Delivers bold, lengthened lashes with minimal clumping for dramatic, falsie-like results at an affordable price.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is one of the most hyped drugstore mascaras around. We put its length, volume, and all-day wear to the test on different lash types and lid conditions to see whether it truly delivers a false-lash look without the fuss.
Few mascaras at this price point inspire as much loyalty as Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. The promise is simple: big, dramatic lashes that mimic falsies without glue, magnets, or extra steps. The reality is a little more nuanced. This is a bold, length-first formula with serious upside for the right wearer, along with a few trade-offs you will want to know before you buy.
Overview
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara comes in a black plastic tube with the brand’s signature mint-green accents and a molded grip that makes it comfortable to hold. The brush is a tapered, conic-shaped fiber wand designed to catch shorter inner-corner lashes while fanning out the longer outer ones. It is a classic bristle brush rather than a rubber or silicone comb, which is important for how the formula deposits on the lash.
The formula applies wet and inky on first use, then thickens slightly after a week of opening as a little air gets into the tube. That shift tends to improve grip and volume for many users, though it can also increase the risk of clumping if you are heavy-handed with coats. The finish dries down to a matte black that helps the lash line look denser at the roots, and the wand makes it easy to paint from base to tip with a few passes.
This is the standard non-waterproof version. Essence also sells a waterproof variant with similar packaging, but this review focuses on the original. On typical lids, the wear is solid for most of the day when applied in thin layers and allowed to set fully. On very oily lids or in high humidity, some people will see transfer or smudging by late afternoon, especially on lower lashes. Removal is straightforward with warm water and a gentle cleanser or micellar water, which is a relief for anyone who hates tugging at lashes.
Who it’s for
If you want instant drama, noticeable length, and the look of a thicker fringe without falsies, Lash Princess False Lash Effect is a strong match. It shines on medium to long lashes that can benefit from extra definition and lift. The conic brush is particularly helpful for eyes where inner-corner lashes are short or sparse, since it can reach in without bumping the skin as easily as a big, barrel-shaped wand.
It also fits a tight budget. If you are not ready to spend high-end prices on mascara, this formula comes surprisingly close to the volumized look that far pricier tubes promise. It works well as a “going-out mascara” or a special-occasion boost for people who wear something more natural at work.
There are caveats. Those with very oily lids, teary eyes, or constantly hooded lids that touch the lashes may see smudging sooner, especially if the mascara is layered heavily or not allowed to set. If your goal is barely there lashes or a true your-lashes-but-better finish, this level of drama might be more than you want for daily wear. And because the formula starts wet, beginners may need a few tries to avoid getting it on the lid during application.
How it feels and performs
Texture and application: The first swipe feels smooth and slick. The wand grabs lashes at the base easily, and the tapered tip helps target inner and lower lashes without poking the waterline. The brush deposits a generous amount of product, so less is more on the first coat. Expect the formula to feel slightly damp for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how thickly you apply it. During that window, it is more prone to transferring to the lid if you blink hard or look up before it sets.
Length and volume: Length is the headline. Even a single coat adds noticeable extension, and the black pigment creates the illusion of a thicker lash line. Volume builds quickly with a second thin coat. A third coat crosses into bold territory and can veer clumpy if you do not comb through or if you press too hard at the tips. The brush is dense enough to create a fanned effect without much effort, but it does not separate quite as cleanly as a slim rubber comb would.
Curl and lift: On naturally curled or slightly wavy lashes, this formula holds lift well through a regular workday. On very straight lashes, a lash curler first makes a big difference. The mascara is not heavy, but if you pile it on, weight can relax the curl over time. Two thin coats usually balance lift and fullness best.
Wear and smudging: With normal lids in moderate weather, expect 7 to 9 hours of good wear before minor fading. On oily lids or hooded eyes, the lower lash line is the most vulnerable area for smudges, especially if you apply a thick coat there. A light touch on lower lashes or skipping them altogether on humid days helps. If your lids get oily mid-day, setting the under-eye with a touch of translucent powder and giving the mascara a full minute to set reduces transfer.
Flaking and clumping: When applied in thin layers, flaking is minimal early in the day. Late-day flaking can show up if you add multiple coats or comb aggressively once the mascara has dried. If you tend to rub your eyes or wear contacts that make eyes water, keep a cotton swab handy for tiny flakes near the outer corner.
Removal: Removal is easy compared with tubing or waterproof formulas. A gentle oil cleanser, micellar water, or a soft makeup remover pad will take it off without heavy rubbing. The pigment loosens into inky residue rather than peeling off in tubes, which is typical for classic mascaras. That easy removal is convenient for sensitive lash lines that do not tolerate tugging.
Scent and sensitivity: There is no strong fragrance, only a faint cosmetic scent that disappears as it dries. Most users should find it comfortable, though anyone sensitive to common mascara waxes or film formers should always scan the ingredient list before using and stop if irritation occurs.
