7 Better Than Sex Dupe Mascaras Worth Trying
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is the closest overall Better Than Sex dupe, while the best choice changes if you need waterproof wear, a lower price, stronger curl hold, or more separated volume. Better Than Sex mascara sold approximately one unit every seven seconds during its early growth, which helps explain why shoppers still compare drugstore formulas against it.
Can a drugstore mascara really match Too Faced Better Than Sex, or are most “dupes” only copying the pink tube and oversized brush? Better Than Sex remains popular for its dramatic volume, lifted-looking lashes, and deep-black finish, but no alternative is perfectly identical. The useful comparison is more practical: does the brush distribute enough formula, does the mascara separate or clump, does it hold a curl, and can you wear it without flakes or under-eye transfer?
This roundup compares seven accessible U.S. options by brush geometry, formula texture, layering behavior, curl retention, smudging, flaking, removal, and final lash effect. The table is a starting point, not a promise of identical results. For before-and-after photos, use the same lighting, camera distance, lash curl, number of coats, and waiting time so the difference reflects the mascara rather than the photograph.
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1. Best Better Than Sex Mascara Dupes
The most useful Better Than Sex dupe isn't necessarily the mascara with the most dramatic first coat. It's the one that reproduces the original's thickened, deep-black effect while remaining controllable across a normal workday. Finding Favourites' Better Than Sex mascara dupe roundup approaches the category by use case, including budget, waterproof wear, length, and sensitive-eye considerations.
Too Faced Better Than Sex became a prestige-beauty reference point after launching in 2013. Reporting described early sales of approximately one unit every seven seconds, and the mascara quickly became a leading seller at Sephora and Ulta. It was later identified by NPD data as the U.S. prestige makeup unit-sales leader in January and February 2018, while Ulta identifies it as the number-one mascara in the U.S. prestige market for the 12 months ending June 2022. See the original product listing at Ulta for the benchmark shoppers are trying to replace.
What the original actually asks you to replicate
The original's appeal is a combination of brush size, dense application, and a wet-to-dry volumizing finish. Ulta's associated consumer study reported that all respondents observed dramatic volume and longer lashes, while 97% perceived a false-lash effect and 82% would recommend it to a friend. Those results create a more useful testing framework than packaging similarity alone.
Practical rule: Judge a dupe on volume, apparent length, false-lash impact, and wear stability. A mascara that looks slightly less dramatic but doesn't flake or transfer may be the better everyday substitute.
For a fair comparison, photograph bare lashes first, then photograph one coat and two coats from the same angle. Apply the product after curling, avoid changing the lighting, and record whether the formula remains workable or turns sticky between coats. The guide to applying mascara properly can help standardize the application.
The main limitation is that formulas differ by region and availability can change. A good dupe should be treated as a functional alternative, not a counterfeit or a claim of identical performance.
2. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is the closest overall Better Than Sex dupe because its soft, dense, hourglass-inspired brush produces the same broad category of result: plush volume, visible length, and a bold black lash line. The Lash Paradise product page describes a wavy brush with more than 200 bristles, and the range includes washable and waterproof versions.
The brush geometry matters. Dense bristles load the lashes quickly, while the hourglass shape reaches both the inner and outer sections without requiring a thin precision wand. On long or moderately full lashes, that creates a soft, false-lash effect after a couple of controlled passes. The trade-off is familiar: if you keep brushing after the formula has started to set, the lashes can join together.
Lash Paradise is also a practical choice because it comes in shades beyond the deepest black, including Black Brown and Latte Brown. That gives shoppers more control over the final effect, especially when a very dark mascara feels heavy against lighter features.
Best use and main weakness
Choose the washable version when easy removal matters, and choose the waterproof version for humid conditions, tears, or curl retention. Neither option should be assumed to be universally smudge-proof. Test it on your own lids, particularly if your skin becomes oily during the day.
The formula can feel drier toward the end of a tube, and over-layering can make the finish less fluffy. Keep the wand moving from root to tip, let the first coat settle briefly, then add only enough product to the outer lashes and tips. For more comparisons in this category, browse drugstore mascaras for volume.
3. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect is the strongest choice when the priority is dramatic impact with the least financial risk. Its conical fiber brush creates a tapered application, placing more product through the middle and outer lashes while the narrower tip reaches smaller inner lashes.
The finish is closer to a sculpted false-lash look than soft, separated everyday volume. That makes it appealing for shoppers who want visible density and length without buying a prestige tube. The Essence Lash Princess product page identifies the formula as vegan and cruelty-free, and lists Black and Black Brown options.
The formula behaves differently from Lash Paradise. Some users experience a tubing-like removal pattern, while others see flaking or smudging. Eye shape, eyelid oil, tears, and climate all change the result, so this isn't the safest blind purchase for a long day in heat or humidity.
How to get the cleanest result
Start with a light coat at the roots. Wiggle the brush horizontally, then pull upward through the lengths. The conical tip can add useful outer-corner definition, but repeatedly dragging the full brush through drying lashes can create spikes and flakes.
Essence is also a sensible backup mascara because it's easy to repurchase at U.S. retailers such as Target and Ulta. If it doesn't hold up on your lids, reserve it for shorter events or use it as a second coat over a more stable base. Its value is excellent, but its wear is less predictable than the best overall pick.
4. e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara
e.l.f. Big Mood takes the oversized hourglass-brush approach most directly. The Big Mood mascara page positions it as a buildable, thickening formula, and the range includes washable, waterproof, mini, and multiple shade options. It's vegan and cruelty-free.
The large brush is effective on lashes that need fullness rather than fine separation. One slow pass deposits a substantial amount of formula, and a second pass can create bold, lifted volume. In that respect, Big Mood resembles the original Better Than Sex more closely than mascaras built around narrow combs or curved fan brushes.
Control is the deciding factor. A large wand can touch the upper lid, particularly on short lashes, deep-set eyes, or smaller eye shapes. It can also overload the inner corner before the outer lashes have enough definition. Wipe excess formula from the tip before application and use the brush's narrow end for the inner lashes.
A brush can imitate the original silhouette and still require a different technique. Similar geometry doesn't guarantee similar control.
The formula is designed to resist smudging and flaking, but real-world wear still depends on sebum, tears, humidity, and how much product is applied. Choose the waterproof version when curl hold matters more than quick removal. Choose washable Big Mood when you want the dramatic shape without committing to a more difficult evening cleanse.
5. Rimmel Wonder'Volume Thrill Seeker Waterproof Mascara
Rimmel Wonder'Volume Thrill Seeker Waterproof is the practical pick for shoppers who want bold volume with stronger resistance to moisture and curl loss. Its hourglass-style brush supports a plush lash shape, while the waterproof formula is intended for days when washable mascara tends to soften or migrate.
The Rimmel Wonder'Volume product page describes a creamy, panthenol-infused texture. That texture can make the lashes look fuller without the thin, brittle feeling some waterproof formulas create. The main benefit is not that it copies every feature of Better Than Sex. It's that it addresses one of the original's most important practical weaknesses, wear stability.
Who should choose it
Pick this mascara for humid commutes, outdoor events, or lashes that lose their curl under a wetter formula. Waterproof products can hold shape better, but they usually require more careful removal. Use a dedicated eye-makeup remover and avoid scrubbing the lash line.
Availability is good through mass retailers, although shades can vary by store. Retailer pricing also changes, and the brand site doesn't list a fixed MSRP for the product, so check the current listing before buying.
For more options in this use case, compare cheap waterproof mascaras. Remember that “waterproof” doesn't automatically mean transfer-proof on every eyelid. Wear testing should include tears, sweat, oil, and several hours of normal movement.
6. Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara
Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity is a strong alternative for shoppers who want a lifted, going-out lash effect without moving into prestige pricing. Its hourglass-inspired brush applies volume and length together, creating a fuller silhouette rather than a minimalist, separated finish.
