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A couple of weeks ago, I was shopping on Sephora’s website, and I was looking for a Beauty Deals code to use, (because I was going to get the most out of my already expensive order, duh.) I settled on a deluxe sample of the Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer.
I’ve heard about this product in passing, though I never paid much attention, and I had no intention of purchasing. I was like, Really? Your lashes need primer now? What could that possibly do? Needless to say, I was quite skeptical.
When I noticed this in Sephora’s “Beauty Deals” section, I happily jumped on it. I was of course willing to try a free sample.
So was my skepticism justified, or was I pleasantly surprised? Keep reading to find out!
Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer >> Purchase at Sephora
Benefit describes the product as a “mink-brown” color. While I am not exactly sure what mink-brown is, the product is definitely a dark brown. The texture is on the drier side, and so not a lot of product clings to the brush when you pull it out of the tube. I know we all have different preferences when it comes to wet vs. dry and thick vs. thin mascaras. However for the purpose this product claims to serve, the texture seems appropriate.
The product has a very slight mascara-y scent, if you know what I mean. It isn’t strong at all, so I had no problems with excess eye watering due to fumes. Seriously, it happens. Unless your eyes are extremely sensitive, you shouldn’t have a problem.
One coat on it’s own gives a natural, wispy look
I started by applying one coat of the Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer to the lashes on one eye. I then applied one coat of a mascara I am familiar with, Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara, to the lashes on the other eye. This is to show the difference in the “natural look” the lash primer claims to give, versus a regular mascara.
Though it doesn’t show very well in the photo, the lashes on the Benefit eye are lighter in color than the Smashbox eye. Neither product made a dramatic difference in length or volume, but the Benefit-coated lashes have a bit more separation than the Smashbox lashes. This was surprising to me because I had always thought of the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara as one of the most natural, non-clumpy mascaras I own.
The Benefit lash primer made a visible improvement in mascara application
*Note- I apologize for these terrible photos; the camera seemed to want to focus on my eyeball and not my lashes.
For this round, I added a second coat of Smashbox onto my left eye, and the first coat of Smashbox on top of the Benefit primer. This is what happened.
The photo on the right is what I typically end up with when I wear the Smashbox Full Exposure on its own. It isn’t a super dramatic look, but it’s just enough for everyday. As you can see, there are some clumps beginning to form, so I avoid building it up more than this. Surprisingly, over on the Benefit eye, my lashes were still fluffy and separated after two generous coats of product.
Just for kicks and giggles, I figured I’d apply one last coat of the Smashbox onto each eye, though I was pretty sure I knew what as about to happen. I was only half correct.
Just as expected, the Smashbox lashes completely clumped up, especially in the inner half, which is normal for me. On the other hand, the Benefit lashes were still separated and fluttery after three coats of product. The difference is quite staggering in the above photos.
It had no effect on the wear of the mascara
The Smashbox mascara wears well on me for roughly eight hours, after which it begins smudging on my lower lash line. This is part of the reason why I chose it for this test.
After 5 hours of wear, neither eye had any smudging or flaking, and the both eyes looked exactly the same as when I started.
At the 10 hour mark, I was itching for a shower, so the test ended there. At this point, it is normal for my lashes to be sagging, which was definitely happening on both eyes. To be fair, I don’t curl my lashes, so all lash sagging is based on my natural curl giving up on me. Regardless, I don’t feel that the Benefit Lash Primer did anything to save my lift and curl. It didn’t make things worse, but there was no improvement.
The lash primer also did nothing to prevent my usual Smashbox smudging.
So what’s the verdict?
I am pleasantly surprised that this product is not completely useless. It find that it did help keep my lashes separated as I piled on several coats of mascara. However it did not do much to keep my lashes from sagging by the end of the day, and it didn’t improve the overall wear of my mascara.
As for the “natural” look it supposedly provides, I suppose it’s nice, though it’s not a look I tend to go for. If I am going to wear mascara, I want it to show up. If I want a natural look, I’ll won’t bother with mascara and opt to keep my lashes clean. But for those who do like just a teeny bit of something, or have blond lashes, this may be something you’d like.
I will be trying it under some different mascaras, and I will post updates on my Instagram! (Hint, Hint, follow me 🙂
Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer >> Purchase at Sephora
That’s all for today!
Related: Kat Von D Immortal Lash Mascara Review + Demo
If you found this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, please leave me a comment below, and share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- This post is not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
Fae says
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you will without doubt obtain nice knowledge. Thanks!
Angelika says
Excellent write-up. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep it
up!
Tisha says
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Rosaria says
It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people on this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Sherry says
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was curious to find out how yoou center yourself and clear your head prior
to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting
my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems ike the firtst 10
tto 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendattions or tips?
Kudos!
Katrin says
Thanks very nice blog!
Poppy says
I’m such a sucker for anything Benefit! I bought this without even batting an eyelash (haha) and I don’t know if it makes a difference but I use it anyway because I think it is cute!
This is a really fun review! xoxo Poppy
Kay says
I totally get it, Poppy! I’m a sucker for makeup in general, lol. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂 xo
Noreen says
Awesome post!
Ada says
Just another product they want us to buy lol!
Chassie says
I use this sometimes and I actually do see a difference. It makes my lashes look fuller and I feel like my mascara doesn’t flake off as much. I love it!
-Chassie xoxo
Kay says
I’m glad you found something that works well for you, Chassie! Thanks for reading! 🙂 xo
Christena says
I’m still on the fence if eyelash primers are just gimmicks or not. so far I haven’t have much luck. Maybe this one’s the charm?
Love, Christena!
Kay says
To be honest, I’m on the fence too. But I’m always willing to keep trying! Thanks for reading, Christena, 🙂 xo
Amber says
Cool post! Maybe I should try this. I’m so afraid of it ending up being a waste of money though.
Amber
Kay says
Hi Amber! I totally get what you mean about it being a waste of money. BUT Sephora will take back just about anything with a receipt, so if it doesn’t work out, you should be able to return it. Hope this eases your mind some. Thanks for reading 🙂 xo
Lea says
I tried this mascara primer and couldn’t see a difference. I don’t see the point…
Kay says
Hey, Lea. Thanks for reading! I totally agree that this product is rather unnecessary. Especially for the price of the full size. I’d rather splurge of a great mascara that doesn’t need a primer, ya know what I mean? 🙂 xo
Yanira says
Benefit is one of those brands that is really hit or miss. Some things are amazing and others are just terrible! I think this one is a pass.
-Yanira
Kay says
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Yanira! 🙂 xo