Creates big, fluttery lashes in one to two coats—fast payoff for dramatic, full-looking results.
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Big, dramatic lashes sound great until mascara starts printing on your lids or gluing lashes together. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is still a cult favorite, but it makes more sense for some lash types than others.
Overview
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a prestige volumizing mascara made for bold, thick, very black lashes. The formula is built around fast payoff, with a large hourglass-shaped brush that coats lashes quickly and creates a fuller, more dramatic look in one to two coats. This is not a subtle, barely-there mascara. It is meant for visible volume and a soft, fluttery finish.
Key Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Too Faced |
| Product type | Volumizing mascara |
| Typical price | About $29 for full size |
| Size | 0.27 oz / 8 mL |
| Brush | Hourglass-shaped bristle brush |
| Effect | High volume, rich black color, fuller-looking lashes |
| Formula style | Traditional mascara, not a tubing formula |
| Best use | Upper lashes, bold eye looks, quick dramatic payoff |
| Removal | Regular eye makeup remover, cleansing balm, or micellar water |
Who It’s For
This mascara is best for shoppers who want noticeable volume, medium-to-long lashes that can handle a larger brush, and makeup looks where fullness matters more than perfectly clean separation. It is less ideal for very oily eyelids, very short lashes, or anyone who wants a tidy, tubing-style finish with almost no smudging.
Performance & Feel
The first thing to know is that Better Than Sex is a rich formula with a plush, oversized brush. Right out of a fresh tube, it can feel a little wet, which gives you strong payoff but also means you need a light hand. One coat makes lashes look darker, thicker, and more lifted at the root. Two coats create the signature effect: big, fluffy, high-drama lashes that stand out without needing false lashes.
The brush shape helps with that effect. It deposits more product through the middle and outer corners, so lashes look rounded and fuller across the eye. The trade-off is precision. If you have small eyes, hooded lids, or short lower lashes, the wand can be a little messy. It is easy to tap the lid during application, especially if you are in a hurry. Wiping some excess formula from the wand before the first coat makes a big difference.
Buildability is good, but there is a limit. This mascara looks best in one or two coats. If you keep layering after it starts setting, lashes can stick together and turn chunky. Some people enjoy that thick, spiky look, but if you want definition, stop early and comb through quickly while the formula is still workable. It also tends to get easier to control after the tube has been open for a little while and the formula is not quite as wet.
Wear time is where this mascara becomes more of a personal-preference product than a universal recommendation. On normal lids in average conditions, it usually holds up well through most of the day with only a little flaking late. On oily lids, in humidity, or on eyes that water easily, it is more likely to transfer or leave tiny black specks under the eyes. It does not lock onto lashes the way tubing mascaras do. The upside is removal. At the end of the day, it comes off much more easily than stubborn waterproof formulas, which is a real plus if you want drama without aggressive scrubbing.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Delivers bold volume very quickly, even in one coat.
- Pro: Rich black pigment makes lashes look darker and more defined.
- Pro: Hourglass brush creates a full, rounded lash shape.
- Pro: Easier to remove than many long-wear or waterproof mascaras.
- Con: Large brush can feel clumsy on small eyes or lower lashes.
- Con: Can clump if you overapply or keep layering too long.
- Con: More prone to smudging and light flaking than the best tubing formulas, especially on oily eyelids.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is still a strong pick if your top priority is dramatic volume and you like a plush, full lash look. It earns its reputation for impact, but it is not the cleanest-wearing option on every eye type. If you have normal lids and want quick, glamorous lashes, it is worth buying. If you need spotless all-day wear, a smaller brush, or very crisp separation, there are better fits.
See also
If smudging is your biggest concern, compare this formula with our Caliray tubing mascara review and Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions review.
- See our guide to mascaras for sensitive eyes
- Find the best mascara for oily eyelids
- Read our Optase Life sensitive eye makeup remover review
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Does Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara hold a curl?
It holds a curl reasonably well, especially if you curl lashes first, but it is not the strongest option for very straight lashes that tend to drop during the day. A waterproof formula usually keeps lift better for longer.
Does Better Than Sex Mascara smudge or flake?
It can, especially on oily eyelids, hooded eyes, or humid days. On normal lids, many people get solid wear with only minor flaking late in the day. If you are very sensitive to transfer, this would not be my first pick.
Is the brush good for short lashes?
The brush is fairly large, so it is better suited to medium or longer lashes than very short ones. If you like precise application on lower lashes or inner corners, a smaller wand is easier to manage.
How do you apply it without clumps?
Wipe excess product off the wand, start at the roots, then wiggle upward through the lashes. Let the first coat set for about 20 to 30 seconds before adding a second. Stop before the formula gets tacky, because that is when clumps start forming.
Is Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara better for volume or length?
Volume, clearly. It does add some visible length, but its real strength is making lashes look thicker, fuller, and darker. If your main goal is clean separation and stretched-out length, a different formula will likely suit you better.
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