Benefit Cosmetics offers a diverse range of mascaras, each designed to cater to specific lash needs and desired effects. From dramatic volume to subtle lengthening, there's a Benefit mascara for everyone. This review delves into several popular options, exploring their unique features, performance, and ideal use cases.
Benefit's Signature Mascaras: A Detailed Look
Understanding the nuances of each Benefit mascara can help you choose the one that best suits your lash type and aesthetic goals. Here's a breakdown of some of their most acclaimed formulas:
1. Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara
This is a cult favorite and a global bestseller, particularly lauded for its ability to deliver significant length and a natural-looking finish. The mascara features an innovative brush with a slim, plastic wand topped with a domed tip and small bristles, designed to capture even the shortest lashes.
Pros:
- Gives major length
- Innovative brush grabs even the shortest lashes
- Separates lashes for a natural look
- Imparts a decent amount of volume
Cons:
- Smudges slightly for some users
- Might be too natural-looking for those seeking dramatic volume
This mascara is an excellent all-rounder, especially for those with naturally short lashes who desire a lengthening effect without excessive clumpiness. The brush's design allows for precise application, coating and separating each lash effectively.
2. Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara
Roller Lash is celebrated for its exceptional curling capabilities, making it a go-to for those who struggle with lashes that lose their curl quickly. Its defining feature is the "Hook 'n' Roll" brush, a slightly curved wand with 360-degree bristles designed to hook and curl lashes upwards.
Pros:
- Separates and lifts lashes
- Narrow brush that really curls
- Helps hold a curl for longer than other mascaras
- Water-resistant and humidity-proof
- Contains provitamin B5 for lash conditioning
Cons:
- Not the most lengthening compared to other formulas
- Doesn't add significant volume
The curved wand hugs the lashes, ensuring an even layer of product and a captivating curl that can last up to 12 hours. It's ideal for creating an eye-opening, fluttery look without the need for an eyelash curler. The mascara also applies easily to lower lashes, providing a separated, "doll-like" effect without smudging.
3. Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara
This is Benefit's best-selling prestige mascara in the UK, designed for those who crave dramatic, thicker-looking lashes. It features a tapered comb brush that can be layered to build up intensity.
Pros:
- Provides long-lasting volume
- Tapered brush works well on top and bottom lashes
- Creates thicker-looking lashes
Cons:
- Can look clumpy if too many coats are applied
- May be too dramatic for those seeking a natural look
The BADgal BANG! formula is known for its ability to create intensely voluminous lashes. The tapered brush ensures that every lash is coated, delivering a bold, dramatic effect. For those who desire maximum drama and thickness, this mascara is a top contender.
4. Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara
A waterproof variation of the popular BADgal BANG! mascara, this formula is designed for extreme longevity and resistance to water, sweat, and tears. It offers the same volumizing benefits as the original but with enhanced staying power.
Pros:
- Doesn't budge
- Truly water-resistant
- Provides significant volume and thickness
Cons:
- Tough to remove, often requiring a bi-phase eye makeup remover and cleansing balm
This mascara is an excellent choice for individuals with oily eyelids or those who need their mascara to withstand challenging conditions. It delivers a full and thick lash appearance without smudging or running, though its robust formula requires a thorough removal process.
5. Benefit They're Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara
An innovative evolution of the original They're Real! mascara, this version incorporates magnetic technology to draw out lashes to an even greater length. Benefit claims it can extend lashes by up to 40%.
Pros:
- Gives long, fluttery lashes
- Feels lightweight
- Non-clumpy formula
- Uses magnetic technology for extreme length
Cons:
- Might be too natural-looking for some
- Brush differs slightly from the original, missing the spiked tip
This mascara creates exceptionally long and fluttery lashes that feel lightweight and look natural. The magnetic technology works by drawing the mascara formula to the very tips of the lashes, enhancing length significantly. It's a superb option for an everyday look where maximum length is the primary goal.
6. Benefit Fan Fest Fanning Volumising Mascara
As Benefit's newest mascara launch, Fan Fest is designed to fan out lashes and boost volume, creating a fuller appearance with a dramatic lift. It's considered by some to be superior to the original BADgal BANG! volumizing mascara.
Pros:
- Makes sparse lashes look fuller
- Bristle brush really separates
- Fanned-out effect
- Water-resistant and humidity-proof
Cons:
- Doesn’t add much length
- Can be a little bit clumpy according to some reviews
This mascara features a flexible fiber brush with a nicely curved shape that effortlessly catches every lash, including those in the inner and outer corners. It offers a dramatic lift and thickness, and its water-resistant formula provides good staying power without being overly difficult to remove.
Why Trust This Review?
This review is compiled by Beth Gillette, the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, who has seven years of experience in researching, writing, and editing makeup stories. For this specific article, she tested every Benefit mascara over several months, evaluating their performance on different lash types and for various desired looks. Her expertise ensures an honest and comprehensive assessment of each product.