'This £12 inflating mascara from a beloved brand gave me a false lash effect in one coat'

Daily Record

16-06-2025

If there's one beauty item I cannot live without, it's a good mascara. As someone with thin, sparse lashes, one that offers volume is an absolute must.
For that exact reason, I, like so many others, have been committed to Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High for that limitless volume without feeling weighed down. However, I think I may have just found one that has stolen its crown.
The beloved high street brand recently dropped its Colossal Bubble Mascara that promises "nine times the volume in just one coat". New to buy for £11.99 at Superdrug, Amazon and Boots, I was instantly sold by its claims and budget price-tag.
Despite being one of the latest additions to the high street, this "inflating" mascara has already earned glowing reviews, with beauty fans on the Maybelline website who say it gives "great length and volume", without being heavy or going clumpy.
As someone who is a tad obsessed with new beauty finds, I decided to get my hands on Maybelline's latest invention to see if it was another winner for the brand.
A unique formula and comb brush for inflated lashes
I'll be honest, the first thing that attracted me to this mascara was its cute yellow packaging with adorable bubble writing that instantly transported me right back to the early '00s.
Trendy packaging aside, the product description says that it combines "breakthrough" bubble technology and an inflator comb brush that volumizes and separates the lashes at the same time, so it shouldn't be too heavy or cause clumps.
One of the interesting things I read was that the formula has been infused with collagen, a favourite in skincare, to give it that buildable and sleek volume, effectively creating a "bubble lash" effect in ever stroke.
I was also surprised at the shape of the applicator, as many mascara wands can be flexible and bendy. Instead, this one felt quite sturdy and less cheap, with the spiral-shape design boasting deep-cut bristles that "inflates 100 percent of the lashes from root to tip."
A false lash effect in just one coat
After quickly giving my lashes just one coat, I instantly had quite a few thoughts on the application.
First, my lashes immediately had that enviable curl that we all try to achieve with both mascara and a pair of curlers. Not only did offer an instant lift and definition, but it looked natural and didn't feel too heavy, which can often be the case with some others out there.
Not only did it give that coveted 'false lash effect' to my otherwise thin lashes, I also found that the rigidness of the inflator comb really helped to keep a steady application, which was a surprise as I didn't think I would like it.
Beauty deal of the week
Looking for last minute gift inspiration for dad ahead of Sunday, June 15.
Then don't fret, as we have you covered, as no-one can go wrong with a new bottle of cologne, and we have spotted Versace's The Dreamer for him Eau de Toilette for 67 percent less at Superdrug.
Hailed for being "underrated" and "truly unique", a large 100ml bottle of this fragrance has been dropped from £74 to £24, allowing you to make a huge saving of £50 and get in a thoughtful gift.
Described as "warm" and "fresh", Versace's Dreamer is an aromatic fragrance that, while belonging to the cologne family, is said to boast a variety of notes that make it suitable for both men and women.
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The transparent, clear fragrance itself is housed in an opulent glass bottle that has been embossed with the iconic medusa logo, representing the luxury aesthetic of the iconic fashion house.
Versace's Dreamer EDT has managed to earn glowing reviews and a 4.6 rating from shoppers, with one saying: "Truly unique and dreamy fragrance. It's a great fragrance but it's underrated. Guys you have to try this one, it's great for all year round."
And someone else wrote: "Not to be overlooked. This is a lesser known Versace men's fragrance but oh my it is gorgeous ! Hubby loved it and amazing value for money."
Versace's The Dreamer For Him Eau de Toilette (100ml) can be bought for 67 percent less at Superdrug now.
However, I found that it really helped to properly lift right from the roots of the lashes without any accidental smudging, while each of my lashes managed to look effortlessly separated, instead of clumping together and feeling weighed down.
It is worth noting that, while I was a fan of the applicator brush, not everyone was. In fact, a few reviews on the brand's website that the fullness of the design means they have wipe excess off the brush, or it causes clumping or smudging for them.
Exagger-Eyes Mascara or Maxfactor's £15 False Lash Effect Supreme Recharge Mascara might be worth checking out as alternatives.
Overall verdict
With its cute packaging and ability to lift my lashes in just one coat without heaviness or clumping, I was instantly sold on Maybelline's Colossal Bubble Mascara.
As for me, I do prefer a natural look with my lashes, so one or two coats was enough for me, although the collagen-infused formula can offer a much more 'plumped' and 'dramatic' effect for those who'd maybe prefer that.
Another positive is that it stayed on all day without beginning to break down or smudge. Consider staying power is another must for me, this was just another positive to tick off the box.
As a self-obsessed Lash Sensational Sky High fan, dare I say that Maybelline has just launched a new contender for its crown?
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Where can I buy the Maybelline Colossal Bubble Mascara?
retailers, both online and in store. While I purchased mines from Superdrug, here is the full list of stores it can be bought from.