Great Lash Turns 40!

Maybelline's legendary pink and green tube of mascara has spent 40 years on top for a reason. Since 1971, it's been a staple in the cosmetic bags of women everywhere—from the industry's most revered makeup artists to Hollywood's starlets and, most importantly, everyday women like yourself. Don't believe us? A tube of Great Lash is sold every 1.7 seconds in the US!

The tube drew its signature colors from Lilly Pulitzer, the then up-and-coming designer, who had just begun to brand herself with uniquely bright fabrics and patterns. Forty years later and now the official cosmetic sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Maybelline New York has partnered with three of fashion's top designers to celebrate the mascara.

Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienne Tam have joined forces to create the Great Lash 40th anniversary limited edition collection. Each designer created their own version of the iconic pink and green tube, drawing inspiration from their individual collections. Now, seriously, what could be better than combining the world's favorite beauty product with three of the world's favorite fashion icons?

"The designs of Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienne Tam represent the spirit of the Maybelline New York woman -- modern, confident and chic," said David Greenberg, president of Maybelline New York-Garnier-Essie.

All three designers chose a very different influence in the tube's redesign, but each were sure to preserve the effervescent, timeless quality of Great Lash itself. Max Azria chose a black lace overlay on top of the watermelon pink body, while Tracy Reese used a graphic floral print that parallels the brand's fun and femininity. Lastly, Vienne Tam, true to her design fundamentals, accented her tube with the Chinese symbol for "Lash."

While Great Lash certainly isn't going anywhere anytime soon, the Great Lash limited edition isn't sticking around forever. Head to Target.com to pick up the collection starting today (in stores next week). And if you're on Twitter tonight (August 14th) at 7 pm, Maybelline is hosting a Twitter birthday party with lots of beauty tips, trivia and prizes. Follow @Maybelline and use the hashtag #GreatLash to join the fun.