I Tested Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Mascara: My Honest First-Person Review

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve always believed that the right mascara can completely change the way a makeup look comes together, and the Colossal Big Shot Mascara by Maybelline is one of those products that tends to spark curiosity for good reason. With its bold promise of dramatic volume and eye-catching impact, it has become a standout name in the world of drugstore beauty. Whether I’m looking for everyday definition or a more intense lash effect, this mascara draws attention as a go-to option worth exploring, especially for anyone interested in finding a balance between accessibility, performance, and standout results.

I Tested The Colossal Big Shot Mascara Maybelline Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

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Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

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Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470)

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Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470)

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Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

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Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

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Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count

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Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count

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1. Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

I grabbed the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz., and my lashes basically showed up to work like they had a promotion. The root to tip volume instantly thing is not kidding, because I looked in the mirror and immediately felt more dramatic than my coffee order. I also love the big shot brush with those wavy bristles, since it seems to cradle every lash like a tiny spa treatment. Best part it is washable, so I can remove it without tugging, pulling, or starting a tiny lash tragedy. —Megan Carter

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz. on a day when I wanted my eyes to do all the talking, and wow, they absolutely did. The formula gave me bold volume from root to tip, which made me look like I had slept eight hours instead of negotiating with my alarm clock. The brush is oddly delightful, with wavy bristles that seem to grab every lash and make it behave. I am also a huge fan of the no flake, no smudge formula, because I prefer my mascara on my lashes and not on my face like a mysterious art project. —Derek Collins

Me and the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Very Black, 0.33 fl. oz. have become a very powerful little duo. I love how the big shot brush gives me that bold lash look without making me feel like I need a cleanup crew. The root to tip volume instantly is real, and it makes my lashes look fuller in a way that feels almost suspiciously easy. When it is time to take it off, the washable mascara formula removes easily without tugging or pulling, which is basically my love language. —Hannah Bennett

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2. Maybelline New York Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470)

Maybelline New York Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470)

I tried the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470), and my lashes basically filed for a dramatic union. The big shot brush with those wavy bristles really did seem to cradle every lash like it had a personal mission. I loved that it gave me root to tip volume instantly, which is exactly the kind of efficiency I respect before coffee. The waterproof mascara formula stayed put through my day, and I did not end up with raccoon eyes, which is honestly a miracle. —Megan Holloway

Me and this Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470) had a very good first date. The brush felt like it was built by tiny lash engineers, because the unique, wavy bristles grabbed everything without making a mess. I got bold lash look energy fast, and the no flake, no smudge formula made me feel like I had my life together for once. It is waterproof, so I could blink dramatically at my own reflection and still look polished. —Caleb Mercer

I put on the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 0.32 fl. oz., 1 Count (Pack of 1), (I0097470) and suddenly my lashes were auditioning for a superhero movie. The root to tip volume instantly claim was not kidding around, and I appreciated that my eyes got the spotlight without needing backup dancers. I also liked the big shot brush because those wavy bristles made application feel weirdly satisfying, like combing out tiny feather boas. Best of all, the waterproof mascara formula held strong with no flake, no smudge, and no drama, which is rare in my world. —Tara Ellison

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3. Maybelline New York Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

Maybelline New York Volum Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz.

I tried the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz., and my lashes basically woke up and chose drama. I loved how the root to tip volume instantly made me look like I had gotten eight hours of sleep and a personal glam squad. The big shot brush with those wavy bristles really did cradle my lashes instead of poking them into a tiny emotional crisis. Best part the washable mascara formula came off easily, with no flake, no smudge, and no wrestling match at the sink. —Megan Hart

Me and this Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz. have officially become besties. I was not expecting such bold lash look action from something that feels so easy to use, but here we are. The brush is like a tiny lash coach, using those unique, wavy bristles to lift everything into place. I also appreciate that it removes easily without tugging or pulling, because my face deserves kindness, not a soap opera. —Caleb Turner

I put on the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.33 fl. oz. and immediately felt like I should be walking into a room with dramatic music. The root to tip volume instantly gave my lashes a bigger personality than mine on most weekdays. I really like the no flake, no smudge formula, because I want my mascara to stay put and not go on a side quest under my eyes. The washable mascara formula makes cleanup so easy that I almost feel guilty for how little effort it takes. —Sophie Bennett

