I have used Maybelline great lash mascara a lot over the years - mainly because of its affordable price tag. I always use waterproof mascara (why would anyone not?! and while many new mascara fads that spring up do not offer a waterproof option, Maybelline great lash does.

The packaging is fun, if a little tacky, but this is one of those extraordinary "cult status" products, and its distinctive tube makes it stand out from the others. The applicator brush is standard fayre - it does the job, but doesn't make any extra promises. It is easy to use, and I find the mascara goes on smoothly and the applicator wand doesn't present any problems (some are a bit too fat and get mascara on your eyelid which is annoying, but this one doesn't).

The formula is reliable - it gives good colour coverage (in blackest black waterproof) and definition, and lengthens moderately. You can make it work even harder by using eyelash curlers beforehand or combing the lashes with a specialist comb after to separate and further define.

There is occasionally the odd clump, and I find that after a couple of months this gets slightly worse, but a quick wipe of the wand usually does the trick. The mascara is long-lasting, and the waterproof one stays put all day and doesn't slip or run at all once applied. I have to remove it with eye makeup remover, which is fine. I wear contact lenses, and would say this mascara works very well with them, as it stays put.