Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara waterproof black volumizing hourglass brush
waterproof volumizing mascara long-lasting black mascara curl-holding mascara for straight lashes dramatic lash effect luxury waterproof eye makeup mascara for swimming and humidity

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara Review: Drama Lashes That Refuse To Budge

4.1
Excellent

The Essence

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara is the high-drama lash wardrobe staple for days (and nights) when smudging simply isn’t an option. In our testing, its inky-black, polymer-rich formula wrapped each lash in a plush, volumizing coat that refused to budge through tears, humidity, and long, hot afternoons. The signature hourglass brush turned even sparse, straight lashes into a dense, curled fringe with a distinctly prestige finish.

Our Verdict

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara is the beauty equivalent of a couture gown: dramatic, memorable, and not entirely low-maintenance. In our lab and real-life testing, it excelled at what it promises — bold, ultra-black volume and curl that withstands tears, humidity, and long, hot days. On the right lashes, the transformation is striking: thin, straight, or mature lashes suddenly look plush, lifted, and camera-ready.

But that drama comes with rituals. The thick, waxy texture demands a light hand and a bit of finesse to avoid clumps, and removal absolutely requires a dedicated waterproof or oil-based cleanser. When treated like the prestige waterproof it is — applied thoughtfully, removed patiently — it earns its place as a go-to for weddings, vacations, and any night you can’t risk a mascara meltdown. If you want an everyday, swipe-and-go formula, look elsewhere; if you want lashes that stay unshaken through anything, this is a worthy indulgence.

4.5

Waterproof Performance

As a waterproof workhorse, this mascara largely delivers. In our testing it withstood weddings, beach days, sweaty runs, and even overnight wear with minimal migration. A few testers with very oily lids or heavy eye cream did see some transfer, but overall the formula clung to lashes with impressive tenacity.

4.4

Volume & Length

This is a high-impact, high-drama lash formula. The thick, wax-and-polymer blend plus the hourglass brush created dense, elongated lashes that read almost like strip lashes in photos. Those with thin or mature lashes saw some of the most transformative results, especially with two carefully combed coats.

3.4

Application & Texture

Here’s where the trade-offs of intensity show. The texture leans thick from the first use and can tip into clumpy or spidery territory if you overload the brush or rush application. We got the best results by wiping the wand, working in thin layers, and combing through while still slightly damp.

3.7

Comfort & Lash Health

On the eye, the formula felt lightweight once set, but removal technique is crucial. With a proper oil-based remover and a soak-then-slide ritual, we didn’t notice unusual lash breakage. Rushed scrubbing, however, did loosen a few lashes — a reminder that this level of waterproofing requires a gentler, more deliberate removal ritual.

3.9

Wear Time & Smudge Resistance

For most of our panel, this wore beautifully from morning to late night without flaking. A minority experienced under-eye smudging or transfer to the brow bone, particularly in combination with emollient skincare or hooded lids. Setting the under-eye area and letting the mascara fully dry reduced this issue substantially.

3.8

Value As A Prestige Mascara

Positioned firmly in the luxury category, this feels like a splurge for serious lash days. Those who rely on waterproof mascara only for special occasions will likely find the investment justified. Daily, casual mascara wearers may feel comparable results can be found at lower price points, especially if they don’t need extreme waterproofing.

Pros & Cons

The Good

  • Truly long-wearing waterproof formula that resists tears, sweat, swimming, and humid weather when properly set
  • Delivers dramatic volume and noticeable length, even on thin, short, or mature lashes
  • Hourglass brush can locate and coat tiny lashes, creating a plush, false-lash-like effect
  • Intense, rich black pigment that makes the lash line look denser and more defined
  • Holds a curl impressively well, especially when paired with an eyelash curler or lash primer
  • Buildable formula that can go from one-coat daytime definition to full evening drama
  • Cruelty-free formulation with conditioning ingredients like porcelain flower extract and omega oil

The Bad

  • Formula tends to run thick and can clump or look spiky without careful, light-handed application
  • Removal is notably difficult and requires a dedicated waterproof or oil-based remover to avoid tugging lashes
  • Some wearers experienced smudging or transfer under the eyes, particularly with oily lids or heavy eye creams
  • Inconsistent tube-to-tube experience reported, with some batches feeling drier or goopier than others

Insights from our Panel of Experts

What Lovers Say

Fans of this mascara describe it as their “ride-or-die” waterproof formula — the one they trust for weddings, beach vacations, overnight wear, and Southern-summer humidity. In our wear tests, it gave lashes a plush, almost false-lash effect with impressive curl hold and a striking inky black finish. Many of us with sparse or post-extension-damaged lashes were surprised by how thick and lush our lash lines looked with just one to two coats. Once it set, it stayed immaculate through tears, sweat, swimming, and long work shifts without flaking off in obvious chunks.

