When it comes to volumizing mascaras, Tarte Maneater and Benefit They’re Real! are two heavyweight contenders in the beauty market. Both promise dramatic lashes with impressive volume and length, but they differ in formula, brush design, and performance. This detailed comparison will help you understand which mascara might be the best fit for your lash goals.
1. Packaging and Brush Design
Tarte Maneater:
Tarte Maneater comes in a sleek black tube with gold accents, featuring a flexible, hourglass-shaped rubber brush designed for precise application and lash separation.
Benefit They’re Real!:
Benefit They’re Real! has a glossy black tube with a silver logo and a brush with staggered bristles intended to reach every lash and lift, lengthen, and separate effectively.
2. Formula and Ingredients
Tarte Maneater:
The formula is enriched with lash-conditioning ingredients like bamboo and acai berry extracts. It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and offers a smooth, buildable texture that nourishes lashes while adding volume.
Benefit They’re Real!:
Benefit They’re Real! features a long-wearing, smudge-resistant formula that provides length and volume with a focus on curl retention. While it does not heavily emphasize conditioning ingredients, it offers solid all-day performance.
3. Application Experience
Tarte Maneater:
The flexible brush allows for detailed application with minimal clumping. The mascara glides on smoothly and dries quickly, holding curl well throughout the day.
Benefit They’re Real!:
Benefit’s brush is designed to comb through lashes and coat them evenly. The formula provides intense length and volume but can sometimes feel heavier, requiring careful application to avoid clumping.
4. Lash Look and Effect
Tarte Maneater:
Creates bold, voluminous lashes with clear separation and a fanned-out appearance. Suitable for both everyday and dramatic looks.
Benefit They’re Real!:
Delivers noticeable length and volume with a more defined, “spiky” lash look. Great for those who want lashes that stand out distinctly.
5. Longevity and Wear
- Tarte Maneater: Long-lasting with minimal smudging or flaking; comfortable for all-day wear.
- Benefit They’re Real!: Known for its durability and resistance to smudging, but some users may find it harder to remove at the end of the day.
6. Price and Value
Both mascaras fall into the high-end category, with prices often comparable. Tarte Maneater offers added lash care benefits, while Benefit They’re Real! focuses on bold, long-lasting performance.
7. Pros and Cons Summary
| Feature | Tarte Maneater | Benefit They’re Real! |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Bold, buildable volume | Length-focused with volume |
| Brush Design | Flexible, precise | Staggered bristles for separation |
| Lash Conditioning | Yes, nourishing ingredients | Limited conditioning |
| Clump Risk | Low | Moderate, depends on application |
| Longevity | Long-lasting, smudge-resistant | Durable, may be harder to remove |
| Price | High-end | High-end |
Final Verdict
Both Tarte Maneater and Benefit They’re Real! deliver impressive lash-enhancing effects but cater to slightly different preferences. If you want a mascara that combines volume with lash care and a smooth finish, Tarte Maneater is an excellent choice. For those seeking intense length and a distinctive, bold lash look, Benefit They’re Real! remains a top contender. Your ideal pick depends on your desired lash effect and formula preferences.