Benefit | They're Real! Magnet Mascara | Worth the Splurge? | Review

Hey Beautiful People!

For today's installment of 'Worth the Splurge?' I'm giving you an in depth review of Benefit's They’re Real Magnet Mascara.

It is an update on Benefit's original 'They're Real' mascara. 

For the record there is no actual metal pieces or magnets in the mascara formula, so no worries there.

They claim the wand has a magnetically charged core that is attracted to the "magnetic mineral enriched" formula that lifts and pulls lashes for extra length and definition.

I received a travel size of They're Real! Magnet mascara as a sample with my Sephora order and one in my ipsy Glam Bag the next month. So, I am pretty well acquainted with this mascara now. 😄 

But does it really give length and volume?

Is it better than the original They're Real?

And the bigger question: is it worth the splurge?

My review/investigation answers all three of these questions.

First, here is a quick breakdown of They're Real! Magnet mascara

Name of Shade: Supercharged Black

Color: Black

Waterproof: Almost

Formula: Lengthening/Lifting

Wand Shape: Straight, Short Bristles

Lasts for: 12+ Hours

Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Pros: It gives a subtle, natural look to lashes; they are your own lashes ("They're Real") and it appears that you're wearing no mascara at all, but your lashes look fuller and more fanned out.

It lasts me all day with no smudging or streaking.

It could almost be waterproof (it doesn't claim to be though) as it stands up pretty well to water, only an occasional fleck of mascara comes off.

Cons: Not dramatically different from it's OG counterpart They're Real! mascara.

Some claims are overdramatized (read on).

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: No

Claims VS Reality

Claim: "Builds 40% longer lashes"

Reality: Without getting out a calculator and figuring out what length my lashes would be at 40% longer, I can say by comparison to even just other Benefit mascaras, this one does not give me as much lash length. 

I get better length from Benefit's Bad Gal Bang and original They're Real! mascaras. 

Claim: "Flexible, lightweight & builds easily"

Reality: Yes, the formula is easy to work with and can be built up to cover lashes in a thicker coat.

Claim: "Won't smudge or flake"

Reality: 100% accurate, it has not flaked or smudged once.

Claim: "93% said it was extremely lengthening"

Reality: This is probably an accurate percentage. I suppose I would just be in the other 7%

Also, if I was less familiar with Benefit and other mascaras that are "extremely lengthening" I might too perceive They're Real Magnet as such.

Claim: "95% said it lifts & lengthens lashes up & out"

Reality: To an extent I agree with this claim. It does give lift and length to lashes, just not as dramatically as the hype would have you believe.

Claim: "93% said it gives lashes fullness AND length"

Reality: It definitely gives fullness to lashes "AND" (really?) to a relatively lesser extent it gives length.

Here are some before and after photos 📷

After applying They're Real! Magnet mascara it really did give fullness to my lashes and a fanned out effect. It gave some length as well.

They're Real! Magnet VS. They're Real! OG

Both are really lovely mascaras, but if longer lashes is your goal, the original definitely gives more length. If you are looking for volume and fullness, magnet is your friend. 

The wand for the original mascara has a slightly rounded, spikey tip that helps grad little lashes.

The OG also has slightly longer bristles.

Final Thoughts

They're Real! Magnet mascara is nice but truly over-hyped.

It gives fantastic fullness but doesn't really "pull" lashes up, making them appear tremendously longer.

I don't see myself purchasing this mascara again because it doesn't fully deliver.

It's not bad, or poor quality, but for the price ($27 for a full size) I can get better lengthening results from a more affordable mascara, or from a similarly priced Benefit one.

Is it worth the splurge? 

No.

Thanks for checking out my review of Benefit's They're Real! Magnet Mascara.

For more honest reviews and some tutorials too subscribe so you will be the first to read them 📪

Here are some other posts you may like:

My Go-To Makeup: Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

Too Faced  Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette  Review & Tutorial (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette Tutorial & Review (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

Thanks again for stopping by!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

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ipsy | September 2020 | Review & Swatches

Hi Lovelies!

Can't believe how this crazy year is flying by!

Here we are already reviewing September's ispy glam bag.

I'm actually excited about this one because the products are gold!👍

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 3

My Overall Star Rating for September's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Thoughts on September’s Glam Bag: Redemption for ipsy! Finally! This bag has a majority of products that I will actually use. I can almost create a whole face look with just these five products.

September's glam bag is a bit two faced; a different color on each side. 

This soft makeup bag is great for transitioning into fall shades.

Now, on to September's products!!!

