I Tried Benefit’s New Fan Fest Mascara—It’s Like Lash Extensions in a Tube

I’m going to start this mascara review off with a confession: I’m picckkyy when it comes to mascara. In my defense, finding your perfect mascara is like finding your perfect pair of jeans. Just like bodies, everyone’s eye shapes and eyelashes are different; and just like jeans, everyone is looking for a little something different to fit their needs. So what do I look for in mascara? Curl, separation, and definition. I have pretty long natural lashes—thank you, mom—so length isn’t a top priority for me. Volume? Sure, if the formula can manage to deliver it without even the whisper of clump.

There’s only been a handful of mascara over the years that have given me exactly what I’m looking for right out of the box. Leave it to the mascara masters at BENEFIT COSMETICS to create another fan-fave formula (literally!). After testing their brand-new Fan Fest Mascara in my August Glam Bag, I’m excited to report that there’s officially a new addition to that elite mascara list.

What You Need to Know About the New BENEFIT Fan Fest Mascara

Not only does the brand state that this mascara will give you an “instant eye-opening effect,” but they also say the full-fan effect will last up to 24 hours and won’t smudge, clump, or flake, even against humidity and sweat (it’s also water-resistant!). Those are a lot of claims to make, but if anyone can manage, it would be the makers of the Roller Lash Mascara, my longest-running mascara bestie.

All of these benefits are delivered via the mascara’s custom-engineered brush (which has a 40° curve and flex-wave fibers that are meant to lift root-to-tip and grab, define, and separate corner to corner) and inky black formula powered by lash-loving ingredients, like conditioning provitamin B5, nourishing cranberry extract, and rice wax, which helps define and separate lashes and give lift that lasts.

What I Like About the Fan Fest Mascara

Not to sound hyperbolic, but this. Mascara. Is. Everything—and I knew it at first swipe. One coat left my lashes lifted, defined, and fanned out with nary a clump in sight. Need proof? Check out the before and after below! To get this type of fluttery look, I typically need to rely on those scary metal eyelash combs, a lash lift and tint, or a wispy set of eyelash extensions. I found the best way to apply it was to lightly push the wand at the base of my lashes and then very slowly drag it up and out through the tips. Without fail, this method has given me the most fluttery, fringy, winged-out eyelash look.

I also really loved the curved shape of the brush. It did just what it was built to do, reaching my entire lash line in one stroke. This made the entire application really fast and mess-free, including hitting my lower lashes. I just pressed the wand against my lower lash line and gently wiggled it to get the most-perfect coating of color and separation.

As for the wear, I have zero complaints. I have yet to notice any flakes throughout the day, and the wispy look really does last from my 8:30 a.m. application to my 9 p.m. makeup removal, which was super easy by the way. My go-to cleansing balm removed every trace of this water-resistant formula without harsh scrubbing or pressure. And while I can’t attest to the conditioning and nourishing benefits of the provitamin B5 and cranberry extract (longer-term testing is needed here), I absolutely stand by rice wax as my new hero mascara ingredients. It felt totally weightless on my lashes, and the benefits really did last all day.

What to Consider Before Trying BENEFIT’s Fan Fest Mascara

While it did check all my beauty boxes, I understand that some people require other things from their mascara. If you’re looking for a ton of added volume or extra length, this mascara might not be for you. A second coat definitely turns up the volume a bit, but you run the risk of clumpage and losing that soft, fanned-out effect.

My Final Thoughts on the BENEFIT COSMETICS Fan Fest Mascara

If you’ve ever gotten a lash lift and tint and loved the results or you prefer a more-natural set of eyelash extensions, this mascara can get you that fluttery, fanned-out look from the comfort of your own bathroom, not to mention at a much more budget-friendly price (a full size of the Fan Fest Mascara is $28).

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