Maybelline Sky High Mascara Colors: Complete Shade Guide & Review

Last Updated: February 3, 2026 · Tested & written by Jasmine, Los Angeles

Maybelline Sky High mascara colors have expanded way beyond basic black, and I’ve been testing every single shade to see which ones are actually worth the hype. If you’re wondering whether to stick with Very Black or try something bold like Burgundy Haze or the fresh Green Altitude, I’m breaking down all eight shades with real talk about how they perform in Los Angeles’ year-round sunshine. I’ve spent months putting these through the wringer — from morning hikes to rooftop events — so you don’t have to guess.

I also love pairing these mascara colors with seasonal outfits, and if you’re planning your wardrobe, my fall fashion trends 2025 guide breaks down the colors and silhouettes that work beautifully with bold makeup.

Overview

Sky High launched with the classic black shades, but Maybelline has since expanded the line to include eight distinct colors — and the newer additions are genuinely impressive. I received a PR package with four of the newer shades and purchased the others on my own to give you the most complete, unbiased breakdown out there. Every shade has been tested in real Los Angeles conditions, from brutal midday sun to evening events under artificial light.

The formula stays consistent across all Maybelline Sky High mascara colors — you get that same lengthening, buildable texture with the flex tower brush. What changes is the pigment intensity and how each shade complements different eye colors and makeup styles. In my experience testing these in Los Angeles’ bright natural light, the color differences are way more noticeable than I expected. Some shades read almost black from a distance, while others give a distinctly softer or more dimensional look.

Maybelline Sky High mascara is available in eight shades — Very Black, Blackest Black, Cosmic Black, True Brown, Burgundy Haze, Green Altitude, Blue Mist, and Plum Twilight — all retailing at approximately $12 and sold at Ulta, Target, and CVS. Every shade shares the same lengthening, buildable formula with the signature flex tower brush. For most people, Cosmic Black is the best everyday option due to its dimensional quality, True Brown is the most natural-looking choice (best suited to lighter lashes), and Burgundy Haze is the standout among the colored shades for its versatility across skin tones. The product is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, and outperforms similarly priced drugstore alternatives like L’Oréal Lash Paradise and Essence Lash Princess in both color payoff and formula flexibility.

All Eight Sky High Colors

Here’s the complete lineup of Maybelline Sky High mascara colors currently available. I’m listing them from most traditional to most adventurous so you can find your comfort zone — or push past it.

Very Black: This is the original shade that made Sky High famous. It’s a true, intense black that photographs beautifully and works for literally everyone. I reach for this when I want maximum drama without thinking too hard about color coordination.

Blackest Black: Slightly deeper than Very Black with more carbon pigment. The difference is subtle but noticeable in direct sunlight. If you have very dark lashes naturally, this is your match.

Cosmic Black: The newest addition to the black family, and honestly my favorite for everyday wear in Los Angeles. It has this gorgeous dimensional quality that catches light differently than flat black. Think of it as black with a hint of depth — your lashes look naturally thick rather than coated.

True Brown: A warm, rich brown that looks incredibly natural on lighter lash colors. I love this for daytime looks when I want definition without the intensity of black. It’s especially flattering with brown or hazel eyes.

Colored Mascara Options

The colored Maybelline Sky High mascara shades are where things get genuinely interesting. These aren’t your typical subtle tints — they deliver actual, visible color payoff that holds up even in bright sunlight. If you’ve ever been hesitant about colored mascara, these shades will change your mind.

Burgundy Haze: A deep wine shade that’s become my go-to for fall and winter looks. It’s bold enough to make a statement but sophisticated enough for work. The burgundy really pops against brown eyes and brings out green tones beautifully. This is the single best colored mascara shade at any drugstore price point — I’ll stand behind that claim after testing dozens of alternatives.

Green Altitude: A fresh, nature-inspired green that’s become an unexpected favorite in my collection. Don’t let the color intimidate you — it’s more wearable than you’d think. The shade catches light gorgeously, especially during golden hour, and looks stunning on lighter lashes where the green reads clearly. It’s perfect for content creators and anyone who wants their lash look to genuinely stand out without tipping into costume territory. I’ve worn it to beach days, brunches, and even a casual Friday at work — and every single time I got compliments, not confused looks.

Blue Mist: A cool-toned blue that’s surprisingly wearable. I thought this would look costume-y, but it actually enhances blue eyes incredibly well and looks stunning with neutral makeup. The shade has enough depth that it doesn’t read juvenile or overly trendy.

