Walk into any Sephora and you’ll see it. That metallic pink tube. It’s sitting there, probably near the checkout or front and center on the end-cap, looking exactly the same as it did a decade ago. It’s called Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. For years, beauty influencers and makeup artists have debated whether the name is hyperbole or just clever marketing, but the sales figures don't lie. It is consistently one of the best-selling prestige mascaras globally.
Why? Because it’s polarizing. Some people swear it’s the only thing that gives them "falsies" without the glue. Others think it flakes too much. But that tension is exactly why it stays relevant.
The Hourglass Secret
Most mascaras rely on a basic tapered wand or a rubber spike. Too Faced did something different. They modeled the brush after the curves of a woman's body—specifically an hourglass.
The science here isn't just about aesthetics. The hourglass shape allows the extra-stiff bristles to grab every single lash from the root. If you have thin lashes, this is a godsend. It deposits a lot of product. I mean a lot. That’s usually where the drama starts. If you aren't careful, you end up with "spider lashes," but for those chasing maximum volume, it’s the gold standard.
Jerrod Blandino, the co-founder of Too Faced, famously wanted a mascara that provided a "collagen-fueled" look. He wasn't just talking about a formula; he was talking about an architectural lift for the eyes. The formula contains film-forming polymers and acacia senegal tree extract. Basically, these ingredients act like a structural support beam for your lashes, keeping them curled upward even if they’re naturally stick-straight.
Is the Hype Actually Justified?
Honestly, it depends on what you value.
If you want a "no-makeup" makeup look, stay away. This is not for the faint of heart. Too Faced Better Than Sex is designed for high-impact, deep black pigment. It uses a specific type of carbon black that is noticeably darker than your average drugstore brand.
- The Pro: Incredible volume in one coat. You don't need three passes.
- The Con: The formula is "wet." This means if you sneeze thirty seconds after applying it, you’re going to have black dots all over your concealer.
- The Reality: It dries down to a very stiff finish. This helps hold the curl, but it can lead to some flaking by hour eight of your workday.
Many users don't realize that mascara formulas actually change slightly as they age. A fresh tube of this stuff is very liquidy. After two weeks of opening and closing it, the air gets in, and the formula hits its "sweet spot." It thickens up. This is when the magic happens. Many professional makeup artists actually prefer a slightly "dry" tube of Better Than Sex because it offers more control.
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Breaking Down the Ingredients
You’ll see a lot of talk about "nourishing" mascaras. While this isn't a lash serum, it does include peptides. These aren't just buzzwords; they help keep the lashes from becoming brittle under the weight of the heavy pigment.
The inclusion of Acacia Senegal Tree Extract is the real MVP here. It provides the "grip." Without it, the brush would just slide over the lashes without depositing enough product to create that thick, voluminous base. It’s a delicate balance. Too much extract and the mascara becomes a clumpy mess; too little and it’s just another thin tint.
The Waterproof vs. Original Debate
It’s a common mistake to think the waterproof version is just the original with some wax added. They are different beasts entirely.
The original (pink tube) is a water-based emulsion. It’s easier to take off at night, which is better for your lash health long-term. Scrubbing your eyes is the fastest way to get wrinkles and lose lashes.
The waterproof version (teal tube with "water droplets" on the side) is oil-based. It is virtually bulletproof. If you’re going to a wedding or live in a humid climate like Florida or Singapore, you need the teal tube. However, because it’s so heavy, it can sometimes weigh down a curl more than the original.
"I've seen brides cry through entire ceremonies and the Better Than Sex Waterproof didn't budge an inch. But you better have a high-quality cleansing balm ready when you get to the hotel." — Anishka M., Celebrity Makeup Artist
What Most People Get Wrong About Application
You can’t apply this like a $5 drugstore mascara. If you just swipe up, you’re going to get clumps.
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The "Wiggle and Sweep" is the only way.
- Start at the very base of the lash line.
- Wiggle the brush horizontally. This nests the bristles between the individual hairs.
- Pull upward slowly.
- Stop. Don't do a second coat until the first is about 70% dry.
If you go in while it’s still soaking wet, you’re just moving product around and creating a mess. If you wait until it's 100% dry, the second coat will "catch" on the first and create flakes. Timing is everything.
The Cultural Impact of Too Faced Better Than Sex
It’s worth noting that this mascara changed how brands name products. Before this, makeup names were polite. "Great Lashes," "Volumizing Mascara," "Lash Blast."
Too Faced broke the door down with a name that was provocative. It sparked a trend of "naughty" naming conventions across the industry—think NARS "Orgasm" blush or Urban Decay "Afterglow." It turned a utility item into a conversation piece.
But a name only gets you so far. People keep coming back because the pigment density is higher than almost any other competitor. When you look at the ingredients of a luxury mascara vs. a budget one, the difference is often the "grind" of the pigment. Better Than Sex uses a very fine, intensely black pigment that reflects less light, making the lashes look thicker and more "velvety."
Comparing the Competition
In 2026, the market is flooded with "dupes." Brands like L'Oréal and Essence have released products that people claim are identical.
They aren't.
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L'Oréal Lash Paradise is the most cited alternative. It's a fantastic mascara. The brush is similar. The results are close. But if you look at the weight of the formula, Lash Paradise is lighter. For some, that’s better. But for the person who wants that specific "Too Faced" drama, the dupe often feels a bit "thin."
Then there’s the high-end competition. DiorShow and Chanel Le Volume are the other titans. Chanel is more about separation. Dior is about length. Too Faced Better Than Sex remains the king of volume. It’s the "extra" option.
Practical Steps for Longevity
Don't pump the wand.
Seriously. Stop doing it. When you pump the wand in and out of the tube, you’re forcing air inside. This dries out the formula and introduces bacteria. Instead, swirl the wand inside the tube to pick up product.
If your tube starts to get a bit clumpy before the three-month mark (which is when you should throw it away for hygiene reasons anyway), try this: Drop two drops of saline solution (contact lens solution) into the tube. Shake it. It re-emulsifies the waxes and gives you another week or two of smooth application.
The Verdict on Your Next Purchase
If you have short, sparse lashes and you want them to be noticed from across the room, buy the pink tube.
If you have very long lashes already, you might find this formula "too much." It can make long lashes look heavy and messy.
Ultimately, makeup is subjective. But there is a reason this product survived the "clean beauty" pivot, the "minimalist makeup" trend, and a dozen different TikTok cycles. It does one thing—massive volume—and it does it better than almost anyone else.
Next Steps for Your Routine:
- Check your current mascara's age. If it’s over three months old, toss it. The preservatives break down, and the risk of eye infection goes up.
- Invest in a lash comb. Since Better Than Sex is a heavy formula, a metal lash comb can help separate any accidental clumps while the product is still tacky.
- Use a dual-phase remover. Because of the high pigment and film-forming polymers, a regular face wash won't cut it. Use something with an oil base to dissolve the mascara without pulling on your delicate eye skin.
- Try the travel size first. It’s cheaper, and because mascara has such a short shelf life, many people find they finish the travel size right as it’s time to buy a fresh one anyway. This also prevents the formula from drying out before you get your money's worth.