You know that feeling when you spend $30 on a "prestige" mascara and by 2 PM you look like a tired raccoon? It’s frustrating. Honestly, it’s a scam. Most of us have been conditioned to think that if a tube of goop doesn't cost as much as a fancy lunch, it won't actually hold a curl or survive a humid commute. Then comes along a bright blue and black tube that costs less than a latte. The essence lash princess waterproof mascara has basically become the stuff of internet legend, and for good reason. It isn't just "good for the price." It’s genuinely better than most of the high-end stuff sitting in Sephora drawers right now.
I’ve seen people wear this to weddings, through breakups, and in literal torrential downpours. The staying power is borderline aggressive.
If you're looking for a subtle, "no-makeup" makeup look, keep walking. This isn't that. This formula is about drama. It’s about that false-lash effect that the name promises, but with the added structural integrity of a waterproof seal that refuses to budge. But there is a learning curve, and if you don't know how to handle the "inkiness" of the formula, you're going to end up with a clumpy mess.
The Reality of the Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara Formula
Let's talk about the texture. It’s thick. Unlike the original version (the green one), the essence lash princess waterproof mascara has a slightly more viscous, waxier consistency. This is standard for waterproof formulas because they rely on isododecane and various waxes to repel water, but Essence took it a step further. It coats every single hair. It’s heavy, which is usually the kiss of death for thin lashes, yet somehow it manages to lock a curl in place rather than weighing it down.
Why does it work? The brush.
It’s a conic-shaped fiber brush. No plastic needles here. The shape allows you to get deep into the inner corners without poking your eyeball out, which is a common hazard with those oversized jumbo brushes. Because the bristles are dense, they deposit a lot of product. Fast. You don’t need four coats. If you do four coats, your lashes will look like spider legs. Two is the sweet spot.
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Interestingly, many professional makeup artists, like those you'll see featured in Allure or Cosmopolitan, often keep this in their kit specifically for brides. Why? Because the price point allows them to give it away or dispose of it for hygiene reasons, but the performance rivals the heavy hitters from brands like Lancôme or Dior. It’s the definition of a "workhorse" product.
Does it Actually Survive Water?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It survives too well.
The waterproof rating on this is high. I’m talking about "I went swimming in the ocean and my lashes still looked better than my life choices" high. However, that comes with a trade-off. This mascara is notoriously difficult to remove. If you think a gentle splash of warm water or a standard makeup wipe is going to take this off, you’re in for a rough night. You need an oil-based cleanser or a dedicated bi-phase remover.
The Smudge Factor
One of the biggest complaints with the original Lash Princess (the green tube) is that it flakes. It’s a great mascara, but by the end of the day, you might have little black specks on your cheeks. The essence lash princess waterproof mascara solves this. The waterproof agents act as a film-former, which essentially shrink-wraps the pigment to your lashes.
- Pros: Zero flaking.
- Cons: If you have very oily eyelids, the oils from your skin can eventually break down the wax, leading to a bit of smudging under the brow bone.
To fix that, most pros recommend a quick dust of translucent powder on your lids before application. It creates a dry barrier so the mascara doesn't have anything to "melt" into.
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Comparing the Princesses: Blue vs. Green vs. Purple
People get confused in the makeup aisle. It’s a sea of similar-looking tubes.
The green tube (False Lash Effect) is the cult classic, but it’s the least durable. The purple tube (Sculpted Volume) is great for definition, but it lacks the "oomph" of the others. The blue tube—our waterproof hero—is the one you pick when you have a long day ahead. It’s the densest formula of the bunch.
If you have stick-straight lashes that refuse to stay up after using an eyelash curler, the waterproof version is actually your best bet. The alcohol and waxes in waterproof formulas dry faster than water-based ones, "freezing" the lash in its curled position. It’s basically hairspray for your eyes.
How to Apply It Without the Clumps
Look, this mascara is pigmented. It's really black.
- Wipe the wand. This is the most important step. When you pull the wand out, it carries too much product. Scrape the excess off on the rim of the tube.
- Wiggle at the base. Start at the roots and wiggle the brush side-to-side before pulling up. This builds volume at the base, making your lash line look thicker without clumping the tips.
- Don't wait between coats. This formula dries fast. If you wait for the first coat to dry completely before adding a second, the brush will catch on the hardened wax and create clumps. Work quickly.
The Ingredient Truth
There's no magic inside, just smart chemistry. It's cruelty-free, which is a massive win for a brand this affordable. Essence is one of the few drugstore brands that has maintained a strict PETA-certified cruelty-free status while keeping prices under $5.
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The ingredient list includes Cera Alba (beeswax) and Carnauba Wax. These are what give it that thick, lash-building quality. It's also paraben-free and perfume-free. If you have sensitive eyes, the lack of fragrance is a huge relief, though keep in mind that waterproof formulas in general can be slightly more irritating than tubbing mascaras simply because they are harder to wash off.
Is it for everyone?
Probably not. If you have very few, very fragile lashes, the weight of the essence lash princess waterproof mascara might be too much. You might prefer something lighter. But for 90% of people who want that "are those extensions?" look, it’s a goldmine.
Addressing the $5 Elephant in the Room
We’ve been trained to think that "cheap" means "bad." In the beauty industry, that's often a lie. You’re usually paying for the heavy glass packaging, the celebrity marketing campaigns, and the prime shelf space in department stores. Essence saves money by using simple plastic tubes and focusing on viral social media marketing rather than Super Bowl ads.
The result is a product that performs at a 5x higher price bracket. It’s one of those rare instances where the hype is actually backed by performance.
Actionable Steps for the Best Results
If you're ready to try the essence lash princess waterproof mascara, or if you've tried it and struggled, follow this protocol for a better experience:
- Purchase a fresh tube every 3 months. Because the formula is so wax-heavy, it can dry out faster than others. At $4.99, it’s affordable to replace.
- Invest in a metal lash comb. If you do happen to get a clump, a metal comb (not plastic) will slide through the wax and separate the lashes perfectly while the product is still wet.
- Use a bi-phase remover. Look for the ones that have a clear layer and a blue layer that you have to shake up. These are designed specifically to dissolve the waxes in this mascara without you having to scrub your delicate eye skin.
- Pair it with a lash primer if you want truly theatrical volume. Any white lash primer will do, but Essence makes one (the Volume Booster) that works perfectly with this specific formula.
The bottom line is simple: stop overpaying for mascara. Give the blue tube a fair shot, use a light hand, and make sure you have a real makeup remover on standby. Your wallet and your lashes will probably thank you.