I Tried the #1 Selling Mascara on Amazon—Here’s Why I’m Buying It Again

Updated: May 26, 2023

A tube of this Essence mascara sells every 10 seconds. But is the #1 selling mascara on Amazon worth the hype?

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I was not born with long, fluttery eyelashes. But I really want them. I’ve tried almost every eyelash product under the beauty sun: magnetic eyelashes, eyelash growth serum, and even professionally applied eyelash extensions.

Each of those eyelash products has its pros and cons, but when it comes down to price, results, and ease of application—nothing beats a good mascara, as long as you’re also not making any of these mascara mistakes. I’m always on the hunt for a mascara that lengthens and separates without breaking my beauty budget. According to 244,000 Amazon ratings, the very best mascara on the planet is Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect mascara. Oh, and it costs five bucks. Of course, I tried it.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara review

According to Essence, a tube of their Lash Princess False Lash mascara sells every 10 seconds. And Amazon stats back up the claim. As of publishing, the mascara had more than 244,000 reviews and is the number one best-selling mascara on Amazon. In fact, it’s the most reviewed beauty product on Amazon. Is it worth the hype? In a word: yes.

A tube of Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara from Amazon arrives wrapped in what seems like two pounds of plastic wrap. The mascara isn’t placed in a plastic and cardboard package, like how mascara is usually sold at the drug store, so be prepared (and know it’s not a counterfeit product).

The Essence Amazon page is filled with selfies of customers wearing Lash Princess False Lash mascara on one eye, and their way-more-expensive regular mascara on the other. To try out my new tube, I did the same eye-by-eye comparison. On one eye, I applied a layer of Lash Princess False Lash mascara. On the other, I swiped on my usual (and expensive) Armani mascara. Reader, it was hard to tell the difference. Thanks to the conic shaped fiber brush, the $5 mascara held its own in eyelash length, lift, and volume. I was impressed.

How to apply Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara

One downside to Lash Princess False Lash mascara is that it’s really wet on application. That’s great for building product and length, but not so great when it leaves tiny smudges on my eyelid when I blink with wet mascara on. Pro tip: Don’t wipe the smudged mascara off until it’s dried, and do your eyeshadow after applying the mascara, if possible.

As for wear, I noticed Lash Princess False Lash mascara kept up with me all day. I didn’t get the usual mascara flakes or raccoon eyes that I generally associate with affordable mascaras. When it was time to remove it, the mascara came off pretty easily with my regular micellar cleansing water. I used the entire tube, and I will definitely buy this mascara again. Armani, who? Make your mascara last even longer with these mascara hacks you’ve never thought to try.

Where to buy Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara

Essence makes Lash Princess False Lash mascara in a waterproof version (which is, well, waterproof) and a sculpted version, which has a tapered brush to separate individual lashes. Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara is also sold for $5 at Ulta.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara pros

  • The price! Can you find a quality $5 mascara anywhere else in 2022?
  • The conic shape fiber brush delivers dramatic volume and serious length.
  • The formula is buildable, so you can add layers for more length.
  • Lasts all day without flaking.
  • Removes easily with eye makeup remover or micellar cleansing water.
  • Cruelty-free—not tested on animals.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara cons

  • The mascara goes on very wet and thick, so it’s hard to apply without at least some smudging.
  • Not available in dark brown, and the dark black color might be too harsh for blond lashes.

Best Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara Amazon user reviews

Rd Ecomm Amazon Mascara 3 Lash Princessvia merchant

I’m not the only one who sings the praises of Essence Lash Princess False Lash mascara. Here are a few five-star Amazon reviews from obsessed buyers.

Nash Native: “This has become my favorite mascara. It lasts and doesn’t dry super fast so you can build it as much as you want. It comes off easily with my eye makeup remover and doesn’t flake throughout the day. I also love the wand (this part is huge for me), it glides the mascara on perfectly and separates my lashes.”

Sarah Helgesen: “Love love LOVE this mascara!! I was so surprised by how long and full my lashes look! It’s so worth the money. I’ve bought expensive mascaras and haven’t been nearly as satisfied. I’ve ordered four within the last year and will order more! I hope they never discontinue this brand…that’s how much I love it!”

TeamMom: “I purchased this as a stocking stuffer for my gorgeous teenage daughter who most days only wears mascara, so good lashes are important to her. We have both used all kinds of latest fad mascaras in the past two years—Better than Sex by Too Faced, Lash Paradise, Hypnose, etc.—and wow, for $5 compared to $20-30? Hands down, buy this one.”

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