actress in the Maybelline Sky High Mascara ad

If you’ve watched television, scrolled through YouTube, or even glanced at a beauty counter in the last two years, you’ve seen them. Those lashes. That length. That unmistakable pink tube. The Maybelline Sky High Mascara has become nothing short of a phenomenon—a bona fide cult classic in the beauty world. But beyond the formula itself, there’s something else that keeps stopping us mid-scroll: the faces behind the campaign.

So, who is the actress in the Maybelline Sky High mascara ad?

The answer isn’t as simple as naming one person. Over the last two years, Maybelline has assembled a star-studded cast that spans generations, genres, and even galaxies. From a Hollywood darling with comedic chops to an iconic drag queen and a beloved TV star, the "Sky High" campaign has become a masterclass in inclusive, engaging beauty marketing. Let’s meet the women (and the legend) who are taking lashes to new heights.

1. Zoey Deutch: The Face of "Ready for Takeoff" (2024–2026)If you’ve seen a commercial featuring a retro airline aesthetic, complete with vintage flight attendant uniforms and a playful, confident energy, you’ve been watching Zoey Deutch. The actress, known for her roles in The Politician, Zombieland: Double Tap, and Set It Up, is the primary face of the Maybelline Sky High campaign for the 2024–2026 period.

The Concept: Ready for TakeoffMaybelline’s creative team took a clever turn with Deutch’s campaign. Instead of the usual beauty shot against a plain background, they built a world. The "Ready for Takeoff" spot is set in a whimsical, 1960s-era airline terminal—think Mad Men meets jet-set glamour. Deutch plays the part of a chic, retro stewardess (or, as we’d call her today, a flight attendant) guiding passengers (and viewers) through the boarding process.

But this isn't a flight to Miami or New York. This is a flight to "Sky High" —a destination where lashes are impossibly long, volumized, and full. The aesthetic is drenched in pastels, vintage typography, and a sense of playful sophistication.

What She’s PromotingDeutch’s campaign specifically highlights the expansion of the Sky High color line. While the original mascara came in the classic "Very Black," the new spots showcase shades like Burgundy Haze, Blue Mist, and Pink Air. These tints offer a softer, more fashion-forward alternative to traditional black mascara, allowing users to match their lashes to their mood or their outfit. Deutch’s youthful, approachable charm makes her the perfect guide for this colorful journey.

You can catch Zoey in action here:

Full Spanish Version:

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15-Second Spot:

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2. RuPaul, Shay Mitchell, and Ellie Bamber: "Out of This World" (2025–2026)Just when you thought the Sky High campaign couldn't get any bigger, Maybelline decided to blast off into space. Literally. The "Out of This World" campaign takes the concept of "extraterrestrial length" and runs with it, featuring an unlikely but utterly perfect trio: the one and only RuPaul, Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell, and British actress Ellie Bamber.

The Concept: Galactic GlamourIf Zoey’s ad is vintage airline, this one is vintage sci-fi. Imagine a retro-futuristic spaceship, complete with chrome interiors, quirky controls, and a mission control crew that wouldn't look out of place in a Jetsons reboot. The mission? To discover a mascara so powerful, it defies gravity.

RuPaul commands the scene as the "Chief Lash Officer" or perhaps the captain of the vessel, bringing that signature blend of authority and drag-queen fabulousness. Mitchell and Bamber serve as the astronauts, preparing for launch. The dialogue is filled with puns about "blast off" and "zero-gravity volume," making it clear that these lashes are literally out of this world.

Why This Casting WorksThis trio is a stroke of genius for different reasons.

RuPaul brings instant cultural cachet. As an Emmy-winning host, drag icon, and beauty mogul in their own right, RuPaul’s endorsement signals that this mascara is for everyone who dares to be bold. Their presence elevates the ad from a simple product demo to a celebration of self-expression.

Shay Mitchell is a digital native. With millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube, Mitchell represents the modern beauty consumer. She’s relatable, stylish, and has a massive global fanbase that trusts her recommendations. She’s been with Maybelline for years, making her a familiar and trusted face.

Ellie Bamber adds a touch of international, high-fashion credibility. Known for her work in film and on the runway, she bridges the gap between accessible drugstore beauty and high-end editorial glamour.

The chemistry between the three is palpable, making the commercial less of a sales pitch and more of a short film you actually want to watch.

See the intergalactic adventure here:

Behind the Scenes / Full Ad:

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Teaser:

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3. Shay Mitchell: The Original "Limitless Length" (The Classic)

Before the space missions and the retro airlines, there was the original. For many of us, the first time we heard of Sky High was through Shay Mitchell. The "Limitless Length" commercial is the one that started it all, and it remains the blueprint for every ad that followed.

The Concept: Pure Performance

The original ad is simpler in concept but no less effective. It strips away the props and the elaborate sets to focus on one thing: the brush. Mitchell looks directly at the camera, explaining the technology behind the mascara.

The hero of this spot is the Flex Tower Brush. Maybelline made a conscious decision to educate the consumer. They showed close-ups of the flexible, bristled brush bending and flexing to coat every single lash, from root to tip. The message was clear: this isn't just about adding length; it's about reaching lashes you didn't even know you had.

Why It Went Viral

The "Limitless Length" ad became the foundation of the Sky High empire because it was authentic. Mitchell’s delivery felt like a friend letting you in on a secret rather than a celebrity reading a script. The side-by-side comparisons—"before" lashes and "after" lashes—were so dramatic that viewers were immediately convinced.

This spot proved that sometimes, the best special effect is the product itself. It’s the commercial that turned Sky High into a bestseller and made it the most talked-about mascara on TikTok and YouTube.

Watch the original classic here:

Limitless Length:

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The Bigger Picture: Why This Casting Works

So, why does Maybelline cycle through multiple famous faces for the same product? The answer lies in smart, humanized marketing.

1. Inclusivity and Reach

By featuring Zoey Deutch, Shay Mitchell, Ellie Bamber, and RuPaul, Maybelline speaks to different demographics. Zoey appeals to the film and TV crowd and those who love quirky comedy. Shay brings the loyal millennial and Gen Z beauty community. RuPaul opens the door to the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who appreciates unapologetic glamour. There’s an entry point for everyone.

2. Storytelling Evolution

Instead of running the same ad for five years, Maybelline keeps the product fresh by changing the narrative. First, it was about the technology (Limitless Length). Then, it was about the new colors (Ready for Takeoff). Now, it’s about the fantastical results (Out of This World). Each actress embodies a different chapter of the Sky High story.

3. Authenticity

All of these women are known for their expressive features. Whether it’s Zoey’s comedic wide-eyes, Shay’s smoldering gaze, or RuPaul’s commanding presence, they all know how to use their lashes to communicate. They aren’t just models; they’re performers who understand that eyes are the most expressive part of the face.

Conclusion: More Than a Mascara

The next time you see that iconic pink tube, you’ll know the faces behind it. Whether it’s Zoey Deutch taking off from a retro runway, RuPaul commanding a starship, or Shay Mitchell giving you the honest truth about lash length, the Maybelline Sky High campaign is a testament to the power of great casting.

It proves that a mascara isn’t just a product—it’s a ticket to somewhere higher, bolder, and more beautiful. And with a team like this, the sky is truly the limit.