Kate Hudson’s Favorite Drugstore Mascara Is a Beauty Staple

Kate Hudson’s Enduring Beauty Secret: The Affordable Mascara She “Will Forever Love”

Hollywood stardom is often paired with exclusive beauty routines and elusive luxury picks, yet some icons make room for beloved staples anyone can grab off a drugstore shelf. Kate Hudson, celebrated actress and beauty muse, recently reaffirmed her affection for an enduring cosmetic classic—the Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara. She called it “such a good staple mascara,” demonstrating that even red-carpet regulars rely on accessible, trustworthy essentials in their routines.

Why Kate Hudson Swears by Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

Hudson, 43, shared her go-to makeup secret in a new feature with mindbodygreen, pulling back the curtain on a product she claims to have reached for through the years. According to Hudson, “I will forever love the pink and green mascara [from] Maybelline. It’s super black, the waterproof is really good… It’s just such a good staple mascara.”

Her praise is unreserved, and she credits not just personal loyalty but the decades-long popularity of this product. Growing up, Hudson recalls admiring Great Lash’s iconic pink-and-green tube long before cracking open her own. For her, and for countless others, it’s not just a mascara—it’s a beauty rite of passage.

Maybelline Great Lash in Pop Culture and Beauty History

First introduced way back in 1971, Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara has not only maintained but expanded its famdom. Its instantly recognizable packaging is as much a symbol of first makeup experiences as of everyday reliability. Beauty lovers across generations have reached for Great Lash, making it a best-seller for over five decades.

• Released in 1971: A mainstay in makeup bags for over fifty years.
• Timeless packaging: The bright pink and green tube is iconic among beauty products.
• Crossover appeal: Used by both makeup newbies and top artists alike.

What Sets Great Lash Waterproof Mascara Apart?

Great Lash’s enduring status isn’t just nostalgia—it’s powered by consistent performance and a versatile formula that delivers every time. Hudson is partial to the waterproof black variant, but multiple formulas, brush types, and shades are available.

Key Features and Benefits

• Lash-Doubling Formula: Thickens and conditions lashes with every coat.
• Buildable Volume: The formula can be layered for customized drama.
• Iconic Bristle Brush: Helps separate, define, and volumize lashes without clumping.
• Variety of Options: Offered in waterproof, washable, curved brush, clear, and multiple shades.
• Ophthalmologist-Tested: Gentle and safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
• Affordable: Generally retails for less than $9 a tube, with multipacks offering additional savings.

Full List of Available Variations

Formula Highlights and Ingredient Overview

The waterproof version employs conditioning agents and waxes that allow the lashes to stay flexible and soft, even as they hold a curl and resist water. The classic lash-doubling formula makes it effective for both subtle day looks and more striking night styles.

• Petroleum Distillates — for smooth application and lasting wear
• Hydrogenated Rosinate and Carnauba Wax — for conditioning and holding shape
• Beeswax — natural conditioning and texture
• Variety of pigments (Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide) — to ensure intense, lasting color
• Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested ingredients

What Real Users and Celebrities Say

Hudson isn’t the only one singing the praises of Maybelline Great Lash. The mascara holds an impressive community approval, with over 29,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and decades of positive word-of-mouth.

• Consistency: Users often mention returning to Great Lash after trying pricier or trendier options, reporting it outperforms many higher-end mascaras.
• Clump-Free and Long-Wearing: “Goes on smoothly, does not clump, lasts all day, and is just as good or better than some name brands at a fraction of the cost,” raved one shopper.
• Longevity: Some customers have used it for decades, describing improvements and appreciating the formula’s reliability over time.
• Effective for Layering: “One coat is fine, but it layers nicely too. It washes off easily and completely,” another fan notes.

Breaking Down the Staples: How to Use Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

Though the formula is forgiving, a few expert tips can help users get the most out of their mascara:

• Start at the root: Place the brush at the base of your lashes and wiggle upwards to separate and volumize each strand.
• Layer while wet: Add coats before the previous layer dries to avoid clumping and maximize volume.
• Remove gently: Use a gentle, oil-free eye makeup remover for best results, preventing lash breakage.

Affordability and Accessibility

One of the key reasons for Maybelline Great Lash’s popularity is its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. While some luxury mascaras can exceed $30 per tube, Great Lash has held steady at less than $9, and multipacks are frequently on offer—making it realistic to keep a backup on hand or replace often for optimal hygiene.

This legendary product is also available at virtually every major retailer (drugstores, supermarkets, online shops)—no need to hunt for specialty stores or place niche orders.

Other Staples in Kate Hudson’s Beauty Routine

Maybelline Great Lash isn’t the only affordable must-have in Kate Hudson’s arsenal—her self-care toolkit spans a blend of drugstore and high-end picks, all curated to support a healthy glow both on and off the red carpet. Some other favorites she’s spotlighted include:

• INBLOOM Green Protein (Chocolate & Vanilla Flavors): Nutritional supplements focusing on clean, plant-based energy.
• INBLOOM Beauty Aura Powder: A dietary powder geared toward skin radiance.
• LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask: Deeply hydrating overnight therapy for soft lips.
• SK-II Facial Treatment Mask: Advanced hydrating sheet mask, beloved for its skin-plumping results.
• La Mer Moisturizing Cream: Luxuriously rich moisturizer for intensive hydration.

Hudson’s wide-ranging product picks reflect both practicality and indulgence, emphasizing that beauty routines don’t have to be all-or-nothing when it comes to price or exclusivity.

Expert Insights: Why Mascara Remains a Universal Favorite

Mascara consistently ranks among the most-used makeup products globally, and beauty editors and dermatologists alike champion its ability to instantly transform eyes, boost confidence, and complete any look. Its popularity crosses age and style barriers, and classics like Great Lash highlight the power of accessible, effective cosmetics.

• Trusted for decades in professional makeup kits and everyday beauty bags.
• Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers due to hypoallergenic formulations.
• Widely available and budget-friendly, removing barriers to use for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Q: What makes Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara a “staple”?

A: Its combination of affordable pricing, effective lash-thickening formula, smudge-resistant wear, multiple color/brush variations, and iconic packaging have made it a trusted choice for generations.

Q: How does the waterproof version differ from the washable Great Lash?

A: The waterproof formula is designed to resist sweat, tears, and humidity—making it ideal for long days or emotional events. The washable version provides easier, gentler removal at the end of the day.

Q: Does Great Lash work for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?

A: Yes, both the waterproof and washable Great Lash mascaras are ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for those with sensitive eyes or who wear contacts.

Q: How long does one tube typically last?

A: With average daily use, a tube of Great Lash generally lasts about two to three months. For best eye health, it’s recommended to replace mascara every three months to prevent bacterial build-up—even if some product remains.

Q: Is Great Lash tested on animals?

A: Maybelline states its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, but specific cruelty-free designation may vary by region; consumers should check latest company policy updates for their area.

About the Editor

Hannah Jeon currently serves as Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she oversees health, beauty, and wellness product coverage. She previously worked as an Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping and holds a degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. Outside of her editorial role, Hannah enjoys exploring New York City’s culinary scene and practicing photography.

Why Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara Remains Irreplaceable

The beauty world evolves rapidly, yet a few products like Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara remain unchanged pillars. Endorsed by celebrities like Kate Hudson, cherished by millions of everyday users, and racking up decades of industry accolades, Great Lash continues to define what a true staple looks like: budget-friendly, reliable, universally flattering, and widely accessible. Whether you’re a first-time mascara user or seasoned beauty lover, its place in your routine is always justified.