Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara

Finding the best mascara should not feel like a gamble between big, bold lashes and irritation, smudging, or flaking. For many of us, the wish list is the same: real volume and length, inky color that defines every lash, a formula that behaves through a long day, and a brush that does the heavy lifting without scratching or poking. Add eye safety and an ethical formula to the mix, and the options narrow fast. That is exactly where Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara earns its reputation. It is designed to deliver dramatic volume and length with a rich, multidimensional black that reads crisp on camera and in real life, while staying mindful of sensitive eyes, contacts, and cruelty-free standards.

Quality

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is built around two pillars that matter most in a mascara: the brush and the formula. The hourglass-shaped bristle brush is intentionally dense to pick up and deposit plenty of pigment at the base of the lash. That shape hugs the natural curve of the lash line so you can anchor at the roots and pull pigment through to the tips in one pass. Dense bristles also comb through as you lift, which is essential for creating height without losing separation.

The tube’s closure clicks into place with a secure seal, which helps slow down premature drying when you store it correctly. The formula has a creamy, slightly mousse-like glide that clings to lashes without feeling wet and drippy. This texture is what allows quick impact in two to three coats while keeping lashes flexible instead of brittle.

Pigment is deep black and multidimensional, which means it does more than look flat and inky. A multidimensional black tends to catch light differently along each lash, creating that plush, fanned-out effect that reads as fuller without extra bulk.

Crucially, Better Than Sex is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. This matters for anyone who has experienced stinging, redness, or that gritty feeling from fibers or harsh preservatives. The cruelty-free commitment is equally important. If your makeup kit is built around ethical choices, this mascara aligns with that standard without asking you to compromise on drama.

Key Features & Benefits

• Rich, multidimensional black pigment

Benefit: Definition is immediate. Even if your lashes are light or sparse, the color coats from root to tip and creates a liner-like intensity at the base. That makes eyes look more awake and framed, often reducing the need for additional eyeliner during the day.

• Dramatic volume and length

Benefit: The formula grips at the base to build fullness where you need it most, then pulls product through the lengths for visible extension. This dual effect is what separates a truly volumizing mascara from one that only darkens. You get a bolder lash line and longer-looking ends, which opens the eyes and balances heavier shadow looks.

• Hourglass bristle brush

Benefit: The brush shape curves in at the middle to match the natural shape of the eye. The wider ends catch outer and inner corner lashes, while the center section pushes lift into the middle of the lash line. That distribution helps create a fanned-out, almost false-lash silhouette.

• Ophthalmologist tested and contact lens friendly

Benefit: For sensitive eyes, this safeguards against common irritants. The formula aims to stay comfortable throughout long wear, reducing blinking discomfort and fallout that can get behind lenses.

• Cruelty free

Benefit: You can create high-impact lashes while supporting a brand stance against animal testing. For many, this is a deciding factor when two mascaras perform similarly.

• Buildable application

Benefit: You control the final look. One coat delivers a noticeable lift and tint suitable for daytime. A second and third coat push toward evening-ready volume and length without the heavy, stiff feeling that leads to flaking.

• Flexible, cream-mousse texture

Benefit: The texture holds a curl and adds height without turning spidery as it dries. That flexibility also makes it easier to refresh later in the day with a light touch rather than needing to remove and reapply.

• Easy removal with standard cleansers

Benefit: No lash-tugging rituals required. A gentle cleansing balm or micellar water loosens the formula quickly, which helps preserve lash health over time.

Real-World Performance / Use Cases

If your morning routine is quick, you want a mascara that performs in as few strokes as possible. Better Than Sex leans into that speed. The creamy glide deposits enough product on the first pass to darken and thicken noticeably. Wiggle the brush at the base, then pull up and out through the tips. That base-to-tip motion uses the brush density to anchor lift and deliver the length effect at the same time.

For short or downward-pointing lashes, curl first and let the curl cool before applying mascara. Anchor the brush at the base and roll it slightly as you sweep upward. The hourglass center helps push lift into the middle of the lash line, which gives eyes a rounder, open look. If your lashes are very fine, use lighter pressure and fewer strokes on the first coat, then add a second coat only where you want more volume. This reduces the chance of bulk or sticking.

For straight and stubborn lashes, a primer can add grip and keep lift in place. Apply a thin coat of primer, let it turn tacky, then add one to two coats of Better Than Sex. Focus the second coat at the outer third of your lashes to create a winged, elongated effect without weighing down the inner corners.

If you have naturally dense lashes but want definition, the multidimensional black helps separate the lash line visually so it does not look like one heavy block. Use the tip of the brush to tap individual outer lashes. Then comb through with a clean lash comb while the formula is still pliable. This preserves separation and creates a fanned-out effect that reads expensive in photos.