What Critics Say

Our more critical testers ran into two main issues: texture and cleanup. The formula skews thick, and several of us noticed it getting clumpy or dry faster than we’d like, especially if the wand wasn’t wiped off or the tube wasn’t tightly closed. Those with oily lids or rich under-eye skincare occasionally saw transfer or smudging, despite the waterproof claim. And nearly everyone agreed: removal is a process — without a proper waterproof remover, lashes can feel brittle and overworked.

The Matchmaker

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Perfect For You If...

If you crave bold, dramatic, ultra-black lashes that won’t dissolve at the first hint of tears, sweat, or pool water, this is squarely in your lane. It’s especially suited to straight, thin, or stubborn lashes that need serious help with volume and curl hold, and to anyone who wants a high-impact lash look for big events or long days.

Skip This If...

You prefer a soft, fluttery, barely-there lash or hate any hint of clumping — this formula demands a bit of technique and patience. You should also skip it if you have very sensitive or contact-lens-irritated eyes and dislike heavy waterproof formulas, or if you want a mascara that melts away easily with just water and a gentle cleanser.

The Sensory Lash Experience: From First Swipe To Final Set

The first thing we noticed with Better Than Sex Waterproof is the texture — dense, creamy, almost mousse-like on the wand. When you pull the brush from the tube, there’s a satisfying resistance, followed by that telltale soft scrape as excess product catches on the wiper. The formula hugs the bristles in a rich coat, and you can see immediately that this is not a wispy, minimalist mascara.

On lashes, the first swipe feels cushiony rather than wet. It grips the base of the lash and deposits pigment quickly, which is why a light hand is non-negotiable. With one careful coat, our lashes looked darker, thicker at the roots, and slightly lifted — a very polished, everyday glam. A second coat, applied once the first had just started to set, pushed the look into full drama: lashes fanned out, tips visibly extended, and the lash line took on that plush, almost strip-lash fullness.

Once dry, the finish is decidedly set. Lashes feel firm but not crunchy — you’re aware there’s a waterproof film encasing them, yet they don’t feel heavy. We especially appreciated the way the intense black pigment seemed to frame the entire eye, almost like a soft tightline effect without extra liner. The payoff is instant, and in photographs, the difference between bare lashes and two coats is genuinely striking.

Brush Architecture: Mastering The Hourglass Wand

The hourglass brush is both the secret weapon and, for some, the learning curve. The bristles form a subtle cinch at the center with fuller ends, designed to hug the natural curve of the eye. In practice, the wider sections load product onto the outer and inner lashes for volume, while the pinched middle helps push up and fan the center lashes.

In our testing, technique made all the difference:

  • We started by wiping a touch of excess off the wand on a tissue — especially crucial with a fresh tube.
  • Holding the brush horizontally, we pressed it into the lash base, then wiggled and pulled upward in one smooth motion.
  • For outer corners, we flipped the wand slightly and used the fuller end to pull lashes outward for a lifted, cat-eye effect.
  • The tapered tip became our precision tool for bottom lashes and tiny inner-corner hairs.

Those of us with large or deep-set eyes fell in love with how quickly the brush built drama. Those with smaller, hooded, or close-set eyes sometimes found the brush “huge” and prone to bumping lids. For them, using just the tip of the brush, or even pairing the formula with a slimmer, cleaned wand from another mascara, created a more controlled application. Once we respected its scale and worked in thinner coats, the brush delivered that coveted full, fanned fringe the line is known for.

Performance Under Pressure: Tears, Heat, Pools & Long Shifts

We didn’t baby this mascara — we threw it into real life. Think: outdoor weddings, beach days, sweaty gym sessions, overnight shifts, and a particularly humid week that would normally annihilate a standard formula. The waterproof polymers and waxes here do heavy lifting.

