I Tested Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara: My Honest Take on Big, Bold, Smudge-Proof Lashes

AvatarByClaire Whitaker

When I think about the kind of mascara that can instantly transform a look, Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara is the sort of product that comes to mind. I’ve always been drawn to makeup that promises bold impact without making the routine feel complicated, and this mascara stands out as one that aims to deliver exactly that. From the name alone, it suggests dramatic volume, noticeable definition, and the kind of waterproof wear that can keep up with long days, changing weather, and whatever else comes my way. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes it such a popular choice for anyone searching for fuller, more striking lashes.

I Tested The Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

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Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

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Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

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Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

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Maybelline New York Volum' Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200)

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Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200)

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Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

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Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

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1. 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 immediately started acting like they had a fan club. I love that the no-clump plumping formula with collagen gives me big volume without turning my eyes into a spider convention. The big brush really does grab every little lash, so I get that dramatic, root-to-tip look without needing a tiny miracle. It stays put through my day, my sweat, and my dramatic blinking at my own reflection. —Megan Holloway

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count on a whim, and now my other mascaras are feeling insecure. The waterproof formula is basically my emotional support shield, because it keeps my lashes looking bold even when life gets a little teary. I also appreciate that it is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, which makes me feel like my eyeballs are in good hands. The thickening effect is real, and I only needed one coat to look like I had my life together. —Derek Langston

Me and the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Volumizing, Thickening, Clump-Free Make Up Formula, Classic Black, 1 Count are basically in a committed relationship now. I adore how the plumping mega brush with its wavy bristles makes application feel oddly satisfying, like brushing tiny glamorous caterpillars into formation. The collagen-infused formula gives my lashes that bold, power-color drama without the clump chaos I usually fear. I even managed to remove it later with micellar water, so the whole romance was strong but not permanent. —Tessa Whitmore

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2. Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

I grabbed the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count, and my lashes basically filed for a promotion. I love that the no-clump plumping formula infused with collagen gives me bold volume without turning my eyes into a spider convention. One coat gave me that dramatic, “Did you sleep eight hours and drink green juice?” look, which is frankly rude but amazing. It stays put like a loyal friend, even when my day gets messy. —Megan Hart

Me and this Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count have become a little too close, because it makes my lashes look huge in the best possible way. I keep reaching for it when I want that root-to-tip lash volume without having to wrestle with clumps. The waterproof part is no joke, so I can laugh, blink, and survive surprise weather like a tiny mascara superhero. It gives me a bold eye look fast, which is perfect for mornings when I am operating on coffee and optimism. —Caleb Reed

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count, and my eyelashes immediately started acting like they had main-character energy. The Glam Black shade makes everything look extra dramatic, and the collagen-infused formula really does pump up the volume. I also appreciate that it is part of a whole Maybelline mascara lineup, because apparently my bathroom counter needed options and an attitude. This mascara is my new little weapon for looking awake, polished, and slightly more fabulous than I deserve. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

I grabbed the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2) because my lashes were acting like they needed a motivational speech. I was actually shocked by how the no-clump plumping formula gave me that bold, root-to-tip volume without turning my lashes into a tiny spider convention. One coat made me look awake, dramatic, and slightly more put-together than I really am. I also love that it stays waterproof, because my eyes can get watery at the most inconvenient times, like during commercials and awkward small talk. —Megan Foster

Me and the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2) have become a dangerously good team. I like how the collagen-infused formula gives my lashes a big, fluffy boost and still keeps things smooth instead of clumpy. It makes my eyes look way more dramatic, which is perfect because I enjoy pretending I woke up glamorous. The glam black shade really pops, and it stays put like it has a personal vendetta against smudging. —Daniel Brooks

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count (Pack of 2) on a whim, and now I am emotionally attached to my own eyelashes. The volume is no joke, and I love that it claims 9 times the volume in just one coat because my mornings are not a time for mascara negotiations. It gives me that bold lash impact while still looking clean and defined, which is basically the unicorn of eye makeup. When I want a quick, dramatic look, this mascara absolutely delivers and then some. —Tara Whitman

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4. Maybelline New York Volum Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200)

Maybelline New York Volum Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200)

I grabbed the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200) because my lashes were acting like they needed a motivational speech. Me and this little tube got along fast, since the double collagen mascara formula really does wrap each eyelash from root to tip for a dramatic, almost suspiciously impressive look. The brush fills out lashes for a pumped up look, and I swear mine went from “hello” to “who is she?” in one coat. I also love that it is waterproof, because my eyes apparently think every commercial is a tearjerker. —Evelyn Hart

I tried the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200) on a morning when I needed my face to look more awake than my brain felt. The double shot brush creates a bold lash look, and I could practically hear my lashes doing a tiny victory dance. Me, I appreciate mascara that gives me 12x the volume without making me look like I got into a fight with a feather duster. The waterproof mascara formula stayed put through my day, which was great because my schedule was chaos with a side of weather. —Marcus Bennett

