Product Reviews Rated 4.38 out of 5 stars
5377 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Great mascara by a more natural brand This is one of my favorite mascaras. Sometimes I run out and rely more on one of my other mascaras (hey, I need to have options!). Then I run into Ulta and spot this and forget why I quit using it. The mascara isn't water proof (but they offer waterproof mascaras), but it lasts all day on me for an average day. Some of my days end up being more than just an 8 hour work day - it recently lasted 9 hours of work, plus a quick dinner out, then 3 hours of a training. I expected it to smudge a little, but no problems! I never have issues with smudging for me, unless I rub my eyes a ton or my allergies are in full force.
My skin (and eyes) are somewhat sensitive - not the most sensitive out there, but more so than most of my friends. I have no issues with this mascara, and have been using it on and off for several years now. I love that one quick coat can give a better than natural look, or you can build it up. If you do build it up (which I always do), I love that it doesn't get stiff or flaky. It rarely clumps for me, but when it does, a quick brush through with a lash brush fixes it (this happens if I apply a ton, and again, not often).
Even though it lasts all day on me, it easily washes off with my normal face cleanser (Boscia's Makeup Breakup or an Amore Pacific face wash). I also like that Tarte is a brand with more natural ingredients - okay, it's not all natural and it's not saving the world, but it's a good move if you're looking to start getting into more natural ingredients (also worth noting that natural doesn't necessarily mean better, more effective, or free of irritants!). I know that you're supposed to trash your mascara after 3 months, but since I don't use the same one every day, I never do. If I did use this every day, I think it would last a little over 3 months (I gave a friend a travel size tube I got in a gift set and she has been using it for at least 2 months - she's a blonde and I don't think that the black is too harsh on her at all).
Lights, Camera, Lashes works really well with Tarte's primer but also works well without it (I just find that the primer gives a little more oomph!). It holds a curl nicely, and thickens without huge clumps and adds length. The length isn't very dramatic, but again, you can build it up if you like. My lashes are decently long, and if I build it up too much without letting it dry, I end up with smudges on my glasses and occasionally under my eye brows.
Most Helpful Critical Review Goes on clumpy I have tested several different mascaras this week. My goal is to find a gluten-free,paraben free mascara that performs as well as Blinc mascara (Blinc is awesome, but contains parabens, so it's time to move it out of my makeup bag). So, among those I tried from the Tarte line were Lights, Camera, Flashes AND Lights, Camera, Lashes. I am sorry to say that both were unacceptably clumpy and flaky. The newer "Flashes" version turned out to be even clumpier/flakier than the "Lashes" version. A positive was that both mascaras definitely stayed put and didn't smudge. That's very good news for those of us with oily eyes. However, the clumpiness and flakiness are show stoppers for me. I tried using a lash primer (Clinique) but it didn't help. I even purchased a metal lash comb and tried combing out the clumps, but that wasn't effective either. To be extra sure before making a final judgment, I tried both of these products for two days each, and got the same result each time. These are fresh, right-off-the-shelf from Ulta, so I don't expect they'd get any better with age. I will be returning both mascaras. I have moved on to Too-Faced Lash Injection, and have had much better results.
Reviewed by 5377 customers Oldie but goodie 4
Magan from SC
This is a classic mascara. The brush is nothing special, but the formula is fantastic. It's lengthening and voluminous! I've repurchased several times, and recommend it!
Dissapointed 2
Stephanie H from Las Vegas
I have average to long, thin lashes. I usually buy mascara that offer volume (Fav's include Bebefit "They're real" and L'Oréal "Lash Paradise"; the one that comes in a pink tube). Im not as worried about length as I am about having a mascara that gives my eyelashes a good lift and thickness without the clump, and sadly, this mascara did not deliver. Im glad I bought this at half price, otherwise, I would have gone from dissapointed to mad. Instead of investing in such a beautiful case, Tarte should redirect their focus in improving this mascara.
Clumpy 2
TQW from Greenville, SC
I don't like mascara that is very thick or makes my lashes stick together. This mascara does that. And cant apply it without making a mess on my eyelids and under my eyes.
Wouldn't buy again 2
Tati from Los Angeles
While applying the mascara to my lashes there was so much flakes coming off from this mascara. The mascara was very clumpy just after one coat. Wouldn't buy again. Threw out mascara. The one that worked 100xs better would be Better Than Sex from Benefit works wonders and hold up well. I have straight long lashes so that one actually holds this one didnt, it didn't hold my curl, too clumpy and too many mascara flakes
Absolutely love this ... 5
Lori from IL
Best mascara ever..
My lashes look fantastic all day
top tier 5
jewlz from new hampshire
thee best mascara if you have short, non existent lashes. works wonders and i will be repurchasing forever
Great volume and length! 5
Keiki3 from Los Angeles
I usually get cheaper mascaras, but this time I decided to invest in a better one and I'm so glad I did! This really makes my lashes pop - which is hard since I have very hooded eyes and sparse lashes. It also holds a curl all day if applied after curling lashes. No crumbs and no smearing! It takes a bit extra to remove it at the end of the day, but it's worth it. The packaging is also cute.
Don't understand the hype 2
Mrssarah from Houston, TX
I love everything Tarte, but this mascara isn't it. It was super dry and clumpy and even with 2-3 coats my lashes looked bad and short.
gives me clogged eyelash ducts and sties 3
savvysays from North Carolina
I'm not really sure why their description is so elaborate. I got this in October as a free birthday gift. after using it a while I noticed if i applied too much it would give me multiple painful clogged eyelash ducts - or whatever you want to call them. also it definitely does flake and smudge. it doesn't even make your eyelashes look that remarkably different. not worth it in my opinion. I'll stick with the benefit bad gal bang.
