When it comes to Benefit Cosmetics mascaras, lash lovers fall into two camps: those who can’t live without the lash-lifting powers of Roller Lash ($32) and those who stay true to the falsie effect of They’re Real! ($32) (both of which are cult-famous!). Because of my previous love affair with mascara and eyelash extensions, I have major trust issues with bold-claiming mascara formulas. I for one, ride or die for They’re Real Mascara. And no matter how many new launches come across my desk, I still haven’t found one that can live up to their big promises like They’re Real can. It lengthens, separates (sans clumps) and transforms my naturally limp, straight lashes like no other. But just when I thought Benefit Cosmetics couldn’t top They’re Real, I find myself singing the praises of their latest mascara, BADgal BANG! ($32) .
Four years in the making, inspired by the galaxy and formulated with materials found in space technology, the brand welcomes BADgal BANG!: a lightweight, volumizing mascara that claims to deliver big and bold, out-of-this-world lashes for up to 36 hours. How does it work? It’s a marriage of its unique brush and formula. Unlike the oversized brushes of most volumizing mascaras (that don’t usually fit almond-shaped eyes like mine), BADgal BANG! is built with a sleek and soft “big slimpact” brush designed to maximize the deposit of formula from lash root to tip to deliver separated and voluminous lashes (bottom ones, too!). And if you’re one of those who thinks two coats of mascara isn’t enough or you like to re-apply throughout the day, I’ve got good news for you! Benefit describes the ProVitamin B5-packed formula of BADgal BANG! as “gravity defying”. In other words, it’s incredibly light and buildable and helps support support natural lash thickness and strength. So by keeping your lashes light, you can keep layering and easily build volume, length and lift without clumps or flaking.
So does it actually work? When I first tested out the mascara a couple months ago, I was a bit skeptical and intimidated by its glossy, jet black formula (keep in mind, I’m a brown mascara wearer) and 300 half-cone bristled brush. I immediately thought, “Well crap, I won’t be able to see its true results,” as I was already wearing They’re Real!, which has an excellent reputation for not budging. But to my surprise, the flexible brush moved with my already primed lashes and distributed the formula with ease. Two coats later, the results were unreal, and put the volume on blast.
Wearing both of these mascaras together — (They’re Real! and the new BADgal BANG!) — delivered massive volume, lift and extra length. To be honest, the layering effect was a little too much for my everyday liking, but the combination is perfect for a super glam night out. No falsies or reapplication needed! But alone, BADgal BANG! still works wonders. After two coats, the formula is evenly distributed all over my lashes (top and bottom) delivering Bambi lashes without any trace of smudges. And although I can’t really speak to its 36-hour wear claim, I will say this mascara does last the entire day and can even withstand winter storms.
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with Benefit’s latest innovation — totally worth all the hype and the almost three-month secrecy. Now, this doesn’t mean I’ll be parting with my beloved They’re Real! mascara any time soon, but BADgal BANG! now has a permanent spot on my desk.
