There is a reason New Zealanders keep coming back to the same pink tube when mascara season rolls around. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara has become a staple on shelves at Chemist Warehouse, Farmers and Woolworths, not just for its viral reputation but for a formula that delivers real length without the smudge.

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Key ingredient: Bamboo extract and fibers · Waterproof version: Yes · Price range NZ: $22.94 – $34.99 · Shades in NZ: Very Black, Blackest Black, Brown

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact sales figures in New Zealand – no official brand data publicly available
  • Whether it is objectively the #1 mascara globally – rankings are subjective and vary by market
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continued retailer rotation – watch Chemist Warehouse and Bargain Chemist for sales
  • Waterproof version may gain further shelf space as summer approaches

Seven key specs, one clear pattern: Maybelline leans on dermatological safety and a fibre-heavy formula to stand out in a crowded aisle.

Specification Detail
Brand Maybelline
Product line Lash Sensational Sky High
Price range NZ $22.94 – $34.99 (varies by retailer)
Key ingredient Bamboo extract and fibers
Shades available Very Black, Blackest Black, Brown
Waterproof option Yes
Suitable for sensitive eyes Yes

Why is Sky High Mascara so popular?

What makes the formula unique?

  • Bamboo extract and fibers create a lengthening effect without clumping (Maybelline New York – official product page)
  • The flex brush allows even distribution from root to tip, minimising clumps (Maybelline New York – official product page)
  • Ophthalmologist and allergy tested – a rarity at this price point (Maybelline New York – official product page)

How does the brush design contribute?

  • The flexible bristles reach short and sparse lashes without poking the lash line
  • Designed to separate and coat each lash, giving a false-lash effect with one coat
  • Washable formula means no harsh removers needed (Woolworths – product listing)
The upshot

For a mass-market brand, the combination of a flex brush and bamboo extract creates an effect that competes with prestige formulas at a fraction of the cost. The real draw for NZ buyers: you get length and volume without the ritual of waterproof remover.

The implication: Sky High uses ingredients and testing protocols that prestige brands charge double for, giving budget-conscious shoppers a legitimate alternative.

What is Sky High Mascara a dupe for?

Which high-end mascaras does it compare to?

  • Frequently compared to Too Faced Better Than Sex for the same volumising effect at a lower price
  • Some users say it mimics the lengthening of Lancôme Hypnôse but without the premium label
  • A Tryandreview user described the waterproof version as giving “length and volume to Asian lashes” (Tryandreview – consumer review)

How does the price compare?

  • At NZ$22.94 (during Chemist Warehouse promo) it is roughly a third of the cost of Too Faced Better Than Sex (Chemist Warehouse New Zealand – Facebook)
  • Current retail prices hover between $29.99 and $34.99, still well below high-end competitors

The pattern: Sky High prices undercut prestige brands by roughly 60%, making it the logical choice for shoppers who want department-store results on a drugstore budget.

Three mascara options, one clear trade-off: waterproof vs washable. Here is how the two Sky High variants stack up.

Feature Washable (standard) Waterproof
Formula base Bamboo extract + fibers (Woolworths) Bamboo extract + fibers + water-resistant polymers (Maybelline)
Smudge resistance Good for daily wear; may transfer in humidity Holds curl and resists sweat/humidity
Removal Easy – warm water and gentle cleanser Requires oil-based remover
Ideal for Everyday office/ school Events, oily lids, humid climates
Price (NZ) $29.99 – $34.99 $29.99 – $34.99
The catch

Waterproof holds better but demands a dedicated remover. Users wearing contact lenses should prefer the washable version to avoid debris.

What this means: the choice between variants depends entirely on your daily environment – office workers can save time with washable, while outdoor event-goers need waterproof security.

Is Sky High Mascara actually good?

What do reviews say?

Does it flake or smudge?

