When it comes to mascaras that deliver bold volume and dramatic length, two names dominate the conversation: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes and Too Faced Better Than Sex. Both have earned cult followings for their impressive performance and unique features, but which one truly deserves a spot in your makeup bag? This article compares these two bestsellers head-to-head to help you decide which mascara wins for your lashes.
Overview of the Mascaras
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
Known for its clean, vegan formula, Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes promises a 4-in-1 effect: lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning. It features nourishing ingredients like pro-vitamin B5 and acai oil, making it a popular choice for those seeking beauty with a conscience.
Too Faced Better Than Sex
Better Than Sex is famous for its intensely volumizing and lengthening power, paired with a signature hourglass-shaped brush designed to coat every lash evenly. The formula aims to deliver dramatic, bold lashes instantly.
Formula and Ingredients
- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes:
Vegan, cruelty-free, free from parabens and sulfates, with lash-conditioning vitamins and oils to promote lash health. - Too Faced Better Than Sex:
Non-vegan, cruelty-free, contains waxes and polymers for maximum volume and hold, but without specific lash-conditioning ingredients.
Brush Design
- Tarte: Features a synthetic, slightly curved brush that separates lashes well, avoiding clumps and building natural volume.
- Too Faced: Has a large, thick hourglass-shaped brush designed for bold volume and curl but can be harder to maneuver for beginners.
Performance Comparison
Volume
- Better Than Sex: Delivers more dramatic volume, instantly making lashes look thicker and fuller.
- Lights, Camera, Lashes: Provides noticeable volume but with a more natural, buildable effect.
Length
- Both mascaras excel at lengthening lashes, but Tarte’s formula offers a slightly softer, more flexible finish.
Curl
- Better Than Sex: Holds curl well, especially when paired with an eyelash curler.
- Tarte: Also holds curl effectively but is more lightweight on the lashes.
Wear and Longevity
- Both mascaras boast long-lasting wear with minimal smudging or flaking, though Better Than Sex can sometimes smudge on oily lids if not set.
Removal
- Tarte: Easier to remove due to its creamy, conditioning formula.
- Better Than Sex: Requires a stronger makeup remover due to its waterproof-like hold.
Comfort and Suitability
- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes: Ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers thanks to its gentle ingredients.
- Better Than Sex: May cause irritation for sensitive eyes but great for those prioritizing bold drama.
Price Point
Both mascaras fall within the mid-to-high-end price range, but Better Than Sex is often slightly more expensive depending on the retailer and product size.
Final Verdict: Which Mascara Wins?
- Choose Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes if you want a clean, nourishing formula with natural yet buildable volume and length, especially if you have sensitive eyes.
- Opt for Too Faced Better Than Sex if you’re after maximum drama and bold volume with an instantly thick lash effect and don’t mind a more intense formula.
Conclusion
Both mascaras have their strengths and cater to different beauty needs. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes offers a gentle, multi-benefit approach perfect for everyday glam with lash care, while Better Than Sex delivers iconic volume and drama for nights when you want your lashes to steal the show.
Ready to pick your winner? Consider your lash goals and sensitivities to choose the mascara that fits your style best!