1. BENEFIT COSMETICS: The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer

Brand: Benefit Cosmetics
Product: Foundation Primer
Size: Mini
Formula: Liquid
Skin Type It Works Best For: Combination – Dry
Lasts For: Approximately 10 Hours

Pros: This primer preps skin for foundation by creating a smooth canvas. You only need to use a small amount of this primer to create a sheer veil for the perfect base layer of your foundation. 

It’s also hydrating, so although it keeps foundation in place, it won’t stick to dry patches or make foundation set unevenly.

Cons: My skin is acne prone and I think this made me break out a little.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: No, but I would consider trying the original POREfessional Primer

Final Thoughts: A really nice primer that sets the stage for a smooth foundation application. It gives moisture and doesn’t cake foundation.

2. ITEM BEAUTY: Cheek Money in vibez

Brand: Item Beauty
Product: Contour Powder
Name of Shade: Vibez
Color: Tawny Brown
Finish: Matte
Formula: Pressed Powder
Fallout: None
Blendable: Yes
Chalky/Flaky/Crumbly: No/No/No
Lasts for: 6-8 Hours
 
Pros: A soft, powdery brown shade that works wonders for sculpting your cheeks and jaw line. 

It is a light color and can be built up to a more intense shade. Blends easily and leaves a beautiful dusting of color once it fades.

Cons: The super sheer pigment requires quite a bit of layering to be built up to a noticeable contour. It can fade a bit faster than the typical contour powder due to the lightness of the pigment.  

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: No.

Final Thoughts: The powder is very pretty and the light nature of the pigment would be ideal for anyone who likes just a faint trace of a contour or is just learning how to contour.

3. PIXI BY PETRA: Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam

Brand: Pixi by Petra
Product: Eyeliner
Name of Shade: Bronze Beam
Color: Bronze
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Pencil
Waterproof: No
Smudges/Streaks/Runs: Not once it dries/No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours
 
Pros: This is a pencil liner but it glides on smoothly like a gel liner. It has the slightest hint of fine shimmer for a subtle sparkle. The creamy texture makes it great for blending and once it sets it last for hours!
 
Cons: Because of its soft texture less pressure is needed when applying and extra care is needed when storing or it could break and smear.
 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Yes.
 

Final Thoughts: Truly lovely eyeliner that is easy to apply and can be used as a smoky eyeshadow when blended out. Take extra care as to not break the liner tip.

4. SUNDAYS: Nail Polish in No. 18

Product: Nail Polish
Brand: SUNDAYS
Name of Shade: No. 18
Color: Brick Red
Finish: Glossy
Number of Coats to Get Bottle Shade: 2
Lasts for: About 2 Weeks
 
Pros: Gorgeous red polish that is perfect for any occasion; formal or every day. 

This deep red polish has a beautiful glossy finish and it lasts approximately two weeks before any significant chipping starts.

Cons: None!

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Yes.

Final Thoughts: Excellent shade, long lasting color, shiny finish everything you could ask for in a nail polish.

5. TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

Brand: Tarte
Product: Mascara
Size: Mini
Name of Shade: Black
Color: Black
Waterproof: No
Formula: Volumizing
Wand Shape: Hourglass
Lasts for: 10+ Hours
Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Pros: This mascara gives lashes a fanned out, ultra volumized effect. The hourglass shaped wand catches every little lash and coats them with this super saturated black formula. This mascara is so fantastic I have worn it alone, without any other eye makeup, and it made my eyes look totally complete all on its own.

Cons: None

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: "Big ego™", although I usually like my cosmetics with a bit more humility 😆, this mascara is absolutely fabulous! Lashes look full, defined, and totally natural. 

And here are a few looks I created using September glam bag products:

ITEM BEAUTY: Cheek Money in vibez

PIXI BY PETRA: Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam

TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

P.S. WEAR A MASK!!! 😷

BENEFIT COSMETICS: The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer (under foundation)

And that about wraps it up for September's glam bag!

ipsy definitely redeemed themselves this month in my eyes, so much happier with the products!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe so you will be the first to get my tutorials and reviews in your inbox 😉

ICYMI here are some of my recent posts you may have missed:

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

My Go-To Makeup | Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

20 Beauty & Entertainment Ideas for Quarantine 

Please be safe out there and considerate of others (wear a mask, wash your hands)🌊✋😷

And thanks again for reading

I'll see you next time

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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ipsy | October 2019 | Review

Hi beauties!

Check out the products that came in this fun Betty Boop glam bag from ipsy!

