Politicsbrief Daily Briefing English (UK)
politicsbrief.uk Politicsbrief Daily Briefing
Blog Business Local Politics Tech World

Better Than Sex Mascara – UK Reviews, Variants and Stock

James Harry Clarke Cooper • 2026-04-16 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has been a staple in the prestige beauty market since its launch, becoming one of the most recognisable names in volumising mascara. The product centres on an hourglass-shaped brush designed to coat every lash from root to tip, paired with a collagen-enriched formula that promises dramatic volume, length, and curl. Available in multiple shades and formulas, including a waterproof variant, it has accumulated a substantial following among beauty enthusiasts seeking a false-lash effect without professional application.

Despite its popularity, questions persist about the range’s longevity, available shades, and where UK customers can purchase it. This guide compiles verified information from retailers and brand sources to address those questions directly.

What Are the Reviews Like for Better Than Sex Mascara?

Customer feedback across UK retailers presents a largely positive picture, with particularly strong agreement on volume and length performance. According to data compiled from the brand’s official site, 100% of reviewers noted improvement in volume, while 100% reported enhanced length. The false-lash effect received a 97% satisfaction rate, with the black shade receiving the most consistent praise.

Performance Highlights

Users frequently cite the formula’s ability to deliver voluminous, non-clumpy lashes that maintain their curl throughout the day. Many describe it as an alternative to lash extensions, with some customers purchasing it specifically for holidays or workouts where long-lasting wear is essential.

Positive feedback emphasises suitability for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The formula’s performance in humid conditions appears frequently in reviews, with customers noting reliable wear without the flaking associated with some competing products.

However, criticism exists. Some users report that the mascara smudges beneath the eyes despite its waterproof branding. Others note that older tubes tend to feel heavier and may clump more easily. Removal requires a strong cleanser, which some find inconvenient compared to water-soluble formulas.

Understanding the Mini Advantage

A notable observation from Cult Beauty reviews suggests that the mini or Doll-Size version (4.8g) tends to apply more smoothly than the full-size (8ml) alternative. Customers who prefer fresher product or travel frequently often favour the smaller format for its reduced likelihood of clumping and easier application.

Volume & Length

100% reviewer satisfaction for both metrics according to brand-compiled data

False-Lash Effect

97% of users reported a dramatic false-lash appearance without extensions

Shade Performance

Black shade receives the most consistent praise across retail platforms

Format Matters

Mini size (4.8g) tends to apply fresher and with less clumping than full-size

Key Insights from User Reports

  • All-day curl retention without touch-ups reported by majority of users
  • Effective separation of lashes without visible spidery effects
  • Reliable performance in humidity and heat according to multiple reviews
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Some smudging reported, particularly with waterproof variant under eyes
  • Strong cleanser required for complete removal
  • Older tubes may become heavier and clumpier with repeated use

Product Specifications at a Glance

Attribute Detail
Brand Too Faced
Full Size 8ml
Mini Size 4.8g
Primary Claim Volumising, lengthening, curling
Brush Design Hourglass-shaped
Formula Type Tubing with collagen enrichment
Waterproof Variant Available
Cruelty-Free Yes
Paraben-Free Yes
Gluten-Free Yes
Country of Manufacture Italy

What Variants of Better Than Sex Mascara Are Available?

Too Faced has expanded the original Better Than Sex Mascara into a range of variants, each designed for specific needs and preferences. Understanding the differences between these options helps customers select the most appropriate version for their routine.

Original Formula

The standard Better Than Sex Mascara serves as the foundation of the range. It offers a non-waterproof formula available in deep black, chocolate brown, and a limited edition burgundy shade. The original delivers volumising, lengthening, and curling effects through a collagen-enriched formula paired with the signature hourglass brush. This variant works well for everyday wear where water resistance is not a priority.

Waterproof Formula

The waterproof edition incorporates high-performance polymers, peptides, porcelain flower extract, and omega oil to create smudge-proof, flake-free wear. It is ophthalmologist-tested and deemed safe for contact lens wearers. Available in black, with a brown option appearing in mini format, the waterproof variant claims to withstand sweat and humidity while maintaining its effect throughout the day.

Formula Note

The waterproof version uses different polymer technology compared to the original, prioritising water resistance over easy removal. Users should expect to use an oil-based or dedicated makeup remover for complete cleansing.

Customer experiences with the waterproof claims vary. Many confirm it holds up during workouts, running, and exposure to humidity. However, some reviews indicate unexpected smudging and instances where the mascara does not perform as expected under water exposure.

