Let's be real for a second. If you’ve spent more than five minutes in a Sephora or scrolled through a decade of beauty vlogs, you’ve seen it. That heavy, metallic pink tube. It’s everywhere. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is arguably the most famous lash product on the planet, and yet, people still argue about it constantly. Some people swear it’s the only thing that gives them a pulse; others think it’s a flaky mess.
The name alone was a stroke of marketing genius by Too Faced co-founder Jerrod Blandino. It’s provocative. It’s cheeky. It’s memorable. But a name only gets you through the first year. This stuff has been a bestseller for over a decade. Why? Because the formula taps into a very specific desire: drama. We aren't talking about "no-makeup makeup" here. We’re talking about lashes that look like you’re trying to start a minor scandal at a garden party.
What Actually Makes the Formula Work
It’s the brush. Honestly, the hourglass shape is the secret sauce. Inspired by the curves of Marilyn Monroe, the brush was designed to push lashes up and out simultaneously. If you look closely at the bristles, they aren't those stiff plastic spikes you find in drugstore "length" mascaras. They are extra-stiff fibers. They hold a lot of product. Like, a lot.
The formula itself is infused with Acacia Senegal Tree Extract. This isn't just a fancy-sounding plant; it’s there to nourish the lashes while the film-forming polymers lock the curl in place. When you swipe it on, you feel the weight. It’s thick. It’s carbon black. It’s basically liquid velvet for your eyes.
Many people make the mistake of over-applying. You don't need five coats. One coat gives you volume. Two coats give you "did she get extensions?" Three coats? Well, that’s when you might start seeing the clumps that critics complain about. It is a high-maintenance formula. You have to know how to work it.
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The Flake Factor: Addressing the Elephant in the Room
You’ll see it in the 1-star reviews. "It flaked all over my cheeks by noon." Is it true? Sometimes. The original Better Than Sex Mascara is a traditional wax-based formula. Because it’s so heavy on the pigment and the thickening agents, it can dry out if the tube isn't closed tight or if you’re "pumping" the wand (which you should never do, seriously, you're just injecting air and bacteria).
If you have oily eyelids, the struggle is real. The oils from your skin can break down the waxes, leading to the dreaded raccoon eyes. Too Faced tried to solve this with the Waterproof version—the one in the teal tube with the raised water droplets. It’s a polarizing alternative. While it stays put through a hurricane, it is notoriously difficult to remove. You need a heavy-duty oil cleanser or a biphasic remover to get that teal-tube magic off your face without losing half your natural lashes.
Why the Competition Can’t Quite Catch Up
Every brand has tried to launch a "Better Than Sex" killer. L’Oréal Lash Paradise is the most cited "dupe." It’s cheaper. The tube looks similar. The brush is nearly identical. And it’s a great mascara, truly. But there is a subtle difference in the weight of the pigment.
The Too Faced version uses a specific type of collagen that creates a "fanned out" look that’s hard to replicate at a lower price point. It’s about the tension. When you pull the wand through your lashes, there’s a specific resistance that coats every single tiny hair. It makes your lash line look denser, almost like you’ve tight-lined your eyes with a pencil without actually doing it.
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The Psychology of the Pink Tube
There’s also the prestige factor. Makeup is tactile. Holding a heavy, cold metal tube feels different than holding a piece of lightweight plastic. It’s part of the ritual. When you pay $30 for a mascara, you want it to feel like a "thing." Too Faced understands the lifestyle element of beauty better than almost anyone else in the game. They sell an experience, not just a pigment.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
If you’ve tried it and hated it, you might be doing it wrong. Or maybe your tube is old. Mascara has a shelf life of three months. Period. After that, the preservatives break down and the formula turns into a clumpy, dry shadow of its former self.
- Wipe the tip. The wand picks up way too much product at the end. Wipe it on a tissue or the edge of the tube before it goes near your face.
- The "Wiggle and Toss." Start at the root. Wiggle the wand to deposit the bulk of the product there. Then, pull through to the tips. This prevents the tips from becoming too heavy and dropping the curl.
- Layer while wet. Don't let the first coat dry completely before adding the second. If you do, the second coat will just grab onto the dry bits and create lumps.
The Evolution: Travel Sizes and New Iterations
Interestingly, a lot of pro makeup artists actually prefer the travel-sized version of Better Than Sex Mascara. The smaller wand gives you more control. You can get into the inner corners of the eyes without smearing black goop all over your nose. Plus, because you finish the smaller tube faster, the formula stays "fresh" for the entire life of the product.
Then there’s the "Chocolate" version. It’s a deep, rich brown. For people with very fair skin or those who find the original Carbon Black too harsh for a Tuesday morning at the office, the Chocolate version is a godsend. It provides the same massive volume but with a softer, more "I woke up like this" (even though we didn't) vibe.
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Is it actually better than...?
The name is a joke, obviously. But the hyperbole fits the product. It’s an "extra" mascara for people who like "extra" things. If you want a natural, wispy, "is she even wearing mascara?" look, this is not your product. Look elsewhere. Go buy a tubing mascara or a clear gel. This is for the drama queens, the bridal parties, and the people who want their lashes to hit their sunglasses when they blink.
Practical Steps for Your Next Lash Day
If you're ready to dive back in or try it for the first time, don't just wing it.
- Prep the canvas. Make sure your lashes are totally free of leftover oil or makeup remover from the night before.
- Curl first. Use a high-quality curler (like Shiseido or Kevyn Aucoin) before applying the product. Never curl after applying—that’s how lashes snap.
- The "Z" motion. Use a zigzag motion as you move the wand upward. This ensures every side of the lash hair is coated.
- Comb it out. Keep a clean, dry spoolie or a metal lash comb nearby. If you get a clump, comb it out immediately while the formula is still tacky.
- Seal the deal. If you love the volume of the original but hate the smudging, try a "topcoat" strategy. Apply the original Better Than Sex for the look, then a very thin layer of a clear waterproof topcoat (like Clarins Double Fix) just on the tips to lock it in.
The beauty world moves fast. New "viral" products pop up on TikTok every three days. Yet, the pink tube remains a staple in kits worldwide. It’s not perfect—no mascara is—but for sheer, unapologetic volume, it’s a heavyweight champion for a reason. Check your expiration dates, wipe your wands, and embrace the drama.