The BEST “Better Than Sex” Mascara Dupe You Need to Try (and It’s Under $10!)
If you’ve ever tried Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara, you know it’s basically a cult favorite. The iconic pink tube. The flirty hourglass brush. The dramatic “are those your real lashes?” effect. It’s amazing, but at $29 a pop, my wallet isn’t exactly thrilled about restocking it every few months.
So I went on a mission: find the ultimate drugstore dupe that gives me the same bold, voluminous lashes… without the luxury price tag. And friends, I found it, the BEST “Better Than Sex” Mascara Dupe You Need to Try (and It’s Under $10!)
The Dupe That Blew Me Away
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
Price: $9.99–$12 (depending on the store)
I’m not exaggerating when I say this mascara is nearly identical to Better Than Sex — right down to the packaging. The soft pink tube, the hourglass-shaped wand, and the ultra-black, buildable formula? Spot. On.
Why It’s a Perfect Dupe
- Brush Shape: Just like Better Than Sex, Lash Paradise has an hourglass wand that grabs every single lash from root to tip.
- Volume + Length: Two coats and you’re in full glam territory, no falsies required.
- Non-Clumpy: The formula gives drama without turning your lashes into spider legs.
- Lasts All Day: No flaking, no smudging, even after a long day (and I’ve tested this in Georgia humidity).
Side-by-Side Test Results
I did a little half-face experiment: BTS on one eye, Lash Paradise on the other. Here’s what I noticed:
- From a distance, you literally cannot tell the difference.
- Lash Paradise might even hold a curl slightly better after a full workday.
- BTS feels a little creamier during application, but Lash Paradise dries down faster, which is a plus if you’re in a time crunch.
The Verdict
If you’re obsessed with Better Than Sex but want to save about $19 every time you repurchase, Lash Paradise is your more affordable dupe. You’ll get the same bold, fluttery, head-turning lashes for a fraction of the cost.
Pro Tip: Pick up the waterproof version if you have straight lashes — it holds a curl like a dream.
Have you tried Lash Paradise? Drop your mascara holy grails in the comments — I’m always looking for more budget-friendly beauty swaps!
Related post: Mascara Routine for Short Lashes