Bottom lashes can look dramatic with this formula, but the large brush is not the most nimble tool in a tight space. If you do choose to coat lowers, hold the brush vertically and use the tip to dot color along the hairs, then immediately sweep a clean spoolie to remove any excess. Alternatively, skip bottom lashes on very humid days to minimize smudge potential.

All-day wear depends a lot on environment and skin type. On normal to dry lids, the formula generally holds its own through a full workday. On very oily lids or in hot, sticky weather, transfer is more likely. A light dusting of translucent powder on the lids before application and a tubing-style topcoat on just the tips can extend smudge resistance. Lash prep matters too. Removing residual eye cream from the lash line before mascara prevents slips that can lead to smearing.

Contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes benefit from the ophthalmologist-tested formula. Minimize fallout by avoiding excessive back-and-forth at the tips. Place the brush, wiggle slightly at the base, and lift in one smooth pull. If you need more, wait a few seconds for the first layer to set and add a second coat, keeping strokes deliberate rather than frantic.

Removal is straightforward. Use micellar water on a cotton pad or a balm cleanser on dry hands. Press gently over closed eyes for 10 to 15 seconds to dissolve pigment, then sweep away without scrubbing. Consistent, gentle removal is one of the best ways to maintain lash fullness over time.

Drawbacks & Limitations

No mascara is perfect for every lash type, and Better Than Sex is no exception. The most common learning curve is the brush size. The dense, hourglass bristles excel at depositing product quickly, but they can overwhelm very short, sparse, or deep-set lashes. Precision is achievable with practice, yet those first few applications may feel clumsy on inner corners and lower lashes.

Clumping risk rises if you overload the brush or stack too many coats without combing. The formula is intentionally plush to build volume, so it pays to work with thinner layers. Wipe excess from the wand, comb through between coats, and target only the areas that need extra height. This keeps the look bold without veering into crunchy.

In terms of smudge control, wear is solid in typical conditions. On extremely oily lids or during intense humidity, transfer can happen. Prep with a lid primer or powder, avoid rich eye creams during the day, and consider skipping lower-lash application on those challenging weather days. Those small tweaks often make the difference between clean wear and afternoon shadows.

Finally, like many volumizing mascaras, the formula can feel thicker as air enters the tube over time. Close the cap firmly and store the tube horizontally or upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid pumping the wand in and out of the tube, which introduces air and accelerates thickening. Treated thoughtfully, you preserve the creamy glide that makes this formula so impactful.

FAQ

Q: Is Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara safe for sensitive eyes or contacts?

A: Yes. It is ophthalmologist tested and labeled suitable for contact lens wearers. That said, sensitivity varies person to person. If your eyes are reactive, start with one coat on clean, dry lashes and avoid tightlining with creamy pencils underneath until you confirm comfort. Removal with a gentle cleanser also reduces irritation risk.

Q: How do I avoid clumps while still getting dramatic volume?

A: Start with a clean, wiped wand to remove excess. Apply one thin coat using a wiggle-and-lift motion, then comb through with a clean spoolie while the formula is still pliable. Add a second coat only where you want more height, usually the outer third. This targeted layering intensifies volume without building bulk at the tips.

Q: Will it smudge on oily lids or in hot weather?

A: Performance is strong in normal conditions, but very oily lids and high humidity can challenge any cream-based formula. Prime or lightly powder the lids first, skip eye cream on the upper lash line in the morning, and consider avoiding the lower lashes on tough weather days. Those steps meaningfully reduce transfer.

Q: Does it hold a curl on straight lashes?

A: The flexible, creamy texture helps preserve lift, especially if you curl first and let the curl cool for a few seconds before applying. For extra hold, use a lightweight lash primer. Apply a thin primer coat, wait until it turns tacky, then add one to two coats of mascara while keeping strokes smooth and deliberate.

Q: How should I remove it to protect my lashes?

A: Use a balm cleanser or micellar water. Press and hold on closed eyes to dissolve pigment, then sweep away without rubbing. Avoid hot water and aggressive tugging. Good removal habits help prevent breakage and keep lashes looking full over time.

Verdict

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a standout for anyone who wants instant, high-impact lashes without sacrificing eye comfort or ethics. The combination of a plush, buildable formula and a dense hourglass brush produces the kind of volume and length that transforms a look in minutes. It shines brightest on those who want a bold lash line with a multidimensional black finish that frames the eyes effortlessly.

It is not the most forgiving for very short or sparse lashes, and oily-lid days may call for simple prep to curb smudging. With smart application and a light hand, those drawbacks are easy to manage.

Overall, this is an excellent pick for dramatic volume enthusiasts, evening and event makeup, and anyone curating a cruelty-free routine that still delivers statement lashes. If you want an everyday mascara that can also spike to photo-ready intensity on demand, this belongs at the top of your shortlist.