Review: Maybelline XXL Extensions® Washable Mascara

OVERALL RATING:  8/10

PROS:  Drastically lengthens lashes, brushes are easy to use, comes with both a primer and mascara

CONS:  Actual mascara may make lashes a little spidery, clumps easily if not applied carefully


I ran out of my go-to Covergirl Lashblast Fusion mascara a little while ago, and while I believe that the Lashblast mascara definitely does its job, I wanted to try something else out for a change and to see if there was anything better out there that I was missing.


I just happened to glance down to the bottom of the Maybelline display at CVS while I was browsing, and the XXL Pro Extensions mascara caught my eye.  I remembered my friend having an early version of this mascara when we were both just beginning to experiment with makeup, so it was a little bit of a nostalgia attack.  I picked it up just to check it out, and noticed that there were some pretty extraordinary claims about what this mascara can do on the packaging.  As someone who is constantly irritated by my short, thin lashes, anything that claims that it could make them a even a little bit longer is something I'm eager to try.  I purchased the mascara and headed home to test it out.

Maybelline claims that this product can give you "up to 85% visibly longer lashes."  While I'm not sure about how close it comes to hitting that exact percentage, the claim about visibly longer lashes is no joke.

This product is actually a two-in-one;  A lash primer that tames lashes and builds length, and a mascara that darkens and adds even more length.  The tube is double-ended, and the brushes are attached to the center part.  The caps that you twist off contain the mascara and the primer. The primer is marked with the number 1 (so you know to apply it first), and the mascara is marked with a number 2.  If you've never used a primer before, don't be surprised by the white color--it will be completely covered up by the step 2 mascara.

If nothing else, I'd highly recommend getting this mascara for the primer alone.  It separates, tames, and drastically lengthens lashes like nothing I've ever used before.  It's simply wonderful!

Immediately after applying this mascara, I noticed an obvious, dramatic increase in the length of my lashes.  Here are the before (left) and after (right) pictures:

As you can see, the length is definitely improved by this product.  The mascara also gives a very nice, intense wash of black to the lashes to make your eyes pop.

As far as the actual mascara goes, I've used better.  It has a tendency to clump and/or make the lashes stick together, although careful and proper application will help to curtail this problem.

So, is this product worth buying?  In a word, yes.  The primer will not disappoint you, and will certainly lengthen short lashes.  The mascara works just fine, and if you have a steady hand, you can get great results!

Maybelline XXL Extensions® Washable Mascara can be found in the U.S. at most drugstores (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.) and some specialty stores, like Ulta.  This mascara is also available in a waterproof formula, and both retail for about $9.

Have you used this or any of the other XXL mascaras from Maybelline?  What did you think?  Let me know in the comments!