It is almost impossible to walk into a Sephora without seeing that iconic teal tube with the raised water droplets. You know the one. Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara has been a mainstay in the makeup world for years, but it’s also one of the most polarizing products in history. People either swear by it for their wedding day or complain that it’s a nightmare to take off.
It’s intense.
The original pink tube changed the game with its hourglass brush, but the waterproof version—the one in the blue-green packaging—was designed for high stakes. We are talking humidity, tears, and pool parties. But does it actually hold up, or is it just a heavy-duty version of a formula that already had its fair share of critics?
Honestly, the "Better Than Sex" name was a massive marketing gamble by Too Faced founders Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. It worked. It became the number-one selling prestige mascara in America. But the waterproof formula is a different beast entirely. It uses high-performance, water-resistant polymers that behave very differently from the original collagen-fueled goop. If you have stick-straight lashes that refuse to hold a curl, this is usually the version people point you toward.
The Hourglass Brush: Genius or Gimmick?
Let's talk about the brush. It is huge. If you have smaller eyes, this wand can feel like trying to paint your lashes with a pinecone. The design was inspired by the curves of a woman's body—specifically an hourglass figure—to allow the bristles to stiffen the lash from the root while flaring out the corners.
The bristles are extra stiff. Unlike the silicone wands that are popular right now (think Glossier Lash Slick or Maybelline Sky High), this is a traditional fiber brush. This matters because fiber brushes hold a lot more product. You’re going to get a lot of "oomph" on the first swipe.
Some people hate it. They say it’s too clumpy. And yeah, if you don't scrape the excess off the rim of the tube, you’re going to end up with "spider lashes" pretty quickly. But for the person who wants their lashes to look like they are wearing falsies without the glue, that heavy load is exactly the point. It’s about volume. Massive, unapologetic volume.
The waterproof version is also significantly "drier" than the original. The original pink tube is notoriously wet and can smudge on your brow bone within an hour if you have oily eyelids. The Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara dries down fast. It locks. Once it’s on, those lashes aren't moving. This is the primary reason why professional makeup artists often keep the waterproof version in their kits even if they prefer the finish of the original; it acts like hairspray for the eyelashes.
Why Your Lashes Keep Falling Flat
The science of a lash curl is basically the same as the science of curling your hair. If you put water on a curled head of hair, it goes flat. Most "regular" mascaras are water-based. When you apply them to a curled lash, the weight and the water content immediately start to pull that curl down.
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This is where the Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara shines.
It is an anhydrous formula—meaning it doesn't contain water. Instead, it uses Isododecane as a solvent. Because there is no water to weighed down the hair shaft, the curl stays "frozen" in place.
If you use an eyelash curler (and you should), applying this mascara is like putting a clear coat on a car. It seals the shape. Many users who struggled with the original formula found that the waterproof version was actually the "fix" they needed for the smudging issues.
However, there is a trade-off.
Because it’s so heavy on the film-forming resins, it can feel "crunchy." You aren't going to have soft, fluttery lashes that feel like silk. You’re going to have lashes that feel like they could withstand a hurricane. For many, that’s a price worth paying for the dramatic lift.
Real-World Performance: The Sweat Test
I’ve seen people wear this through hot yoga classes and actual tropical rainstorms. It doesn't budge. The "Better Than Sex" waterproof formula uses Porcelain Flower extract and Omega oils to try and keep the lashes conditioned, but let’s be real: you’re here for the staying power.
The "droplets" on the packaging aren't just for aesthetic. They represent the barrier the formula creates.
- Humidity: 10/10. It will not migrate to your under-eyes.
- Crying: 9/10. It holds up against salt water, though aggressive rubbing will still cause flaking.
- Swimming: 7/10. It’s water-resistant, but it’s not meant for laps in a chlorinated pool.
If you have "oily" eyelids, you might still see some transfer. This is a common misconception about waterproof mascara. "Waterproof" does not mean "oil-proof." If your skin produces a lot of sebum, that oil can actually break down the waxes in the mascara, leading to those dreaded raccoon eyes by 4:00 PM. In those cases, a tubing mascara or a primer might be a better bet, but for 90% of people, this formula is a fortress.
