I never usually have the same mascara twice, I tend to mix and match various ones as I am never completely satisfied with any mascara (its more my eyelashes I don't like but I'll blame the mascara!). All mascara's I use are lengthening, volumising and black. I can't use blue or brown mascara because it just isn't the same.

Admittedly, the main reason for buying this mascara was the look of it. I love the pink and green packaging - which is a lot like Benefit's range! It stands out on the shelf amongst all the other colourful make-up products and I think the bright colour choice is really useful. The applicator brush is really thick and more like a toilet brush than a fine comb. I suppose the thick bristles do help with application of volume because lots of product is transferred to your lashes at once.

The mascara is deemed as 'America's favourite' but as a Brit, I have to say I think it might be a 'British favourite' too, I am yet to find someone who doesn't like this mascara - even if they don't buy it every time.

To apply the mascara, I curl my lashes, apply my 'lengthening mascara' (which is Skyscraper by Collection 2000) then use this product. Admittedly, you can see a huge difference straight away and there is no doubt about the volume it gives! It applies smoothly to lashes and you don't need to 'stroke' them many times to get a good coating - although it can clump very easily and give you spider legs if you're not careful! I tend to stroke about 3 times which leaves them volumised but not too clumpy, then make sure I'm very careful when blinking for about a minute or I end up with dots of mascara all around my eyes which isn't a good look.

I would say that the only 'benefit' of the mascara is its thickening ability, it doesn't really give length or curl - but how many mascaras actually do more than one?!

My only real issue with this mascara is the brush, it is quite rounded and doesn't have much of a point which makes it really awkward when you apply it to the inner and outer corner lashes (the middle lashes it applies to easily). I think if they gave the wand a better shape then it would probably be more of a hit, but I still wouldn't say it's a 'huge' issue.

When it comes to removing the mascara, I find it quite easy. The mascara lasts quite a while throughout the day without going bitty and coming off like some do - so brownie points to Maybelline for 'staying power'. I usually wash my face over with warm water and a flannel before attempting a make-up wipe but this is due to my skin reacting badly (I also find it takes a lot of scrubbing to remove mascara from eyelashes without soaking them first and it pulls eyelashes out - which take up to 6 weeks to grow back!). After soaking my face, I find that most of the mascara does loosen from the lashes and comes off quite easily - while making a terrible mess of my face which proves it wouldn't be 'tear proof'.

Great Lash is available in 6 shades ranging from 'very black' through to 'blue' so there is something for everyone. The tube costs around £5-£6 depending on where you buy it. It is available on most Maybelline counters. I have seen it for £5.39 at Tesco and £5.99 at Boots - but the prices have probably changed since then as this was summer 2011.

I would definitely recommend this mascara for its volumising ability, it gives your eyelashes a great new look and can be easily removed which means it isn't a nightmare waiting to happen. There is nothing worse than a gorgeous mascara which doesn't come off easily - it makes me not want to put it on!