve here, which is refreshing. The wand pulls out cleanly without excess product clumping at the neck of the tube—a common frustration with some drugstore mascaras. The slim brush design means you’re less likely to accidentally swipe mascara onto your eyelid during application, even on a bumpy bus journey.
For mascara novices or those with shaky hands, reviews suggest this is considerably more forgiving than brushes with dense, chunky bristles. One user commented that even her teenage daughter managed a clean application on the first attempt. The flexible bristles grip each lash without requiring the aggressive wiggling motion that some mascaras demand, reducing the risk of poking yourself in the eye—particularly valuable if you’re a contact lens wearer.
The product removes straightforwardly with standard micellar water or a gentle cleanser. Multiple reviews mention it comes off with a flannel and warm water, though a few users note it can require a bit more effort than the most basic formulas—the trade-off for its staying power throughout the day.
Performance Analysis
Lengthening and Volume
Based on thousands of user observations, the Sky High mascara delivers most impressively on its lengthening promise.
Reviews consistently describe lashes appearing noticeably longer after a single coat, with several users mentioning they’ve been asked whether they’re wearing false lashes. The bamboo fibres in the formula appear to adhere along the length of each lash, creating visible extension without the spidery, clumpy effect that some fibre mascaras produce.
Volume results prove more modest but satisfactory. This isn’t a mascara for dramatic, heavy-duty thickness—if you’re after that intense, almost costume-like volume, you’d likely need to layer this with a separate volumising formula. For everyday wear, it provides enough definition to make lashes stand out without looking overdone. One reviewer aptly described the effect as “my lashes, but noticeably better”—an enhancement rather than a transformation.
All-Day Wear and Flake Resistance
During typical British workdays—which might involve a humid Tube commute, eight hours under office lighting, perhaps a drizzly walk to Pret at lunch—user feedback suggests the Sky High formula holds its position admirably. The washable version maintains its curl and definition through normal daily activities, including light rain.
Flaking receives consistently positive mentions. Unlike some mascaras that leave specks under your eyes by mid-afternoon, reviews indicate this formula stays put on lashes rather than migrating to your cheeks. A recurring observation is that it doesn’t transfer to the upper eyelid during wear, even for those with hooded eyes—a common complaint with wetter formulas.
That said, expectations need to be tempered if you’re planning a particularly emotional day or swimming. This is a washable mascara, not waterproof. Several reviews mention it eventually breaks down with sustained water exposure or heavy crying. However, it doesn’t run dramatically—more of a gradual fade than the panda-eye disaster some mascaras cause.
Sensitive Eye Performance
For those with reactive eyes, early impressions appear encouraging. The product includes ophthalmologist testing and explicit contact lens compatibility claims that align with user experiences. Amongst the 62,000+ reviews, complaints about irritation or stinging remain relatively uncommon compared to the volume of positive feedback.
Contact lens wearers specifically note they’ve worn this through full working days without the itching or watering that some mascaras trigger. One user mentioned wearing it comfortably for 12-hour shifts in a hospital environment—hardly a gentle testing ground for eye makeup.
However, “sensitive eye-friendly” remains somewhat individual. A small minority of reviewers with extremely reactive eyes did report mild discomfort, though this appears to be the exception rather than the rule. If you’ve previously reacted to other Maybelline products, patch testing remains sensible.
Real-World User Feedback
The mascara’s 4.3-star rating across over 62,000 UK reviews paints a picture of broad satisfaction with specific caveats. Users frequently praise the natural yet noticeable result, with many describing it as their new everyday go-to. The Burgundy Haze shade has developed a particular following amongst those with blue or green eyes, with reviewers noting it provides subtle definition that makes eye colour pop without the harshness of solid black.
Every day, positive observations include the lack of clumping even after multiple coats, the ease of reaching lower lashes, and surprisingly good curl-holding properties despite not being marketed primarily as a curling mascara. Several users mention they’ve stopped using lash curlers altogether since switching to Sky High.
On the flip side, a recurring theme in critical reviews concerns the difficulty of removal. Whilst the majority find it washes off easily, some users report it clings stubbornly and requires oil-based removers or multiple passes with micellar water. A few mentioned losing more lashes than usual during removal, suggesting technique matters—gentle, patient removal rather than aggressive rubbing appears key.
The product’s longevity attracts mixed feedback. Some find the tube lasts a respectable 2-3 months with daily use, whilst others note the formula seems to dry out more quickly than expected, particularly if the cap isn’t secured properly after each use.
Pros
- Genuinely lengthening effect verified by thousands of users, creating noticeably extended lashes without appearing false
- Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, with relatively few irritation complaints amongst sensitive-eyed users
- Minimal flaking or smudging during typical 8-12 hour wear, holding up through London commutes and office environments
- Precision application is possible even in small spaces or on the go, thanks to the slim, flexible brush design.
- Outstanding value at around £6-7, often discounted further during Amazon sales events.
- Clean removal with standard makeup removers, no specialist products required for most users
Areas for Improvement
- Volume results are modest compared to dedicated volumising formulas—requires layering if dramatic thickness is your goal.
- Some users find removal more challenging than expected, particularly if using only water-based cleansers.
- Not waterproof despite decent water resistance—will eventually break down with swimming, heavy rain, or crying.
- The formula may dry out faster than premium alternatives, and a few reports indicate it thickens after 6-8 weeks of use.
- Staying power is inconsistent for very long days—some reviewers note needing touch-ups after 10+ hours.
Who Is This For?
