Beauty Throwdown: Want Long, Defined Lashes? Let’s Put Three Mascaras to the Test!

I’ve been reaching for mascaras more than eyeliners lately because they give my eyes a softer, more natural definition, perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. We’ve already compared budget-friendly mascaras below P250 for oily lids, but today’s showdown features three big names in the mascara game: Benefit, EB Pro, and Heroine Make. I’ll be putting them to the test based on ease of use, curl-holding power, and longevity, which are my top three non-negotiables for my stubbornly straight lashes.

Benefit Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara (P1,000) 4g = P250/g

• Ease of use 5/5

• Curl-holding Ability 3.5/5

• Longevity 4/5 (non-smearing, no flaking)

• Total Score 12.5/15

• Claims: 24-hour, full-fan effect, Smudge-proof, Water-resistant, Sweatproof

• Benefits: "Provitamin B5 helps lashes feel conditioned, Cranberry Extract helps lashes feel nourished, and Rice Wax helps define and separate lashes"

This mascara is Benefit’s latest to add to their famous mascaras and the fanning effect is its unique selling point on top of the other long-lasting claims. It is quite easy to use though it did not hold up my curled lashes. It also flaked a bit as the day went on so it might not be as well-suited to our weather. It does boost up my lashes for those days when I don’t bother with curling and I just want them to look darker and slightly lifted so it gets bonus points for that. I also like how Benefit has mini versions of their mascaras because we get to try them out before committing to the full size and the small size makes it convenient for an on-the-go makeup kit.

EB Pro Lash Define Waterproof Mascara (P275) 8.5ml+3ml = P23.91/ml

• Ease of use 5/5

• Curl-holding Ability 4/5

• Longevity 4/5 (non-smearing, no flaking)

• Total Score 13/15

• Claims: "Waterproof formula helps to hold lash curls better, helps provide length to short lashes to give that Wide Doll-eye look"

• Benefits: Separate top and bottom lash wands for accurate application on upper and bottom lashes

This is not a new product but I only got to try it late last year. It's a lengthening mascara that’s supposed to hold curls well to give a wide doll-eyed look. I like this mascara’s effect on me except that it still doesn’t quite hold up my curled lashes. But if I just want darkened, lifted lashes? This is a good go-to. I especially like the tiny wand for the bottom lashes as big wands can make applying mascara there a hassle. I also sometimes use it for the top lashes when I really want a “barely there” look.

KissMe Heroine Make Long Up Mascara Super Waterproof (P795) 6g = P13.5/g

Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Curl-Holding Ability: 5/5
Longevity: 5/5 (non-smearing, no flaking)
Total Score: 14.5/15

Claims: Volumizes lashes like extensions, improved waterproof formula, smudge-proof, resistant to sebum, sweat, and tears, long-lasting curl
Key Ingredients: Contains six eyelash-nourishing serums – Camellia Oil, Royal Jelly Extract, Argan Oil, Wild Rose Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, and Almond Oil

Heroine Make is a brand that is practically synonymous with long lasting mascaras. They even have a mascara remover to avoid rubbing your lashes too much at the end of the day. According to Liz's previous article, this specific mascara was her favorite Long & Curl mascara before being renamed so I had high expectations regarding it's curl-holding abilities. And yes, it does hold up my curled lashes! Whenever I know that I’m going to go to an event or anywhere really that would take long hours, I default to using this mascara. My social energy may have run out already but this mascara makes up for it by giving me that wide-eyed look. The only downside is you really have to use the brand’s mascara remover to make the end of the day cleansing routine quick and easy.

Overall, these mascaras delivered impressively in terms of longevity and lash definition. The Benefit Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara (12.5/15) earns extra points for having minis for trial or travel and volumizing formula that manages to stay clump-free. The EB Pro Lash Define Waterproof Mascara (13/15) stands out for its dual brushes, making it a flexible option depending on the look you want to achieve.

But the clear winner is the KissMe Heroine Make Long Up Mascara Super Waterproof (14.5/15). It’s no surprise that this mascara has a cult following—it keeps lashes curled, defined, and smudge-free for hours. The only minor drawback is needing a dedicated mascara remover, but considering how well it performs, that’s a small trade-off for flawless lashes all day.

What’s your go-to mascara right now? I’d love to know!