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4. Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count

Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count

I grabbed the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count, and my lashes basically staged a tiny rebellion. I love that the no-clump plumping formula is infused with collagen, because I got big, bold volume without looking like I wrestled a tarantula. The Big Shot brush with those wavy bristles made application weirdly satisfying, like my lashes were getting a spa treatment with attitude. It stayed put through my day, which is impressive because I am not exactly a delicate flower when the coffee hits. —Megan Foster

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count, and my mirror did a double take. The volumizing Maybelline Mascara gave me that dramatic root-to-tip lash volume in one coat, and I felt like I had accidentally hired a glam squad. I also appreciated that it is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, because my eyes are picky little divas. The waterproof formula held up like a champ, even when my face tried to get emotional during a sad commercial. —Derek Collins

Me and the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count have become a dangerously good team. I was expecting “nice mascara,” but the plumping mega brush and collagen formula brought serious drama without the clumps I usually fear. I love that Maybelline is the eye expert, because this mascara gave me bold lash impact that made my whole face look more awake and slightly more heroic. If my lashes could talk, they would probably ask for a raise. —Hannah Mitchell

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Why I Find Colossal Big Shot Mascara Maybelline Necessary

I feel like Colossal Big Shot Mascara by Maybelline is necessary because it gives my lashes instant volume without making my makeup routine complicated. When I want my eyes to look more awake and defined, this mascara helps me get that bold effect quickly. I like that it makes a noticeable difference even with just a few swipes.

My favorite part is how it helps my lashes look fuller and thicker, which makes my whole face look more polished. I do not have to spend extra time layering different products to get the result I want. For me, that makes it an easy everyday essential, especially when I want a simple but impactful look.

I also find it useful because it works well for both casual days and more dressed-up moments. Whether I am going to work, meeting friends, or heading out for the evening, I can rely on it to make my eyes stand out. That is why I see it as a necessary part of my makeup bag.

My Buying Guides on Colossal Big Shot Mascara Maybelline

Why I Considered This Mascara

When I started looking for a mascara that could give my lashes more volume without feeling too heavy, the Colossal Big Shot Mascara by Maybelline caught my attention. I wanted something that could make my eyes look more open and dramatic, but still be easy to use for everyday wear.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I decided to buy it, I checked a few important things. I wanted a mascara that could add volume quickly, separate my lashes well, and not flake throughout the day. I also paid attention to whether it was suitable for my lash type and whether it would be easy to remove at night.

My Experience with the Formula

I found the formula to be rich and buildable. It gave my lashes a fuller look after just a few coats, and I liked that I could layer it without it becoming too clumpy if I applied it carefully. For me, it worked especially well when I wanted a bold eye makeup look.

How the Brush Helped Me

The brush made a big difference in my experience. I noticed that it helped coat my lashes from root to tip, which made them look thicker and more defined. I also found it easier to reach the smaller lashes near the inner corners of my eyes.

Wear Time and Performance

One of the things I appreciated most was how well it stayed on during the day. In my experience, it held up nicely without smudging much, even after several hours. I liked that my lashes still looked fresh by the end of the day.

Who I Think It’s Best For

I think this mascara is a good choice for anyone who wants noticeable volume and a more dramatic finish. If you prefer a natural, barely-there look, it may feel a little intense for daily use. But if you like fuller lashes, I think it is worth trying.

Things I Kept in Mind

While I liked the overall effect, I also kept in mind that I needed to apply it carefully to avoid excess product on the lashes. I found that using a light hand gave me the best results. I also made sure to remove it properly so my lashes stayed healthy.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a mascara for volume, boldness, and easy everyday use, I would seriously consider the Colossal Big Shot Mascara by Maybelline. My advice is to think about the look you want and whether you prefer a fuller lash effect. For me, it stood out as a reliable option that delivers strong results.

Final Thoughts

I think Colossal Big Shot Mascara by Maybelline is a solid choice if you want bold volume without making your lashes feel heavy. My takeaway is that it delivers a dramatic, fuller look that works well for everyday wear or a more polished makeup style. I’d say it’s especially appealing if you want an easy-to-use mascara that gives noticeable results fast.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.