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The Removal Nightmare: How to Not Lose Your Lashes
This is where most people get angry. They buy the Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara, wear it for a night out, and then try to scrub it off with a standard makeup wipe or a gentle foaming cleanser.
Don't do that.
You will literally pull your eyelashes out.
The formula is designed to be hydrophobic. You cannot wash it off with water. To remove it safely, you need a dual-phase oil-based remover or a cleansing balm. Think of products like the Clinique Take The Day Off or a straight-up micellar water designed for waterproof makeup (the one with the blue cap).
You have to let the remover sit. Soak a cotton round, press it against your closed eye for at least thirty seconds. Let the oils dissolve those polymers. Only then should you gently wipe. If you’re scrubbing, you’re doing it wrong, and you’re going to damage your delicate eye area.
Interestingly, Too Faced actually released a "Mascar-Off" oil-based remover specifically because people were complaining about the difficulty of removal. It’s a testament to how "permanent" this stuff feels once it sets.
Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting
A lot of people think their mascara is "expired" because the waterproof version feels thicker than the original. It’s supposed to be thick. The inclusion of Acacia Senegal Tree Extract helps thicken the formula to provide that signature volume.
If yours feels too dry, whatever you do, do not put water in the tube. You’ll just introduce bacteria and ruin the chemistry. Instead, try rubbing the tube between your palms for a minute to warm up the waxes. It makes the application much smoother.
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Is it actually better than the original?
It depends on your lash type.
- Short, thin lashes: The original pink tube is better. It adds more "fluff" and length.
- Long, straight lashes: The waterproof teal tube is your holy grail. It holds the curl.
- Sensitive eyes: Be careful. The fragrance and the heavy-duty solvents can be irritating for some.
Too Faced is a cruelty-free brand, which is a major plus for many consumers. While the "Better Than Sex" name might be cheeky, the brand has invested heavily in the actual chemistry of the pigments. The "black" in this mascara is incredibly deep. It’s a true carbon black that makes the whites of your eyes pop. Some mascaras look grey or soft charcoal when they dry down; this one stays midnight black.
The Verdict on Value
At a price point typically around $29, it isn't cheap. You are paying for the brand name, the heavy metal-feeling packaging, and a formula that has been refined over a decade. Is it worth it compared to a $10 drugstore waterproof mascara?
Yes, if you value volume.
Most drugstore waterproof mascaras are great at defining and holding a curl (shoutout to Maybelline Lash Sensational), but they often lack the sheer "thickness" that Too Faced provides. If you want people to ask if you’re wearing falsies, this is the one you buy. If you want a "your lashes but better" look, this will be way too much for you. It’s a "maximalist" mascara.
How to Get the Best Results
If you want to master the Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara, you need to change your application technique. Most people just swipe from root to tip. With this formula, you want to "wiggle" the wand at the very base of your lashes. This deposits the most product at the root, which supports the rest of the lash and prevents it from drooping.
Once you’ve wiggled at the base, pull through to the tips.
Do not wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second. Because it’s a quick-dry formula, if you apply a second coat over a dry first coat, it will clump. Work on one eye at a time. Apply your layers while the formula is still "tacky."
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your makeup remover: If you don't own an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase remover, buy one before you buy this mascara. Your lashes will thank you.
- Check your lash health: If your lashes are currently brittle or breaking, take a break from waterproof formulas for a week and use a lash serum. Waterproof resins can be drying over long-term daily use.
- Test the travel size: Before committing to the $29 full-size tube, grab the "doll-size" version. Mascara has a shelf life of three months anyway, and the travel size often stays "fresh" longer because you’ll actually finish it before the bacteria count gets too high.
- The "Curler" Rule: Always curl your lashes before applying this mascara. Never curl them after, or you risk snapping the lashes since the waterproof formula makes them quite rigid.
The reality is that Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara isn't just a product; it’s a tool. When used correctly, it’s the most powerful volume-builder on the market. Just make sure you have the right "exit strategy" for when the night is over.