To be fair, I'm not blessed in the lashes department and this mascara really made no improvement on my lashes. It performed like any other regular mascara would for me. I won't use this again because if I got teary eyed during the day my eyes will actually start burning so there's some ingredient that is too harsh for me. I've seen how this mascara works on someone who has a bit more lash length and it looks stunning on her. This product basically just enhances what you already have.

I loved that this product lengthened and separated my lashes so much but at times it made them look a bit spidery and sparse.

It's pricey for a mascara BUT MY GOD THE MAGIC IT CREATES. Who needs false lashes after this. It is my absolute all-time party lash FAVOURITE. Maybe a little tough to remove (needs oil based or micellar remover) but because of that it lasts all day and doesn't do that annoying disgusting flaky mess under the eyes.The brush has this incredible end that's like a little ball so you can coat each individual lash, especially the hard-to-reach inner corner lashes.
Would definitely recommend.

Absolutely love this product, however it does break my heart a bit whenever I need to replace it, as it's pretty expensive. It doesn't clump, and the brush is super effective for reaching every lash. It also stays on for ages.

All benefit products that I've purchased thus far has lived up to its high expectations.
Except for this one.

Honestly, for all the good reviews out there, I was expecting much more, but I find my drug store mascaras are much better.

It does clump as you apply more product, I have long eyelashes and I find with the use of this product it almost looks stumpy rather than long.

The applicator brush is cool because the end has spikes on them, so you can conveniently get in those corners. But otherwise I wouldn't rave about it at all. It's "jet black" in colour yet coats very lightly, so I often find myself having to go for a third layer just to get the full effect :(

This has become one of my favourite mascaras to use. It leaves my lashed thick and dark, without clumping or leaving behind any residue! I especially like the rubber wand, which also helps comb out and separate my lashes so they appear even longer and thicker! IT doesn't smudge or run, and doesn't harden my eye lashes either!

Hands down the very BEST mascara I've ever come across!
I love the fact that it stays on all day, without "crumbling" and leaving little black bits on your eyes as i have found some other mascaras do. Also doesnt melt or smudge and give you panda eyes. I have fairly "hooded" eyes with long eyelashes so i always struggle to avoid getting mascara all over my upper eye area just after applying it. This formula is a bit thicker so it dries quicker so I'm less likely to get smudges just after applying it.
It does everything it should, makes eyelashes thicker and longer, noticeably so!
The only drawback is the price, but I feel like it lasts longer than other mascaras so you really do get more value for money. And the result is absolutely worth the splurge.

I absolutely love this mascara. It's really long lasting and sweat proof. It really does make such a huge difference when you use the right mascara. I personally like my lashes bold and big and this mascara does the trick without being too clumpy. The only downside is it really is a pain to remove, but definitely worth it.

I love that it didn't dry up really quickly but I have to practice restraint when applying. I do love this product though

Omg this is my favorite mascara right now. This is my third time repurchasing this product! It's amazing and adds a lot of volume and lengthens your eyelashes. I will definitely repurchase this when it is done.

They're real Mascara is really real. Benefit has done it again with a reasonable price, gives volume, length, no flaks and last veeeeerryyyy long.
I love it and recommend it to everyone, apply once for an office look and twice for that ladies night. It works wonders.

I really like this mascara for the following reasons:

Boosts length
Provides volume
Separates
No flaking
Long wear

Then I really dislike the fact that when you want to call it a day - it still wants to hang out! It just refuses to come off. You literally have to buy the remover in order to remove all traces of it. This is already a pretty pricey mascara and having to buy the remover just means you are paying double.

Bottom line: it does what it says and therefore I will repurchase.

14/09/2016: UPDATE: I now really enjoy the benefits of this mascara by pairing it with the They're Real Primer. My lashes are fierce whenever I wear this combo and the very best part is that when it comes to removal time - absolutely no problem at all as the primer has a very flexible formula making it the perfect base!

I recently bought a Benefit Advent calendar that had small deluxe samples of their many award winning products and in it came the They're Real mascara. The full size product retails for about R300+- and the deluxe sample for about R145+-...I would suggest buying the sample before full on splurging a lot of money on the full size.

The wand is plastic and has an array of spikes on it (gentle spikes! ) On the tip, has a rounded bit that also has the same spike texture but now pointing forwards ,so you can reach those really tough inner corners , outer and lower.

