Product Review: NYX Worth The Hype Mascara

I am constantly on the hunt for more affordable versions of my most utilitarian makeup pieces. Unsurprisingly, not the least of which of these items is mascara. In several of my posts I've mentioned why I feel mascara ought to be one of if not the cheapest item in one’s makeup bag. One of the least expensive, but most impressive options I've seen in a long time is NYX's Worth the Hype Mascara. Officially on the NYX cosmetics website, Worth the Hype is currently listed at $8 or $8.50, depending on the shade you choose. But stores and e-retailers that carry NYX, including their own website, frequently run sales , so the retail price often can be much lower and even be cut in half. I got my tube for a total of $4.79 USD .

Worth the Hype is what I would call an everyday volumizing mascara. Though it claims to add both length and thickness, I'd say it is definitely a thickening mascara formula over a lengthening one. It can definitely be built up to full drama, almost rivaling a false lash effect, but it isn't so immediately high impact that it could look over the top right away, which I find to be rare in a thickening mascara. I really appreciate this quality about it as I like to adapt the look of my lashes to balance and suit any type of eye makeup I'm doing from no makeup makeup to smoky to more colorful and don't like to have more than on mascara open at a time. Its versatility and easily-layerable formula are the best thing about it. Each coat literally feels like creamy silk sweeping through your lashes.

The brush is very dense and densely packed fluffy bristles. I do find, though, that because the brush head is so short and thick in the middle, it does not coat as many lashes at one time, so you need to apply the mascara in sections to make sure you catch every lash. Luckily in spite of its thick and silky formula, it never feels heavy, even after several coats and it is also not prone to clumping as you work from section to section to get every lash.

As usual, I got this mascara in black and I love how opaque and true of a black it from when it is first applied to when you take it off. It does not wear down to gray or dark blue as it is worn throughout the day like some I've tried. If you want something different from black, it also comes in a brown, a bright blue, and an electric purple. Also,I love that there is no discernible chemical, inky smell that I sometimes get from mascaras, especially ones that have particularly rich color payoff.

The only criticism I have of Worth the Hype is that it can smudge at the end of the day. This does not happen to me all the time and has in fact only occurred rarely. For me, this is not a huge concern, but if you are going through a cold or a rough time with allergies or just have regularly watery eyes, this may not be the mascara to wear in those circumstances.

Is this mascara worth the hype? I guess it is a matter of opinion, but for me, for the silky natural-looking volume it is. I highly recommend giving this one a try.