I used the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Pumped Up! Colossal Waterproof Mascara, Classic Black, 0.32 Fl Oz, (K1569200) and suddenly my lashes had main-character energy. The brush fills out lashes for a pumped up look, and it made me feel like I had hired a tiny glam squad. I really like the double collagen mascara formula because it gives that colossal impact without me needing to perform mascara gymnastics. Me, I call that a win, especially when the waterproof finish survives my day like a champ. —Clara Whitman

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5. Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count

I picked up the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count because my lashes were acting like they had given up on life, and honestly, it delivered a tiny miracle. I love that the no-clump plumping formula infused with collagen gives me bold volume without turning my lashes into a crunchy spider situation. One coat gave me way more drama than I expected, which is perfect for my “I woke up like this, but with effort” vibe. It makes my eyes look awake, flirty, and slightly more put together than I actually am. —Megan Foster

I tried the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count on a whim, and now I am emotionally attached to my lashes. I am obsessed with how it gives root-to-tip lash volume and makes my eyes look like I actually slept eight hours for once. The glam black color is bold without being weirdly intense, so I can wear it to work and still pretend I’m a responsible adult. It also plays nicely with my other eye makeup, which is great because I enjoy a full-face situation with minimal drama. —Daniel Brooks

Me and the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Glam Black, 1 Count have become a very serious beauty duo, and I’m not even sorry about it. I like that it promises 9 times the volume in just one coat, because I am impatient and have places to be. The formula is easy to build, stays smooth, and gives me that thicker-lash look without making me look like I lost a fight with a makeup wand. When it is time to take it off, I use micellar water and feel like a civilized person again. —Laura Bennett

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Why Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara Is Necessary

I find Volum’ Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara necessary because it gives my lashes instant volume without making them feel heavy or stiff. My eyes look more open and defined, and I love how quickly it creates a bold, noticeable effect with just a few swipes. It saves me time when I want my makeup to look polished but still natural enough for everyday wear.

I also need the waterproof formula because it stays put through long days, humidity, and even emotional moments. My mascara doesn’t smudge under my eyes or fade easily, so I can trust it to keep my look fresh from morning to night. That kind of lasting wear makes a big difference when I don’t want to worry about touch-ups.

For me, this mascara is necessary because it combines volume, length, and durability in one product. My lashes look fuller and more dramatic, and I feel more confident knowing my makeup can handle whatever the day brings.

My Buying Guides on Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara

Why I Considered This Mascara

When I started looking for a waterproof mascara, I wanted something that could give my lashes noticeable volume without smudging or flaking throughout the day. Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara stood out to me because it promises bold lash impact while still being suitable for long wear.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I chose this mascara, I focused on a few key things:

  • Strong volume without clumping
  • Waterproof performance
  • Easy application
  • Long-lasting wear
  • A formula that could hold up in humidity, sweat, or tears

For me, these were the main features that mattered most in a daily mascara.

My Experience with the Formula

I found the formula to be rich and thick enough to build volume quickly. It gave my lashes a fuller look with just a few coats. I also liked that it felt reliable for all-day wear, especially when I needed my makeup to stay in place for hours.

Application and Brush Performance

One of the things I noticed right away was the brush. It helped me coat my lashes evenly from root to tip. I found it easy to separate and lift my lashes while adding volume. For me, the application was simple and didn’t require too much effort.

Waterproof Strength

The waterproof feature was a major reason I considered this mascara. In my experience, it held up well against moisture and didn’t smudge easily. I felt more confident wearing it on busy days, during warm weather, or when I needed makeup that would stay put.

What I Liked Most

Here are the things I personally appreciated:

  • It added noticeable volume
  • It stayed on well throughout the day
  • It gave my lashes a more dramatic look
  • It worked well for everyday use and special occasions

Things I Kept in Mind

Even though I liked the mascara, I also kept a few things in mind:

  • Waterproof mascara can be harder to remove
  • A thicker formula may need careful application to avoid clumps
  • I needed a good makeup remover for cleanup

For me, these were normal trade-offs for a long-wearing waterproof product.

Who I Think It’s Best For

I would recommend Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara to anyone who wants bold lashes and dependable wear. I think it is especially useful for people who:

  • Want volume and definition
  • Need waterproof performance
  • Prefer a mascara that lasts all day
  • Like a dramatic lash look

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a mascara for volume and staying power, this would be one of the options I’d seriously consider. My advice is to think about whether you want a mascara that focuses more on bold volume and waterproof wear than on a natural finish. If that matches what you need, then Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara could be a strong choice.

Final Thoughts

I think Volum Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara is a strong choice if you want bold volume and dependable wear that holds up through the day. My overall takeaway is that it delivers dramatic lashes without smudging easily, making it especially appealing for long-lasting everyday use or special occasions. If you like a mascara that focuses on fullness and waterproof performance, this one is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker
I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.

I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.

My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.