As a beauty editor, I always have my eye out for effective products that elevate our day-to-day makeup routines. Beyond delivering results, my product recommendations must be clean and safe and work for various skin types.
And of course – no animal testing!
If the eyes are the window to the soul, you better use the best mascara. One that will revolutionize your lash game. One that nourishes your lashes with premium ingredients and gives you that smudge-free, flawless look from morning to night.
After some extensive scrolling and clicking, I settled on three brands that I’ve been dying to try: Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.
Keep reading to find out which I recommend:
Key differences:
- Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara is known for its cruelty-free, vegan formula, and adds lift and volume for a lash-tastic look.
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara claims that it has long-lasting wear but may not be completely smudge-proof.
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is a popular drugstore brand but it isn’t as strong when it comes to performance.
Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara
I don’t know about you, but I’m particularly picky about my mascara. So, when I saw that Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara uses Orchid Stem Cell Complex™ that encourages longer, healthier-looking lashes, I was intrigued. Available in Brynn (Rich Black) or Crystal (Brown Black), it’s $25 per tube – honestly worth it for the quality!
To my surprise, the Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara actually delivers its promises – and more. It individually coats and separates giving you a customized longer, more lifted look that is smudge-free. It’s also a tubing mascara, so it comes off with just warm water - no soap or eye makeup remover needed! I love that it’s dermatologist + ophthalmologist tested and approved. I’m obsessed!
Bonus:For every purchase Thrive Causemetics donates products + funds to over 200 non-profit Giving Partners that support women and their communities.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
This Better Than Sex Mascara ($29) offers a natural amount of volume with barely any flaking. But I need about 5 coats until my lashes are thick and separated enough to continue the rest of my makeup regimen.
Though the mascara is good enough, it didn’t thicken and lengthen my lashes to my taste. Don’t get me wrong – it delivers. For such a flamboyant name, it just doesn’t give me the “wow” effect I anticipated.
Also, I’m not a fan of ingredients like known allergens Acacia Senegal Gum and Potassium Sorbate.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
A traditional drugstore staple, Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara promises a clump-free finish. However, it lacks volume to it. I was hoping for more drama.
The brush features an inner curve with small bristles designed to coat the roots. And a large, outer curve with longer bristles for the tips. But even after several coatings, I feel like I barely have any mascara on. I am not impressed.
Depending on where you buy Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara, it can run around $10 – sounds like a bargain. But considering how many times you have to apply it, I doubt it’s going to last long.
Final Verdict
Although I had such high hopes for the other brands, I was not impressed. After testing all 3, I can confidently say that Thrive Causemetics' Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara delivers the results I crave. Their skin-loving, cruelty-free makeup collection is truly stellar.
When it comes to performance nothing beats Thrive Causemetics. You can achieve a quick and flawless natural look or go full face makeup, or full-on glam for nights on the town.
FOR OUR READERS: New customers get 20% OFF THRIVE CAUSEMETICS SITEWIDE + FREE SHIPPING on all orders $35+! Follow this link to shop!