How to use for best results
Getting the false-lash look with minimal mess is all about prep, placement, and patience. These steps keep the drama while avoiding clumps and smudges.
- Start with clean, dry lashes. If you use skincare under the eyes, let it set fully. A trace of eye cream on the lash line increases transfer.
- Curl first if your lashes are straight. Hold a curler at the base for 8 to 10 seconds, then pulse once in the middle for a natural bend.
- Wipe excess from the wand. Lightly tap the brush on the tube’s opening or a clean tissue to remove blobs at the tip and base.
- Apply the first coat by wiggling at the roots, then pulling through to the tips in a single smooth motion. Focus product at the base to create a denser lash line without weighing down the ends.
- Let it set for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not look up sharply during this window to avoid lid stamps.
- Add a second thin coat for volume, concentrating again at the base. If you want extra length at the outer corner, tilt the wand and use the tapered tip to place product precisely.
- Comb through only while the mascara is still slightly damp. A clean lash comb or spoolie will fan out any clumps without breaking the set film.
- Use a very light hand on lower lashes. One quick sweep is usually enough. If you often get smudges, skip lower lashes or lock the area with a touch of translucent powder after the mascara dries.
- Clean up any dots on the lid after they dry. A dry cotton swab will flick them off without smearing the eyeshadow underneath.
Extra tips for tricky conditions: On very humid days or very oily lids, keep coats thin and give each coat longer to set. If you love the look but need more smudge resistance, consider layering a light veil of a clear lash top coat or using the waterproof sister version for the lower lashes only. For sensitive lash lines, avoid rubbing during removal and soak a cotton pad for 10 seconds before sweeping away.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Noticeable length and bold volume with two coats; deep black finish that defines the lash line; tapered fiber brush reaches inner and outer corners easily; buildable formula that thickens slightly over the first week for even better grip; easy removal without harsh rubbing; budget-friendly price and generous 12 ml size.
- Cons: Wet at first and prone to lid transfer if you look up before it sets; can clump or look spidery with heavy third coats; smudging more likely on very oily lids or humid days, especially on lower lashes; not the most separating formula compared with silicone-comb wands; curl can relax if applied too thickly on straight lashes.
Final verdict
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara earns its popularity by delivering big length and quick, dramatic volume at a price that invites backup tubes. If you want high-impact lashes for evenings out or you just prefer a bolder look every day, it delivers a convincing false-lash vibe without going full glam or reaching for falsies. As with most wet, buildable formulas, there are trade-offs. It requires a light hand, a bit of patience between coats, and extra care on smudge-prone lower lashes. People with very oily lids or watery eyes may prefer a more transfer-resistant formula for daily wear or save this for days when longevity is not the top priority.
Bottom line: for many lash types, two thin coats provide striking length, impressive root density, and a fanned effect that looks more expensive than it is. If you take a few application precautions and let it set fully, this budget classic is an easy way to get noticed lashes fast.
See also
If smudging is your main concern, you may have better luck with formulas designed to resist oil and humidity, so our guide to the best mascara for oily lids is a smart next read. Sensitive eyes also need gentle removal and fewer irritants, and the picks in our best mascara for sensitive eyes roundup and our recommendations in best mascara for short lashes can help you find a formula that builds length without the sting.
For days when you want a softer effect than Lash Princess delivers, our best mascara for a natural look guide has lighter options that still define the lash line. And if you like a crisp waterline to frame dramatic lashes, see our hands-on Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eyeliner Pencil review for tips and wear notes.
FAQ
Is Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara waterproof?
No, the standard Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is not waterproof. Essence offers a separate waterproof version with similar packaging. The regular formula removes easily with micellar water or a gentle cleanser, while the waterproof version provides stronger smudge resistance but takes more effort to remove.
How many coats give the best results without clumps?
Two thin coats usually deliver the best balance of length, volume, and separation. Wipe the wand, focus product at the roots, and give 20 to 30 seconds between coats. A third coat can push the look into dramatic territory but may clump if the second coat has already dried fully.
Will it smudge on oily or hooded lids?
It can smudge sooner on very oily or hooded lids, especially on the lower lash line and in humid weather. Keep layers thin, allow a full minute to set, set the under-eye with a touch of translucent powder, and consider skipping lower lashes on long days. If you need more insurance, use a waterproof top coat or the waterproof version on lower lashes only.
Does it hold a curl on straight lashes?
It holds a curl well when applied in thin layers over freshly curled lashes. Heavy application can weigh lashes down over time. For straight or downward-pointing lashes, curl first, apply a light first coat at the roots, wait 30 seconds, then add a light second coat, avoiding overload on the tips.
How do I remove it without pulling out lashes?
Soak a cotton pad with micellar water or use a gentle oil-based cleanser. Press on the lashes for 10 seconds to loosen the pigment, then swipe down softly. Repeat as needed rather than scrubbing. This approach breaks down the film and keeps delicate lashes from breaking or shedding.
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