They're Real! by Benefit Cosmetics and Better Than Sex by Too Faced Cosmetics are two of the most popular mascaras out there today - and for good reason! They're the top two best selling mascaras on Sephora and are considered Allure Editor's favorite mascaras. I have used both extensively (and still do), and wanted to do a side-by-side comparison for those of you who can't decide between the two.

They're Real! Mascara

by Benefit Cosmetics

They're Real! comes in a silver metallic tube, a brush with pointy tapered bristles, and is 0.3 ounces for a full-size bottle. It costs $24 and comes in black, brown, and even blue. It comes in a mini-size of 0.14 oz for $12 as well. This is also an Allure Reader's Choice award winner.

I found that I actually like the brush for this mascara better than any other mascara brush I've ever used. The end of it has bristles on it so it's easy to get lower lashes and focus on hard-to-reach places. I have short blonde lashes, so this is imperative for me to make sure that the mascara I use coats every part of my lashes.

I find my lashes to look more dramatic and voluminous when I wear They're Real! than I do with Better Than Sex. With that, they're also a little clumpier, but it wouldn't be something I would call a defining feature of this mascara. I find the formula clings to my lashes better to really lengthen them and elevate them to the next level. They're Real! looks a bit more like you're actually wearing makeup than Better Than Sex does.

Another plus to They're Real! is while it's not technically waterproof, and doesn't come in a waterproof version, it stays sooo well. I have deep-set and watery eyes so I always have to make sure I find a mascara that stays put or else it'll smear throughout the day, and this does the job extremely well. The "downside" to that is that it is harder to remove at the end of the day, but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to take.

Overall I'd give They're Real! mascara an 8.5 out of 10.

Better Than Sex Mascara

by Too Faced Cosmetics

Better Than Sex Mascara comes in a straight pink tube, has thin and fluffy bristles, and is 0.27 ounces for a full-size bottle. It costs $23 and comes in black. It comes in a mini-size of 0.17 oz for $12 as well.

The thing I love most about this mascara is it makes it look like I have a million lashes. The brush has way more bristles than other brushes, so it separates each of the lashes and doesn't clump them together. The result is a feathery sea of lashes. It's fabulous! The formula does a better job of volumizing than They're Real! does, but doesn't do as well in terms of lengthening. The larger brush makes it difficult to get to your lower lashes, if you need that extra color or emphasis there. I typically forgo full-size mascaras for my lower lashes and get a mascara specifically designed for them, with a smaller brush to match.

This mascara is also a dream to take off at the end of the day - it comes off so well without much rubbing. Alternately, it does rub off onto my skin more easily than They're Real! does, but mainly on hot or humid days. Perhaps I could try the waterproof version and my problems would be solved! The best thing about this mascara is that it gives the illusion that I'm not wearing mascara for a more "everyday" look.

For Better Than Sex mascara, I give an overall score of 8 out of 10.

All in all, these mascaras are both fantastic that I would recommend to anyone searching for a new mascara. Price and size are comparable, as well as the rating I have given them. The deciding point would be whether you are looking for a more dramatic mascara with a great brush and staying power, or a more everyday mascara for feathery lashes and easy removal. Both are great mascaras that I currently use and will continue to alternate depending on the look I'm going for that day. No matter which you choose, you will not be disappointed!

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