When it comes to achieving bold, voluminous lashes, two mascaras often dominate beauty discussions: Benefit Mascara and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Both are celebrated for their impressive formulas and dramatic results, yet they cater to slightly different preferences and lash needs. This article compares these two cult favorites to help understand their strengths, differences, and which one might be the better choice depending on what you’re looking for.

Overview of Benefit Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics offers several popular mascaras, with They’re Real! and BADgal BANG! being among the most famous. Benefit mascaras are known for their innovative brushes and formulas that focus on lengthening, volumizing, and curling lashes with precision. They typically provide a balanced finish that enhances natural lashes while adding noticeable drama. Benefit mascaras often prioritize long wear, smudge resistance, and a clump-free application.
Overview of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara is an iconic product famed for delivering maximum volume and intense black pigment. Its hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate lashes while depositing thick layers of mascara to create a bold, full-bodied effect. The formula is rich, creamy, and provides dramatic, eye-catching lashes that instantly transform any makeup look.
Key Differences in Formula and Performance
- Volume: Too Faced Better Than Sex tends to produce a more exaggerated, high-volume effect, ideal for those who want their lashes to stand out dramatically. Benefit mascaras offer volume too but usually with a more natural or buildable intensity.
- Length and Definition: Benefit mascaras excel in lengthening and separating lashes. Their brushes are engineered to reach even the smallest lashes, creating a precise and defined look without clumps.
- Wear and Smudge Resistance: Benefit mascaras often score higher on longevity and smudge-proof wear, making them reliable for all-day use. Better Than Sex provides good wear but can sometimes be prone to flaking or smudging, especially in humid conditions.
- Brush Design: Too Faced uses an hourglass-shaped brush designed for lifting and volumizing, while Benefit’s brushes vary by product but often focus on combing and separating lashes for a refined finish.
Application Experience
Benefit mascaras generally glide on smoothly, with formulas that dry quickly and avoid heavy buildup. This makes layering easier for customized intensity. Too Faced Better Than Sex is thicker and more saturated, which can be ideal for creating bold lashes in fewer coats but may require careful application to avoid clumping.
Ideal Users for Each Mascara
- Benefit Mascara: Best suited for those seeking versatile mascaras that lengthen, volumize moderately, and provide all-day wear with a natural yet enhanced lash look.
- Too Faced Better Than Sex: Perfect for users wanting maximum volume and drama, with bold, statement lashes that stand out for special occasions or glam looks.
Conclusion
Both Benefit Mascara and Too Faced Better Than Sex offer exceptional performance and have earned loyal followings. Benefit mascaras shine with their precision, longevity, and balanced volume, making them reliable everyday favorites. Too Faced Better Than Sex stands out for delivering intense volume and striking lashes that turn heads. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a dramatic, voluminous effect or a more defined, lengthened lash appearance. Each reigns supreme in its own category, catering to different lash goals and makeup styles.