Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara Review : Is It Worth It?

I’ve tested many mascaras, and Benefit’s BADgal BANG Mascara promises bold volume and length with its unique gravity-defying formula.

Priced at ~$26 for 8.5g, it’s a splurge with mixed results.

In this review, I’ll share my honest experience, weigh the pros and cons, compare it to five other brands, and offer maintenance tips.

While it has its strengths, I can’t fully recommend it due to some drawbacks.

You’ll want to read on to decide if it’s worth trying for your lash game!

My Experience with Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara

I was thrilled to try Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara after hearing the hype about its volumizing powers.

I picked the Wild Plum shade, hoping for a natural pop with my fair skin and hazel eyes.

The conical brush, packed with 300+ bristles, looked intimidating but grabbed every lash from root to tip.

Applying it to my short, straight lashes, I noticed instant length and a subtle lift after two coats.

The plum hue made my eyes’ green flecks stand out, unlike black mascara’s harsh contrast.

I wore it to a 10-hour work event, and it stayed put without smudging, though I caught some flaking by evening.

The lightweight formula felt comfy, but removal was a chore, needing an oil-based cleanser to fully dissolve it.

One issue: the wet formula clumped if I wasn’t careful, and it dried slowly, leaving tacky residue on my lids.

You’ll love the bold color options, but the application takes patience to avoid messiness.

What Makes Benefit BADgal BANG Stand Out

Benefit Cosmetics, a San Francisco staple since 1976, is known for playful, innovative makeup.

BADgal BANG, launched in 2018, boasts a lightweight, smudge-proof formula with aero-particles for gravity-defying volume.

The 8.5g tube (~$26) comes in black, blue, and plum shades, with a unique conical brush for precise application.

I liked the vibrant packaging, but the formula’s slow drying time and price tag raised eyebrows.

You’ll appreciate the bold claims, but some flaws make it less of a must-have than expected.

How I Use BADgal BANG in My Routine

I apply BADgal BANG most mornings, starting with a lash curler for extra lift.

I swipe one coat for a natural look, focusing on the roots for volume, then add a second for drama.

The plum shade is my go-to for daytime, while black works for evenings out.

I wiggle the brush to avoid clumps, but it’s tricky with the wet formula.

It holds through humid days but flakes slightly after 8 hours.

I remove it with an oil-based cleanser to avoid lash damage.

You’ll find it adds flair, but it needs careful application.

Key Features of BADgal BANG Mascara

BADgal BANG’s 8.5g tube delivers a lightweight, buildable formula with aero-particles for volume and length.

The conical brush, with over 300 bristles, coats every lash, and the smudge-proof claim holds for most of the day.

Available in black, blue, and plum, it caters to bold or natural looks.

I found the formula comfy but slow to dry, risking smudges if rushed.

The vibrant colors pop, but the $26 price feels steep for the performance.

You’ll like the unique brush, but the formula’s quirks may frustrate.

Pros of BADgal BANG Mascara:

• Vibrant colors: Black, blue, and plum shades offer variety.
• Volume boost: Aero-particles add noticeable fullness.
• Lengthening effect: Extends short lashes dramatically.
• Unique brush: Conical design grabs every lash.
• Lightweight feel: Comfortable for all-day wear.
• Smudge-resistant: Holds up through humidity.
• Buildable formula: Layer for natural or bold looks.
• Eye-popping shades: Plum enhances hazel or green eyes.
• No lash damage: Removes without pulling lashes.
• Bold packaging: Fun, eye-catching tube design.

Cons of BADgal BANG Mascara:

• Clumping risk: Wet formula sticks if over-applied.
• Slow drying: Tacky texture can smudge on lids.
• Flaking issue: Slight flaking after 8+ hours.
• Pricey: ~$26 for 8.5g feels steep for flaws.
• Tricky removal: Needs oil-based cleanser.
• Intimidating wand: Large brush scares beginners.
• Not waterproof: Fades in heavy water exposure.
• Limited curl hold: Straight lashes droop without curler.
• Small tube: Runs out fast with daily use.
• Inconsistent performance: Some days apply better than others.

I wanted to love BADgal BANG for its bold colors and volume, but the clumping and flaking hold it back.

The plum shade is a standout for unique looks, but the slow-drying formula and price make me hesitate.

You’ll enjoy experimenting with it, but don’t expect perfection every time.

Maintenance Tips for BADgal BANG Mascara

• Wipe wand: Clean excess product off the brush before use to avoid clumps.
• Store upright: Keep the tube vertical to prevent drying.
• Close tightly: Secure the cap to maintain formula freshness.
• Use sparingly: One to two coats prevent overloading lashes.
• Avoid pumping: Don’t pump the wand to prevent air exposure.
• Clean lashes: Remove old mascara to ensure smooth application.
• Check expiry: Replace every 3-6 months to avoid bacteria.
• Use oil cleanser: Remove thoroughly to prevent lash damage.
• Keep cool: Store away from heat to preserve consistency.
• Test shades: Try on lashes first to confirm color match.

