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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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?
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41 comments

  1. I think I'll stick with my beloved Lash Blast, it's pretty hard to beat that formula, nothing else makes me lashes look better :)

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    1. I like the Lash Blast family of mascaras too, but I find that The Rocket gives me more volume, overall. :)

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  2. Is it just my lashes or something?? I never get this kind of volume from any mascara...they are all almost the same on me except some lengthening ones really do give length... but this one (which I DO love too btw) really gives me separated fanned out lashes with a bit of volume. I love the brush because it's so stiff and has a lot of bristles it is my go to "quickie" mascara because it catches almost all of my lashes right away.

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    1. It's not just you! I have that issue with lots of mascaras too. My tried and true, and the ones I always go back to for mega volume are:

      Jordana Best Lash Extreme
      Prestige (all formulas)
      NYC Big Bold
      PF Organic Wear Jumbo Lash
      Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal

      And now The Rocket. :)

      Hope that helps!

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  3. I absolutely love this mascara from the second I tried it. I use waterproof just because it holds a curl better on me and just looks better overall on my lashes. I actually went and got a back up so that I will have it for a while lol. This is my new holy grail aside from my Loreal False Fibers which I also love! But this one does give more volume and I love that. I'm so glad it worked for you it's an awesome drugstore mascara!

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad to hear this is working for you too! Yay!

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  4. I Have used all the raved about DS mascaras: all the lash lasts, all the falsies, all the voliminous, and beyond! I have also used several mid range, and a few high end.

    For a while the clump crusher and smashbox full exposure was the best I thought I was gonna get. I figured I'd just never find my HG.

    Then, my beautiful baby Rocket came into my life! Lol.
    If u like lash blast, but still want something MORE, try it out! You may be able to say the sentence I never thought I'd get the chance to say... I love my mascara!

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    Replies
    1. I totally agree about this giving ” something more” to the lashes! :)

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  5. I was a lash blast girl for years.. length topped with volume. With all the new mascaras that came out in the last couple of months I decided to give them all a try and Loreal has blown my mind. I have short, fine lashes with a decent curl. For one step everyday lashes the regular million lashes is my one stop shop, very fluttery and separated, really nice buildable length and volume in one coat, and a really nice brush with both a wide middle and a sharp pointed end, best of both worlds. But the new telescopic shocking extensions topped with the regular voluminous is HG, my lashes honestly look like falsies.. super long and as thick as I want to go.. I use the voluminous with a light hand because you could get crazy volume if you want to go there. None of them have given me any problem with performance whatsoever. The telescopic/voluminous is a bit hard to remove. I use regular not WP.

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    1. Gah!! I soooo wish that L'oreal mascaraa worked for me! I've tried so many over the years and i'm convinced that there's one ingredient they all share that doesn't work with my oily skin, because the all smear on me within just a few hours. Such a bummer!! :(

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    2. Loreal doesn't work for me either! I have tried all different kinds and they just don't provide the volume and LENGTH that I need ... and then flakes off like crazy! Totally a bummer because I like some of their other products quite a bit :)

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  6. My Rocket mascara is very wet and almost sticky on the lashes. I wonder if there is a difference in batches or something!

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    Replies
    1. Wow, really? Mine is not like that at all! Maybe you're right and it's a batch thing. Hum...

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    2. Mine's very wet too. I have to follow up with a drier mascara brush to smooth things out. Maybe I'm a "separate and define" gal....lol

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    3. I agree, mine is quite wet too. I have to follow up with a drier mascara brush to smooth things out. Maybe I'm a "define and separate" gal, lol

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    4. maybelline mascaras have a very wet formula, which, if you don't have very many lashes, won't work for you. for me, the lash blast mascara doesn't work because its too dry and it makes my lashes crunchy and they fall out. but maybelline mascara's are good for me. I LOVE this one, although, it does flake on me. but throughout the day if I can "see" my lashes when I'm walking, I'll treat my finger like a mascara wand and start at the base and wiggle up because I feel like they're clumping. lol. but seriously, L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black is my all time favorite mascara, I like ALOT of volume and that one gives it too me, I don't need alot of length because my lashes are already pretty decent in length. and the voluminous' brush doesn't clump for me, at all, and it gives me NATURAL looking volume, which is one complaint for this, I feel like when its lengthening, it doesn't lengthen straight, it like zig zags if that makes ANY sense.. it probably doesn't. to avoid making this an editorial. BYE YOU GUYS :D

      Delete
  7. I love this mascara! My favorites are Full & Soft, the Clump Crusher and this one. And I agree with you that mascaras that work for one person may not work for another. Luckily this one works for me. Thanks, G.

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Pilar! Glad to hear this is working for you!

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  8. I might try this if it goes on sale or I get a good coupon, otherwise I'm sticking with my beloved t&t L'Oreal Million Lashes. I do like the original Volum'express in the yellow tube too though. Just not quite as well.

