The Maybelline Story

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years

By Sharrie Williams · Written February 2021 · 2 min read

“How Stuff is Made” @Refinery 29 


“GREAT LASH” Mascara

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years

Maybelline debuted its “Great Lash Mascara” in 1971. It is still recognized by it’s

 Pink and Green Chartreuse packaging inspired by Lilly Pulitzer’s vibrant hues and
 prints. It’s been a staple on drugstores shelves and in cosmetic bags ever since.
 It has been reported that a “Great Lash Maybelline Mascara,” is sold every
1.2 seconds. 

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years


Called the protein Mascara “Great Lash” builds rich, full body onto lashes.

 Marketing people asked Maybelline Company researchers in 1970, to come up
 with a Mascara to thicken and lengthen lashes better than anything on the market
 and would be easy to apply. “Great Lash” was that product. 

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years

Surveys taken by Maybelline’s marketing team at the time indicated consumers

 didn’t consider Maybelline products fashionable, still using the original “Eye” logo. Updating product colors changed customer perceptions. Especially the teen market

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years
The Lilly Pulitzer Brand was popular with high society. Because Pulitzer was close
 friends with Jackie Kennedy, her designs crowned her “The Queen of Prep.” And,
 “Flower Power.”

Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline a cult favorite for over 50 years


From the inspiration and dedication of Tom Lyle Williams to the the Merchandiser

of Maybelline’s new owners, Schering Plough in 1971, Maybelline’s “Great Lash”
has remained an all time favorite Mascara for the last 46 years. 
Coming soon · Next from Sharrie Williams

Maybe She’s Born With It

The next chapter of the Maybelline family story. Get a text the day it’s out.

Where it began: The Maybelline Story — Amazon · Ebook · Signed copy