Review: Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Washable Mascara in Blackest Black

Full disclosure: I adore Maybelline mascaras. My favorite formula is Volum' Express The Colossal (in the yellow tube) but when I first heard that Maybelline was releasing a new volumizing formula (my favorite type of formula), I. WAS. SO. THERE. No arm-twisting or sale-enticements needed. In fact, the minute I found the display for the newest Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara at the drugstore, I scanned the display for the blackest black washable shade, plopped it in my basket and practically sprinted to the register.

Now that I've been using this mascara on and off for over a month now, I'd love to share my thoughts with you. Did it live up to my (high) expectations? Read on to find out....

 Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Washable Mascara in Blackest Black

(retail: around $7, 0.3 oz)

This mascara also comes in a waterproof formula.

"Explosive volume, even from root to tip"

Keep reading for my full review...

Let's take a closer look at the brush:

I love the transluscent outer core and the pink inner core; it's a shame you can't see this once you actually dip the brush in the tube. Anyway, as I do with all of my mascara reviews, here's a side-by-side of The Rocket's brush next to the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion brush, just for perspective:

 Left: Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket

Right: CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion

At first it appears that the Lash Blast Fusion brush is lot bigger than The Rocket but, upon closer inspection, they're actually quite similar in size (and shape):

So I'm willing to bet that if you like the way Lash Blast brushes feel, you'll probably like The Rocket's brush too. The both have that tapered end and they're about the same length/width.

Here's my eye, without any makeup whatsoever. As you can see, my lashes are short, straight and pretty much non-existent:

Here's the same eye after two coats of Maybelline The Rocket:

And here's a shot of both my eyes (on another day) after two coats of Maybelline The Rocket:

Let me tell you right up front that I don't like writing mascara reviews. But that's only because mascara is probably THE most subjective beauty product we can apply to our faces. Seriously, what I may love, you may despise, and vice versa. So much depends on the length and thickness of your lashes, in addition to your application technique, how many coats you wear, what other types of makeup you wear in combination with your mascara, the climate in your area, your skincare routine, and a whole host of other variables.

So when I say that I love this mascara, I'm saying it knowing full well that YOU may not love it. And I'm not here to persuade you--I only want to give you the reasons why I personally love this product and why it works for me (which can hopefully help you determine if it might work for you).

That said, here's why I love it:

I gravitate toward mascaras that give me a little "clumpage." My lashes are non-existant, so I need a thicker mascara that's going to do more than just separate and define. I need a good ol' thick, heavy, clump-ish formula or I might as well not use mascara at all. And this one has the clumpage I crave.

The brush is fantastic. I can reach every single lash (both upper and lower) and it's a dream to use if you favor the "windshield-wiper" technique for applying mascara to your lower lashes (holding the brush in the vertical position and going back and forth like a windshield wiper with the tip of the brush).

Like with my favorite Volum' Express The Colossal, this washable formula has great staying power on my oily skin. I can get a full eight hours before I start to see even the tiniest bit of smudging on my lower lash line. And unlike some other drugstore brands, this mascara does not disintegrate and disappear after a few hours of wear (I have that problem with so many drugstore mascaras these days!). Also, I've experienced no flaking with this mascara.

Why YOU may not love it:

If you are a "seperation and definition" type of person, this is probably going to give you too much volume. If you're more for subtle, natural-looking mascaras, I say keep on walkin' right past this one.

If you don't like a dry texture to your mascara, this may not be for you. Don't get me wrong: this formula doesn't feel terribly dry during application, but when it dries, my lashes do feel dry and borderline "crisp." This doesn't bother me personally, because I have oily skin and I actively look for mascaras that have a drier finish because that means they probably won't smudge and run during the course of the day. But if you have dry skin and/or you don't like a drier finish to your mascaas, again, keep on walkin' right past this one.

Lastly, there's no funky fragrance to The Rocket. It smells pretty much like other Maybelline mascaras--a light "mascara" note, which is sort of earthy, and that's about it.

FINAL VERDICT: Is this going to be for everyone? Nope. But if you generally like mascaras that have a bit of body and "clumpage" to them, and you're OK with formulas that feel dry and a bit "crisp" after they set, then I think you'll be quite content with this product. I think The Rocket delivers some beautiful volume and, coupled with the fantastic brush, it's actually my new favorite drugstore mascara. It's just an easy mascara to apply, I love the results, it lasts all day and two coats gets me exactly what I need (aka: thick, visible lashes).

 Have you tried Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara? Thoughts?