Plum Twilight: The newest addition I’ve spotted at Ulta in Los Angeles. It’s a cool-toned plum that sits somewhere between burgundy and purple. Perfect if you want visible color but find bright purple too intense — it hits that sweet spot of interesting without being overwhelming.

Quick Comparison: All 8 Shades at a Glance

Not sure which shade to grab first? This table breaks down every Maybelline Sky High color so you can compare them side by side. Use it as your quick-reference buying guide.

Classic Black Shades Breakdown

Let me get specific about the three black Maybelline Sky High mascara colors, because choosing between them isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. All three use the same base formula, but the pigment composition creates meaningfully different results — and those differences are especially visible in Los Angeles’ bright outdoor light.

Very Black is my recommendation for most people. It’s the shade makeup artists reach for because it’s reliably pigmented and works with every skin tone. I’ve used this shade for over a year, and it’s never let me down for both daytime coffee runs and nighttime events in West Hollywood.

Blackest Black has more carbon black pigment, which means it photographs even darker. If you’re creating content or taking lots of photos in Los Angeles’ bright outdoor settings, this shade won’t disappear in harsh sunlight. The trade-off is that it can look slightly harsh paired with very light makeup.

Cosmic Black is the newest, and it’s quickly becoming my favorite. The dimensional quality means your lashes don’t look flat in photos. Under the California sun, this shade has subtle depth that makes lashes look naturally thick rather than coated. If I had to keep just one black shade forever, this would be it.

How to Apply Each Shade

Application technique matters more with colored Maybelline Sky High mascara shades than with traditional black. The flex tower brush does a lot of the heavy lifting, but a little strategy goes a long way — especially with the lighter and colored options. Here’s exactly what I’ve learned after weeks of testing.

Black shades (Very Black, Blackest Black, Cosmic Black): Use the standard wiggle-and-pull technique. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the brush slightly as you pull upward. The flex tower brush does most of the work for you — just let it move through the lashes.

True Brown: This one requires a bit more building. I do two coats minimum to get the definition I want. The first coat separates and lengthens; the second adds intensity. Let each coat dry for about 30 seconds before adding another.

Colored shades (Burgundy Haze, Green Altitude, Blue Mist): These work best when you’re strategic about placement. I apply one coat to upper and lower lashes for an all-over color effect. If I want something more subtle, I’ll use black on lower lashes and color on uppers only.

Pro tip I learned from testing in LA’s dry climate: Prime your lashes first if you’re using the lighter colors. Green Altitude and Blue Mist show every little flake or clump, so starting with clean, conditioned lashes makes a huge difference in the final result. A simple lash conditioner or even a thin coat of a clear brow gel works perfectly.

Sky High Colors in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles has completely changed how I think about Maybelline Sky High mascara colors. The year-round sunshine and outdoor lifestyle here means your makeup gets scrutinized in natural light constantly — so every shade has to earn its place.

Very Black and Cosmic Black are my go-to shades for everyday wear in LA. They hold up beautifully during morning hikes in Runyon Canyon and still look fresh for lunch in Silver Lake. The lengthening effect is especially noticeable in bright California sunlight.

True Brown has become my secret weapon for the natural LA aesthetic. When I’m shooting content in Venice Beach or walking Abbot Kinney, this shade gives me that effortless, sun-kissed look without appearing too done-up. It’s perfect for the laid-back luxury vibe that defines Los Angeles beauty.

The colored Maybelline Sky High mascara shades really shine at LA events and nightlife. I wore Burgundy Haze to a rooftop party in Downtown LA, and it photographed beautifully against the city lights. Green Altitude is stunning for daytime content creation — the fresh green tone catches light beautifully, especially in golden hour shots, and adds a dimension to your look that plain black just can’t match. It’s become one of my most-requested shades when I post it.

Blue Mist surprised me by working incredibly well for beach days. The cool tone complements the ocean backdrop, and it doesn’t look out of place with minimal makeup. I’ve worn it to Santa Monica Pier and gotten so many compliments.

The Mediterranean climate in Los Angeles means minimal humidity, which is great news for these mascaras. They don’t smudge or flake even during long days exploring Melrose or shopping on Rodeo Drive. I’ve tested them in 90-degree heat, and they hold up remarkably well.

For LA influencers and content creators, the variety of Maybelline Sky High mascara colors is a genuine game-changer. You can match your lashes to your outfit, coordinate with eyeshadow, or create signature looks that photograph distinctly. The colored shades — especially Green Altitude and Burgundy Haze — help your content stand out in a saturated market.

