Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara - Worth The Hype?

No one could accuse Benefit of being understated when it comes to new launches, especially where their famous mascaras are concerned. Their latest offering, Bad Gal Bang, was definitely no exception to this rule, and it was hard to miss all the excitement as "something out of this world" exploded across social media back in February. Naturally, I couldn't resist buying one to see if it really is worth all the hype.

Benefit claims that Bad Gal Bang will give your lashes massive volume without weighing them down. Much is made of the gravity defying formula, which contains aero-particles, apparently one of the lightest known materials and derived from space technology, hence all the cosmic themed advertising in their marketing push. In addition to this it is supposed to be smudge-proof, water-resistant, intensely black and enriched with ProVitamin B5 to promote thickness and strength.

While I normally prefer lengthening to volumising mascaras these days, this claim about the super-light formula really intrigued me. As I've probably mentioned before, I have quite good natural lashes - long and dark. However, they are also dead straight, and make zero impact without first being curled. Even mascaras that claim to hold a curl well don't seem to do so for me - Benefit Roller Lash being a notable example, much as I enjoy the fluttery length it gives. The fact that my lashes are naturally long actually works against me here, because once they are coated with mascara they get weighed down. Gravity takes over, and after a few hours, they've lost their curl. So it's fair to say I couldn't resist putting this new, space age formula to the test.

The cartoon-like packaging of this mascara isn't my favourite, but it isn't something that bothers me. The wand is plastic and super slim, which I know will please a lot of people who find large natural bristle wands tricky to work with. I tend not to have a strong preference when it comes to mascara wands, but I'm definitely a fan of this one. It's easy and pleasant to use and I find it helps to separate the lashes effectively and to get right into the inner corners. It delivers on both volume and length, although it doesn't quite provide the spectacular false lash effect of Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir.

However, for me, the best thing about this product is the fact that it delivers on its gravity defying claims. My lashes hold their curl for much longer with this mascara than with any other I have tried (and I've tried a lot!) They do drop a little by the end of the day, but still, the difference is noticeable and very impressive. Add to that the fact that it's as richly black and smudge free as promised, and you won't be surprised to hear that Bad Gal Bang has quickly earned a permanent place in my makeup drawer. It's my new go-to for those days when I need my makeup to last the distance.

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Have you tried Benefit Bad Gal Bang mascara? What are your thoughts on it?

Kate x

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