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essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this mascara in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of hands-on reviews and owner themes, all listed at the end of this article. Mascara results depend heavily on your natural lashes, so treat any single test as one data point. Our method.

Repeat

A budget volume mascara most testers would buy again

Testers agree Lash Princess builds bold volume without clumping or flaking. Woman and Home's tester said it delivered on volume and lasted a 12-hour day, a beauty blogger said it performs like far pricier mascaras, and a TV meteorologist who tested it against Maybelline Sky High gave both five stars and said she would buy either again. The main weaknesses are smudging under the eyes, subtle lengthening on short lashes, and a tube that some say dries out within weeks.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • want dramatic volume on a small budget
  • have medium, long or sparse lashes
  • want a mascara that removes easily

Skip it if you…

  • need a smudge-proof or waterproof everyday formula
  • have very short lashes and mainly want length
  • want perfectly separated, defined lashes without a spoolie

This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have sensitive eyes, wear contact lenses with irritation, or have an eye condition, talk to an eye doctor. Stop using any eye product that stings or irritates.

essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect is a volumizing and lengthening mascara with a cone-shaped, tapered fiber wand. It is cruelty-free and paraben-free, and a waterproof version is sold separately.

We looked at hands-on tests, a long-running beauty blog review and summaries of owner feedback to see whether the viral hype holds up.

What owners say, at a glance

12 hrof wear in one tester's full dayWoman and Home
2 coatsfor a bold, volumized lookWoman and Home
5 starsin a side-by-side test against Sky HighKPRC Click2Houston
Volume
Strong praise
Clump and flake resistance
Mostly positive
Length on short lashes
Mixed
Tube life
Some complaints
Smudge resistance
Common complaint

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key facts

EffectVolume and length, false-lash look
WandCone-shaped, tapered fiber brush
FormulaNot waterproof (waterproof version sold separately)
Free ofParabens, gluten and fragrance, per Woman and Home
RemovalMicellar water or a regular cleanser

What owners love

Big volume.Woman and Home's tester said two coats gave a bold, volumized look and that it delivered on its volume promise.
Performs above its price.British Beauty Blogger called it thickening, blackening and lengthening and said it punches above its weight.
Clean application.The Woman and Home tester saw no clumping or flaking, and the tapered tip reaches inner corner lashes.
Easy removal.Testers say it comes off with micellar water or a foaming cleanser, no special remover needed.

What owners complain about

Smudging.The biggest drawback in Woman and Home's test was dark smudges under the eyes after a yawn or rub, and review summaries mention running with sweat or tears.
Subtle length on short lashes.The same tester found the lengthening effect modest and felt it suits medium or long lashes better.
Less lash definition.British Beauty Blogger said the brush does not separate each lash as well as hoped, though a clean spoolie fixes it.
Dries out quickly.Readers and review summaries say the tube can dry out and turn clumpy after a few weeks.

How it holds up over time

Mascara is meant to be replaced every few months anyway, and owners note this one can dry out sooner. On wear, one tester got a full 12-hour day, but others report smudging after several hours, so results depend on your eyes, skin and climate.

Tips from owners

  • Comb through with a clean spoolie after layering to separate lashes.
  • Build in two thin coats instead of one heavy one.
  • Try the waterproof version if smudging bothers you.
  • Close the tube tightly and avoid pumping the wand to slow drying out.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Dramatic volume
  • Little clumping or flaking in tests
  • Tapered wand reaches inner lashes
  • Removes easily
  • Very low cost for the results

What owners complain about

  • Can smudge under the eyes
  • Lengthening is modest on short lashes
  • Lashes may need combing for definition
  • Tube can dry out within weeks

Other options owners compare

These are the drugstore mascaras most often compared with Lash Princess.

MascaraStrengthConsider it if…
essence Lash Princess (this review)VolumeYou want big volume for little moneySee on Amazon
Maybelline Sky High
Read our review
Length and liftYou want long, lifted, separated lashesSee on Amazon
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash ParadiseSoft volumeYou want a fuller, feathery lookSee on Amazon

Want false-lash volume without the false lashes?

Check the current price and shades on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Is Lash Princess waterproof?

The original is not. essence sells a separate waterproof version.

Does it clump?

Testers saw little clumping with two coats, but owners say heavy layering or an older tube can clump.

How does it compare to Maybelline Sky High?

A TV meteorologist who wore one on each eye gave both five stars. She said Lash Princess gave a more fake-lash look and Sky High applied easily and opened up her eyes.

Is it good for short lashes?

It adds volume, but one tester found the lengthening subtle on short lashes.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 13, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.