In tearful, emotional settings (weddings, breakups, onion-chopping marathons), the mascara stayed impressively intact. Several of us cried through entire ceremonies and still looked photo-ready afterward, with no streaks carving down the cheeks. In the pool and ocean, we saw a spectrum: light-to-moderate splashing and short swims were no problem, while hours of submersion plus rubbing the eyes could eventually cause subtle transfer near the lash line — still far more resilient than typical mascaras.

During long, hot days and overnight wear, the formula clung on. On normal-to-dry lids, it resisted both flaking and smudging; lashes looked almost the same at midnight as they did in the morning. On very oily lids or paired with rich under-eye creams, a few testers did notice soft shadows or specks under the eyes by late day. Setting the under-eye with powder and allowing the mascara to fully dry before blinking heavily significantly improved performance. Overall, as a true long-wear waterproof, it ranked among the most tenacious we’ve tested.

Ingredients & Lash Care: The Trade-Offs Of A Power Formula

This is not a “barely there” clean mascara — it’s a performance-driven waterproof built on polymers, waxes, and intense pigments. At its core are high-performance water-resistant polymers and VP/Eicosene Copolymer, which form the flexible film that locks the pigment onto lashes. Paraffin, beeswax, and carnauba wax build the thick, volumizing texture and help lashes hold a curl once set.

To offset the potential dryness of such a tenacious formula, Too Faced includes Porcelain Flower Extract (Hoya Lacunosa) and omega-rich Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil. In our wear, this translated to lashes that didn’t feel brittle, even after full days of wear — provided we removed the mascara gently and avoided aggressive rubbing. Unique peptides, paired with iron oxides (CI 77499), are responsible for that striking, almost vinyl-black finish that makes the lash line look denser.

There are also silicones like Cyclopentasiloxane for slip and smooth application, and Phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Those with very sensitive or allergy-prone eyes should take note: while many of our testers wore it comfortably, a subset experienced itching, redness, or a filmy sensation and had to discontinue. As with most intense waterproof formulas, it’s less about being “bad” for lashes and more about respecting the formula: limit tugging, commit to a proper remover, and give lashes the occasional break if you’re wearing it daily.

Application Ritual & Removal: How To Get The Best (And Safest) Wear

With this mascara, your ritual matters as much as the formula. Used thoughtfully, it delivers lavish lashes with minimal fallout. Rushed or heavy-handed, it can clump, transfer, or stress your lashes at removal.

Our refined routine:

  1. Prep: Curl lashes first. For extra drama, a waterproof-friendly lash primer underneath amplified volume and separation.
  2. First Coat: Wipe excess from the wand. Press into the roots, wiggle upward, and resist the urge to re-dip immediately.
  3. Second Coat (Optional): Once the first coat is just tacky, add a second thin layer, focusing on mid-lengths and tips rather than saturating the base again.
  4. Lower Lashes: Use only the very tip of the brush, or switch to a skinny wand to avoid specks and smudges.

Removal is where many waterproof mascaras fail users, and this one is no exception if you use the wrong method. What worked best for us:

  • Saturate a cotton pad with an oil-based or dual-phase waterproof eye makeup remover.
  • Press gently over closed eyes for a slow count, letting the remover dissolve the film.
  • Slide the pad downward along the lashes — no harsh rubbing, no scrubbing back and forth.

When we honored that soak-and-slide ritual, lashes stayed intact, lids stayed comfortable, and the benefits of the conditioning ingredients could actually be appreciated. Skip this step, and you’ll understand why some call it “hell to remove.”

Buying Guide

Consultant's Breakdown

Expert analysis to help you decide.

Investment Verdict

This sits firmly in the “luxury splurge with a purpose” category. If you only need waterproof performance a few times a year, one tube reserved for weddings, vacations, and high-stakes events is a smart, high-impact investment. Daily, casual mascara wearers who don’t demand bulletproof wear may find more cost-effective options in less tenacious formulas.

The Competitive Edge

Where this mascara distinguishes itself is in the intersection of drama and durability. Many waterproof mascaras resist water but fall short on true volume and curl hold. Here, the hourglass brush and thick, polymer-rich formula deliver a distinctly false-lash aesthetic that still survives tears, sweat, and long nights — something more natural waterproof formulas rarely match.

