Call me immature, but I giggle like a 12 year old every time I tell someone what mascara I’m currently using. Too Faced is no stranger to cheeky product names, and “Better Than Sex” is no exception! I must admit, I was hesitant to try this product when the lady at Sephora recommended it to me. I had played with the tester, and the wand seemed really gloopy (that’s a technical term), so I assumed that my lashes would turn out gloopy. I’ve been using it for about a week or two now, and I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised. Here’s how Better Than Sex measures up:
First of all, the curb appeal on this mascara is spot-on. The pink box with the product name emblazoned upon it in gold gives this mascara a very luxe feel; it stood out among the other mascaras and caught my attention right away. The tube itself is a pink brushed-metallic with the name embossed on it – very sleek and pretty! It also has a bit of weight to it, which contributes to that feeling of luxury. Overall, very impressed – good job, Too Faced!
Of course, all the fancy packaging in the world can’t make a bad mascara good, so how’s the performance? Well, I’m getting to that. The hourglass-shaped wand has stiff, traditional bristles instead of those rubbery ones that are all the rage. As I mentioned, the brush does look a bit gloopy when you pull it out of the tube – you may need to wipe off the tip – but your lashes won’t be gloopy. The longer bristles on the ends do a good job of reaching those lashes on the outer corners while the shorter bristles coat the lashes in the middle; this makes for a more even application and better definition. I’ve had pretty good results with this wand, but I usually have to run a lash comb through my lashes – they’re naturally curly and like to get a little cray. Too Faced’s website says that the wand has “the perfect brush silhouette that separates, coats and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection;” all in all, I think this wand performs as described… though I’m not exactly sure what “voluptuous perfection” looks like. Don’t you love marketing?
Now, let’s discuss this formula! It’s a pretty wet mascara, which gives me time to apply multiple coats without giving myself scary spider lashes! (I do have to refrain from blinking until it drys though – otherwise, HUGE mess!) Too Faced recommends three coats – I find that one or two suffice for daytime. Too Faced’s website says that “Better Than Sex mascara includes a film-forming polymer for smudge-proof, all day wear, Acacia Senegal Tree Extract to nourish, thicken and lock curl in place, and unique peptides for the deepest, intense black possible.” I don’t have any idea what Acacia Senegal Tree Extract or film-forming polymers actually are, so I’ll just discuss my observations and experiences. This is not a waterproof formula, but it’s extremely tenacious and long-wearing. I’ve worn it for more than 12 hours with no smudges or flakes (the no-flaking is huge as I’m a contact lens wearer), and I usually need to use an eye makeup remover to remove it all at night. My favorite thing about this mascara is how soft it keeps your lashes – I HATE stiff, crunchy lashes! As you might have guessed, Better Than Sex only comes in one color – REALLY, REALLY BLACK. Most people will have no problem wearing such a black mascara, but those with very fair hair and eyebrows may find it looks a little harsh.
Naked Lashes (see what I did there?)
Lashes with Two Coats of Better Than Sex – No Primer, No Eyeliner
Overall, I’d give this mascara a strong B+ to an A-. I personally would prefer a bit more definition, but I can’t argue with the insane amount of volume this gives. If you’re in the market for a new mascara, I’d definitely take this one for a test drive! It retails for $23.00, which is a little on the high side, but I personally don’t mind investing in a great mascara. You can buy it from Sephora, Ulta, or directly from Too Faced. Stay tuned for my review of the Lorac Pro mascara… Can it best Better Than Sex in the Mascara Madness match-up?!? Happy shopping!
Pretty Possibilities 