Thursday, October 24, 2013

benefit "they're Real!" mascara: Swatches + Review!


I have so many feelings about this mascara; some of them are overwhelmingly good, some are upsettingly terrible, but overall this huge emotional spectrum leaves me confused, conflicted, and overall unhappy.
So thanks a lot benefit! You've made a mostly beautiful mascara. 
But thanks, moreso, to (a lot of) the beauty community! You've overhyped a product to the point that I can't enjoy it as much as I'm sure I would have if my mind weren't a clutter of "wtf how could they neglect to mention this that and the other thing???"


Like many beauty enthusiasts, I got this as my birthday gift from Sephora this year (which I hauled, amongst many other things, here). I was thrilled because along with this mascara it also included a mini version of the Watt's Up! highlighter; these were two products I've always been curious to try but never willing to shell out the money in order to do so. Thankfully Sephora teamed up with benefit this year for birthdays because, as much as an emotional roller coaster this mascara has been, I've truly enjoyed giving it a try.

I think the one thing that people always note about the "they're Real!" mascara is the spiky ball at the end of the applicator wand... which mine didn't seem to come fully equipped with. I'm not sure if I got a dud or if all of the mini versions of this mascara were made like this but it seems like maybe half of a sort of spiky ball? It really stinks because that was supposed to be one of the super magical parts of the "they're Real!" mascara and, if I'm being honest, this version is less than stellar at getting the tiny lashes in the inner corners of the eyes. Don't get me wrong, it definitely gets the little lashes but instead of separating and defining them it just clumps them together in a less than flattering manner.
That aside though, the length of the wand actually helps to make lashes look fantastic; I'm absolutely smitten with the balance between length and volume that the "they're Real!" mascara provides.


Now I know, you may be wondering gee Cassie that opening paragraph seemed like a lot of shade and drama thrown around over a silly missing spiky ball at the end of your mascara wand... your lashes look great! 
And hey, if that were the case then I would say you're absolutely correct! Sadly though, there's a much bigger problem with benefit's "they're Real!" mascara and it has to do with the mascara itself.


This mascara is a smudgey bugger. After just a few hours of wear, even if only worn on the top lashes, I somehow end up with smudging on my bottom lid area (I'll never understand the physics of that phenomenon). It's not the worst smudging I've ever encountered (I don't think anything can compare to the panda eye disaster created by L'Oreal) but it has to be noted that this happens every single time I wear it; I really don't have super oily lids or anything so I know that it's the mascara causing the smudging. 
The "they're Real!" mascara is also a fairly wet formula so there is a certain amount of dry-down time you have to deal with before you can safely blink. It's something I just don't care to have to think about in the morning when I have a hard enough time remembering curling irons are hot when plugged in (shut up and stop laughing) much less whether or not it's safe for me to blink.

As far as I can tell, benefit doesn't make a waterproof version of this mascara which is an absolute bummer because I think that would solve the smudging issue. But alas! It is what it is and, even though it has its downfalls, I truly have enjoyed trying "they're Real!" out. If you want me to fork out $23 for a mascara though it needs to be far more perfect than just damn near.

How do you feel about benefit's "they're Real!" mascara?
Do you agree with the hype or were you let down like I was?
Have you tried a mascara that's actually worth the high end price or do you just stick with drugstore?
Do share!!

xoxo - Cassie

35 comments:

  1. I tried it back when it came out and didn't really like it. It didn't add as much volume as I wanted and it was a real pain to remove completely, which is a deal breaker for me. I'm kinda glad I didn't like it though, because it's pretty damn expensive haha

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    1. Hahah it always is nice when something expensive disappoints so you don't have to worry about purchasing it XD

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  2. I've never tried this mascara myself (my birthday is in December so I haven't gotten my Sephora birthday gift yet, either), but I've heard that some people will open it and let it sit for a month before using it to get rid of some of the wetness issue. Maybe that would help with the smudging? Still seems silly to do for such an expensive mascara, though!

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    1. Good gawd that really is a silly process to have to go through for the price haha! Thanks for the tip though <3

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  3. I tried the They're Real sample size, thought it was good, but wouldn't pay the full price as there are plenty of excellent options at the drug store.

    Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  4. I too wasn't very impressed with this mascara...thankfully I got the sample for free!

    natalielovesbeauty.blogspot.ca

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  5. Hands down this is my favorite high end I waited a week before using because I knew the formula was wetter than I like it. The smudging thing I feel you I can't wear Maybelline at all because of those reasons and flaking on me huge. I found that it has to do with the formula n how greasy your eye area gets through out the day.

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    1. I'm glad you love this stuff Katie!! Like said I know some people swear by it so I know you're not alone ^__^

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  6. I agree with you so much. The first time I used this mascara, I noticed the same smudging, and if I happened to even TOUCH my lashes throughout the day they clumped together like crazy! I don't know why this gets so over-hyped.

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    1. Guhhhhh it really is frustrating!! So sorry to hear you had the same problems I did but at least we don't have to worry about paying for such an expensive mascara huh? ;)

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  7. I totally agree with you, unsure about the crazy hype with this one. It's a good mascara, but it definitely has its faults!

    Kirsty, xo
    - clothes, shoes & boys with tattoos

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  8. I liked the mascara. I didn't notice any smudging. However, I could not get the mascara off of my eyelashes. Not even after eye makup remover and soap and water. So I never use it. Unless I want to look nice at the moment and the next day I dont care if my eyeslashes look clumpy. I have a blog post and update about a dupe I found for this mascara.

    www.smile1963.blogspot.com

    Kathy

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    1. Ahhhhh yup I have a similar problem; this mascara really is a pain to (try and) get off!!

