Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: Is It Though?

I don’t get the hype of Better Than Sex Mascara.

I tried Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara years ago and never really understood the hype. Apparently, it is the #1 selling prestige mascara in the U.S., and in 2019 a report came out saying a tube of this icon is sold every 7.5 seconds. I mean, this mascara gets around. But, I never fell fully in love. I decided to pick up a a fresh tube while perusing Sephora.com one night to see if maybe, just maybe, I would like it years later. After all, there’s a reason this mascara has over 17,000 reviews, right?

Promises vs. Performance: Will I get the mind-blowing lashes Better Than Sex Mascara promises?

If you’re looking for a mascara that gives you mind-blowing lashes every time you wear it, look no further because that’s exactly what Too Faced Better Than Sex is supposed to do. It promises to thicken, lengthen, and curl lashes giving you luscious, dramatic, and volumized lashes in just one coat. The formula features a film-forming polymer to lock curl in place, Acacia Senegal Tree Extract to set volume, and a blend of unique peptides to condition lashes. It features an hourglass shaped brush that helps hug lashes for maximum volume and lift, coating each and every lash.

Even as a brand new tube, the formula is on the dryer formula, which I love and prefer for a volumizing formula. As I wiggle the brush through my lashes, it definitely separates them and deposits pretty black pigment. The formula doesn’t clump much either, which is good since the wand is on the thicker side. I will say, you do have to layer it a bit more for that super intense, bold pigment.

And, just as I remembered: I’m not impressed with the wear of this mascara. Only halfway through a day of wear, it starts flaking on me. By the time I’m ready to take my makeup off for the night, I have smudges and transfer under my eyes. If you have oilier eyelids or your eyes tend to water easy, this is definitely not the mascara for you (perhaps the waterproof version works better?).

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.7)

:Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Price: $28.00

0.27 oz

Value

(4)

Application

(4)

Volume, Length, Curl, Define

(3.8)

Longevity

(3)

Extra Benefits

(3.8)

Industry Standard

(4.4)

:Lancome Lash Idole

Price: $27.00

0.27 oz

Value

(3.9)

Application

(5)

Volume, Length, Curl, Define

(4.8)

Longevity

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: For the price, there are way better mascaras.

Yes, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara gives me volumized, luscious lashes, but I have smudging and flaking throughout my wear. It applies easily and quickly gives you the volume, length, and curl promised, without clumping, which I enjoy. The hourglass shaped brush, despite its larger size, is easy to use and does grasp onto each and every lash. But, that’s about all that’s great about this mascara. If you need a mascara that lasts all day free of flaking, smudging, and transfer, this not it.

A mascara that never gives me raccoon eyes is Lancome Lash Idole (rated ****4.4). The curved wand helps curl lashes while the formula gives volume, length, and definition. It has an intense black pigment that I can get from just one layer of product. And, it lasts all day free of smudging, flaking, and transfer: something I can’t say about Better than Sex.

Milabu Beauty Method: Get ahead of the smudging and flaking.

With this formula, I recommend curling lashes to maximize curl and using a lash primer to help the mascara adhere better. In addition, it is crucial to set the under eyes really well to help prevent smudging and transfer. Below are my recommendations in each of these categories.

Lash curler: Kevyn Aucoin, $21

Lash primer: Lancome Cils Booster XL, $28

Setting powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder, $39