Way cheaper alternatives to Benefit They’re Real mascara
In a world that loves lash extensions, a good mascara is worth its weight in gold. But that doesn’t mean you should have to pay that much for it. So as much as we love the lash-lengthening effects, we hunted down They’re Real mascara dupes. Sorry not sorry, our bank accounts just can’t take the bills anymore.
But there’s no need to bat an eye at these alternatives, in case you’re worried. Makeup lovers swear by these swaps and sing their praises online.
That means you’ll enjoy the same lengthening and thickening effects of Benefit’s They Real without the price that makes you wince. And, we know what we’re doing: we screened out the options that flake throughout the day. No one has time for that.
Here’s what you should know
Plus, we have even better news. Some drugstore brands have really knocked it out of the park, pumping out multiple mascaras that can act as money-saving dupes. So don’t sweat it if you don’t see the exact one you were eyeing; that brand might have another mascara dupe on the shelf that will also give you the come-hither lashes you’re after.
Because we know there’s a lot you love about the classic, we broke our list down into two parts. You’ll find dupes for They’re Real mascara that do the same thing, but have a different applicator, and dupes that get the formula and the wand right. (NOTE: Many people claim to clean their wand from a past tube of They’re Real and use them in the first set of dupes. And we have to say, we absolutely love that solution.)
They’re Real mascara dupes for wow-worthy lashes
- Maybelline Lash Sensational® Washable Mascara
- L’Oréal Paris Telescopic™ Original Mascara
- CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
They’re Real mascara dupes that even get the wand right
- Maybelline Define-A-Lash® Lengthening Washable Mascara
- W7 Absolute Lash Mascara
They’re Real dupes that may flake
- Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
- NYX Super Luscious Mascara XXL
They’re Real mascara dupes for wow-worthy lashes
These Benefit dupes aren’t perfect, but that’s how they’ll make your lashes look. Fans of these products swear by their lengthening and non-clumping formulas, but each mascara uses a different wand to achieve that effect. If what you’re really after is a detail-for-detail replica of Benefit They’re Real, you’re going to want to keep scrolling to the next section.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic™ Original Mascara
Overall verdict: L’Oreal claims their formula will get 60% longer lashes, and fans of this tube swear it does exactly that. Many have replaced their They’re Real addiction with the budget-friendly L’Oreal version and never look back. The wand is definitely different, though, so maybe hoard those old wands and give them a good scrub down.
Main features:
- Extreme lengthening effect
- Non-clumping formula
- Tube lasts a long time
- Does not tend to dry out
- Comb applicator for separation
Maybelline Lash Sensational® Washable Mascara
Overall verdict: Review after review of this popular mascara mentions people getting asked if they’re wearing falsies. That’s all thanks to the lengthening and thickening effects of budget-friendly beauty must-have. Those effects do come with one downside, though: even fans say this mascara takes a bit longer than usual to get off your lashes.
Main features:
- Lengthens and volumizes lashes
- Non-clumping formula
- Can take longer to remove
- Tapered, silicone wand
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
Overall verdict: This mascara has a pretty loyal following of its own. Fans rave about how the consistency of this They’re Real mascara dupe rarely leads to clumping and even allows for easy buildable application for major length. Long-time users of this brand also claim that the formula is so resistant to flaking that you’ll even be flake-free after napping with it on.
Main features:
- Non-clumping formula
- Buildable application
- Slightly tapered silicon wand
- Adds volume and length
They’re Real mascara dupes that even get the wand right
The different shapes and materials of mascara wands affect how this beauty product is applied and your final result. Formula affects that too, but we tend to think less about the wand. These They’re Real mascara dupes use the same wand as the original in an attempt to deliver the same separating and lengthening effects that people love–and it seems like they’re getting it right. Both products have a sizable fan base.
Maybelline Define-A-Lash® Lengthening Washable Mascara
Overall verdict: This is the closest you’re going to get to finding a They’re Real mascara dupe right down to the smallest details. The wand is shockingly similar, and lash lovers frequently tap this product as the best mascara they’ve ever used—which makes it worth a try as an alternative to your pricey They’re Real mascara. You may want to opt for the waterproof version, though. Some people say that the washable version smudges a little, but that the waterproof doesn’t do anything like that.
Main features:
- Slim, silicone wand
- Non-clumping formula
- Lengthens and separates lashes
W7 Absolute Lashes Mascara
Overall verdict: This mascara is a true dupe; it’s trying to be a replacement for They’re Real specifically. From the wand type to the packaging, it looks identical. But do they perform the same? That’s where opinions differ. Some people swear by W7’s version and claim it’s a no-brainer for getting lusty lashes without a sky-high price tag. Others say it just can’t deliver the same results as Benefit. But at a much lower cost, it’s absolutely worth a shot.
Main features:
- Tapered silicone wand
- May cause limited clumping
- Formula dries out quickly
- Lengthens lashes
They flake, but may be worth a shot
Some people who have tried these mascaras say they couldn’t continue because of the flaking. But they also have fans that are buying these brands on repeat. Considering the money you’ll save opting for one of these They’re Real mascara dupes over the original, it may be worth trying them out and seeing for yourself.
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
Overall verdict: Maybelline makes the list again with a formula that’s worthy of being called a They’re Real mascara dupe—despite a wand that isn’t quite right. You’ve undoubtedly been seeing this tube in your friends’ makeup cases since middle school, and there’s a good reason. This classic formula separates and defines and they don’t oversell the waterproof feature at all.
Main features:
- Waterproof leaves no smudges, even though the rain
- Lengthens and volumizes lashes
- Non-clump formula
- Classic wand applicator
NYX Super Luscious Mascara XXL
Overall verdict: You’ll need to check the packaging to make sure you’re getting the XXL since this entire line is made in the same color and style. But they’re very different on the inside, and only this one has a wand that’s a near-perfect They’re Real mascara dupe. You may need to apply multiple coats to get the volume you’re looking for, but it excels in lengthening lashes and the thinner formula helps to prevent clumping.
Main features:
- Wet formula for buildable application
- Similar wand to original
- Lengthens and separates lashes
- Non-clump formula
What is the best mascara?
That’s a hotly debated question. In general, the best mascara combines a wand that applies mascara evenly and in a way you like and a formula that’s highly pigmented and lasts all day. The first is a personal preference, but some brands create longer-lasting mascaras than others.
Benefit’s They’re Real mascara has a cult following of people who believe it is the best mascara—but it’s expensive. Maybe the best mascara for you is a They’re Real mascara dupe since it applies well, lasts all day, and doesn’t break the bank.
How do you remove waterproof mascara?
Wet a round cotton pad with micellar water. Hold the pad against your closed eye for 20-30 seconds to loosen the mascara. Gently slide the pad down the length of your lashes to remove most of the mascara. You may need to repeat this process and clean up under your eye afterwards. Wash your face with an oil-based cleanser to remove any remaining product.
What is mascara made of?
Different brands use different specific ingredients, but most mascaras are made with the same types of ingredients: a polymer, a thickener, a preservative, and a pigment. The pigment adds the color while the polymer and thickening agent help the mascara coat and stick to your lashes. The preservative helps the mascara last without going bad.
How long does mascara last?
Ideally, you should throw out your old mascara after six months. Mascara kept longer than this can expose you to bacteria that builds up in the tube or look less than ideal when applied. But if you have an eye infection, you should throw out your mascara, even if it’s brand new. Bacteria that caused your infection could be in the tube, and continuing to use it could lead to another eye infection.