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Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner Review

Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner is a drugstore liquid eyeliner designed for bold black eye definition and long-wear makeup looks. It stands out for strong colour payoff, easy application and high buyer satisfaction, though reviews suggest slower drying time and weaker waterline performance for some users.
Expert reviewed
84
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner is a liquid eye makeup product aimed at users who want defined, dramatic liner in a compact, affordable format. The product data describes a bold black metallic finish, full coverage on the eyelid, crease-resistant wear, and a travel-friendly 3g tube. It is positioned as a versatile eyeliner that can also be used in other ways, although its clearest role is traditional eye definition. With a 4.3-star average from 37,433 reviews and an overall score of 84, it appears to be a strong drugstore option for buyers who prioritise dark payoff and straightforward application. Review feedback points to smooth application and reliable wear for many users, but also suggests that the formula can be quite wet at first and may not perform as well on the waterline.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
MAYBELLINE
Number of Items
1
Age Range Description
Adult
Manufacturer Part Number
MCLEL002-00
Model Number
MCLEL002-00

Item details

Brand Name
MAYBELLINE
Number of Items
1
Age Range Description
Adult
Manufacturer Part Number
MCLEL002-00
Model Number
MCLEL002-00

Measurements

Number of Items
1
Item Weight
3 Grams
Item Dimensions
3.5 x 0.79 x 7.01 inches

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
3.5 x 0.79 x 7.01 inches; 0.11 ounces
Item model number
MCLEL002-00

Scores breakdown

87 /100

Effectiveness

88 /100

Beauty results

72 /100

Skin compatibility

58 /100

Hair compatibility

10 /100

Shade range

86 /100

Finish quality

82 /100

Longevity

60 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • Strong overall performance score for a budget liquid eyeliner.
  • Very high review volume with solid average buyer rating.
  • Bold black colour and strong definition are repeatedly mentioned in reviews.
  • Easy application is a recurring positive, supported by an 83 application score.
  • Good wear for many users, with several reviews noting minimal smudging once set.
  • Travel-friendly 3g format is convenient for makeup bags and touch-ups.

Limitations

  • Drying time appears slower than some users expect, which can lead to smearing before it sets.
  • Waterline performance looks inconsistent based on review feedback.
  • Skin compatibility and safety scores are more moderate than its performance scores.
  • Shade choice is extremely limited, with only a black option reflected in the data.
  • Some feedback raises concerns about packaging condition or product freshness on arrival.
  • Claims around waterproof wear are supported unevenly by reviews rather than consistently.

Ideal user profiles

  • Users who want a low-cost liquid eyeliner for bold everyday eye definition.
  • Buyers who prefer a traditional liquid liner feel and brush-style application.
  • People looking for a compact eyeliner to keep in a handbag or travel makeup bag.
  • Makeup users who prioritise dark colour payoff and visible definition over shade variety.

Use cases

  • Everyday eyeliner for work or daytime wear.
  • Bold black liner looks with strong eye definition.
  • Quick makeup bag top-ups while travelling.
  • Long-wear liquid liner once allowed enough drying time.
  • Simple eye looks using a classic liquid eyeliner format.
  • Budget-friendly makeup routines.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product sits firmly in the makeup category, specifically within liquid eyeliners for eye definition. Its main role in a routine is to add shape, contrast and emphasis around the eyes, whether for everyday liner looks or more dramatic makeup. In category terms, it appears to compete as an affordable, high-definition drugstore eyeliner rather than a highly customizable or premium artistry product.

Best for

Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner is best suited to users who want a low-cost liquid eyeliner with strong black payoff, clean definition and generally reliable wear. The scores for effectiveness, beauty result, application and value all support this. It is especially relevant for buyers who prefer a classic liquid liner style and do not mind allowing a short drying period after applying.

Not best for

This product may be less suitable for shoppers who want instant-dry eyeliner, dependable waterline wear or a broad choice of shades. The review sample includes mixed feedback on waterproof performance, and one detailed review reported cracking on the waterline after a few hours. Buyers with sensitive eye-area concerns should also note that safety and skin compatibility scores are more moderate than its cosmetic performance scores.

Beauty results

The visible result appears to be bold, dark eye definition with smooth, even coverage and strong contrast against the lash line. Its beauty result score of 88 suggests that the finished look is one of its strongest areas. Review feedback also supports a jet black appearance and a clean liner effect that holds up well for many users once the formula has set.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 87 , this eyeliner appears to perform well at its main job: delivering visible, lasting eye definition. The product description highlights full coverage, crease resistance and a bold black finish, while multiple reviews say it stays on for hours and does not budge once set. Practical performance concerns do remain. A wetter formula means it may smear if users do not allow enough drying time, and one negative review suggests weaker performance on the waterline. Overall, it looks effective for standard eyelid liner use, but less consistently strong across every application style.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 88 indicates that the final makeup look is one of this product's strongest assets. The provided details and reviews point to jet black payoff, smooth coverage and a dramatic eye-defining effect. For users who want visible contrast and a classic bold liner finish, the product appears to deliver a polished result more consistently than it delivers flexibility.

