Here at Who What Wear UK, we are passionate about mascara. It may sound silly, but mascara is one of those makeup products that can transform your whole look. In fact, if I had to whittle down my makeup bag to just one or two products, one of the best mascaras would definitely be top of the list. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to test some of the most popular mascaras out there to find the best formulas. Yep, whether you’re looking for something volumising, lengthening or curling, I’m bound to have a recommendation.
From the best high street mascaras to the best L’Oréal mascaras, the best Maybelline mascaras and even the best mascaras for sensitive eyes, I (and the rest of the team at Who What Wear UK) have tried them all. However, there is one brand that I’ve been desperate to put to the test, as everyone I know raves about its mascara formulas. What is that brand, I hear you ask? Benefit, of course.
Creators of the beloved “They’re Real” and “Roller Lash” mascaras, Benefit definitely knows a thing or two when it comes to amplifying your eyelashes. However, with lots of different mascaras on offer from the brand, I’ve always been a little confused about which one to go for. So, like any good journalist, I decided to put every single mascara to the test to see which one is worth the investment. Keep on scrolling to find out which Benefit mascaras I really rate…
The Best Benefit Mascaras, Tried & Tested by a Beauty Editor
1. Benefit BADgal BANG! Mascara
Benefit
BADgal BANG! Mascara
Best for: Volume
If a volumising mascara is what you’re after, this is the one to invest in. I would go as far as to say that this is the best mascara Benefit has ever created, but if you prefer a more natural look, then this probably isn’t for you.
The brush might not look like anything special at first, but it’s actually a lot slimmer than most mascara wands I have tried, which means that it’s easy to coat every single lash. The formula itself contains aero-particles which work to create longer, fuller-looking lashes, and it’s even smudge-proof and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about this fading throughout the day. One thing I will say is that it can go a little bit clumpy after a few coats, but apart from that, I really can’t fault it.
For
- Adds serious volume
- Thin brush makes it easy to coat every single lash
Against
- Can go a little clumpy after a few coats
2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
Benefit
Roller Lash Mascara
Best for: Holding a curl
Next up is a more toned-down option from the brand, but one that is definitely still worth shouting about. If you want fluttery, curled lashes that look light and lifted, say hello to Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara.
This mascara also features a slimmer wand, but this time with a slight bend. The brand calls it a “hook ‘n’ roll” brush, and it has been designed to separate and lift the lashes while coating them in a curling formula. My lashes are super straight, so I was very impressed by how naturally lifted this formula made them look. In fact, I got lots of compliments after testing this one.
For
- Holds a curl
- Gives your lashes a naturally lifted look
Against
- Not as impactful as other mascaras in this roundup
3. Benefit They’re Real Magnet Mascara
Benefit
They’re Real Magnet Mascara
Best for: Length
I’m a fan of the original They’re Real Mascara, but this version has taken the top spot for me. Designed to deliver your longest-looking lashes yet, this mascara has an extender brush with a “magnetically charged” core to draw your lashes out to new lengths.
I might not be completely sold on the “extender” brush (it just seemed like a really good mascara brush to me), but this mascara definitely delivered on its lengthening claims. My lashes looked longer, more fluttery and even more lifted. Benefit, you’ve done it again.
For
- Lengthens lashes
- Adds a fluttery effect
Against
- Larger wand makes it harder to coat every single lash
4. Benefit Fan Fest Mascara
Best for: A fluttery effect
One mascara that I didn’t expect to fall in love with as much as I have is the Benefit Fan Fest mascara. While I wouldn’t say that it creates a false lash effect, what it does do is create the most beautiful, fluttery finish that will see you through pretty much any occasion.
Something I really like about it is that it’s a very buildable formula. One coat gives a more natural finish, while two or three coats create this more fanned-out look as demonstrated above. This mascara might not be as hyped up as the options above, but in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.
For
- Buildable formula
- Adds a fluttery effect
- Not clumpy
Against
- Might not add enough volume for everyone
5. Benefit They’re Real Mascara
Benefit
They’re Real Mascara
Best for: An all-in-one formula
This is one of Benefit’s most popular mascaras, and I can see why. It’s a great all-in-one formula that works to volumise, lengthen and curl the lashes. It has a larger wand compared to the BADgal BANG! Mascara, but I like the fact that the brush has bristles on the very end, as it makes it much easier to coat every single lash.
This ticks all the boxes, and the long-wearing formula will be sure to take you from day to night. I think I would probably still choose the BADgal BANG! Mascara over this as I felt like it delivered just a little more volume, but this would definitely be a close second or third when it comes to a statement lash look.
For
- Brush bristles make it easy to apply
- Delivers an all-in-one formula
Against
- Not as impactful as other mascaras in this roundup
6. Benefit Badgal Bounce Mascara
Benefit
Badgal Bounce Mascara
Best for: A natural look
I hate to say it, but this is probably my least favourite Benefit mascara. Don’t get me wrong, if you like a super natural look, then you will love this, but sadly, it didn’t wow me like the others.
I felt like it held back a little bit when it came to length and lift, but that being said, it did do a really nice job at separating the lashes and adding a fluffy effect without any clumps. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a more “no makeup” makeup look.
For
- Separates lashes
- Doesn’t look clumpy
Against
- Looks a lot more natural than other options in this roundup
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