Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review & Swatches

Benefit has rolled out yet another mascara that is specifically designed to “grab, separate, lift, and curl” your lashes without having to use a lash curler! It also claims to work on all lash types including short and straight lashes. Well, well, well, that just sounds too good to be true! And if any mascara promises to work on short lashes? I am the perfect candidate for the test!

Shown here is a mini size that I received with my recent online order. When it comes to mascaras, I like to try a sample first because my lashes are very picky; they are short, sparse, and thin. I'd like to make sure that I really, really like it before committing to purchasing a full-size version.

So, the Roller Lash! Let's hear the marketing buzzwords!

• The patent-pending Hook ‘n' Roll brush, inspired by Velcro hair rolls, is supposed to catch, lift, and curl your lashes (magically) without having to use a lash curler. (OK, I added the word “magically” there myself, but anything that promises to defy the laws of gravity without an outside force has to be magical!)
• The formula is ink black, water-resistant, and leaves a satin finish.
• The super-curling mascara is supposed to hold curls for up to 12 hours!
• Contains Provitamin B5 and Serin to condition lashes during wear.

 A close-up look at the Hook ‘n' Roll brush

It is a skinny, curved, flexible plastic brush type that contains numerous short bristles and small “hooks” to grab lashes from the roots and curl them upwards while you apply the mascara. The bristles on one side (the inner curve) are smaller and shorter so I suppose they will be good for applying the mascara on the lower lashes. Since my lower lashes are pretty much non-existent, I can't really confirm how well this mascara will work on them.

I normally prefer a smaller wand since it tends to fit my small eyes better. Plus, it tends to reach the lash roots and those tiny baby/corner lashes better, too.

Upon closer inspection, I also noticed some type of fibers sticking out from the wand which I assume to help add length to your lashes. The mascara is ink black as claimed but it's not the blackest I have seen.

The test

First I tested the no-lash-curler-needed claim. I applied one coat of the mascara on my bare, uncurled lashes and as much as I refused to believe it, it really did curl my lashes upwards! I suppose the “Hook ‘n' Roll” thing is real! However, due to the rather wet formula, my curls seemed to droop down a little as soon as I applied a second and third layer. This usually happens with most mascaras I have tried, though. Yep, having sparse and thin lashes is not fun at all.

Next I tested it on curled lashes. Below is the application result after 2 layers:

It's pretty obvious that the mascara enhanced the look of my lashes. It's not a drastic improvement by any means but the difference is noticeable. My lashes look longer (although just slightly), thicker, and fuller. My eyes seem to open up more and look more awake. I don't notice my lashes clumping together or weighing down as long as I limit the application to 2 layers. If I apply a third layer, my lashes will tend to clump and droop down and will require a lash comb to separate them.

Let's see a full-face shot:

I'm pretty happy with the results I see here. There is no crunchy or stiff feeling post-application and the formula lasts all day without flaking, smudging or transferring just as promised. When it comes time to remove, it comes off quickly and easily with any mild makeup remover.

I suspect the Roller Lash mascara will be yet another hit just like her sister, the They're Real! mascara. The results I have seen online on those who have a thick and full set of lashes are incredible! They look almost like false lashes! Amazing how a little tube of mascara can do. :)

The full-size version is now available on the Benefit website and will be available in store at other retailers on Friday, February 27^th. Do you think you'll be trying it out?

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