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  9. I, too, like mascaras with a little clumpage :p I think Maybelline mascaras are all surpreme! I haven't met one I didn't like :p

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  10. I know, I know mascara is so subjective! But now I'm so on the fence about this. I saw a first impression video on YouTube and was impressed. I have an unopened tube of the waterproof version and now I'm debating returning it.

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    Replies
    1. Did you not buy it from a retailer there accepts returns on used products? Since you already own it I would definitely at least try it a few times! :)

      Delete
  11. I've never been able to get past the scent of maybelline's mascaras. To me, they smell like a broken ink pen, and I can't stand it!

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    Replies
    1. Hum...I guess I see what you mean, but I have never found the scent to be strong (they just smell earthy to me). I'm sorry they bother you! :(

      Delete
  12. I love this mascara! I like also Max Factor Lash False Effect (do U have MF in your country?) and Benefit - They re real.

    The volume formula is also my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, Max Factor is no longer sold in retail stores in the US. But when they were, I LOVED so many of their mascaras. Sigh...

      Delete
  13. I love it. I have tried pretty much every mascara in the drugstore, Sephora, and high-end department brands and this is AWESOME!!! It actually one of the only mascaras that holds a curl AND it gives my false lashes a run for their money (its nice to take a break from falsies and just rely on your own lashes sometimes). Plus, it washes off easily (but doesn't smear down my lower lids mid-day)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! So happy to hear it's working for you too!

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  14. i actually really like this wand and formula, except for the fact it smudges on me. i have hella oily lids tho and the only one that doesn't is cover girl 24 hr wear. i like that the wand is easier to maneuver than lash blast.

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    Replies
    1. Boo! I'm so sorry to hear that, Kellie! I have that problem with a lot of formulas too but (thankfully) not this one. Maybe try the WP formula?

      Delete
  15. I have gone through like five tubes of the Maybelline volume express "falsies" (the regular, not the 'flared' version, that one sucks on me) and LOVE the amount of length that mascara gives (pretty good volume too)... but I saw the rocket one and of course had to buy it ... my batch was "wet/creamy" batch but perfect consistency for me and it totally made my lashes look thick and full, but still not enough length (I want drama!), so I top it with the volume express "falsies" and WHOA!! No longer do I have sad anorexic lashes, they are fat and long, and I LOVE it!! I guess the fact that I have to buy two drug store mascaras to achieve the perfect look is probably the same price as a high end mascara isn't really saving me any money but oh well, lol.

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  16. i love this mascara! i just wish it was easier to take off! i literally have to soak my lashes in baby oil gel bc makeup remover wipes dont get it off! lol and my makeup remover wipes are for waterproof formula. I didnt even get the waterproof rocket mascara! i got the regular. i cant imagine how hard the waterproof is to get off. but other than that i love it!

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    Replies
    1. I don't have a problem taking this mascara off but I use cleansing oil to take off all the make up on my eyes... I don't use cotton pads either because they always pull off my eyelashes, lol. I just squirt some cleansing oil into my hands and rub at my eyes for a few seconds, then add some warm water and rub some more and then wash off with regular face wash (along with the rest of my face). Not all cleansing oils are made the same though - some are better than others. If you have a good Asian grocery store near you they may have tons of different brands that are all pretty good, but I saw a Chinese tv show that the test for good cleansing oil is if it turns from oil to a milky white liquid with the addition of water. Good luck!

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  17. i love this mascara! i just wish it was easier to take off! i literally have to soak my lashes in baby oil gel bc makeup remover wipes dont get it off! lol and my makeup remover wipes are for waterproof formula. I didnt even get the waterproof rocket mascara! i got the regular. i cant imagine how hard the waterproof is to get off. but other than that i love it!

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  18. I love separating mascara and hate clumps. I was wondering if you could recommend any for me. I tried the 3 dollar mascara and found it was okay. I tried the rocket which I have a like/hate relationship, and tried the covergirl lash blast but they just flaked on me.

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  19. I really liked the way this wore but I HATE trying to clean it off at night. You would think its waterproof the way it holds onto my lashes. I prefer not to wear it for that very reason. I think I'm going to try the colossal or maybe the falsies flared!! (I just had pink eye so I have the perfect excuse to buy new mascaras!!)

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  20. this mascara seems very inconsistant. When i read reviews, it's almost like people are talking about 2 different mascaras. Half the people say it's a gel/wet formula and the other half say that it's dry and clumpy. I'm so confused. Either way, I have no idea if I should buy this. I have yet to find a mascara that works. I end up with length and no volume with most of the drug store mascaras. le sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love Maybelline mascaras but this one was a big dissapointment.
    I usually use the Volum'Express or Falsies so I expected the Rocket Blackest Black to be as good.It makes my eyelashes seem pretty fine in the morning but after a few hours it gets very dry,flaky,clumpy and it's sooo difficult to remove even with makeup remover for waterproof makeup. I was puzzled and triple checked just in case I got mixed up and bought the waterproof by mistake.
    In the end after I've been trying to remove as gently as possible I'm left with half my eyelashes on my cotton pad.
    Not nice!!!

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  22. Great review! Just got the mascara myself :)

    ReplyDelete

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