Benefit They’re Real! Mascara Review

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara has always caught my attention mainly because of their advertising.  Isn’t this photo hilarious?  It does a good job implying that your lashes will be attention-getters; quite bold and dramatic.  But it wasn’t until this past month that I bothered to try it out.  I received a sample size as part of the 500 point gift at Sephora a while ago and actually forgot that I had it until I found it again a few weeks ago.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara $23

Sephora’s Description:

What it is:
A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular “out-to-here” look.

What it does:
This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out.

Research results:
-94% saw dramatic length and volume*
-90% saw base-to-tip curl*
-94% saw visible lift*
-100% saw long-wearing results*
-*Results observed in a consumer panel survey

My thoughts: 

I’ve tried it out a few times now and here’s what I can tell you.  First of all, it gives me amazing volume and good length.  They make a huge difference on my lashes compared to when I have no mascara on without looking like spider-legs or looking extremely goopy and unnatural.  The formula can get clumpy but you just have to work the wand through your lashes correctly to smooth them out.  Overall, I’m very happy with the immediate finish!

You do need to be a bit careful with the applicator wand because the custom-dome tip picks up quite a lot of formula.  I’m extra attentive when I pull the wand out of the bottle and use the sides of the opening to scrape off any excess.  I actually like the application that the body of the wand gives versus the tip that can give a clumpy finish.

BUT here’s the kicker.  Benefit They’re Real! Mascara gives me major raccoon eyes at the end of the day!  BUMMER!  It’s been a really long time since I’ve looked in the mirror in horror because my mascara has smudged onto my upper lid.  How embarrassing!  I’m not sure how Benefit got 100% seeing long-lasting results because it honestly doesn’t last all day for me.  Unfortunately, this is a major deal-breaker in my book.  I love how my lashes look but I can’t spend good money on a product that I can’t trust to last through the day.

Before without any mascara

With Benefit They’re Real! Mascara

Will it work for you?  

Well, here’s the thing. I have monolids so when I open my eyes my lashes end up resting on my upper eyelids.  That constant contact as I blink throughout the day PLUS my oily eyelids means I need some amazing waterproof mascara.  If your eyelashes don’t constantly rub against your eyelid and/or you do not have oily eyelids, this mascara might work out really well for you!  I’d definitely recommend that you try it out.  But if you’re like me and need waterproof mascara, I wouldn’t recommend it.

I hope this review was helpful for you!  I stopped by the mall today and picked up a couple samples of foundation that I’m excited to review and share with you this week so keep an eye out for that!

Wishing you a wonderful MLK Jr. Day!

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