This mascara suits everyday makeup wearers seeking natural-looking length and definition without spending luxury-brand prices. It’s particularly well-matched to those with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, or anyone who’s previously experienced irritation from other mascaras. The ophthalmologist-tested credentials and bamboo extract formula make it a sensible starting point if you’re cautious about eye reactions.
Daily commuters and office workers will appreciate the flake-free wear that survives Tube humidity and air-conditioned offices alike. If your routine involves quick makeup application in less-than-ideal lighting, the forgiving brush design reduces application errors considerably.
It’s equally appropriate for makeup beginners who want reliable results without mastering complex techniques, and for seasoned makeup enthusiasts seeking a dependable everyday option to reserve pricier mascaras for special occasions.
However, if you require genuinely waterproof performance—perhaps you’re a regular swimmer, work in steamy kitchens, or have very watery eyes—you’d be better served by Maybelline’s waterproof Sky High variant or a dedicated waterproof formula. Similarly, those seeking dramatic, Instagram-worthy volume might find this too subtle for their preferences, though layering it with a volumising primer could bridge that gap.
Comparable Products
L’Oréal Paris Paradise Extatic Mascara
For those willing to spend slightly more (usually £8), this L’Oréal option delivers comparable lengthening with a softer, more feathery brush that some users find gentler on sensitive eyes. Reviews indicate it’s less prone to clumping but may not hold curl quite as effectively throughout humid British days. The formula feels lighter on lashes, though staying power receives mixed feedback compared to Sky High’s more resilient performance.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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L’Oreal Paris Limited Edition Paradise Extatic Mascara 6.4ml – Black |
£7.99 |
Buy on Amazon UK |
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Mascara
As a British high-street staple priced around £15, this provides excellent smudge resistance and particularly suits mature users or those concerned about transferring to hooded eyelids. The trade-off is less dramatic lengthening than Sky High and a slightly drier formula that requires more careful application. It’s worth considering if you’ve struggled with other mascaras smudging by midday, though the Maybelline offers better value for length-focused results.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Boots No7 Stay Perfect Mascara Black/Brown 7ML |
£16.45
£14.95 |
Buy on Amazon UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this irritate my eyes if I wear contact lenses daily?
A: The product is ophthalmologist-tested and specifically labelled as suitable for contact lens wearers. User feedback from lens wearers is predominantly positive, with many reporting comfortable all-day wear. Individual reactions vary, so monitoring how your eyes respond during initial use remains sensible.
Q: Does the Very Black shade truly deliver intense colour or fade to grey?
A: Reviews consistently describe the Very Black (shade 01) as genuinely dark and pigmented, maintaining its intensity throughout the day without fading to grey. For a softer look, users recommend the Brown or Burgundy Haze alternatives.
Q: How does this compare to the waterproof version of Sky High?
A: The washable formula reviewed here removes more easily but offers less resistance to water and tears. The waterproof variant provides superior staying power through swimming or crying, but requires oil-based removers and can feel slightly stiffer on lashes. Choose based on whether easy removal or maximum durability matters more for your routine.
Q: Will this hold a curl throughout a typical British workday?
A: User observations suggest it maintains curl reasonably well for 6-8 hours, with some users noting they no longer need a lash curler. If you have exceptionally straight lashes, using a curler beforehand helps, as this isn’t primarily marketed as a curling mascara despite its decent curl-retention properties.
Q: Is the formula suitable for those with very short or sparse lashes?
A: The lengthening effect appears most noticeable on shorter lashes, with multiple users specifically praising its performance in this scenario. The slim brush reaches even the tiniest lashes effectively, making it well-suited for those with minimal natural length.
Buying Tips
At its regular price of around £12.99, the Sky High mascara represents fair value, but savvy shoppers can usually find it discounted to £6-8 on Amazon UK. It frequently appears in Lightning Deals during Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November), sometimes dropping below £6.
The product qualifies for Amazon Prime’s next-day delivery, which is handy if you run out unexpectedly before an important event. Maybelline occasionally offers multi-buy discounts, so purchasing two tubes during sales can provide several months’ supply at reduced cost—though only do this if you’re confident the formula works for you, as mascara should ideally be replaced every 3 months for hygiene reasons.
Returns are straightforward under Amazon’s standard 30-day policy if the product arrives sealed but doesn’t suit your needs, though opened cosmetics may be subject to restrictions depending on the seller’s policies.
Check current price and availability on Amazon UK, where it consistently ranks as the UK’s #1 bestselling mascara with Prime delivery options.
Conclusion & Final Verdict
Based on a comprehensive analysis of product specifications, extensive user feedback, and industry observations, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara delivers credibly on its core promises for most users. The lengthening effect appears genuine and noticeable, the sensitive-eye credentials hold up across thousands of experiences, and the all-day wear performance suits typical British routines involving public transport, offices, and unpredictable weather.
It won’t replace high-end mascaras for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of performance, nor will it satisfy anyone requiring dramatic volume or complete waterproofing. For everyday wear at a fraction of luxury prices, it represents thoroughly sensible value—particularly if you’ve struggled with eye irritation from other formulas.
The product occupies a sweet spot: sophisticated enough to deliver visible results, gentle enough for sensitive eyes, and affordable enough to replace regularly without guilt. For those seeking a reliable lengthening mascara that respects both your eyes and your budget, this warrants serious consideration. The 62,000+ customer ratings and #1 bestseller status suggest that British buyers have clearly voted with their wallets—and their lashes.
Last update on 2025-10-14 at 03:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