Skin compatibility

The skin compatibility score of 72 suggests fairly average compatibility rather than a standout formula for sensitive users. The product is described as suitable for all skin types, but the evidence provided does not include detailed ingredient or sensitivity data. One review mentions previous burning with an older version but says the current formula did not burn when retested, so compatibility feedback appears mixed and limited.

Shade range

The shade range score of 10 reflects very limited choice. Based on the supplied data, this product is focused on a single black shade rather than offering multiple tones, undertones or finish options. That makes it practical for buyers who specifically want bold black liner, but far less suitable for users who prefer softer tones, different colour looks or more personalized makeup matching.

How it compares

Within its category, this product appears stronger than many budget eyeliners for bold colour payoff, visible definition, ease of application and general value. Its large review base and high satisfaction score also make it look more proven than many lower-cost alternatives with limited buyer feedback. Where it appears less competitive is in personalization and consistency across all use cases. It is not the kind of eyeliner that stands out for shade variety or formula transparency, and it may be less dependable for waterline placement than for standard eyelid application. In short, it looks strongest as a simple, affordable, classic black liquid liner.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 84 , Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner ranks as a strong drugstore eyeliner option rather than an all-round category leader. Its profile is driven by high effectiveness, strong beauty result, good application scores, very solid value, and strong customer satisfaction supported by more than 37,000 reviews. These are meaningful advantages in an everyday makeup product. It ranks lower than a top-tier performer because a few weaker areas hold it back, especially limited shade choice, moderate safety and ingredient scores, mixed waterproof performance on the waterline, and a formula that may need extra drying time. For standard bold eyelid liner, though, it compares well.

Buying advice

Consider this eyeliner if you want an affordable black liquid liner with strong visual payoff, straightforward application and generally good all-day wear once it sets. It is especially relevant for buyers who use eyeliner mainly on the eyelid and are comfortable letting the formula dry fully after applying. You may want to skip it if your priority is waterline wear, ultra-fast drying, or broader shade choice. Before buying, check that black is the exact look you want, review seller freshness and packaging reliability, and be cautious if you are sensitive around the eye area. For reactive users, a careful patch test is a sensible extra step.
84
Overall score

Final verdict

Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner is a strong drugstore option for buyers who want bold black eye definition at a low price. Its main strength is the combination of dark payoff, easy application and generally reliable wear, backed by high review volume and solid scoring across core makeup performance areas. Its main limitation is consistency: waterproof and waterline performance appear less dependable than standard eyelid use, and the wetter formula may need more drying time than some users prefer. Overall, this is a practical, good-value eyeliner for classic liquid liner looks, but not the most versatile or foolproof choice for every application style.
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Key topics

Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner, Maybelline eyeliner review, black liquid eyeliner, drugstore eyeliner review, metallic black eyeliner, long lasting eyeliner, smudge resistant eyeliner, budget liquid eyeliner, eye makeup review

Frequently asked questions

Is Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner good for everyday use?
Based on the available data, it looks well suited to everyday use. It has an overall score of 84, strong review volume, and repeated praise for easy application, dark colour payoff, and wear that lasts through the day for many users. The main everyday drawback is that it may need a little extra drying time before setting fully.
Does Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner smudge easily?
Many reviews say it resists smudging well once it has set, and its longevity score of 82 supports fairly strong wear. However, feedback also suggests it can smear during application if it is not given enough time to dry. Smudge resistance appears better on the eyelid than on the waterline.
Is Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner waterproof?
The product is described in reviews as long-wearing and some users call it waterproof, but the evidence is mixed rather than fully consistent. One reviewer specifically said it was not waterproof, while another said it stayed on all day. The claim support score of 77 suggests moderate support, not complete certainty across all use cases.
Does Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner work well on the waterline?
The review data suggests that waterline performance may be a weak point. One detailed review reported that it did not stay well on the waterline and started cracking after a few hours. That does not mean every user will have the same result, but it does indicate that this may not be the most reliable option for that specific placement.
Is Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner easy to apply?
Yes, ease of application is one of its stronger points. It has an ease of use score of 80 and an application score of 83, while several reviews describe it as easy to apply. Buyers who like a classic liquid liner with a brush-style feel may find it especially straightforward, though beginners may still need care because of the wetter formula.
What are the main limitations of Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner?
The main limitations are slower drying time, mixed waterline wear, and limited personalization. It only offers one shade in the provided data, reflected in a very low shade range score of 10. There are also a few concerns in the review sample about packaging condition and product expiry timing on arrival.
Does Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner offer good value?
At a listed price of 6.93 and a value score of 86, it appears to offer strong value within the drugstore eyeliner category. Its combination of bold colour, solid wear for many users, and very large review base helps support that. Value is strongest for buyers who want classic liquid liner performance without paying premium pricing.
Who is Maybelline New York Colossal Bold Eyeliner best for?
It is best for buyers who want a bold black liquid eyeliner with easy application and generally strong day-to-day wear at a low price. It also suits users who prefer traditional liner application and want a compact product for travel or handbags. It may be less suitable for anyone specifically prioritising waterline performance.

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