Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Washable Mascara Blackest Black Review

Hi everyone! The Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket mascara was the first Maybelline mascara I've used in years and years, so I was pretty excited to try it. Maybelline claims "Explosive Volume In Rocket Time! 8X Bigger, Smoother. Now, the most explosive, beautiful lashes ever!"   Yes please, count me in!  I love huge, thick lashes with volume... I'm not a natural lash type of gal... The bigger the better!

Here is a picture of my natural lashes. They're short-to-average in length and average thickness. They're blonde at the tips so the length sort of disappears without dark mascara, but it is there! My lashes are curled. The only product I have on here is concealer. 
So did this give me "explosive" lashes?  Keep reading to find out!

Packaging and Brush: The mascara tube seems on the large and bulky side, but I was able to grip it. I would prefer a thinner, more streamlined top so I can wrap my hand around it better. Thumbs down to the clunky packaging.

The brush tapers a bit and is thinner at the end. Also, you can see in the photo that the bristles closest to the handle are the longest, and the end of the brush has very short/almost non-existent bristles. When I first saw the brush, I was excited about the amount of bristles on the brush. I envisioned the bristles combing through each lash, dividing and separating them. Now... I know this is a volume mascara so I was expecting a dense look... but I was also expecting definition because usually these tapered-end brushes offer so much control. You should be able to coat every hard-to-reach eyelash to perfection because of the precision of that narrow end. This brush works best on my bottom lashes, it really grabs each little lash and I can apply it without making a mess. I do think the brush is excellent. Now, on to the formula...
Formula: This was the disappointing factor for me. First thing I notice when applying is how wet and sticky this mascara is. It takes forever to dry! Sometimes I actually find it annoying because I have wet, sticky lashes for about five minutes. When it finally dries, my lashes are pretty crispy. I personally don't mind a crispy lash, but if you prefer flexible lashes stay far, far away. My main issue is how the formula clumps mutiple lashes together and makes it look like I only have ten, weirdly thick eyelashes. *sigh* Where is the dense volume?? Where is the gorgeous definition? Unfortunately, my lashes look so sparse I'm not really seeing any volume. However, the formula and the brush work well on my bottom lashes, so I will use this up. I won't be repurchasing though.

Lasting Power: The mascara lasts all day without smudging or flaking. I was definitely impressed with the lasting power! 
*One thing to note: This mascara is the most difficult to remove mascara I've ever used! Including waterproof mascaras. It just sticks to my lashes. I use my fingers (rather than a cotton ball/makeup remover pad) to gently rub eye makeup remover on my lashes. I have to massage it in for a minute or so, then very gently wipe off the makeup. Be careful not to tug with this formula, it's like cement and (trust me...) will take your eyelashes off with it!
Final Thoughts: This did not work for me, and I wouldn't recommend it. I really don't like how this sticks my lashes together. Plus, it's so not worth the trouble it takes to remove. Sorry, Maybelline, no "explosive" lashes here!



What do you think of this mascara? How does it compare to other Maybelline mascaras? 



Thanks for stopping by :)  Cass