A Detailed Review of Benefit They’re Real, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme, and Essence Lash Princess.
If you’re like me, mascara is a must-have in your makeup routine. Whether I’m skipping a full face of makeup or just looking for a quick way to feel more polished, mascara has this magical ability to enhance my look with minimal effort. But not all mascaras are created equal. Some clump, some smudge, and others just don’t deliver the volume and length we’re all looking for.
To find the best mascara for volume and length, I tested three popular options at different price points: Benefit They’re Real, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme, and Essence Lash Princess. My goal? To find the mascara that ticks all the boxes for both everyday wear and special occasions like date nights.
Below, I’ll break down the results of my test, compare the formulas and wands, and share my top pick.
Why Mascara Matters
Mascara isn’t just about making your lashes darker—it’s about creating definition, length, and volume. On those days when you’re short on time but still want to feel put together, mascara can make all the difference. I’ve tried countless mascaras over the years, and my criteria remain the same:
- Length: Does it make my lashes look longer and more dramatic?
- Volume: Does it add thickness without clumping?
- No Smudging or Flaking: Does it stay in place all day?
- Ease of Application: Is the wand user-friendly and precise?
With these in mind, I put three mascaras to the test. Let’s dive into the contenders.
The Contenders
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
This high-end mascara promises bold volume and length. The formula is designed to coat each lash evenly for a dramatic effect, making it a great choice for special occasions. The wand is slightly larger than the others, which can take some getting used to. But once you’ve got the hang of it, it delivers on its promise of thicker, fuller lashes. - Benefit They’re Real Mascara
Sitting in the middle price range, Benefit They’re Real is a cult favorite for a reason. The formula is long-lasting and smudge-proof, making it ideal for all-day wear. The wand has a unique design with bristles that separate and define each lash, ensuring no clumps. This one is perfect for achieving a balance between natural and dramatic looks. - Essence Lash Princess Mascara
Don’t let the budget-friendly price fool you—Essence Lash Princess is a fan favorite for good reason. The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, making it great for everyday use. While it may not deliver the same dramatic volume as the other two, it’s a solid option for those looking for length and definition on a budget.
The Test: How I Compared Them
To keep the test fair, I applied each mascara on separate days under the same conditions:
- I started with clean, curled lashes.
- I applied two coats of each mascara, ensuring even coverage.
- Throughout the day, I monitored for smudging, flaking, and overall wear.
- I took close-up photos of my lashes from different angles for side-by-side comparisons.
Here’s what I found.
Results: Side-by-Side Comparisons
Everyday Wear
For a subtle, natural look, I found that Benefit They’re Real and Essence Lash Princess were the most effective. Benefit They’re Real provided the perfect balance of length and volume without looking too heavy. Essence Lash Princess was also impressive, delivering a lightweight, defined look that’s great for running errands or heading to the office.
Special Occasions
When it came to creating a bold, dramatic look for date night, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme stole the show. The thicker formula and larger wand created the illusion of false lashes, making it a top pick for glam occasions.
Clumping and Smudging
None of the mascaras clumped significantly, but Benefit They’re Real stood out for its clump-free application. All three mascaras held up well throughout the day with minimal smudging, but I did notice a tiny bit of flaking with Essence Lash Princess after several hours of wear.
Breaking Down the Wands
The wand is just as important as the formula when it comes to mascara. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme: A large, plush wand that delivers volume but requires precision to avoid smudges.
- Benefit They’re Real: A unique, spiky wand with bristles designed to separate and define each lash.
- Essence Lash Princess: A curved wand that hugs the lashes, making it easy to apply even for beginners.
My Top Pick: Benefit They’re Real
If I could only pick one mascara, it would be Benefit They’re Real. It delivers the perfect combination of length, volume, and definition, making it versatile for both everyday wear and special occasions. At a mid-range price point, it’s also a great value for the results it provides.
That said, I’ll still reach for Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme when I want an extra bold look for date nights or events. And I’ll keep Essence Lash Princess on hand as a budget-friendly option for casual days.
Final Thoughts
Mascara is such a personal choice—what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why I love doing these tests and sharing my results. Whether you’re looking for an everyday mascara, a glam option for nights out, or a budget-friendly pick, I hope this comparison helps you find the perfect fit for your lashes.
If you’re curious to see the full results, including close-up comparisons, check out my YouTube video where I put all three mascaras to the test. Don’t forget to comment and let me know which mascara is your favorite!
Shop the Products
Benefit They’re Real Mascara
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
Which mascara do you think performed the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Modern Mavennial, for more beauty reviews, tips, and tricks.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this video and its description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase – at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel, which allows me to continue to provide you with free content!
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