Sky High vs Other Drugstore Mascaras

I’ve tested pretty much every drugstore mascara available at Ulta and Target in Los Angeles, and Sky High’s color range sets it apart from the competition. Here’s how it actually stacks up:

vs. L’Oréal Lash Paradise: Lash Paradise offers brown and black, but nothing close to the color variety Sky High delivers. The lengthening formulas are comparable, but Sky High’s flex tower brush gives you more control and better separation. Sky High wins on variety; Lash Paradise is a solid backup if you only need black.

vs. Essence Lash Princess: Essence comes in fun colors at an even lower price point, but the formula doesn’t compare to Sky High’s lengthening power. The Maybelline formula stays flexible and buildable throughout the day, while cheaper colored mascaras can feel stiff or flaky once they dry. Sky High is worth the extra dollar or two.

vs. Benefit They’re Real & Too Faced Better Than Sex: Compared to high-end options, Sky High holds its own at a fraction of the price. The color payoff is actually better than some prestige brands I’ve tried. For $12 at any Los Angeles drugstore, you’re getting serious value that rivals products costing two to three times as much.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Eight distinct shades give you real options for every look and eye color. The variety means you can experiment without committing to expensive prestige brands.
• Formula stays consistent across all colors, so you know exactly what to expect. The same lengthening, buildable texture works whether you’re using Very Black or Green Altitude.
• Colored shades deliver actual pigment, not just a subtle tint. Burgundy Haze and Blue Mist show up beautifully even on dark lashes.
• Holds up incredibly well in Los Angeles heat and sunshine. I’ve tested these during 90-degree days, and they don’t smudge or fade.
• Affordable enough to own multiple shades. At around $12 each, you can build a serious collection without breaking your budget.
• Flex tower brush works perfectly with every color. The separation and length you get is consistent regardless of which shade you choose.
• Available everywhere in LA from Target to Ulta to CVS. No hunting down specialty stores or waiting on online orders.
• Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. A key detail that makes this line trustworthy for people with sensitive eyes.

Cons

• Lighter colors like Green Altitude require multiple coats for full opacity. If you want intense, one-coat color payoff, you’ll need to build it up layer by layer.
• True Brown can look muddy on very dark lashes. If your natural lashes are black, the brown doesn’t show up as intended.
• Colored shades show flaking more obviously than black. Any tiny bit of fallout is immediately noticeable with burgundy, green, or blue pigment.
• Not all shades available at every retailer. I’ve found the full eight-shade range at Ulta in Los Angeles, but smaller drugstores might only carry the black shades.
• Washable formula means less staying power than waterproof. If you need all-day wear for swimming or intense workouts, the waterproof version only comes in black.

Who This Is Best For

Maybelline Sky High mascara colors are perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with colored mascara without the prestige price tag. If you’ve been curious about burgundy, green, or blue lashes but didn’t want to drop $30 on a tube you might not love, this is your entry point.

The range works beautifully for content creators and influencers in Los Angeles who need variety in their looks. Having multiple shades means you can coordinate with outfits, match seasonal trends, or create signature styles that help your content stand out. I’ve built entire looks around specific Sky High colors for themed shoots.

If you have lighter hair or lashes, True Brown and the colored shades will look especially natural and flattering. The softer tones enhance rather than overpower delicate features. I’ve recommended Green Altitude to several blonde friends, and they’ve all loved how fresh and wearable it looks — the green reads beautifully against lighter complexions and doesn’t feel “too much.”

These mascaras suit the LA lifestyle perfectly. The formula holds up during outdoor activities, photographs beautifully in natural light, and transitions easily from casual daytime to elevated evening looks. Whether you’re hiking, brunching, or attending events, there’s a Sky High color that works.

Anyone building a versatile mascara wardrobe on a budget should invest in at least three shades. I recommend starting with Cosmic Black for everyday, True Brown for soft looks, and one colored shade that excites you. That gives you maximum flexibility without overspending — and keeps your total under $40.

The colored Maybelline Sky High mascara options are especially great for people with brown or hazel eyes. Burgundy Haze and Blue Mist create stunning contrast that makes your eye color pop. I have brown eyes, and these shades have become my secret weapon for making them look more vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors does Maybelline Sky High mascara come in?

Maybelline Sky High mascara colors include Very Black, Blackest Black, Cosmic Black, True Brown, Burgundy Haze, Green Altitude, Blue Mist, and Plum Twilight. The range covers classic blacks, a natural brown, and four bold colored options. All eight shades are available at major retailers like Ulta, Target, and CVS for approximately $12 each.

Which Sky High mascara color is best for brown eyes?

Burgundy Haze and Blue Mist are stunning on brown eyes because they create beautiful contrast. I have brown eyes and reach for Burgundy Haze constantly — it brings out golden tones and makes my eyes look more vibrant. Cosmic Black is also gorgeous for everyday drama with brown eyes.