The Milani mascara collection includes standard and waterproof versions, as well as brown-black options at mass retailers. That choice makes it easier to adjust the effect. Brown-black can soften a daytime look, while a darker shade emphasizes the dramatic side of the Better Than Sex comparison.
The main limitation is separation. The brush favors density, and building too quickly can cause the lashes to merge. This isn't necessarily a flaw if you want a false-lash appearance, but it matters for short, sparse lashes where clumps can make the eye look smaller.
Application that keeps the volume wearable
Remove excess formula from the wand, place the brush at the root, and make a small side-to-side movement before pulling upward. Concentrate the second pass on the outer half rather than covering every lash repeatedly. A clean spoolie can separate the tips while the formula is still workable.
Milani's waterproof version is better suited to curl retention and wet conditions, while the standard version is simpler to remove. As with every formula here, the most dramatic option isn't automatically the best daily option. Select it when bold volume matters more than a combed, airy finish.
7. Maybelline Lash Sensational
Maybelline Lash Sensational is the best effect dupe for separated, fanned volume. It doesn't reproduce the oversized hourglass wand of Better Than Sex. Instead, its curved brush uses ten layers of bristles to spread the lashes outward, creating a fuller fan with clearer separation.
The Lash Sensational washable mascara page lists lengthening and separated volume as core benefits, with multiple black and brown shades. The ophthalmologist-tested formula is also a useful option for shoppers who prefer a more structured application and less heavy loading.
This brush works well when clumping is the problem. The curved shape follows the lash line, while the layered bristles catch shorter lashes that a large hourglass brush may skip. The result is less thick and plush than Lash Paradise, Big Mood, or Anti-Gravity, but it can look more polished after a long day.
Why it isn't the closest visual twin
A Better Than Sex fan may miss the dense, oversized brush and wet, dramatic build. Lash Sensational creates its impact through fanning and separation, so the final effect is lifted and wide rather than intensely packed.
Use it when you want definition for work, daily makeup, or lashes that look messy under thickening formulas. It's also a sensible choice if you want a washable formula that doesn't demand the removal routine of a waterproof mascara. For before-and-after comparisons, photograph the lashes straight on and from a slight angle so the fan effect is visible.
Top 7 Better-Than-Sex Mascara Dupes Comparison
| Product | Implementation complexity | Resource requirements | Expected outcomes | Ideal use cases | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Better Than Sex Mascara Dupes (roundup) | N/A (guide format); selection tested by reviewer | Time to read; possible purchases across price tiers | Tailored dupe recommendations and trade-offs | Shoppers comparing multiple affordable alternatives | Curated tests, organized by use case, cruelty-free flags |
| L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise (Washable/Waterproof) | Simple to apply; dense hourglass brush (may clump if over-layered) | Low-cost drugstore; widely available | Plush, volumized and lengthened lashes close to BTS | Drugstore dupe seekers; daily wear in multiple shades | Frequently cited BTS dupe; washable + waterproof; broad availability |
| Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect | Easy application; conical fiber brush for sculpting | Ultra-budget; easy to repurchase | Dramatic false-lash volume (wear may vary) | Budget shoppers; frequent repurchases; vegan preference | Exceptional value; vegan/cruelty-free; widely stocked |
| e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara (Washable + Waterproof) | Hourglass brush similar to BTS; large wand may be tricky on short lashes | Low-cost; vegan/cruelty-free; multiple shades | Bold, lifted, buildable volume with smudge resistance | Value + ethical shoppers seeking BTS-like brush geometry | Brush geometry close to BTS; buildable formula; multiple options |
| Rimmel Wonder'Volume Thrill Seeker Waterproof | Straightforward application; waterproof requires stronger remover | Low-cost mass-retailer; waterproof removal needed | Plush volume with strong curl hold and smudge resistance | Waterproof needs, humid climates, maintaining curl | Waterproof curl hold; creamy panthenol formula; affordable |
| Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara (also Waterproof) | Hourglass-style brush; can clump if overbuilt | Moderate drugstore price; widely available | Extreme volume and length for a going-out look | Special occasions or dramatic-lash seekers | High-impact volume; often discounted at mass retailers |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational (Washable) | Curved multi-layer fan brush; easy for separation | Low-cost; very widely available | Separated, fanned voluminous lashes with less clump | Everyday wear for separation and length | Reliable wear; fanned, separated finish; accessible in many shades |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest Better Than Sex dupe?
