Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: Maybelline Sky High (if budget allows)
- Best Value: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
- Best for Length: Maybelline Sky High
- Best for Volume: Essence Lash Princess
- Best for Beginners: Essence Lash Princess (forgiving formula)
Everyone on TikTok is losing their mind over Maybelline Sky High. But Essence Lash Princess costs €4 and has a cult following for a reason. I wore each mascara for two full weeks — one eye with Sky High, one eye with Lash Princess. Here's what I learned.
The Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Price (USD) | Price (VND) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline Sky High | Length, definition | Flex Tower brush, buildable formula | Clean separation, no clumping, lightweight | Price, less dramatic volume | $12 | 300,000₫ | 4.5/5 |
| Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect | Volume, drama | Conic fiber brush, intense black pigment | Incredible volume, budget-friendly, cruelty-free | Can clump if you're heavy-handed | $4 | 85,000₫ | 4.7/5 |
Maybelline Sky High: What You Need to Know
Sky High went viral for good reason. The Flex Tower brush is thin and bendy, which means it can reach every single lash — even those annoying inner corner ones you usually miss. The formula is buildable without getting heavy or spidery.
What it does well: If you want a clean, "my lashes but better" look, this is it. It lengthens beautifully and holds a curl all day. I never had to worry about raccoon eyes or flaking.
What it doesn't do: Volume. If you're going for dramatic, full lashes, you'll need multiple coats or a different mascara entirely. It's pretty, not powerful.
Best for: Everyday wear, work meetings, people who want natural length without looking like they're trying too hard.
Essence Lash Princess: What You Need to Know
This is the mascara that beauty editors don't want you to know about because it's €4 and performs like a €30 mascara. The conic brush grabs every lash and deposits a ton of product in one coat.
What it does well: Volume and drama. One coat looks like two coats of most other mascaras. It's also incredibly black, which makes your lashes look thicker instantly. The formula holds a curl like it's personal.
What it doesn't do: Subtlety. This is a statement mascara. If you're heavy-handed, you will get clumps. You need a light touch or a lash comb.
Best for: Going out, dramatic looks, anyone who wants falsie-level volume without the hassle. Also perfect if you're on a budget.
How I Tested These Mascaras
I'm not messing around with biased testing. Here's exactly what I did:
- Wore Sky High on my left eye, Lash Princess on my right eye for 14 days straight
- Tested both with and without lash primer
- Wore them in different conditions: gym, work, nights out, humid days
- Tracked wear time, smudging, flaking, and curl hold
- Removed both with the same micellar water to compare removal ease
No brand sponsorships. No affiliate pressure. Just me and my lashes.
The Real Differences That Matter
Formula: Sky High is lighter and more buildable. Lash Princess is thicker and more dramatic from the first coat.
Brush: Sky High's Flex Tower is thin and precise. Lash Princess's conic brush is fuller and grabs more lashes at once.
Finish: Sky High gives you separated, defined lashes. Lash Princess gives you volume and fullness.
Longevity: Both lasted 10+ hours without major smudging. Sky High had zero flaking. Lash Princess had minimal flaking after 8 hours.
Price: Sky High is $12 (300,000₫). Lash Princess is $4 (85,000₫). That's a significant price difference for a product you'll replace every 3 months.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Maybelline Sky High if:
- You prefer natural, lengthened lashes
- You want zero clumping or effort
- You're okay spending $12 (300,000₫) on mascara
- You have short lashes that need length, not volume
Choose Essence Lash Princess if:
- You want dramatic, full lashes
- You're on a budget but refuse to compromise on quality
- You don't mind taking an extra second to avoid clumps
- You want a mascara that looks expensive but costs nothing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mascara is better for short lashes?
Sky High has a longer brush that can grab even the tiniest lashes, but Lash Princess False Lash Effect (the green tube) also excels at lengthening short lashes.
Does Essence Lash Princess flake?
In my testing, minimal flaking after 8+ hours. Less than Sky High, actually.
Is Maybelline Sky High worth the extra money?
If you prefer a clean, separated look and don't mind spending $12 (300,000₫), yes. If you want volume and drama for $4 (85,000₫), Essence wins.
Which mascara is better for sensitive eyes?
Both are ophthalmologist-tested, but Sky High felt slightly gentler on my eyes. That said, I have no sensitivity issues with Lash Princess.
Can I wear these mascaras without primer?
Absolutely. Both perform well on bare lashes. No primer needed.