When it comes to mascaras, They’re Real! mascara by Benefit Cosmetics stands out for its promise to deliver bold, voluminous lashes. With a reputation built on creating dramatic lash looks, I decided to see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll dive into everything from its ingredients to its performance so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your beauty routine.

They’re Real! Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics introduced They’re Real! Mascara with the goal of offering lashes that are not only longer but also lifted, separated, and curled. The mascara promises to give instant, high-impact volume with just a few swipes. Whether you’re after a natural daytime look or something bolder for an evening out, it’s designed to hold up all day without smudging or flaking. Many people swear by it for achieving beautifully defined lashes, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a lasting lash enhancement.

Ingredients

They’re Real! Mascara contains a blend of natural waxes and polymers, which help thicken and lengthen lashes. Vitamin E is also included to keep lashes healthy, even with frequent use. The rich black pigments give lashes a dramatic depth, creating a bold, eye-catching look. The formula is designed to adhere smoothly, ensuring long-lasting wear throughout the day while protecting your lashes at the same time.

Packaging and Design

Benefit has made sure that They’re Real! Mascara is as stylish as it is effective. The sleek silver tube is instantly recognizable, and it has a high-end feel that stands out in your makeup bag. But it’s the wand that really deserves attention. With its unique design, the brush features staggered bristles that help separate and define each lash for a clean, voluminous finish. The brush shape also makes it easy to reach even the tiniest lashes in the corners of your eyes.

Texture and Scent

The texture of this mascara is creamy and smooth, gliding easily onto lashes without clumping. It strikes the perfect balance between being thick enough for volume but not too heavy. As for the scent, you won’t notice much—They’re Real! Mascara is virtually fragrance-free, which is great for those who are sensitive to scented products. The formula feels light on the lashes and doesn’t cause any discomfort or heaviness during wear.

Application and Usage

Applying They’re Real! Mascara is incredibly simple thanks to its cleverly designed brush. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the brush upward to coat them evenly. If you want even more volume, you can layer the mascara, building it up without worrying about clumping. The brush works well on both upper and lower lashes, creating a defined and clean look. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or bold, full-on lashes, the mascara’s flexibility lets you achieve the look you want.

Results

The results are impressive. After applying, your lashes will appear visibly longer, thicker, and more defined. The curl stays intact throughout the day, and the formula doesn’t smudge or flake, even in humid conditions. It provides a long-lasting, dramatic effect that can hold up for hours, making it perfect for anyone who needs their mascara to go the distance. Whether your lashes are short, sparse, or naturally long, They’re Real! Mascara offers a noticeable transformation.

My Experience

Personally, I found They’re Real! Mascara to be everything it promised and more. The first coat gave my lashes an immediate lift, and after adding a second coat, I got the bold, voluminous effect I love. What impressed me most was how it held the curl all day without any smudging. I didn’t need to touch up, even after a long, busy day. It’s a reliable mascara that delivers noticeable results without the fuss.

Similar Products

If you’re looking for alternatives, a few other mascaras deliver similar results:

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – Offers intense volume and drama.
• L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise – A more affordable option with great lengthening effects.
• Maybelline Lash Sensational – A budget-friendly option known for its lash-separating brush.

Pros

• Gives noticeable volume and length.
• Keeps lashes curled all day.
• Smudge-proof and long-lasting.
• Can be layered for a more dramatic effect.
• Easy to apply with a precise brush design.

Cons

• A bit pricier compared to drugstore options.
• Might require an oil-based remover to fully take off.
• The wand may feel a bit large for those with smaller eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions About They’re Real! Mascara

1. What makes They’re Real! Mascara stand out from other mascaras?

They’re Real! Mascara is unique because of its specially designed brush and powerful formula. The brush has staggered bristles that separate and define each lash, while the formula adds both volume and length. Plus, it holds up all day without smudging or flaking, giving you long-lasting results.

2. Is They’re Real! Mascara safe for sensitive eyes?

Yes, it’s generally safe for sensitive eyes. It’s fragrance-free, which makes it less likely to cause irritation. If you have super sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, though, it’s always a good idea to do a quick patch test before using it regularly.

3. How long does They’re Real! Mascara stay on?

This mascara lasts up to 12 hours without smudging or flaking, so you can count on it throughout your busy day. It keeps your lashes curled and defined all day long.

4. Is They’re Real! Mascara waterproof?

It’s not fully waterproof, but it is water-resistant, meaning it can handle light moisture, like sweat or rain. If you need something completely waterproof, Benefit also offers a waterproof version of They’re Real! Mascara.

5. Can I layer They’re Real! Mascara for a more dramatic look?

Yes, absolutely! One of the great things about They’re Real! is that you can build it up. You can layer multiple coats without worrying about clumping, which helps you get the level of volume and drama you want.

6. How do I remove They’re Real! Mascara?

While it’s great at staying put all day, it can be a bit tricky to remove. I recommend using an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to gently break it down. Just be sure to be gentle with your lashes and the skin around your eyes.

7. Is They’re Real! Mascara tested on animals?

Benefit is a cruelty-free brand, which means they don’t test their products on animals. If that’s important to you, you can feel good about using their products.

8. Can I use They’re Real! Mascara on my lower lashes?

Definitely! The brush is designed to be precise enough to coat both your upper and lower lashes without smudging. It’s great for defining even the smallest lashes.

9. How does They’re Real! compare to other high-end mascaras?

Many people love They’re Real! because it gives both volume and length without clumping. It’s known for being a well-rounded mascara that works for most lash types, and it lasts all day. While other mascaras might focus more on volume or length, They’re Real! delivers both in one product.

10. Is They’re Real! Mascara good for all types of lashes?

Yes! Whether your lashes are short, sparse, or long, They’re Real! enhances them all. The brush is designed to grab even the shortest lashes, giving you a uniform, voluminous look from root to tip

Conclusion

Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara definitely lives up to its reputation. It’s a high-performing product that delivers dramatic results, making it a go-to for those who want their lashes to stand out. While it’s on the more expensive side, the long-lasting formula, ease of application, and bold results make it worth the splurge. If you’re looking for a mascara that delivers impressive volume, length, and curl, They’re Real! is definitely worth trying.