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is the closest overall match in this list. Its dense, hourglass-inspired brush and volumizing finish reproduce the broad visual effect most shoppers associate with Better Than Sex. It still differs in formula behavior, clumping risk, and wear on oily or watery eyes.
Which Better Than Sex dupe gives the most volume?
e.l.f. Big Mood, Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity, Lash Paradise, and Essence Lash Princess all prioritize bold volume. Big Mood is the closest brush-shape match, Lash Paradise offers the most balanced overall effect, Milani creates a lifted dramatic look, and Essence offers the strongest value for a false-lash style.
Which dupe is best for waterproof wear?
Rimmel Wonder'Volume Thrill Seeker Waterproof is the clearest choice for waterproof curl hold and moisture resistance. L'Oréal Lash Paradise, e.l.f. Big Mood, and Milani Anti-Gravity also offer waterproof versions. Waterproof mascara can be harder to remove, so use a suitable eye-makeup remover and avoid pulling at the lashes.
Which mascara is best for separated volume?
Maybelline Lash Sensational is the best pick for separation and a fanned effect. Its curved, layered brush differs from the Better Than Sex wand, but that difference helps reduce the dense, clumped finish that some shoppers want to avoid.
How should I test a mascara before calling it a dupe?
Take photos of bare lashes, one coat, and two coats in consistent lighting. Record volume, apparent length, separation, curl loss, clumping, flaking, transfer, and removal effort. Test the mascara during a normal day rather than judging only the first few minutes after application.
Are mascara dupes the same as counterfeits?
No. A legitimate dupe is a separate product that offers a similar effect, such as volume or brush design. Counterfeit beauty products falsely imitate the original brand and can create hygiene and eye-safety concerns. Buy from authorized or established retailers, check packaging carefully, and don't use a product with an unusual smell, texture, or damaged seal.
Choose the Better Than Sex Dupe That Fits Your Lashes
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is the best overall Better Than Sex dupe in this comparison. It gets closest to the original combination of dense brush coverage, visible length, plush volume, and dramatic finish, while washable and waterproof versions let you choose between easier removal and stronger resistance to moisture.
Essence Lash Princess is the maximum-value option for shoppers who want a bold false-lash effect and don't mind that wear can vary by eye shape, oiliness, and climate. e.l.f. Big Mood and Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity are better for shoppers who specifically want an hourglass-style brush and substantial volume. Big Mood offers a particularly direct brush comparison, while Milani gives a lifted, going-out finish that can become clumpy if overbuilt.
Rimmel Wonder'Volume is the practical waterproof choice when curl hold and moisture resistance matter most. Maybelline Lash Sensational takes a different route, using a curved fan brush to create separated, fanned volume rather than copying the original's dense hourglass shape. That makes it the better option for readers who want a cleaner lash line and less clumping.
Formula choice affects more than appearance. Washable mascaras are generally simpler to remove, while waterproof formulas can better support curl and resist moisture but require a more careful cleanse. Ethical preferences also matter, with vegan and cruelty-free options available among the listed products. Before buying, compare the specific version, shade, and formula rather than assuming every product name covers the same performance.
Photograph your lashes in consistent lighting, use the same number of coats, and compare the result after several hours rather than only at application. The best bargain is the mascara that gives you successful wear without extra primer, repeated touch-ups, difficult removal, or unusable clumping. For most shoppers, that makes Lash Paradise the starting point, with the other options serving more specific lash needs.
Finding Favourites brings together hands-on testing, community feedback, and practical comparisons for affordable alternatives to luxury makeup, skincare, and fragrance. Visit Finding Favourites to explore more budget-friendly swaps, including guides organized by product type, brand, and price tier.