Physical Profile

In our testing, this performed best on straight, downward-pointing, or sparse lashes that crave structure. Those with thin or mature lashes saw a noticeable thickening and lifting effect. Hooded or very small eyes can still wear it, but may prefer using just the tip of the brush — or a slimmer wand — to avoid smudging during application.

Seasonality

This formula shines in heat, humidity, and high-emotion seasons. It’s particularly well-suited to summer, tropical travel, and allergy months when eyes water more easily. In cooler, drier seasons, it still performs beautifully, but you may want to be extra diligent with lash hydration and gentle removal.

Specifications

Product Benefits Intense, voluminous waterproof lashes with dramatic depth of color from unique black-enhancing peptides.
Brand Name Too Faced — a prestige, cruelty-free makeup house known for bold lash formulas.
Item Form Liquid mascara housed in a classic tube format for precise, controlled application.
Number of Items 1 mascara tube per unit — ideal as a daily lash staple.
Container Type Tube with a screw-cap wand for maintaining formula integrity.
Skin Type All skin types — formulated for universal wear around the eye area.
Package Type Name Tube — streamlined and travel-friendly for makeup bags and clutches.
Skin Tone All skin tones — intense black pigment designed to define any eye look.
Other Special Features of the Product Standard full-coverage mascara with a waterproof, long-wear finish.
Specialty Waterproof formulation engineered to resist moisture, sweat, and tears.
Water Resistance Level Waterproof — designed to stay put through humidity, splashes, and emotional moments.
Coverage Full lash coverage with buildable volume from root to tip.
Mascara Wand Type Straight wand with a sculpting hourglass brush head for lift and separation.
Item Volume 8 Milliliters — ample product for consistent daily use over several months.
Color Black — a deep, saturated black for dramatic definition.
Material Type Free Cruelty Free — formulated without animal testing in line with brand ethics.

Our Testing Methodology

We tested Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara over several weeks across our editorial team, including straight, sparse, hooded, and mature lash types. We wore it through full workdays, overnight shifts, outdoor weddings, gym sessions, and humid, poolside afternoons. Application was evaluated with and without curlers and primers, and removal was tested using various waterproof and oil-based removers. Our performance analysis reflects how the formula behaved across these real-world scenarios — from first swipe to final cleanse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Efficacy & Performance

Yes. In our wear tests, the hourglass brush and thick, film-forming formula created noticeably fuller, longer lashes even on thin or short lash lines. One coat gave defined, everyday drama, while a second carefully applied coat pushed the effect toward a plush, false-lash look.

It held up impressively through crying, humidity, and light-to-moderate swimming without obvious streaks or flaking. During prolonged submersion or if you rub your eyes, you may see some subtle transfer, but compared to standard mascaras it remains one of the most tenacious we’ve worn.

On normal-to-dry lids, we saw very little flaking or smudging, even after long days. On very oily lids or over rich eye creams, some testers did notice under-eye shadows or transfer by late afternoon. Setting the under-eye area with powder and letting the mascara fully dry helped reduce this significantly.

Yes. Several of our testers with sparse, post-extension, or mature lashes saw some of the biggest transformations. The hourglass brush can grab tiny hairs, and the volumizing formula builds density along the lash line, making lashes appear thicker and more lifted when applied in thin, controlled coats.

Both versions deliver bold volume and length, but the waterproof formula feels thicker, sets more firmly, and is far more resistant to water and humidity. It also tends to be less flaky than the original, though it can feel clumpier and is significantly harder to remove, so it’s best reserved for days you truly need waterproof wear.

Ingredients & Safety

Volume and waterproofing come from a blend of VP/Eicosene Copolymer, water-resistant polymers, and waxes like paraffin, beeswax, and carnauba. These create a flexible film around each lash, building thickness while locking pigment in place against moisture, sweat, and tears.

Yes. The formula includes Porcelain Flower (Hoya Lacunosa) extract and omega-rich Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, which help moisturize and condition lashes. In our testing, lashes didn’t feel unusually brittle after wear when we removed the product gently with an appropriate remover.

The brand is cruelty-free and does not test on animals, but the formula is not vegan. It contains beeswax, an animal-derived ingredient, along with other waxes and conditioning agents that contribute to its volumizing, waterproof texture.