I like the mascara, NOT love. It does the job of darkening the lashes and making them more visible. It does not volumise. It does lengthen the lashes but I wouldn't say to the extent of making them look like false lashes , which is what the products is said to do.

I must say that the wand separates the eyelashes really good and the big PRO is that it really does not budge of your eyelashes. It is so long wearing especially on my oily eyelids which usually cause all eye make up to smudge. This would be great for those long evenings out ,where you do not want to worry if your mascara is flaking everywhere and making your eyelashes look spidery.

I know myself , along with the other BB's can agree that this stuff is a bit of a mission to get off. They do sell the They're Real Makeup Remover, but I haven't tried mine as yet as I've used the Garnier Miscellar water and it helps to break down the formula delicately to remove.

So would I say go out and buy it? Maybe. If you lashes are short, try this as you might like the mild lengthening properties. BUT there are many dupes on the market , that may do a better job.

I wouldn't repurchase as I'm looking for a mascara to volumise instead of lengthen.

I feel like I am possibly the only person in the world that hasn't tried this mascara up until now. I received a sample in a goodie bag at an event I attend and just about did a dance of joy when I saw it. I have been following the hype since the cosmetics range became available in July again and have just not had the heart to spend the money on the rather expensive mascara when there are some other really amazing and affordable ones out there that I would rather try first.

So here is my take on it. The packaging on the sample is very stylish and it looks like it's going to take my breath away when I open it. It's slightly different to the average black mascara casing you mostly find.

When I opened it up my heart sank a little because I am not a fan of the plastic type mascara brush that is attached to many wands these days. I have tried many over the years and they are said to create a fuller and more curled lash and because I have virtually no lashes this always draws me to them but I am always disapointed. I really do prefer a good old brush when it comes to mascara. Plastic brushes are not stable and the control on the wand is very poor. The only plus side to me on this particular wand is the extra bristles at the end which allows you to get into tiny corners and do the bottom lashes nicely.

What I want from mascara is a lengthening, curling and thickening effect. I honestly don't fell this mascara gave me any of those besides just a little bit of volume maybe. What I do like about it though is that it doesn't dry your lashes out and doesn't seem to smudge too much. I also didn't get that dreaded imprint on my top lid like I do with others. Also it only really takes one good coat because it is a very nice deep black. It does build nicely without clumping which is always a bonus. I also found that it separates my lashes really well which is something I like a lot.

So after testing it out for myself and knowing the result I get from it, and the fact that it has a plastic brush, as well as it being really pricey I doubt I will buy it again in a full size when there are so many other great mascaras far more affordable that give an even better result to my own lashes. I will recommend it to others though because it is a nice dark, easily build-able and non drying formula that lasts. Other people must like the plastic brush or they wouldn't keep making them and so I say if you like that kind of thing and don't expect miracles from your mascara that you might truly like this one.

This jet-black mascara lengthens, curls, volumises and separates lashes like no other. What impressed me the most was the mascara wand - A spiky looking brush that boosts length & volume after 2 - 3 coats. I actually wish all mascara wands were like this one. It made my lashes nice and black with the first coat and once I built it up it gave me a decent amount of volume. Overall I think it's a good mascara and I will probably re-purchase it.

I was really excited about trying this product but after trying it on, I was disappointed with the results. My eyelashes didn't look curled at all and just a tad bit longer. The next day I tried it with an eyelash curler which just made a small difference.

As a person who's obsessed with mascara, benefit didn't live up to it's claims which disappointed me

I was really excited for this product to launch in SA, it's a product that almost all beauty bloggers overseas rave about!

I found that this mascara was bordering on a bit too expensive for my budget but because I'd heard such great things about it I'd pay for it!

It's difficult to deny that the wand is great, reaches all the little lashes, and has an extra fine tip to reach inner corners of the eye.

Unfortunately, besides definition it provides no volume and little evidence that you've made the effort to put on mascara. Also, I've found that it doesn't last throughout the day and it tends to easily print on the upper lid and I often find black smudges under my eyes when I check in the mirror after a few hours.

Because it was so expensive I can't really bare to throw it out, wouldn't recommend it to others either -- I don't feel it's worth the hype or money.

Benefit they'er real mascara

I absolutely love the brush this mascara has, allows you to reach all corners of the eye! It definitely lengthens your lashes, but does not give the volume I expected....I would recommend this product to others, but not purchase it myself.

