Here’s Why TikTok’s Favorite $5 Essence Mascara Is Worth It

I’ve tested and reviewed the lot of lash enhancers, from cult-favorite prestige mascaras to the best drugstore mascaras, and, to be honest, I’m picky about it. Mascara is a non-negotiable in my glam routine, so I’m constantly on the hunt for my next holy grail. However, I’ve realized there’s one formula on the market I subconsciously judge them all against: The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. I decided to pick up an old favorite — and the internet’s favorite, too — to re-test it against my updated mascara repertoire and see if it still lives up to the hype.

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The hype in question? The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is the #1 bestselling makeup product on Amazon with a whopping 250,000 five-star reviews. It ranks high among the top-selling mascaras at Target and Ulta , and sells about every 10 seconds according to the brand. The black and green tube has actually graced my TikTok FYP since I downloaded the app in back in 2020, which influenced me to shell out the $4.99 and try it for myself all those years ago.

I have pretty average lashes that aren’t especially long or thick, so I naturally search for formulas that can build transformative volume and length, with wands that thoroughly comb the lashes and crush spidery clumps. I’m not afraid of a third coat and I never swipe on product without a pump or two of an eyelash curler. It’s as if this mascara fell from the heavens, because not only does it more than deliver on thickening, lash-extending drama, it also locks in a curl, and boasts a totally clean and vegan formula that doesn’t irritate my eyes when I wear contact lenses. And that’s all beside its affordable price.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

My initial assessment upon opening a fresh tube is that the formula is wetter than I usually go for, as I prefer more dryer, thickening mascaras. However, the conic wand doesn’t deposit an overwhelming amount of product and does a successful job at separating the lashes as I swipe. The wand’s long, narrow shape actually reminds me of my favorite It Cosmetics Super Hero Stretch Volume Mascara for its ability to grip the entire lash line and access hard-to-reach corners in one motion.

The difference between them is that the Essence mascara wand crescendos at the end to flare the outer corners in a wispy, cat-eye effect, which is where it earns bonus points. Lash Princess’s rich black pigment smoothly builds with every next swipe, and I don’t find it weighing down my lash line or reaching clump territory until I start layering on a third coat. Does it replace false lashes? I wouldn’t go that far. But, I never need more than two coats to achieve my high standards.

While I’ve kept both the original and waterproof formulas in my rotation over different periods of time, I wanted to compare whether there was a stark difference in their staying power or lash effects. To do this, I applied the waterproof version to my right eye and the original formula on the left (including bottom lashes). My assumed hypothesis rang true: After a full day of work, I noticed one or two flakes that had fallen from the left, and none on the right. Then, that same night, I teared up while watching a sappy episode of TV.

The waterproof formula stayed put, while the original resulted in minor smears, but in both cases my long lashes were surprisingly still intact. As for removal, the original formula easily melted off my lashes with my usual Makeup Eraser cloth, while the waterproof flaked off with a little extra effort — zero lashes were lost in the process. Each formula applied exactly the same, so I’d rate the waterproof formula a great option for hot summer days or those with watery eyes and allergies who need extra staying power.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

Testing Verdict: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Overall, the Essence Lash Princess Mascara is still as spectacular as I remember. The formula really is just that good and outperforms options that are over quadruple its price. It’s worth a try whether or not you’re on a tight beauty budget, and the guilt-free price tag won’t have you cringing whenever it’s time to re-stock your lash stash (which the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends you do every three months). It exemplifies everything a mascara should do: volumize, thicken, define, and separate. Its below-$5 price tag makes it a certified steal.

Shop More Essence Mascaras

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara Bundle

Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99

Essence Call Me Queen Dramatic False Lash Effect Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Brown Mascara

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99

Before you go, check out our list of the best drugstore mascaras:

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Meet the Author & Tester

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated and TikTok-famous mascaras.