  • The washable formula is designed to avoid flaking and smudging (Woolworths – product listing)
  • Some TikTok reviewers note that a flat-lash curl can drop with the regular formula (TikTok – user review) – consider waterproof for stubborn straight lashes
The trade-off

Washable avoids makeup wipes but may let down stubborn lashes. Waterproof holds but needs oil-based removal.

The pattern: performance reviews split along formula lines – the washable version excels at comfort and removal, while waterproof delivers superior hold for challenging lashes.

What are the top 5 best mascaras?

How does Sky High rank?

  • Sky High regularly appears in top-5 lists from beauty bloggers and retailer best-seller pages (PriceSpy NZ – among 10 most popular mascaras)
  • Its blend of bamboo-fibre lengthening and dermatological testing gives it an edge over drugstore peers

What are the alternatives?

  • L’Oréal Paris Telescopic – great for length, less volume
  • CoverGirl Lash Blast – reliable volume, fewer shade options in NZ
  • Benefit They’re Real! – premium price, holds curl well
  • Too Faced Better Than Sex – the benchmark Sky High is compared to
Why this matters

For NZ shoppers on a budget, Sky High offers the best value per millilitre among the top five because it delivers both length and volume without requiring a separate primer.

What this means: against its top-five competitors, Sky High stands alone in offering dual performance – length and volume – at under $35, a combination the alternatives force you to buy separately.

Where can I buy Sky High Mascara in NZ?

Chemist Warehouse NZ

  • Often runs promotions – historical price as low as $22.94 (Chemist Warehouse New Zealand – Facebook)
  • Current price around $29.99 (as of 2025 retailer listings)

Farmers NZ

  • Stocks Very Black and Blackest Black at $34.99
  • Occasional beauty-club discounts for members

Woolworths NZ

  • Carries Very Black and Blackest Black at $34.99
  • Washable formula confirmed via Woolworths Australia listing (Woolworths – product listing)

Bargain Chemist NZ

  • Reports show Brown shade available at around $29.99
  • A good alternative when Chemist Warehouse is out of stock
Bottom line: Sky High is what it is: a mass-market mascara that performs like a prestige one because of bamboo fibre and a flex brush. NZ shoppers wanting the best price should watch Chemist Warehouse and Bargain Chemist for sales. Those who need waterproof hold should accept the extra removal step as the price for all-day security.

The unique flex brush and nourishing formula set Sky High apart from competitors in the same price tier.

– Maybelline Australia – product description

Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, it is suitable for most eye types without irritation.

– Chemist Warehouse NZ – product description

For the New Zealand shopper, the choice is clear: buy Sky High for daily length and volume when you want a dupe that actually delivers, and opt for the waterproof variant when a rainstorm is in the forecast.

If you are building a complete beauty routine, see our guide to the best hair dryer NZ and the best conditioner and shampoo for every hair type.

Additional sources

youtube.com, weareglamerus.com, reddit.com

For a detailed look at how the formula performs across the Atlantic, check out this UK review of Sky High mascara that covers shades and application tips.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Sky High Mascara waterproof?

Yes, a waterproof version is available. The regular formula is washable and water-based.

Does Sky High Mascara smudge?

According to the brand, the washable formula does not flake or smudge. Some users report slight transfer in very humid conditions; the waterproof variant eliminates that.

Is Sky High Mascara safe for contact lens wearers?

Yes, it is ophthalmologist and allergy tested, making it suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

How do you remove Sky High Mascara?

The washable formula comes off with warm water and a gentle cleanser. The waterproof version needs an oil-based makeup remover.

What is the difference between Sky High and Sky High Waterproof?

The waterproof version contains water-resistant polymers that hold curl and resist sweat, while the washable version is easier to remove but may drop curl on very straight lashes.

Can I use Sky High Mascara on lower lashes?

Yes, the flex brush allows precise application on lower lashes without clumping.

How long does Sky High Mascara last?

Once opened, the product should be replaced after three months for hygiene and performance.