It’s formulated for the eye area, but it is an intense, waterproof formula. Some of our more sensitive testers and contact lens wearers experienced redness, itching, or irritation and had to discontinue. If your eyes are reactive, patch test carefully and stop use at the first sign of discomfort.

The ingredient list does not show traditional parabens or sulfates. It does include Phenoxyethanol as a preservative and Cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone that helps the formula glide smoothly and enhances water resistance. If you avoid silicones, this is important to note.

Application & Usage

Start by curling your lashes. Wipe excess product from the wand, then press it into the roots and wiggle upward in one smooth motion. Work in thin coats, allowing the first to become slightly tacky before adding a second. Using a clean lash comb while it’s still soft can perfect separation.

We recommend curling before application, as the waterproof formula sets quickly and will lock in that shape. A lash primer designed for waterproof formulas can boost volume and separation further, especially if your natural lashes are very straight or sparse.

Yes, but use a delicate touch. We had the best results using just the tapered tip of the brush, or a separate skinny wand, to lightly coat lower lashes. This minimizes specks and helps prevent the under-eye area from looking heavy or smudged by day’s end.

With daily use and careful brush cleaning, a tube typically performs well for a few months before the texture becomes noticeably drier or clumpier. As with most waterproof mascaras, keeping the cap tightly closed and avoiding pumping the wand helps prolong its usable life.

You can, but we found it performs best either alone or over a dedicated lash primer. Layering it over another full mascara can quickly become heavy and clumpy due to its thick, waterproof texture. If you do layer, keep the base coat light and let it dry down slightly first.

Removal, Comfort & Lash Health

Use an oil-based or dual-phase waterproof eye makeup remover. Saturate a cotton pad, press gently over closed eyes for several seconds to dissolve the film, then slide downward along the lashes. Avoid rubbing back and forth; patience and soaking are key to protecting your lash line.

Yes, significantly. Its high-performance waterproof polymers cling tightly to lashes, so standard cleansers and water won’t fully break it down. Without a proper remover and soak-and-slide technique, removal can feel frustrating and may tug at lashes, which is why we reserve it for days we truly need waterproof wear.

On its own, the formula includes conditioning ingredients and doesn’t inherently break lashes. However, daily use combined with rushed or aggressive removal can lead to shedding or breakage. If you wear it often, be meticulous with gentle removal and consider giving lashes an occasional break with a softer, non-waterproof formula.

Once set, lashes feel firm and held in place but not painfully stiff. You can feel that a waterproof film is present, especially with multiple coats, yet our testers didn’t describe it as uncomfortably crunchy. If you prefer a barely-there feel, though, you may find this more structured than you like.

Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water, blinking gently to help flush the product out. Avoid rubbing your eyes. If irritation, redness, or a filmy sensation persists after rinsing, seek medical advice, especially if you wear contact lenses or have a history of eye sensitivity.

Gaps, Expectations & Miscellaneous

The formula is intentionally thick and fast-setting to deliver dramatic volume and waterproof wear, which means it can clump or feel dry if you overload the brush, apply too many coats, or if the tube is not tightly sealed. Cleaning the brush periodically and working in thin layers helps maintain a smoother application.

For most of our testers, it resisted smudging remarkably well, even through long days and humidity. However, those with very oily lids, heavy eye creams, or hooded eyes sometimes saw transfer to the under-eye area or brow bone. Strategic powdering and allowing full dry-down can improve results, but it’s not universally flawless.

You’re paying for a prestige formula that marries dramatic volume with serious waterproofing. For special occasions and high-stakes wear, the investment feels justified. If you rarely need waterproof performance or are satisfied with softer, more everyday lashes, less expensive mascaras may meet your needs just as well.

Absolutely. This is where it shines. We reached for it consistently for weddings, beach trips, pool days, and overnight events because it stayed put through sweat, tears, and humidity. Pack it with a travel-sized waterproof remover so you can take it off properly at the end of the night.

The mascara comes in the brand’s signature sleek tube with the iconic hourglass brush inside. The component feels weighty and substantial in the hand, and the screw-top closure gives a reassuring twist-and-click sensation that helps keep the formula sealed between uses.

The Curated Edit

Curated based on the unique characteristics of Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara.