Honestly, the name is a bit much. Jerrod Blandino, the co-founder of Too Faced, reportedly shouted it out in a moment of excitement while testing the initial formula. It stuck. Since that launch over a decade ago, Better Than Sex Mascara has become a sort of permanent fixture in the makeup world, consistently ranking as a top seller at Sephora and Ulta despite an onslaught of "dupes" and viral newcomers. You've seen the hourglass-shaped tube. You've probably seen the pink metal packaging. But after years of hype, does the actual "rimel" (as many call mascara globally) actually hold up, or are we just buying into a very clever marketing ploy?
The beauty industry moves fast. Products that were "holy grails" in 2015 are often in the clearance bin by 2026. Yet, this specific wand remains. It’s heavy. It’s pink. It’s slightly controversial.
The Engineering Behind the Hourglass Wand
Most people think the formula is the magic part. It's not. Well, not entirely. The secret sauce of the Better Than Sex experience is actually the brush. It was designed specifically to mimic the curves of a woman's body—specifically an hourglass figure. Why does that matter for your eyelashes?
Physics.
The center of the brush is narrower than the ends. This allows the stiff bristles to grab the shorter lashes in the inner and outer corners of your eye without you having to tilt your head at a weird 45-degree angle. It deposits a huge amount of product on the first swipe. If you like "clean girl" makeup, you'll probably hate this. This is for people who want their lashes to look like they’ve been through a structural renovation. The bristles are extra stiff, meant to comb through the thick, collagen-fueled formula to prevent a single, giant unibrow-style lash.
Does the Formula Actually Work for Everyone?
Here is the truth: Better Than Sex is a "wet" mascara.
When you first open a fresh tube, it can be a little messy. It’s thick. It’s carbon black. It uses film-forming polymers to lock the curl in place once it dries. Too Faced famously added acacia senegal tree extract to nourish the lashes, which sounds fancy, but mostly it serves as a thickening agent.
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There’s a divide. If you have oily eyelids, you might experience the "smudge." Because the formula is so heavy on the pigment and the thickening fibers, it can flake after about six hours if your skin chemistry doesn't play nice with it. This is why the brand eventually released the waterproof version in the teal tube with the raised "water droplets" on the side.
Why the Waterproof Version is Different
- The Grip: The waterproof version uses different resins. It doesn't just sit on the lash; it clings to it like its life depends on it.
- The Removal: You cannot get this off with just water. You’ll need a dual-phase oil cleanser or you’ll lose three lashes trying to scrub it off.
- The Hold: If you have straight lashes that point downward, the original pink tube might weigh them down. The waterproof version acts more like hairspray, freezing the curl in place.
The "Rimmel" vs. Mascara Confusion
In many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and Latin America, the word "rimel" is used interchangeably with mascara. This is a classic case of a brand name becoming the name for the product itself—much like Kleenex or Xerox. Eugene Rimmel founded the Rimmel company in the 19th century and created some of the first non-toxic mascaras. So, when people search for "Better Than Sex rimel," they aren't necessarily looking for a Rimmel London product. They are looking for the Too Faced heavyweight.
It's a weird linguistic quirk. But it shows how deep this product has penetrated the global market. You can find it in duty-free shops in Dubai and Sephoras in Paris. It has become a universal language for "I want big lashes."
The Dupe Problem and the L’Oréal Lash Paradise Drama
We have to talk about the pink elephant in the room.
L’Oréal Lash Paradise.
When Lash Paradise launched, the internet went into a tailspin. The packaging was pink. The brush was an hourglass. The price was about $15 cheaper. For a while, everyone said they were identical. They aren't.
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I’ve tested both extensively. The Too Faced version is significantly "blacker." The pigment is deeper. While Lash Paradise is a fantastic drugstore alternative, it tends to dry out in the tube much faster—usually within four weeks. The Better Than Sex formula stays creamy for much longer, which partially justifies that $29+ price tag. It’s a matter of "cost per wear."
Common Mistakes People Make with This Mascara
- Pumping the wand: Stop doing this. Seriously. Pumping the brush in and out of the tube forces air inside, which dries out the formula and introduces bacteria. Swirl it instead.
- Too many coats: Because this is a volumizing formula, three coats is usually the limit. If you go for a fourth, you're entering "spider leg" territory.
- Ignoring the "Neck": The opening of the tube often collects excess product. Wipe it off. If you don't, the seal won't be airtight, and your $30 investment will turn into a clumpy mess in a month.
The Ingredient Breakdown: What's Really Inside?
It’s not just "goop." There is some actual science here. The formula includes a unique blend of waxes like paraffin and beeswax, which provide the structure. Then you have the "film formers." These are the ingredients that make the mascara flexible so it doesn't snap off when you blink.
One thing to note is the inclusion of Collagen. While the marketing suggests it "plumps" the lashes, let’s be real: collagen in a mascara isn't going to permanently change your lash thickness. It does, however, provide a smooth coating that makes the lashes look thicker while the product is on. It's a temporary cosmetic effect, not a lash serum.
The Evolution: Better Than Sex Chocolate and Foreplay
Too Faced didn't stop at the original. They realized that not everyone wants "jet black" drama all the time.
The Better Than Sex Chocolate was a game-changer for people with fair skin or blond hair. It's a deep, rich brown that provides the same volume without looking quite so harsh in harsh daylight.
Then came Better Than Sex Foreplay. This is a primer. It’s a deep blue/black tint that you put on before the actual mascara. It’s meant to add even more lift and longevity. Honestly? It’s a bit of an extra step, but if you have a wedding or a long event where you need your lashes to survive 12 hours of crying and dancing, the primer makes a measurable difference in flake-resistance.
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How to Tell if Yours is Fake
Because this is one of the most popular beauty products in the world, the counterfeit market is massive. If you see a tube on a random third-party marketplace for $8, it is fake.
Check the weight. The real Better Than Sex tube is made of metal and has a distinct heft to it. Fakes are almost always light, cheap plastic. Also, smell it. The real formula has a very faint, almost sweet waxy scent. Fakes often smell like chemicals or sharpies. Don't put that near your eyes. It’s not worth the "deal."
The Environmental Impact and Ethical Stance
Too Faced is a cruelty-free brand. They don't test on animals, which is a big reason for their loyalty among Gen Z and Millennial buyers. However, it's worth noting that the brand is owned by Estée Lauder, a massive conglomerate.
The packaging is recyclable metal, but the wand and the internal wiper are plastic and rubber, making the whole unit difficult to recycle through standard curbside programs. If you want to be responsible, look for programs like TerraCycle that specifically handle beauty empties.
Real Talk: Is it Still Worth the Money?
In 2026, the competition is insane. You have brands like Tower 28 and Rare Beauty making incredible mascaras.
However, if your goal is volume, Better Than Sex is still the heavyweight champion. It doesn't do "subtle." It doesn't do "natural." It does "I am wearing falsies but I'm actually not."
If you have short, sparse lashes, the hourglass brush will be your best friend. If you already have very long, thick lashes, you might find this formula too heavy—it might actually make your lashes droop under the weight of the product. It’s all about knowing your starting point.
Actionable Tips for the Perfect Application
- Warm it up: Put the tube in your pocket or hold it in your hand for two minutes before applying. This thins out the waxes and makes the application much smoother.
- The "Wiggle and Toss": Place the wand at the base of your lashes, wiggle it horizontally to deposit the pigment at the roots (this creates the illusion of eyeliner), and then pull through to the tips.
- Use a spoolie: If you do get a clump, don't use a needle or your fingernail. Keep a clean, dry mascara wand (a spoolie) nearby to brush through the lashes while the formula is still wet.
- Check the expiration: Mascara is the shortest-lived product in your bag. Throw it away every 3 months. No exceptions. Your eye health is worth more than the remaining product in the tube.
If you’re looking for a mascara that makes a statement the moment you walk into a room, this is it. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s iconic for a reason. Just make sure you have a good makeup remover on standby.