Brown Shade Options

The brown shade provides a softer alternative to the classic black, appealing to those preferring a more natural look. The full-size brown variant appears in the original formula, while the waterproof brown has been noted in the mini format. A limited edition burgundy shade has also appeared, though availability fluctuates.

Mini and Travel Sizes

The mini or Doll-Size version contains 4.8g of product and ships in the waterproof formula. Priced around £16 at retailers such as Cult Beauty, the mini format addresses several practical concerns. Users report fresher application since the product is used more quickly, resulting in reduced clumping compared to the larger 8ml standard size. Portability makes the mini particularly suitable for travel or keeping in a gym bag.

Variant Comparison

Variant Shades Size Options Primary Benefit
Original Black, Chocolate Brown, Burgundy (limited) 8ml full-size only Everyday false-lash effect
Waterproof Black, Brown (mini) 8ml and 4.8g Sweat and water resistance
Mini/Travel Black only 4.8g Freshness and portability

Where Can I Buy Better Than Sex Mascara in the UK?

UK customers have several options for purchasing Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, with availability varying by variant and retailer. The product remains actively stocked across multiple platforms, contradicting any concerns about discontinuation.

Major UK Retailers

Boots stocks the waterproof black mascara in the full 8ml size. Customer reviews on the Boots website present mixed feedback, suggesting that individual experiences may vary based on batch or storage conditions. The retailer provides standard delivery options and in-store collection where available.

Cult Beauty offers both the full-size and mini waterproof variants, with the mini priced at approximately £16. The retailer is known for fast dispatch and carries multiple shade options including brown. Lookfantastic similarly stocks the waterproof full-size in black, providing an alternative purchasing platform with its own promotional offers.

Brown Thomas, an Irish retailer with presence in major UK cities, stocks the waterproof mascara across its product range. The platform provides product information alongside purchase options, though direct availability may vary by location.

Retailer Notes

While the official Too Faced UK website suggests broader retail distribution, specific mentions of Sephora UK or Amazon stock did not appear in current research. Customers seeking those channels should verify availability directly before purchasing.

Official Brand Channels

The official Too Faced UK website lists the Better Than Sex Mascara as an active product, providing direct access to the full range of shades and formulas. Purchasing directly from the brand ensures authenticity and access to the complete variant selection.

For those interested in the mini format, the brand’s European site lists the travel-size waterproof option, which may appeal to customers seeking a compact format without committing to the full size.

Price Considerations

The mini waterproof format typically retails for around £16 at specialist beauty retailers. Full-size options generally command a higher price, though specific costs vary by retailer and any applicable promotions. Customers are advised to compare prices across platforms, particularly during seasonal sales events common among UK beauty retailers.

Is Better Than Sex Mascara Discontinued?

Concerns about discontinuation appear periodically among beauty communities, prompted by reformulation rumours or temporary stock fluctuations at specific retailers. However, current evidence indicates that Better Than Sex Mascara remains an active product line.

Verification of Active Status

Multiple UK retailers continue to stock the mascara with active listings. Boots maintains a product page for the waterproof black variant, complete with customer reviews and purchase options. Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, and Brown Thomas all list the product as available with fast dispatch. The official Too Faced UK and European websites similarly display the mascara as an active offering. If you’re curious about the legitimacy of a video game company, Чи легальна компанія відеоігор provides a comprehensive guide.

No official announcement from Too Faced regarding discontinuation has surfaced in available sources. The brand continues to market the product with its award-winning positioning, supported by NPD data claiming #1 prestige mascara status in the US for the 12 months ending November 2022.

Current Status

Better Than Sex Mascara remains actively sold across UK retailers including Boots, Cult Beauty, and the official Too Faced website. The waterproof variant and original formula both maintain consistent availability.

Product History and Development

Understanding when and how Better Than Sex Mascara entered the market provides context for its enduring popularity. The original formula launched as Too Faced’s inaugural prestige mascara entry, quickly establishing itself as a bestseller in the US market.

  1. Initial Launch: Better Than Sex Mascara debuted as Too Faced’s flagship mascara, introducing the signature hourglass brush design and collagen-enriched formula to the prestige beauty market.
  2. Market Recognition: The product accumulated awards and positive press, building a reputation that sustained sales over multiple years without requiring significant reformulation.
  3. Waterproof Expansion: The waterproof variant entered the range, incorporating water-resistant polymer technology while maintaining the core formula benefits of volume, length, and curl.
  4. Mini Format Introduction: The Doll-Size or travel version launched to address demand for fresher product application and portable options, quickly gaining popularity among frequent travellers.
  5. Ongoing Availability: The product continues to be actively stocked and reviewed across UK and international retailers, maintaining its position as a staple in Too Faced’s lineup.

