Benefit Roller Lash mascara, my review

A mascara like the Benefit Roller Lash claiming to be a real “roller for lashes”, it should be a bit like my Holy Grail mascara…

So when I learned that Benefit was releasing this mascara, I got really curious!
The two things I expect from a mascara (for my very thin and almost straight eyelashes), it is a) to give a good curl to my eyelashes and b) a big dramatic volumizing effect.

Well then, obviously, Roller Lash claims more curling effect as well as an “eyelashes extensions” effect. (aka a very simple lengthening effect but hey, why not use a beauty buzz word like “eyelashes extensions“? )
I was thinking that maybe, if I put several layers of this mascara on my eyelashes, I would also have a good volume! wink

But actually, it didn’t work exactly according to my plan…

Benefit Roller Lash mascara, presentation:

Even the packaging looks like a big vintage pink roller! (I’m not sure if I found it just kitsch or very ugly, I still haven’t decided)

Here is what Benefit is saying about the Roller Lash:

“Bye-bye, eyelash curler!

Roller Lash not only lifts and super-curls, but this instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours, is easy to remove, and contains provitamin B5 and serine, known for their lash-conditioning benefits.

A mascara inspired by hair rollers, this super-curling and lifting mascara gives a sexy, wide-eyed look. Its patent-pending Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush features tiny custom-designed hooks to catch, lift, and curl even short and straight lashes. “

So it’s easy, this mascara is suppose to have very good lengthening and curling effects and also a very long lasting power.

Here, the innovation is in the curved brush, that allows to grip the eyelashes at their roots to give them this “push-up”effect and to lift them in order to open up the eyes.

This is a silicone brush with relatively short bristles. It is rather easy to use and allows a good distribution of the product, and all of this without putting it all over the eyelid (= my big specialty) (always very nice when you spent a lot of time to get your eye makeup perfect).

I’m used to using an eyelash curler every day. Well, with this mascara, there is no need! And that is quite nice.

The formula is fairly dry (so to speak) so it really sets the curl which was obtained thanks to the brush. And this beautiful curl doesn’t fall throughout the day, which is very rare for a non-waterproof formula. (it is water resistant though)

The long-lasting promise is honored: the Roller Lash doesn’t smudge, doesn’t crumble but beware, it isn’t waterproof (I tried it in the pool to be sure and well, let’s say that I looked a little stupid when I got out of the water) (oh what I wouldn’t do for you, my dear readers;) ).

Benefit Roller Lash mascara, my test and thoughts:

My opinion of this mascara is quite mixed.

The curling effect is quite impressive, I must say… And that, even without an eyelash curler, and especially with my eyelashes, well it’s quite an achievement!
But my big issue with it is that the formula is super complicated to apply if you want to apply it in more than 1 coat.

Let me explain: to achieve the very dramatic result I like, thicker and intensely black eyelashes, I usually apply 2 or 3 coats of mascara. And with the Roller Lash, if I’m applying 2 coats, the mascara “grips” too much to the eyelashes and the result is very spidery. And it’s really not pretty at all.
I feel that the whole point of the brush and the formula is that they can grab the lashes to give it that beautiful curl but the problem is that the second layer “grips”on the first one and it is impossible to have a harmonious distribution of the product on the eyelashes.

So 2 solutions to this problem:

– just apply 1 single coat and have well-curled, elongated eyelashes. But the problem for me is that they aren’t thick enough. And besides, I don’t find the result very black, so it’s too light for my taste.
– Benefit recommends to use a second mascara over this one, like their They’re Real! to have a more dramatic effect. Seriously Benefit? Euh well, if you can sell 2 mascaras instead of 1, just go for it, I guess! But I don’t find this argument very satisfying, personally…

Because I care and I’m curious, I tried the second option (and also because I had a travel size version of They’re real! that was lying in my makeup drawer) but I didn’t really love the result, still very spidery… Not convinced!

I finally managed to find a solution that works because it was bothering me to throw away this mascara but sadly, it still involves a second product, like I said above, I’m not impressed you need another product… And not a super cheap solution! sad
I use a primer before applying my Roller Lash, the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer. (I will tell you more about it in a future post, I think… wink )
I apply the primer before and it works, I can overcoat with the Roller Lash for a more intense effect (color and volume).

In summary:

[wprs-pros][wprs-cons]

As you probably understood, I’m a little disappointed with the Roller Lash. Let’s say that it could have been a great product if you could apply 2 coats without ending up with spidery lashes…

The result on my eyelashes:

I should point out first of all that I didn’t use my eyelash curler during the test.

On the right, the result after one coat and on the left, after 2 coats:

After 2 coats:

We can see from my photos that the second layer is much thicker than the first one. The feeling on my lashes wasn’t great either, I really had the impression that my eyelashes were very hard, not soft at all…

I wonder if it would work better on thicker lashes, with just one single coat… If it is your case and you’ve tried it, feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! smile

The Roller Lash mascara is available on Benefit website for the price of $24.

And you, have you tried this Roller Lash mascara by Benefit? Did you like it?

Photos credits: bonnie-garner.com

Cet article est aussi disponible en français: Benefit Roller Lash mascara, mon avis