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  9. I've never tried this mascara, have been tempted too, but for some reason when it comes to mascara I've never really been will to fork out the money. I think like with most make up it's just trial and error and I am still on the hunt for the perfect mascara. At the moment I'm using Rimmel's Lash Accelerator mascara and so far I'm really liking it :) xx

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    1. I'm with you Sadie, I don't like spending top dollar for mascara either!! There are too many drugstore alternatives that are just as good if not better :) I'll have to check out that Rimmel mascara! I feel like I've heard good things about it before <3

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  10. I went through a phase where I reaaalllly loved this stuff and bought the full size and everything,and now I only wear it when I want my lashes to be like OOOMPH WOW because I find I lose an eyelash or two every time I use this stuff.It's not that big of a deal, but an eyelash or two adds up if I would want to wear this everyday! It really makes my lashes look long and beautiful but they are also kind of spiky and plastic feeling too.. So you are right ,so many buts with this mascara.

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    1. Haha oh no Amber!! I feel like I share all of your sentiments with this mascara… it's a tough one to try and get off! I just don't know that it's worth losing precious lashes over so I'm still pretty on the fence about it :/

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  11. I used to wear it on an everyday basis before I fell in love with the Rocket by Maybelline. My lashes look great when I wear it but it is a pain to get off. However I haven't noticed any smudging. I have to agree with Amber: I lose a few lashes if I'm not careful when removing the mascara. I still use it for special occasions but it's quite pricy for what it does and I don't really get the hype. xx

    beautyvisions.blogspot.com

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    1. I hear sooooo many things about Maybelline's Rocket mascara!! I may have to try it out one of these days. And gahhh don't lose your lashes over this stuff! Such a shame :(

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  12. Two coats looks so good on you! *eyelash envy* I personally don't experience smudging, but then again my lashes are like 1/10th of yours, so that's understandable. It's unfortunate that the smudging has kind of ruined your experience of the mascara, especially since it really seems to amp up your lashes in a dramatic fashion. I think the half spiky ball is the same as the regular size - though I think they repackaged the sample size from something that was a smaller version of their larger tube, to something completely cylindrical ... not sure why but the new look is much sleeker.

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    1. Haha no need for envy it's all the mascara's doing!! My lashes are pretty unnoticeable in their naked state. And yeah I'm really bummed about all of the 'buts' involved with this mascara… I love the look of it but but but… I just can't make up my darn mind!! :(

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  13. I'll never fork out money for this mascara only because Sephora always gives it away in some sort of perk, haha. I'm not totally in love with it, but it does look super nice on your lashes! It stinks that it's smudges on you because it seems to stay put on mine :/ I've never had that issue so maybe yours was a dud! I'll send you one of my 50 samples of it, hah. They all have a little ball on them (which I must say is not all the stellar, it'll still clump your baby lashes!!) I still stick to my good and ol' faithful drugstore ones!

    - Jess
    The Mod Mermaid

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    1. Hahah now that you mention it I have noticed that about Sephora!! It seems like this smudges on some people and not on others… almost like a perfume where some people's chemistry just makes this a super crap product ha.

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  14. Aww the mini version of this mascara is so cute! The mascara makes your lashes look so good but such a shame that it smudged on you :( I've always wanted to give this mascara a chance though because its always raved about, but i do agree that it is a bit expensive, but really, $23 is cheap, if you buy it from Australia it would cost you $38 so you're actually quite lucky if you can get your hands on them for $23!! >~~< Btw you have a really nice eye colour and your blog header is soo adorable hehe!

    xx
    www.beautifyinglifee.blogspot.com

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    1. Yeah I'm really so torn up about this mascara…. I absolutely love the way it looks on my lashes but the smudging is just unacceptable in my book! And guhhhh I feel so bad for beauty lovers in Australia; it guts me whenever I hear about the prices you have to pay for cosmetics ;__; You're so sweet though thank you for your kind words!!

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  15. I've had some interesting experiences with They're Real. I tried and loved the sample size so much I shelled out for the full size (and I never buy high-end mascara because there are so many good drugstore options) -- and I didn't like it!! The full size did not match the look or performance of the sample size. It smudged and my lashes didn't hold a curl. I know this sounds crazy but I had the same experience years ago w/the Lancome Definicils -- loved the sample; hated the full size. So now I hoard the small ones like gold and manage to get my hands on quite a few through various means.
    PS I've just discovered your blog and am really enjoying it!

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    1. That's so crazy!! Glad you've been able to find minis to make you happy though, that's at least a plus :) And thank you so much, that's so sweet of you to take the time to say! So happy to hear you're enjoying my blog <3

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  16. I'm actually a huge fan of this mascara!! I don't get smudging issue at all, although I have naturally short lashes so perhaps that has something to do with it. Also a massive fan of Roller Lash!! My sister prefers that to They're Real. Each to their own I guess! :)
    We have done a review of the They're Real mascaras and eye liners, please check it you if you get the chance :) http://beautifulbedlamblog.com/?p=617 xoxo

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  17. Love this review, I'm lucky I don't get the smudging but I think it's because I scrape as much excess off an humanly possible �� Hope you write more! I've just started my own blog thing, just finding my feet but if you wanna take a look it's shelliesbeautys.blogspot.co.uk it's no where near as good as you but hopefully il get there x

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  18. I paid full price for this mascara as it is marked as the number one seller I don't care for this mascara - it goes on clumpy and thick and I feel like I want to remove my makeup and start over. It doesn't look good at all! I am not sure what all of the hype is - especially for the price!

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