Understanding Product Claims and Reality

Beauty products often make bold claims, and Better Than Sex Mascara is no exception. Examining how actual user experiences align with marketing statements helps prospective buyers set appropriate expectations.

Established Benefits

The mascara delivers measurable volume and length according to reviewer data, with the majority confirming dramatic enhancement of lashes. The hourglass brush design genuinely appears to facilitate even coverage from root to tip, addressing a functional design rather than purely aesthetic considerations.

The collagen-enriched formula and tubing technology contribute to the product’s longevity, with many users confirming all-day wear without significant flaking or fading.

Areas of Uncertainty

Waterproof performance presents mixed results. While the formula includes specific polymers and ingredients designed to resist water, some users report smudging and insufficient water resistance. This discrepancy may relate to individual application technique, eye shape, or specific environmental conditions rather than product failure.

Brown shade availability remains somewhat unclear. While confirmed in the research, the brown variant appears less prominently than black across retail platforms, potentially indicating more limited distribution or periodic stock issues.

Aspect What Is Confirmed What Remains Uncertain
Volume and length 100% reviewer agreement on performance Long-term formula consistency
Waterproof claims Ingredients support water resistance Actual performance varies among users
Brown shade Available in original formula Full availability across all retailers
Discontinuation Active stock confirmed Future formulation plans

What Makes This Mascara Stand Out?

The prestige mascara market is crowded, with numerous options competing for attention. Better Than Sex Mascara has maintained its position through a combination of distinctive design and sustained performance that differentiates it from both drugstore and luxury alternatives.

The hourglass-shaped brush represents a deliberate engineering choice, contrasting with more conventional wand designs. This shape aims to deposit product along the entire lash while separating each hair for a fanned, false-lash appearance without the need for multiple coats or additional tools.

The cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free formulation addresses growing consumer demand for ethical beauty products without compromising on performance. Manufacturing in Italy suggests quality control standards consistent with European beauty production.

“Stretches, lengthens, and curls lashes for an intense, oversized effect.”

— Too Faced product description

The collagen enrichment differentiates the formula from purely polymer-based competitors, potentially contributing to the lash-conditioning benefits some users report.

Summary

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara remains a viable option for UK customers seeking a volumising mascara with proven performance data supporting its volume and length claims. The range offers choices between the original formula and waterproof variant, with brown and mini sizes providing additional flexibility. Active availability across Boots, Cult Beauty, and official brand channels indicates no imminent discontinuation concerns.

For those considering the product, the mini format may offer advantages in application quality, while the waterproof variant suits humid environments or active lifestyles despite mixed reviews on its water-resistant performance. As with any beauty product, individual experiences vary, and prospective buyers are encouraged to review specific feedback relevant to their needs.

Those exploring related topics may find the Julia Roberts Net Worth – 2024 Breakdown and Key Facts guide informative, while individuals interested in symbolic meanings might appreciate the 1313 Angel Number Meaning – Love, Twin Flame, Career Guide resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Better Than Sex Mascara different from other volumising mascaras?

The hourglass-shaped brush and collagen-enriched formula distinguish it from competitors. Customer data shows 100% satisfaction for volume and length, with the false-lash effect achieving 97% approval. It is also cruelty-free, paraben-free, and made in Italy.

Does Better Than Sex Mascara come in brown?

Yes, a chocolate brown shade exists in the original formula. A brown waterproof option has been noted in the mini format. The brown provides a softer look compared to the classic black option.

Is there a waterproof version available?

A waterproof variant is available in black (full-size and mini). It uses high-performance polymers, peptides, porcelain flower extract, and omega oil. User reviews confirm strong performance in humidity, though some report unexpected smudging.

Where can I buy the mini size in the UK?

The mini waterproof version (4.8g) is available at Cult Beauty priced around £16. The official Too Faced European website also lists the travel-size option. Boots stocks the full-size waterproof but does not appear to carry the mini format.

Has Better Than Sex Mascara been discontinued?

No evidence of discontinuation exists. The product remains actively stocked at Boots, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, Brown Thomas, and the official Too Faced website. Reviews continue to be posted, indicating ongoing availability.

Is Better Than Sex Mascara suitable for sensitive eyes?

Customer reviews indicate it works well for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and contains no paraben or gluten. However, removal requires a strong cleanser, which some sensitive skin users may need to consider.

What is the difference between the mini and full-size versions?

The mini (4.8g) ships in the waterproof formula, while the full-size (8ml) comes in both original and waterproof variants. Users report the mini applies fresher with less clumping since product is used more quickly. The mini format suits travel and those preferring not to commit to larger sizes.

James Harry Clarke Cooper

About the author

James Harry Clarke Cooper

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.