You know how I’m always looking for my next hit of lash crack, right? For a lash lengthening, volumizing velociraptor capable of fast-tracking me to drag queen lash nirvana? Well, when I heard tell of a new “illegal” mascara from Maybelline — that’s actually its name, Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara ($8.95) — I desperately wanted to give it a whirl.
It’s new for spring 2012 and just arrived this month in drugstores. It comes in three non-waterproof shades (Blackest Black, Very Black and Brownish Black) and two waterproof ones (Blackest Black and Very Black). All of them utilize some fancy talk Maybelline calls “fiber-extension technology” to promise longer-looking, extended lashes that aren’t supposed to flake.
Before (top) and after two coats of Illegal Length Mascara (bottom)
I’ve been wearing Blackest Black, one of the non-waterproof shades, for the past week, and I’d say I’m…partially sold. The price is right, the formula doesn’t seem to smudge or flake (YAY!), and it’s a cinch to remove, but I don’t think it does a great deal to make my lashes look longer.
I do see a little extra length there, maybe a millimeter or two, but the difference is not as dramatic as my go-to lash lengthener of the day, Urban Decay 
Cannonball.
On top of its lukewarm results, I wouldn’t mind a little better hold for lash curls…
PRICE: $8.95 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at drugstores
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Thanks for the review – I was very curious about this because the packaging looked a lot like their Stiletto mascara, which I love, but I guess the lengthening isn’t that dramatic, which I need! lol xx
OMG! I literally just bought this. *Reeeeeeturn!*
I’m in love with Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tube technology mascara for length. It’s a pain to put on (two steps- primer/mascara) and take off (think black fibers all over the sink, your face) but it’s worth it for the dramatic length.
Hi Karen! Love the hair! Did you get those red highlights put in or is it a new product?? I have similar coloring to you and would love to get this done! Please do share!!!!
Wish this mascara was more of a lengthen-er, bummer 🙁 what’s your favorite drug store mascara for length..im very curious?!?! thanks!!
I liked this mascara, but I am lucky in the lash department (I have a lot of them) and my top priority is really non-smudge-itude. I cried wearing the waterproof version of Illegal Length and had NONE under my eyes.
Most brands promise things like it makes your lashes twice as long, your lashes will be super black and long,, uhh i dont think so. It’s sad because some people fall in there traps and will buy those mascara’s.. I stick to low end brand mascara’s like Catrice.
I think I have really high, unrealistic expectations when it comes to mascara. I really want it to do EVERYTHING — hold curl, no smudges/flakes, add volume to falsies status, and provide length like I got lash extensions. I must get my hands on Cannonball.
Shame that it was so-so in the length department, but it still looks great on you, Karen!
I loved Maybelline mascaras back in the day – and love their cute packaging! – but the whole testing on animals thing makes me sad. 🙁 Great Lash was always a big favorite of mine!
I miss the old illegal lengths. I was extremely tempted to put this in my cart today but staved off the impulse. Your review makes me happy I did. Thanks for your dream of drag lashes, as I totally relate!
Saw this today in CVS, I was like oh great! (sarcasm)
Maybelline product packaging is everywhere!
im about to give up on mascara! when i use mascara, my eyes water like mad!
This used to be my problem! Even with the “hypoallergenic mascaras”. The few mascaras that have worked for me are L’oreal volumnious (regular, non-waterproof), avon (all avon mascaras), and marcelle mascaras (in Canada). All expensive ones and any other drugstore ones were horrible 🙁
Have you tried Almay? I am the most allergic person on the face of this earth (no, REALLY!) and it works well for me.
The non-waterproof is gentler than the waterproof, BTW. I think the best Almay mascara I had was One-Coat in Brownish Black. Believe it or not, the blacker the mascara, the more it burns my eyes.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the review Karen! I was wondering if there are any drugstore tubing mascaras besides Loreal Double extend?
I’m pretty sure NYX Doll Eye mascara is a tubing mascara!
Awesome thank you
You’re quite right, the final effect isn’t so impressive. Among drugstore mascaras, my favorite lengthening mascara is Avon super extend mascara!
Ahh too bad, especially for a mascara that has such a tempting name!
Some Maybelline mascaras are great though. I love Magnum and the Falsies. They actually hold curls and provide pretty dramatic length + volume! I’m really interested in trying out Cannonball now that everyone’s raving about it!
Ohhhh im SO glad i didnt buy this yesterday at ulta. It doesmt look like it wouldve done anything for my weak lashes… My go to is still colossal and the may belline mascara in the pink tube…
OMG really? I <3 this mascara a bunches!! but, the thing is it works great on my right eye and makes them super long and volumized, but on my left eye it doesnt change anything, so i have to apply coat after coat after coat and use multiple mascaras and brushes for my left eye. its super frusturating! Any idea how to fix this! or why its happening? And, p.s. i loveee your blog! im 13, and i seriously live and breathe fashion and makeup. this blog is great! xoxo Thx a bunch-Taiya!(:
Didn’t this exist before and then they took it off the market?
A good drugstore mascara rimmel london lash accelerator and the volumizing one are both really good!they are very close in packaging both black tubes with gold writing and lids
Too bad because the original Illegal Lengths was so good they still talk about it on review sites. I actually bought some from the UK and glad had it shipped when it was discontinued here.
I was hoping the brought it back due to popular demand.
well, I found a value pack of that mascara today at Walmart, so why not I give it a try. I couldn’t wait to get home and put it on and I have to say, I am happy with it, I finally have lashes, sure took more than two coats though, but it does work for me.
Since there wasn’t much in the lengthening department, do you think it would be good for someone with long lashes? I just want something for definition but still, you know, holds up. I had bought the fairy drops scandal queen mascara and loved it (but had to return). I’m hoping this would be a good contender…