Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara
Published By Laura Townsend
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Our Verdict
The Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara earns a mixed verdict. Its defining strength lies in its budget-friendly price, making it accessible for experimentation. The wand separates lashes reasonably well, delivering a natural, clump-free look. However, the formula lacks staying power. While advertised as smudge-proof, it transfers easily, especially in humid conditions or with oily eyelids, hence the ironic panda eye potential. Volume and lengthening are minimal. If you prioritize a natural look for everyday wear and aren't concerned about longevity or dramatic lashes, it's a decent option. But if you require a mascara that can withstand activity or provide significant volume, invest elsewhere.
Audience Score
Pros
- It is very affordable.
- It is smudge-proof and long-lasting.
- The wand separates and defines lashes well.
- It is easy to remove.
- It is volumizing.
Cons
- It can smudge or flake throughout the day, especially in humid conditions.
- The formula can be quite wet, leading to clumping if not applied carefully.
- Some users find it difficult to remove completely, even with dedicated eye makeup remover.
- It may not provide dramatic lengthening or volumizing effects compared to higher-end mascaras.
- The brush can be tricky to maneuver for precise application, potentially leading to messy results.
Before
After
Comparison
The most similar products compared
| Audience Score | 78 Good! | 88 Great! | 84 Great! | 86 Great! |
| Price | $4.99 | $13.99 | $28 | $20 |
| Size | 1.23 oz | .33 oz | 0.4 oz/ 12 mL | 0.29 oz / 8 mL |
| Sensitive | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Volumizing | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lengthening | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curling | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vegan | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tubing | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hypoallergenic | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Waterproof | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Who Should Buy
This mascara is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers noticeable length and volume without smudging or flaking throughout the day. If you struggle with raccoon eyes from traditional mascaras, the tubing formula of this product could be a game-changer. Those with sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses will also appreciate its gentle, hypoallergenic formula. Finally, if you’re committed to cruelty-free beauty, this vegan mascara aligns with your ethical values.
Who Should Not Buy
This mascara might not be ideal for those seeking dramatic, intensely volumizing lashes. If you prefer a very thick, heavy lash look, you may find this formula builds more naturally. Similarly, if you desire a significant curl hold, you might need to pair this mascara with a lash curler, as its curling power is subtle. Lastly, if waterproof mascara is a non-negotiable for you due to swimming or intense workouts, this product's smudge-proof nature, while impressive, won't hold up against submersion in water.
Sensitive
This mascara boasts a sensitive formula designed to minimize irritation. It’s ophthalmologically tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. The gentle ingredients make it a good choice for those with sensitive eyes or allergies, reducing the risk of redness, itching, or watery eyes. This focus on gentleness doesn’t compromise its performance, however. You can still achieve noticeable lash enhancement without worrying about discomfort. This mascara lets you prioritize both eye health and beautiful lashes. For those prone to eye irritation, this can be a real game-changer.
Volumizing
While not dramatically volumizing, this mascara adds noticeable thickness to lashes. The tubing formula coats each lash individually, creating a fuller appearance without clumping. Multiple coats can be applied to build intensity, allowing you to customize your look from natural to more defined. The lightweight formula prevents lashes from feeling weighed down, even with multiple applications. The result is naturally enhanced volume that adds depth and dimension to your eyes.
Lengthening
This mascara excels at lengthening lashes, creating a noticeably extended look. The tubing formula wraps around each lash, adding visible length from root to tip. This creates the illusion of longer, more fluttery lashes, opening up the eye area. The lengthening effect is achieved without the need for lash fibers, which can sometimes irritate sensitive eyes. The result is natural-looking length that enhances your lashes without appearing artificial.
Tubing
The tubing technology in this mascara sets it apart. Instead of simply painting the lashes, it forms tiny tubes around each individual lash. This creates a smudge-proof, flake-proof, and long-lasting hold. These tubes slide off easily with warm water, eliminating the need for harsh makeup removers. This makes removal gentle and prevents lash damage. The tubing formula is also resistant to sweat and humidity, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Curling
While not a strong curling mascara on its own, this formula does provide a subtle lift and hold. For those seeking a more dramatic curl, pairing it with a lash curler before application will deliver optimal results. The lightweight formula prevents lashes from drooping throughout the day, maintaining the curl you create. This combination of subtle lift and lasting hold helps to open up the eye area for a brighter, more awake appearance.
Hypoallergenic
Formulated with sensitive eyes in mind, this hypoallergenic mascara minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. It’s free from common irritants and has been ophthalmologically tested, making it suitable even for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses. This focus on gentleness ensures you can enjoy enhanced lashes without worrying about redness, itching, or discomfort. This commitment to hypoallergenic formulation makes it a safe and comfortable choice for a wide range of users.
Vegan
This mascara is 100% vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. This aligns with a cruelty-free lifestyle and offers a guilt-free way to enhance your lashes. Choosing vegan cosmetics contributes to a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry. The vegan formulation doesn't compromise on performance, proving that beauty and compassion can go hand-in-hand.
Clumping
This mascara's formula is designed to minimize clumping, ensuring a clean and defined lash look. The tubing technology helps to coat each lash individually, preventing them from sticking together. The lightweight formula further aids in preventing clumps, allowing for smooth and even application. This results in naturally separated lashes that appear longer and fuller without looking spidery or clumpy. This clump-free application contributes to a more polished and natural makeup look.