I have been fortunate in my time to have tried many many mascaras, mainly because mascara is my must have beauty product. Well I can say that Benefits They Real mascara is in my top 5 best mascaras. I love the brush as it is not like a traditional brush and it grabs onto all the lashes even the tiny ones in the corner to give that lengthening false lash look.
I will admit that it would be nice if it could also make the lashes thicker as opposed to just longer and more defined, but overall I love it and an added bonus is it stays in place whole day without flaking under the eye.
I would recommend a more creamy or oil based eye makeup remover when taking it off as it is quite colorfast and is a toughy to remove.
Overall - I would recommend Benefit They Real mascara to anyone wanting length and definition and something that stays put. Lovely mascara.

Firstly, shout out to BB and Benefit SA for sending the sample. I have not stopped using it since the first time I received it.

I absolutely loved this mascara from the first time I used it. I love dramatic lashes and my lashes are already quite long so They're Real Mascara definitely helped achieve the drama. I usually apply 2 coats for a daily look but when I want to go all out, I apply 4 coats and let me tell you right now my lashes are FLEEKING.

I adore the brush because the rounded tip for the gets the inner corner and outer corners of my lashes so well without making any mess. I love that the product is just enough when you take the brush out and this is great for a mess free application. The brush gets multiple fire flame emojis from me because it separates the lashes even after a few coats (when applied carefully of course) giving me that falsies effect without them looking like they are clumped together.

The price is pretty insane but I rate its worth (I do not know if student budget agrees with this).

*inserts multiple fire flame emojies to conclude*

I love the brush on this mascara has, the end of it is like rounded with bristles so you can really get the inner corner of the eye and outer corners very very nicely! It fans out lashes and lengthens them. its a nice dark black color and lasts long through the day! Its a bit expensive but you definitely get what you pay for so ja hehe love it!

So I received this product over a week ago and I must say I've been using it daily ever since.

I am a person that loves packaging and although given a sample size product, I think the bottle is quaint and full size (as seen in stores) is quirky. The brown, black and metallic colours draw me to the bottle. Also the box itself has numbers and as a Finance major student, I respond well to stats (seen on packaging). It also has before and after pictures which are quite convincing and not too far from the truth.

The product claims lengthening, volumising and curling properties. As someone that has used it for a period of about 2 weeks non stop, I can attest to that. Over the period I had volumised lashes, which indeed looked curled and long. I naturally have full lashes, but it definitely looked as though I had applied a false lash or two, perfect separation of my lashes.

I am in love with the bristles especially those strategically placed at the top of the brush to reach those nooks and crannies. I am not one for eyeliner and the volume, is enough to distract one from the missing liner. The product itself leans toward waterproof as I was suffering from allergies and my eyes were watery and the liner basically barely moved. I only need two coats to make a visible difference to my lashes and that is great!

A problem I have with the mascara though is the price and its removal. Not only would I have to use wipes, eye make up remover and cleanse but to ensure its off, toner finally does the trick. That is a huge hassle when trying to get to bed. Also I was browsing the Red Square store online and saw that it retails for R295 and that for me as a student is quite pricey. Shelf life for mascara is minimal and therefore would have to think twice before purchasing. Finally the clumping of the product around the top bristles is a huge hack but wont stop me from using it.

Otherwise this is an amazing product and draws a lot of attention to my already captivating eyes.

Yesterday I used the sample I received from BB and I was really excited because Benefit has been all the rage in beauty circles of late.

I was impressed by the product because it does work well. It went on relatively well and I did not find smudges all over my face. I guess this is down to the wand which is not the usual mascara brush but rather a plastic wand with little pokey things (for lack of a better word).

Also the end has the pokey things also, so it is easier to get to the lashes that were missed on the usual application. I did, however, find that it was a little bit clumpy, which is not a bad thing but I am not the biggest fan of that look.

Thing is, it's a mascara and they have the shortest lifespan of all the makeup products, which is why I would not part with approx R300 for it.

While I do like it, I have a long list of absurdly cheaper, drugstore ones that meet and somewhat beat the Benefit product.

How I feel about this mascara: I like it but I don't LOVE it. It's okay, it works - gave my lashes a little definition and volume but nothing to write home about. There are better, cheaper mascara which gives more drama - something I look for in mascaras.

