Does Benefit's First New Mascara in Years Live Up to Its Predecessors?

I've been a fan of Benefit Cosmetics since my college days. From the brand's Roller Lash Curling Mascara to the Precisely, My Brow Pencil, I've never been disappointed by a product launch, so I was excited to learn about its latest addition to the lineup: a new mascara. Yes, this marks the brand's first mascara launch in years.

Roller Lash Curling Mascara

From

$28

$28 at Benefit Cosmetics

Introducing: the Benefit Fan Fest Mascara ($28). When I first heard about this launch, my spidey senses started to tingle, and I knew I needed to get my hands on the product. Now, after having tested it for a few weeks, I can say with zero hesitation that I've found my new favorite tube (and that's coming from someone with sensitive eyes, so it's saying a lot). If you're interested in learning more about the Fan Fest Mascara, keep reading for my unfiltered thoughts and results.

Benefit Fan Fest Mascara

From

$28

$28 at Benefit Cosmetics

As a beauty writer, I'm constantly testing out new product launches, but since I have sensitive eyes, it's always a hit or miss. In fact, just a few weeks ago, I had an allergic reaction to a mascara that left me with puffy, red, and stinging eyes for two days. It's safe to say I went into this trial feeling apprehensive, but to my relief, I didn't experience any sensitivity with Fan Fest.

And while I can't speak for everyone with sensitive eyes, it worked for me. My favorite part of the mascara, though, has to be the curved wand. Most mascaras I've used in the past go straight across and get all over my lids during the application process, but with Fan Fest, it was so much easier to control and direct the pigment exactly where I wanted it to go. The end result was fanned-out lashes that looked lengthened and lifted, and I loved how it looked when I had completed the rest of my makeup. Additionally, the product didn't feel wet or heavy on my lashes — it was more weightless.

As is the case with any mascara on the market, Benefit suggests starting by curling your lashes. If you have oily eyelids like me, I recommend going in with an eye primer or concealer to set the base and protect against smudging. Once I set my lids and curled my lashes, I started with one coat, brushing the wand from root to tip, ensuring I coated each and every lash. The curved bristle brush made that easy, and I'm proud to say I have yet to see any mascara remnants on my lids. I applied two coats to each eye, and I think the end result was beautiful and looked effortless.

If you're a fan of Benefit's bestselling mascaras, like its Roller Lash Curling Mascara ($28) or They're Real! Lengthening Mascara ($28), there are a few key differences worth noting when it comes to the new Fan Fest Mascara. The most obvious are the wands. The latter is the first bristle brush for the brand, while the other two are plastic, which is sometimes up to personal preference on which you like more.

They're Real! Lengthening Mascara

From

$28

$28 at Benefit Cosmetics

The They're Real Mascara also has a domed wand, which helps to lift and curl the lashes, while Fan Fest has a curved wand that coats the lashes from root to tip. Both mascaras use beeswax as one of the main ingredients, which helps with volume. The Roller Lash Mascara also contains provitamin B5, which conditions the lashes. It's also worth noting that all three mascaras are the same price.

Still, if you loathe the look of clumpy lashes, Fan Fest is worth a try. Other mascaras tend to flake off and leave unsightly clumps, but that is most certainly not the case with this product. Thanks to the innovative wand and dry formula, you can expect your lashes to look fanned out and separated — all day long.

Rating:
★★★★☆