Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara Review: Does the world’s bestselling mascara live up to the hype?

With a declaration to be better (and, ahem, last longer) than your raciest of encounters, Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara comes with gutsy claims of “mind-blowing lashes” thanks to its thickening, lengthening and curling abilities. Oh, and did we mention that at one point it was the top-seller out of every single best mascara in the world?

When a product comes with endorsements like that, it has to have something special about it. And if the eye-catching tube doesn’t give away the talent of the robust formula inside, perhaps the plump, curvy brush will give you an idea of just how remarkable this long-lasting, compliment-inducing creation is.

It might not be the most budget friendly mascara out there so doesn't come under the best cheap mascaras remit but we’re willing to pay for greatness when it’s being bestowed on our beloved lashes.

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara: Our summary

We can hardly think of anything bad to say about this makeup behemoth – modestly glamorous packaging, a multi-functioning but uncomplicated brush, a long-lasting formula that cares for lashes and the ability to create any look you would want from a mascara.

If you’re just after subtle and natural-looking lashes, then this one might not be for you. However, you can get that look by going for just one coat of product and it means that you wouldn't need to fork out for any other best lengthening mascaras on the days you want your lashes to pack a bit more of a punch.

And if you prefer a lightweight feel, the volume and drama delivered by this product doesn’t mean you’re left with a heaviness. If anything, it’s actually more lifting than some other seemingly lightweight mascaras we’ve come across, pointing to its advanced and well-thought-out formula.

All we can say is that it undeniably meets the Better Than Sex brief. Try out our best vibrators if you don’t believe us – we know which one put a bigger smile on our faces...

First impressions

Elegant embossing, a sexy blush pink and a cool matte finish – this mascara oozes feminine sophistication. 

It definitely stands out against all of its lash-adorning adversaries on the dressing table, but in a way that manages not to be annoyingly ostentatious.

It also brings some serious gains to the weight department, but with a sturdy feel that gives an idea of its elite standing in the industry.

Formula and ingredients

As non-drying as it is lightweight, Too Faced Better than Sex mascara ticks all of the baseline boxes for the best oil-free mascaras (making it particularly suitable for sensitive eyes) The slippery consistency means that lashes are smoothly coated without catching or flaking, and despite bringing heaps of drama and volume to the table, the mascara can be layered without any pesky clumps trying to edge their way in.

Unique peptides also condition lashes throughout wear, which can go on for a while, as flaking and smudging was close to non-existent when we spent the day in the mascara. The formula also contains acacia senegal gum extract, which is known for boosting hydration in hair, helping it to appear shinier and healthier – a lovely treat for lashes, too.

Ease of application

A hero mascara is only as good as its wand and, as promised, this one is better than any you might find in your bedside drawer. The slender but voluptuous hourglass-shaped brush catches even the hardest to reach corner lashes, without leaving a mess on the lash line. And the contours mean that the amount of product distributed suits the length of the lash – with longer lashes in the middle needing more formula, and the outer and inner corners usually benefiting from a bit less.

Despite working with such a fluid formula, the brush collects just the right amount of product, without being overly loaded or too dry, so is easy to layer without clumping or making a mess. When used vertically, the flat tip of the wand is also handy for fanning out outer lashes for a sultry, doll-eye look. One thing to look out for, though, if your lashes are on the shorter side, is that the brush could prove a little thick, but in that case the travel-size version would be a winner for you.

What's it like to wear?

No matter what look you want to go for, this all-rounder will help you get there. One layer will give you a long, defined and natural-looking flutter, whereas, once you pack on the coats, you’re looking at more volume and drama than a soap special on Christmas Day.

Couple that with the separated and fanned-out look you get from the wand’s tip – which doesn’t collect any unnecessary surplus product, we should add – and you’re honestly left with the most breathtaking lashes, which will leave you throwing your head back and crying for whichever deity you believe in.

It’s not the most inconspicuous mascara out there – natural makeup this ain’t – but with its tantalisingly raucous claims, we couldn’t really have expected it to be.