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 2

My Overall Star Rating for October's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out of 5)

Thoughts on October's Glam Bag: A fun bag and a couple of great products. October was the first month where ipsy let us specifically pick out one of the products we would receive in October's bag. I picked a good one, the other four weren't all super stars, but read on 😎

October's ipsy products plus a few extra 😉

October's glam bag was super adorable with the big eyes of Betty Boop staring back at me when I opened my pretty pink package.

The reverse side has sparkly black sequins and a cute 'B' zipper . 

1. BENEFIT COSMETICS: They're Real! Lengthening Mascara in Jet Black

Brand: Benefit Cosmetics

Product: Mascara

Size: Mini

Name of Shade: Jet Black

Color: Black

Waterproof: No

Formula: Lengthening

Wand Shape: Straight, Domed Tip

Lasts for: 10+ Hours

Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Pros: Like the name of this mascara indicates; it gives lashes a false lash look. The unique dome tip of the wand is great for reaching each individual lash and creating a separated, fanned out lash effect. It gives extra length and definition to lashes. 

Cons: It tends to dry out fairly fast (this is my second bottle), so make sure it is capped tight. It's not waterproof (but it doesn't claim to be) so it isn't ideal for all occasions

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes.

Final Thoughts: It lives up to its name and gives a false lash effect to lashes. It's a little drier than most mascaras but it can be worked with. Overall a pretty decent mascara.

2. BETTY BOOP™ x IPSY: Satin Lipstick in Mauve It Baby

Brand: Betty Boop X ipsy
Product: Lipstick
Size: Full
Name of Shade: Mauve it Baby
Color: Mauve
Finish: Satin/Matte
Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/No/No
Last for: 8+ Hours

Pros: This extremely pigmented lipstick glides on smooth and even leaving you with a perfectly flattering mauve colored pout. It is super comfortable to wear; it doesn't feel dry or tight on lips. It's also long lasting and the shade doesn't feather.

Cons: I don't really see any.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes.

Final Thoughts: Good color, good wear, good staying power. Definitely a good lipstick.

3. MARC ANTHONY TRUE PROFESSIONAL: Strengthening Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner

Brand: Marc Anthony True Professional

Product: Conditioner

Size: Mini

Formula: Cream

Pros: A nice conditioner. It helps combat breakage and split ends. It gives all the benefits you would expect of a typical salon-grade conditioner.

Cons: I can't say that I saw that it strengthened or helped my hair grow longer, but it may need to be used for a longer period of time than the mini tube offers to see real results.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Unlikely 

Final thoughts: I'm not a big fan of hair products in my ipsy bags, but this conditioner does its job. I can't say it's anything special compared to other salon conditioners. But if you are in the market for a nice conditioner, this is one to consider.

4. LENI: Loose Eyeshadow in Byron Bay 

Brand: Leni
Product: Eyeshadow
Name of Shade: Byron Bay
Color: Champagne Pink
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Loose Powder
Fallout: Some
Blendable: Yes
Chalky/Flaky: No/No
Lasts for: 4 Hours (without primer) 8 Hours (with primer)

Pros: A pretty shimmering pink shadow that has buildable coverage. The warm shade is universally flattering and is great for highlighting. Blends easily to achieve any look you want to create. 

Cons: There is some fallout, as is typical with a loose shadow. It takes several layers of eyeshadow to reach the shade you see in the container.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑  (2 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: No.

Final Thoughts: A decent shimmer eyeshadow with minimal fallout. It just takes a lot of work to achieve the shade you see. 

5. APHRODITE SKIN CARE: Olive Oil Deep Cleansing Face Mask

Brand: Aphrodite Skin Care
Product: Face Mask
Size: Mini
Formula: Cream
Skin Type It Works Best For: Dry to Combination

Pros: There are tons of beneficial ingredients in this mask. The olive oil in this mask provides extra moisture and the aloe soothes irritated skin. It leaves skin with a nice clean feeling.

Cons: A little bit of oiliness to the consistency.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: If I needed a face mask, probably.

Final Thoughts: This is a very lovely face mask that offers a good amount of hydration and moisture. A bit of an oily feature but nothing that hurts the results much.

Here is a makeup look I created using some of the products from October's ipsy bag

Benefit Cosmetics: They're Real! Lengthening Mascara In Jet Black

Leni: Loose Eyeshadow In Byron Bay

Betty Boop™ X IPSY: Satin Lipstick In Mauve It Baby

Thanks for checking out my review of October's ipsy products featuring: Benefit Cosmetics, Betty Boop™ X IPSY, Marc Anthony True Professional, Leni, & Aphrodite Skin Care.

Stay tuned for more tutorials & reviews, plus a new series I am working on.

Why not subscribe via email so you won't miss a post 😀

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

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