"They're Real & They're Spectacular"

Written by @oohkayla

One of the first “high end” mascaras I remember purchasing was Benefit’s They’re Real mascara. Benefit was actually one of the first brands I ever purchased from in Sephora, in truth they really are the brand that led to my obsession. Fast forward to also 10 years later and I have come to the conclusion that They’re Real mascara may be my makeup soulmate.

Dear They’re Real, I am sorry for the years I spend neglecting you, I was young and foolish and trust me it won’t happen again. Will you forgive me? Yours Forever, Kayla M

Like most people I am a real sucker for numbers and statistics, I can tell through the computer screen you are staring at this saying, “What does that mean?” You know when 3 out of 4 dentists recommend a gum? Or when 9 out of 10 vets agree on a cat food? And you go out and buy it just because almost 100% think it is good, that is being a sucker for numbers and statistics. Benefit’s website has them all over their site and after being reunited with my love, I have to agree with them. I apply 1-2 coats to my top lashes using the wiggle through technique. The wiggle through is when you move your brush from side to side as you are moving it up through your lash, I find it gives me the maximum effect and rids me of any small clumps that may have occur not that clumps happen often.

1 out of 1 Kayla’s recommend this to her entire tribe. The brush this mascara has seems pretty standard but it isn’t! Think Harry Potter wand and then add a little spiked ball at end that helps with those really tiny lashes as well as helping to separate overall. I personally have very small, scattered, “are they even there?” lashes and this works wonders. The mascara lengthens, separates and adds volume. But be warned this won’t provide the look of falsies but it will help the makeup lovers out there that need a good staple mascara, who have a hard time finding something that makes the smallest of lashes step into their power and you take home to meet your parents!

If They’re Real Mascara was a person they would be the best man and maid of honor at your wedding, the aunt who always makes the best mac n’ cheese, the little black dress that hugs you in all the right places.

What Works For You, May Not Work For Her: Trouble Maker Mascara by Urban Decay

Same Product.

Different Outcome.

Our Senior Content Creators, Amanda (@acevellee) and Danyelle (@bufferingbetty), reviewed the mascara that makes a pretty bold claim! Keep reading to see what our ladies thought about this mascara.

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Amanda

What I look for in a mascara is voluminous, thickening black pigment for my sparse, unruly lashes. A product without fallout is completely ideal. Formulation that hardens, making my lashes feel heavy is a must to avoid.

The textured, holographic tube is galactic and gorgeous. A refreshing alternative to the basic black and metal tubes. The slimmer brush is more like a comb and I’m just not feeling it.

I stabbed myself a couple of times with the spikes while trying to get to the roots of my lashes.

Apparently, Urban Decay’s is advertising this mascara as “sex-proof” (fun but reaching…). It’s also supposed to give sublime black pigmentation as well as 13.7 times the volume. For me, this mascara didn’t deliver 2/3 of its claims.

Amanda's Results

In my experience this mascara could hold up fairly well in a one hour gym session, experiencing minimal flaking and smudging. Along with longevity it also gave me a bit of length. Troublemaker absolutely didn’t volumize my lashes.

It separated them more making them seem more sparse and thin if anything.

I wouldn’t recommend Troublemaker Mascara because I personally dislike it. It didn’t do anything for me but with that being said, for someone with naturally thicker or fuller lashes, I guess this might work.

Danyelle

I really dislike mascaras that have a super wet formula. I'm always tempted to just leave the tube open for an hour to see if it'll age the mascara. I like my lashes to feel soft with a fanned out lash look.

This gothic unicorn packaging is my mood all Fall/Winter long.

I'll be honest: Packaging matters to me. Inexpensive or premium, makeup is a luxury. When I apply my makeup, I like it when the package to be hella cute. UD nailed the Troublemaker's tube! Also, I much rather have a rubber wand. I think they're less messy.

Sex proof, huh? Calm down. This claim was like Urban Decay was playing Truth or Dare with the whole of the beauty community. Dare: test it out! Truth: did you really check your mascara afterward? 

While I rolled my eyes at that claim, I was anxious to try a mascara that promised all this volume with a lightweight formula! I detest when I can feel that I'm wearing mascara. 

Danyelle's Results

I. Am. Feeling. Myself. With this mascara. 

Because my lashes naturally curl up, I don't want or need a mascara that has a lot of hold. All it's going to be is stiff and harsh on my lashes. The definition Urban Decay's Troublemaker gave my lashes without turning them into tiny shards of glass is exactly what I want. I experienced no smudging or flaking. I also LOVE how easily this mascara removes in the shower. OMG. I don't want to waste half my cleanser on removing mascara. It was fantastic!

Do I think this mascara was top shelf quality? Eh. It's a great mascara for daily use. If you're looking for more drama to your lashes, you won't find it here. BUT!, this is what I want for like a regular Tuesday makeup look. Soft, dark lashes. Lasts all day. Easy off. The only tip I can offer is to use a dry, clean spooly to seperate any lashes that may clump together. That isn't an extra step for me. I do it with every mascara. 

Your turn!

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What is the best natural mascara? NUDESTIX Lash Lengthening Mascara is a minimalists' dream and it also supports LASH GROWTH!

By: Amanda V. 

It's no secret that I love big beautiful lashes. I have been in a long lasting relationship with my Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara for the past couple of years. To say I am attached is an understatement. Lately I felt the need for change, because my go-to mascara became too intense for me to wear for work especially since I don't put much makeup on anymore during the weekdays. I began searching for something more subtle just to define my lashes.

AFTER WEEKS AND WEEKS of searching I finally came across NUDESTIX Lash Lengthening Mascara. Not only does thjs mascara perfectly coat my lashes with the creamiest formula, it is also a treatment, formulated with a lash boosting complex and peptides to strengthen your lashes and assists in natural growth of your lashes. BINGO!!! The wand is sleek and slender and perfect for shorter lashes. The perfect amount of product comes out with the wand so it isnt messy whatsoever and you aren't wasting any product. So far my lashes haven't clumped and the product hasn't flaked onto my cheeks. I apply 2 coats and it makes my slightly unruly lashes perfectly defined and wispy.  My lashes also don't feel stiff and crunchy, they feel feathery with movement. Although I haven't noticed much lash growth in the past 3 weeks, I do notice less fallout which is a plus.

The packaging of this gem superb! The mascara comes in a sleek black/black case that can be re-used for so many things. I usually fit a couple of emergency Tampons and a packet of Midol. 

If you are aiming for a dramatic lash look this is NOT for you. This is more for the minimal, natural look.

The Mascara itself is certified organic, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested and fragrance free so even the most sensitive babes out there can use this bad boy. It is also Gluten and Cruelty free and perfect for the Vegan babes!! It retails for $24 and can be found at Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Beautylish.com and Nudestix.com. It can be quite the splurge for most but it is so worth it if you're looking for natural fluttery lashes that aren't too intense for daytime. 

NOTE: This product is NOT recommended for those with oily lids.. unless Raccoon Eyes is the look you are going for.