After hearing the hype about the product I was very excited to try it. My first thoughts where that the brush couldn't possibly reach all the lashes because it was too thick.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the formulation of the mascara is very light and doesn't flake or clump. The brush is thick but the bristles are far enough apart to reach all the lashes and create that long dramatic look. Overall, it is very comfortable to wear all day and it is fairly easy to get that long voluminous look.

I don't feel that the difference is big enough to stop using my current go to mascara in favour of this one. While it is a great product, there are other mascaras that will do a similar job at a lessor price.

I would recommend the product along with a few others.

Nothing special about this mascara and the applicator is too spiky for me

Not so sure about the mascara I won't be leaving my current favorite maybe will see after a few tries and then will decide
.

I have heard such rave reviews about this product so I was super excited to try it out. I love the wand on this mascara. It is very easy to apply and I found it picks up all the lashes very easily. It doesn't clump AT ALL!!! Love that. I have tried many mascaras's that are only great after about a month of use in terms of clumping. It didn't make my eyelashes stand out too much which was a bit of a disappointment but all in all it is a great product!

Perhaps I read far too much into the hype of this mascara, but my dad actually bought me two tubes of it back from the UK last year, and I just didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't feel that it lengthened OR volumised my lashes, and it was so darn difficult to remove. I disliked it so much that I actually passed it on to my mom who DID enjoy it (no clue why - just different preferences maybe?).

I much prefer the Benefit Bad Gal lash - they used to do a purple one, I'm not sure if they still do, but I tried it first when we last had Benefit in the country, and loved it so much that I got a friend to get me several tubes of it when they went overseas. For a good long while it was my holy grail mascara, until I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money on a mascara, when the cheaper ones are just as good for me.

What a winner! It really does flick open the lashes and make them appear longer and fuller. Has a lovely opening effect on the eyes. And the formula is smooth , not clumpy like most mascaras out there. Best of all non irritating to my sensitive eyes

If you are looking for a mascara which lasts long,curls each and every lash while giving volume to your lashes then THIS IS IT!!!! Im so hooked on this mascara,it really lives up to its name.Here you get what you are paying for.I like that it compliments and makes my eyes pop,while also making my eye-make-up noticeable and it lasts the entire day without wearing out.Ive been getting compliments and everywhere i go people ask if im wearing false lashes,but i tell them THEY ARE MOST DEFINITELY REAL!Thanks BB for an opportunity to review this great product.

I really love this mascara. The applicator separates your lashes so well to make your lashes look fuller. It all has longer bristles on the outer apart of the applicator so you can really get the inner lashes. Its not messy compared to other mascaras that I have used. Everything is great, lovely length and volume. You will not be disappointed with it in those terms. But I did find that when dried it starts to flake and drop into your eyes which causes irritation.

The wand is the perfect size as it's not too big even for the smallest of lashes(like mine) but it's just right to give your lashes lots of volume. The mascara is not dry and not runny but the perfect moisture to apply to your lashes with out risk of it smudging on your eye lids. It's also long lasting. I give it 90%

I have a very mixed opinion on this mascara.
I do LIKE it but it definitely did not measure up to the rave reviews that I have seen. It worked well but my cheaper mascaras work just as well.. Maybe I have different eye lashes than what are suited to this mascara? I have friends who swear by this so it all depends on what you are after I guess. GREAT packaging quality though.

I call this mascara my magic wand, I love the applicator as it brushes out each and every eyelash giving them drama and character, I don't leave the house without it. I am hooked

Love it I wear Mascara every day I find "Benefit They're Real Mascara" lasts the whole day once you apply it and they really do make your eyelashes look longer

I haven't been blessed with great eyelashes and my hazel eyes require quite a lot of make-up to make them pop. Up until now i have always been tempted to try eyelash extensions but after I was given They're Real to review I no longer feel the need. This mascara is the best one that I have ever used, this mascara has set such a high standard that I will never be able to be happy with any other mascara on this planet, yes it is that good! 5 stars, thank you Benefit, you never fail to amaze! Sincerely, your biggest fan xxx

I love this hard working mascara largely because of the innovative brush technology. It allows me to discover even the smallest lashes, lengthens them and curls them. A small ball of liquid at the end of the mascara wands allows you to find lashes at the corners of the eye lid and coat them with mascara.

I love the black pigment and its long wearing properties - bye bye to flaky, dry mascara! The liquid is wet enough to spread out my lashes but not thick so that it creates clumps!

TIP: Lashes look even better after being curled before application!