Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning
Published By Laura Townsend
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Our Verdict
Benefit's Fan Fest mascara delivers a fanned-out lash look with minimal clumping, thanks to its unique brush design. Application is generally smooth, though the large brush can be tricky for lower lashes or those with smaller eyes. While it builds decent volume and length, the formula isn't exceptionally long-wearing and can smudge slightly throughout the day, particularly in humid conditions. At its price point, Fan Fest offers a decent value for achieving a dramatic, flared lash look. However, those prioritizing all-day wear or waterproof capabilities should consider alternatives. If you're seeking an easy-to-use mascara for impactful, fanned-out lashes and don't mind occasional touch-ups, Fan Fest is worth exploring. If smudging is a major concern, look elsewhere.
Audience Score
Pros
- Creates voluminous lashes.
- Contains a provitamin B5 that conditions lashes.
- Lifts and separates lashes for a fanned-out look.
- Water-resistant formula holds curl.
- Brush design reaches every lash, even the tiny ones.
Cons
- Can be drying on the lips.
- The product can be difficult to apply precisely.
- The doe-foot applicator can become unsanitary.
- The scent can be overwhelming for some.
- May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Before
After
Comparison
The most similar products compared
| Audience Score | 94 Excellent! | 90 Excellent! | 82 Great! | 82 Great! |
| Price | $29 | $26 | $30 | $27 |
| Size | 0.3 oz / 8.5 g | 0.34 fl oz / 10 ml | 0.26 oz | 0.13 oz / 4 mL |
| Sensitive | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Volumizing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lengthening | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curling | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vegan | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tubing | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hypoallergenic | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Waterproof | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Who Should Buy
This mascara is a fantastic option for anyone looking to achieve a dramatic, fanned-out lash look. If you crave volume and length without the heavy, clumpy feel, this product is worth considering. Individuals with straight lashes who struggle to hold a curl will appreciate the lifting and curling properties of this mascara. Those who prefer a buildable formula that allows for customizable intensity, from natural to bold, will find this mascara versatile and easy to use. If you have sensitive eyes and are prone to irritation, the hypoallergenic and vegan formula makes this a safe and gentle option.
Who Should Not Buy
This mascara might not be the best fit for individuals seeking a very natural, barely-there look. The volumizing and lengthening effects are quite pronounced, so if you prefer a subtle enhancement, this may be too dramatic. If you have naturally very curly or long lashes, the added curl and length might be overkill, potentially leading to a spidery or unnatural appearance. Those who are specifically looking for a waterproof formula should look elsewhere, as this mascara prioritizes a lightweight, buildable texture that may not withstand water exposure. If you are on a tight budget, there are more affordable mascara options available.
Sensitive
This mascara boasts a sensitive eye-friendly formula, making it suitable for those prone to irritation or who wear contact lenses. The hypoallergenic nature of the product minimizes the risk of allergic reactions, redness, or itching. It’s formulated without common irritants like fragrances and parabens, further reducing the potential for sensitivity. The gentle formula is also ophthalmologist-tested, providing an extra layer of assurance for those with delicate eyes. Users with sensitive eyes have reported comfortable wear without any adverse reactions. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-performance mascara that prioritizes eye health and comfort. The gentle removal process also contributes to its sensitive-friendly nature, preventing tugging and pulling on delicate lashes.
Volumizing
Experience dramatic volume with this mascara. Its unique formula coats each lash from root to tip, creating thickness and fullness. The specially designed brush helps to separate and lift lashes, maximizing volume without clumping. Buildable layers allow you to customize your look, from a subtle boost to dramatic, full-volume lashes. The lightweight formula prevents lashes from feeling weighed down, maintaining a natural flutter. The volumizing effect is noticeable from the first coat, instantly adding drama and intensity to the eyes. This mascara is perfect for creating a bold, eye-catching look for any occasion. Say goodbye to sparse lashes and hello to voluminous, captivating eyes.
Lengthening
This mascara excels at lengthening lashes, creating a dramatic, wide-eyed effect. Its unique formula and brush work together to extend and define each lash, making them appear significantly longer. The lightweight texture prevents clumping, allowing for even application from root to tip. Buildable layers allow for customizable length, ranging from a natural enhancement to dramatically long lashes. The formula also helps to hold the curl, ensuring that your lashes stay lifted and lengthened throughout the day. This mascara is perfect for those seeking a false-lash effect without the hassle of applying falsies.
Tubing
While this mascara doesn’t employ tubing technology, it still provides impressive lengthening and volumizing effects. Tubing mascaras typically form tubes around each lash, whereas this formula coats the lashes with a buildable, lightweight texture. This allows for easy removal with warm water or your favorite makeup remover, without the need for harsh rubbing or tugging. While it may not offer the same smudge-proof or water-resistant properties as some tubing mascaras, it excels in creating a dramatic, fanned-out look with intense volume and length.
Curling
This mascara delivers excellent curling power, lifting and shaping lashes for a wide-eyed effect. The specially designed brush helps to grab and lift lashes from the root, creating a natural-looking curl. The formula holds the curl throughout the day, preventing lashes from drooping or falling flat. This eliminates the need for a lash curler, saving you time and effort in your makeup routine. The curling effect is especially beneficial for those with straight or downward-pointing lashes.
Hypoallergenic
Designed with sensitive eyes in mind, this hypoallergenic mascara minimizes the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Formulated without common irritants like fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, it's gentle enough for even the most delicate eyes. The hypoallergenic nature of the product makes it suitable for contact lens wearers and those prone to eye sensitivity. This allows you to achieve dramatic lash volume and length without compromising eye health and comfort.
Vegan
This mascara is proudly vegan, meaning it is formulated without any animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. This makes it a cruelty-free choice for those who prioritize ethical and sustainable beauty products. The vegan formula maintains high performance, delivering impressive volume, length, and curl without compromising on quality. This allows you to achieve stunning lashes while staying true to your values. The vegan formula also makes it suitable for individuals with sensitivities to certain animal-derived ingredients.
Clumping
This mascara is formulated to minimize clumping, ensuring that lashes remain separated and defined. The specially designed brush helps to distribute the mascara evenly, preventing clumps from forming. The lightweight texture further reduces the likelihood of clumping, allowing for a smooth and even application. Buildable layers can be applied without causing lashes to stick together, allowing you to customize your desired level of volume and length. This results in a clean, fanned-out lash look without any unsightly clumps.