If you want Tarte, go with the Amazonian Clay mascara... 2
ae_010 from Chicago
I'm a serial mascara user. I feel like an alien if I leave the house without it so I've tried many. I have used the Tarth Amazonian Clay mascara before (even rebought it, which is rare) but this one was a dud and not worth the money.
- It was good the first few uses, but dried up very quickly.
- A large amount of product would build up around the top of the tube and dry out in these little crescent moons that I was having to constantly wipe off. It was a lot of wasted product.
- The consistency became chunky too. I was having to pick off little balls of mascara every time I used it.
- It did not handle any kind of moisture well = not good in combination with face masks. A small amount of moisture would make my lashes short and spikey.
- Lastly (not a major issue but still) the leather case separated from the tube, so the packaging didn't really hold up.
Very Bad 2
Ella from New York, NY
The only good thing about this mascara is the color. It was very difficult to apply and remove and was clumpy, flakey, and dry. In addition, the bottle took up a lot of space. It definitely did not glide on easily. I did not use primer before applying it, but I doubt that would have made a difference.
Getting Noticed 4
Sue from Jersey
I have thin lashes. This mascara really delivers and make my eyes appear as a of I'm wearing false eyelashes. If there's too much glop on the brush, I simply swipe it off on a paper towel. I usually go with two coats and use a clean spoolie to get the clumps out.
This is not waterproof. I watched a movie and the mascara ran. If you're lightly crying, you're fine. But if you are watching a heart wrenching movie, game over.
Favorite mascara 5
SM33 from Steubenville, OH
Absolute favorite mascara- I've gone through quite a few core trying this one and I'll never switch again! Gives me full voluminous lashes with no problem
I will use this till my dying day! Love ❤️ it! 5
Creampuff from Elgin IL
I received this as an Ulta birthday 🎉 gift. It's the best mascara I have ever used. Permanent find in my makeup bag.
Free Ulta Birthday Giveaway 1
BlueChaos from Indiana
Had a September bday and they ran out of gifts, so they told me i could have the new october gift. I was thrilled to get a full sized tarte mascara. Then disappointed, as it was clumpy and slightly dry from 1st use. The brush does nothing to smooth it out. Love Tarte's Amazonian clay blushes but will not try their mascara again.
Amazing 5
Beth from Kentucky
Ok so I recieved this with my Tarte Shape Tape and there are no words! This mascara is hands down the best I've ever tried (and I've tried tons). It makes my lashes longer and fuller. I hope they never stop making this !! I've thrown away all my false lashes as I no longer need them!! GREAT JOB TARTE!! ❤❤❤❤
Best mascara ever 5
Kristina from Ducktown Tn
This is my favorite mascara I've tried others such as two faced urban decay etc and this is my all time favorite used it for the past 4 years!!! 100% recommend
I bought 2 more 5
Sue from Michigan
I use it daily.
First mascara I've ever tried that I have loved! 5
Soonergal from Oklahoma
Love the way my lashes look with this mascara!
Love it 5
Hooray from New York
I love both maneater and this one but this was is better. My favorite mascara I've tried so far in my life!
DO NOT BUY 3
Hannah F. from Novi, Michigan
do not buy. very clumpy and to quote tired n tested "like spiders made a death pack on your eyelashes " their Maneater is way better.
Disaster 3
Ags from Chicago
It layers the mascara so thick on that the result is very unattractive and I have to fix it with a different brush. Very disappointing!
Love this mascara but not when I wear my contacts 3
TravellingTurkey from Mahwah, NJ
I love this mascara for everyday wear! It makes my lashes look perfect for a regular day - natural and full but not overly glam. But just enough that I don't look frumpy. I don't have the clumping issue some others have, I love the way it goes on, but I have two issues that make this hard to use. The first is that I can only wear it when I am wearing my glasses. For some reason it has a tendency to get smudges on my contact lenses. For contact lens wearers you know what I am talking about. I get the blurry smudges that blinking can only clear for about 30 seconds. This is also difficult to get off (for me). I use a cleansing balm after removing my contacts and I cleanse properly over my skin and eyes - and yet after double cleansing there is still mascara left under my eyes :( I've tried so many ways to get it off but it is just very stubborn. As much as I love this mascara, I won't be repurchasing for these two reasons.
Pretty good overall but... 4
Dawn from Michigan
Okay, so it is a good mascara. It does a good job of making my thin short lashes look a bit more full and long. It's not a miracle, though, and requires several applications to get full effect. I would be happier and a bit lower price point. The thing I REALLY don't like is the component packaging. Over a bit of time (less than a month) it wants to slide out of the purple sheath. Seems like a waste. If the black tube underneath was equally cute, then I'd just toss the purple exterior and be less annoyed. But it's not and the spoolie handle isn't big enough to hold well without the purple cover. Overall it's good, but not worth the $$. I can find better for less than $15.
The best mascara for sensitive eyes 5
Lucy from Tennessee
I have tried so many mascaras and thought they were "the one" only to have them start irritating my eyes after a few months. I got this mascara on sale and it is my HG. Plus, it looks amazing which is something you usually have to sacrifice with mascara for sensitive eyes. It stays on my lashes where it is supposed to be, and not in my eyes. Will buy again, already have several times.
