I have a confession. I’ve been cheating on the Best Mascara Ever (Maybelline’s The Falsies). I’ve sworn black and blue that The Falsies is the best mascara ever and I won’t deviate. But I can’t help myself… I’ll be committed to finding the world’s best mascara for the rest of my life. Introducing Benefit’s ‘They’re Real’ mascara.
I was ‘talked into’ buying this at Benefit’s Duty Free stand in Auckland. What can I say? There was a gift with purchase available and, being the easy sales target that I am, I got sucked in to buying three items so I could get this overnight beauty bag (although it’s the perfect size for my makeup!).
Benefit reckons that this mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts and separates and that their jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. That’s a big claim and clearly a lot of people agree as it’s allegedly one of the world’s most popular makeup items, with one selling (apparently) every 10 seconds. Where do people get these stats from anyway? Anyway, the good news is that Benefit is now in NZ, albeit exclusively at Smith & Caughey’s in Auckland, about time.
My verdict? It’s good, damn good and it does everything Benefit say it will, except the curl bit (I’ll get to that). I’m astonished at the volume and length it gives my lashes, they look like mini spiders and, when I wear it, I am often asked if I’m wearing eyelash extensions. Hence the name… I say “No! They’re real!’ Clever marketing Benefit: You got a product name and a tagline in one hit.
As I’ve hinted, there’s one big downside of ‘They’re Real’ for me, which is the ‘curl’ aspect. I’m fanatical about curling my lashes and, unfortunately, this mascara doesn’t hold the curl at all: It totally straightens out my lashes. This is because it’s a water resistant mascara, not waterproof. The latter, for the record is what you want in holding eyelash curl, water resistant mascara (or ‘normal’ mascara for the record) does not cut the mustard.
So if I’m giving They’re Real marks out of 10, I’m going to subtract a couple of points for the uncurling effect, so I’d give it 8/10. Now, that said, being the persevering lass that I am, I’ve found a workaround for the Uncurl Issue:
- Curl lashes.
- Apply Maybelline’s the Falsie’s first as a base coat.
- Let dry.
- Apply ‘They’re Real’ as a second coat. Sorted. Curl stays.
That’s a bit of faffing around though – but, I’m committed to thick, luscious, and long lashes and the end result is worth it.
Final Rating? Considering the ‘faff factor’ 9/10 (1 point deducted as I’d rather just use one type of mascara that meets all my needs).
In a nutshell: If you aren’t fussed about curled eyelashes, or you can be bothered faffing around like I do, do yourself a favour and get ‘They’re Real’, you’ll love it.
The ultimate question: Will I repurchase? Yes, absolutely.
Cost: NZ$43 (non Duty Free price)
Get it from: Unfortunately Benefit is exclusive to Smith and Caugheys in Auckland at at Auckland Airport (Duty Free) at the moment. But the good news is you can purchase it online through Smith and Caughey’s click here