Does Sky High mascara work in Los Angeles heat?

Yes — I’ve tested all the Maybelline Sky High mascara colors during LA’s hottest days, and they hold up beautifully. The washable formula doesn’t smudge in heat, though the waterproof version (only available in black) offers even more staying power for intense workouts or beach days.

How do I choose between Very Black and Blackest Black?

Very Black works for most people and most situations. Blackest Black has more intense pigment that photographs darker, which is great for content creation or if you have naturally very dark lashes. Personally, I prefer Cosmic Black for the dimensional quality it adds.

Are the colored Sky High mascaras worth trying?

Absolutely — especially at the drugstore price point. The colored Maybelline Sky High mascara shades deliver real pigment and look surprisingly wearable. Start with Burgundy Haze if you want something bold but sophisticated, or Green Altitude for a fresh, nature-inspired vibe that works beautifully in natural light.

Can I layer different Sky High colors?

Yes, and layering is one of my favorite techniques. I sometimes use Very Black as a base coat and add Burgundy Haze on the tips for an ombré effect. You can also use black on lower lashes and color on uppers for a more subtle approach. Green Altitude layers especially well over black for an unexpected pop of dimension.

Where can I buy all the Sky High colors in LA?

Ulta stores throughout Los Angeles typically carry the full eight-shade range. Target and CVS usually stock the black shades and True Brown, but might have limited colored options. I’ve consistently found the best selection at the Ulta in West Hollywood.

Does True Brown show up on dark lashes?

True Brown works best on lighter lash colors. If your natural lashes are very dark or black, the brown won’t show up as intended and can look muddy. It’s perfect for blondes, redheads, or anyone with naturally lighter lashes who wants soft definition.

How long does Sky High mascara last?

The formula lasts about three months once opened, same as most mascaras. In LA’s dry climate, I haven’t had issues with the product drying out prematurely. The colored shades maintain their pigment intensity throughout the tube’s lifespan.

Is Sky High mascara good for sensitive eyes?

I have sensitive eyes and haven’t had issues with any of the Maybelline Sky High mascara colors. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. That said, everyone’s sensitivity is different, so patch test if you’re concerned.

Is Maybelline Sky High mascara waterproof?

The standard Sky High formula is washable, not waterproof. Maybelline does offer a waterproof version of Sky High, but it’s only available in black shades. If you need waterproof colored mascara, the standard formula still holds up well in dry heat — just not through heavy water exposure like swimming.

How much does Maybelline Sky High mascara cost, and is it worth it?

Each tube retails for approximately $12 at Ulta, Target, and CVS. Compared to prestige colored mascaras that run $25–$40, Sky High delivers comparable — often better — color payoff at less than half the price. It’s one of the best value drugstore mascaras on the market in 2025.

What is the best Maybelline Sky High mascara shade for beginners?

If you’re new to colored mascara, start with Burgundy Haze — it’s bold enough to be interesting but sophisticated enough that it won’t feel like a costume. If you want to keep things safe and universally flattering, Cosmic Black is the standout shade in the entire range.

Final Verdict

Maybelline Sky High mascara colors have completely changed my lash game, and after months of real-world testing across Los Angeles, I can say with confidence this is the best drugstore mascara color range available right now. Having eight distinct shades means I can match my mascara to my mood, outfit, or the vibe I’m going for — and the formula delivers consistent lengthening and separation across every single color.

My personal top three are Cosmic Black for everyday wear in Los Angeles, Burgundy Haze for elevated looks, and True Brown for that natural California girl aesthetic. The colored shades — especially Green Altitude and Blue Mist — have surprised me by being genuinely wearable rather than costume-y.

At around $12 per tube, you can afford to experiment with multiple shades. I recommend starting with one black (Cosmic Black is my pick), one neutral (True Brown), and one colored shade that excites you. That gives you versatility without overwhelming your collection — and keeps your total investment under $40.

The LA lifestyle demands makeup that photographs well, holds up in sunshine, and transitions from casual to elevated. These mascaras check every single box. Whether you’re shooting content in Venice Beach or attending events in Beverly Hills, there’s a Sky High color that works perfectly.

Which Maybelline Sky High mascara color are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments, and follow @girlnamedjazz for more LA beauty content!

About the Author

Jasmine is a Los Angeles-based beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content creator specializing in drugstore makeup reviews and accessible beauty. With years of experience testing products in LA’s unique climate and lifestyle, Jasmine helps readers navigate beauty trends while developing personal style. Follow @girlnamedjazz for daily inspiration.