I wipe the wand before each use to keep my application smooth and store the tube upright in a cool drawer.

I replace it every few months to avoid irritation and use an oil cleanser for easy removal.

You’ll want to handle it carefully to maximize its life and performance.

Comparison with Other Brands

• BADgal BANG Vs. Maybelline Sky High

Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara (~$10) delivers incredible length and curl at a budget price.

I tried it on my short lashes, and the flexible wand coated evenly without clumping.

It’s lighter than BADgal BANG and dries faster, but the volume is less dramatic.

Sky High’s waterproof version outperforms BADgal in rain, though removal is easier with Benefit.

The black shade is intense but lacks unique colors like plum.

You’ll pick Maybelline for affordability and curl hold, but BADgal BANG edges out for bold volume and shade variety.

• BADgal BANG Vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex (~$28) is a volumizing powerhouse I tested for a night out.

Its hourglass brush adds intense fullness, outshining BADgal BANG’s volume, but it clumps easier.

The formula dries quicker, avoiding lid smudges, but flakes more by day’s end.

Only black and pink shades are available, lacking BADgal’s plum option.

Removal is simpler than Benefit’s.

You’ll choose Too Faced for dramatic volume and faster drying, but BADgal BANG offers more color versatility and slightly better smudge resistance.

• BADgal BANG Vs. Lancôme Définicils

Lancôme’s Définicils (~$29) focuses on defined, separated lashes.

I used it for a natural look, and its thin wand coated each lash without clumping, unlike BADgal’s occasional stickiness.

It lacks the volume of Benefit’s formula but holds curl better on my straight lashes.

The black shade is classic, but no fun colors like plum.

It’s easier to remove but less bold.

You’ll go for Lancôme for precision and definition, while BADgal BANG suits those craving volume and unique shades.

• BADgal BANG Vs. Covergirl Lash Blast

Covergirl’s Lash Blast (~$8) is a drugstore staple I tested for everyday wear.

Its chunky brush adds volume but struggles with short lashes compared to BADgal’s conical wand.

The formula dries fast and resists flaking better than Benefit but offers less length.

Only black is available, missing BADgal’s color range.

It’s budget-friendly but feels less luxurious.

You’ll pick Covergirl for affordability and flake-free wear, but BADgal BANG wins for bold effects and shade options.

• BADgal BANG Vs. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes (~$25) balances volume and length.

I found its classic wand easier to use than BADgal’s intimidating brush, with no clumping.

It’s vegan and less tacky, but the volume is subtler than Benefit’s.

Tarte’s black shade is rich, but no plum option exists.

It resists flaking better but isn’t as lightweight.

You’ll choose Tarte for clean ingredients and ease, but BADgal BANG delivers more dramatic volume and unique colors.

Performance Across Eye Looks

I’ve used BADgal BANG for natural and dramatic looks.

For daytime, one coat of plum gives a subtle, eye-enhancing effect that lasts through meetings.

For evenings, two coats of black add bold volume, though clumping is a risk.

The formula holds in humidity but flakes slightly after long hours.

On straight lashes, it needs a curler for lift.

The plum shade pops on hazel eyes, but black can smudge if rushed.

You’ll enjoy its versatility, but careful application is key to avoid mess.

Build Quality and Ingredients

BADgal BANG’s 8.5g tube is sleek and sturdy, with vibrant, playful packaging.

The formula, with aero-particles and polymers, aims for volume and length but includes phenoxyethanol, which may irritate sensitive eyes.

The conical brush is unique but tricky for small lashes.

I’ve had no lash fallout, but the wet texture requires patience.

The plum shade is vibrant, though the small size means frequent repurchasing.

You’ll like the durable tube but may find the formula’s stickiness a hassle.

Who Should Try BADgal BANG

This mascara suits those chasing bold volume and unique colors like plum, especially with fair skin or colored eyes.

I’d suggest it for casual or glam looks but not for sensitive eyes or waterproof needs.

It’s great for urban settings but falters in extreme conditions.

If you’re okay with careful application and some flaking, you’ll enjoy experimenting with it.

Safety and Precautions

Patch-test for sensitivity, as phenoxyethanol may irritate.

Apply lightly to avoid clumping or smudging.

Use an oil-based remover to prevent lash damage.

Store in a cool place to maintain formula consistency.

Avoid sharing to prevent infections.

You’ll keep your eyes safe with gentle handling and clean application.

Also Read: My Experience With WowCombo Mascara

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

BADgal BANG’s bold volume and fun colors like plum are tempting, but clumping, flaking, and slow drying hold it back.

At ~$26, it’s pricey for inconsistent results.

While it adds drama and suits unique looks, other mascaras offer better reliability.

You’ll want to try it for its flair, but don’t expect a flawless all-day wear.