Post contains PR samples kindly gifted by Benefit Cosmetics for consideration. This post is not sponsored.
When I first tried it back in 2013, Benefit They're Real was the mascara that changed all mascaras for me, and I have repurchased it a record number of times since then. I've also enjoyed Roller Lash, so I tipped Benefit as being a pretty solid option when it comes to mascara. The only one I happened not to enjoy was the original BADgal, so I was really intrigued when I saw that their latest launch was to be an updated version, BADgal BANG!* (£22). As I'd rated Benefit's more recent mascara offerings highly, it's pretty safe to say I had high expectations for this one.
Packaging wise, BADgal BANG! certainly makes an impact. It retains the signature black and pink from the original BADgal, giving it a modern update with that fun twist that Benefit are known for. The design is sleek, with a texturised rubber grip reminiscent of the grip on the Essence Lash Princess line. I love anything textured, and it really does give you extra control of the wand and enhances the experience. The packaging is made out of a similar rubberised material to that of the NARS compacts, which does have the tendency to get dirty in your makeup bag.
The huge natural bristle brush of the original has been updated to a plastic wand, which I was excited to see as it has been a firm preference since trying They're Real. The Slimpact tip is thin and tapered, with a long wand for precision, and took testing around 60 different wands before finding the perfect one. The wand also means you can get from root to tip of the lashes to get a good amount of length.
The formula is where BADgal BANG! really shines however, and it's not just a case of style over substance. The name is inspired by the fact that the formula incorporates aero-particles, one of the lightest materials and is derived from space technology. This gives a really lightweight feel to the lashes, despite packing in bags of volume. It barely feels like you're wearing mascara!
This mascara certainly does come with a bang. One coat is perfect for daytime but it layers up to give some serious volume, as if the first coat acts like a primer. It almost has a tacky feel to the formula, so the next coat really sticks to it and gives amazing volume. It really is something that I have never seen in a mascara! I've also found it to hold a curl really well, which I think is testament to the lightweight formula.
One thing that I really love about this mascara is that it is the blackest of black. It has a really intense pigment to it, and is perfect for finishing off a dark makeup look. As someone who skips the false eyelashes, I often find that my lashes just get lost amongst the darker eye look. With a few coats of BADgal BANG!, it helps my lashes stand out like false lashes would.
The only downside to this mascara is that it is rather on the clumpy side. If you're careful, you can manage a single clump-free coat, but when you start to build it up that's where things can get a bit clumpy. Luckily the way the wand is designed means that you can separate out the lashes but if you're into a really defined look you may want to stick with Roller Lash. Another thing to bear in mind is that the wet formula is quite messy. It takes a while to dry so isn't the one if you're prone to doing your makeup when you're running out the door (as I often do).
Overall, I am pretty impressed with BADgal BANG! As with They're Real, I feel like it won't be for everyone, but it is definitely one to try if you love mascaras that really pack a punch with volume. It doesn't let the side down on the length front either, thanks to the wand, and holds a curl nicely. It's definitely a great option for a night time mascara, but it might be a little too OTT for day time. I don't think it quite replaces They're Real for me however, which I find gives just as much volume, but is less messy.
Have you tried BADgal BANG? What's your favourite mascara?
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