Splurge Or Save? Benefit Roller Lash vs. Maybelline Lash Sensational

It's mascara Monday! I couldn't resist another Splurge or Save when I saw these two (nearly) identical mascaras which were both released over the past few months (Maybelline in December, Benefit in March). Their prices, on the other hand, are not very similar. So today I'm comparing Maybelline Lash Sensational with Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara.

Maybelline Lash Sensational vs. Benefit Roller Lash

Benefit
A mascara inspired by hair rollers, this super-curling and lifting mascara gives a sexy, wide-eyed look. Its patent-pending Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush features tiny custom-designed hooks to catch, lift, and curl even short and straight lashes. 
Made in France

Maybelline
Our volume fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles captures and unfolds layer upon layer of lashes for the new full fan look. Liquid Ink formula coats from all sides. Made in the U.S.A.

Maybelline has a slightly larger brush, but the overall shape and style is the exact same: short bristles on the concave side, and longer bristles on the convex side.

two coats of each with curled lashes

Reviews seem to lie on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to both of these popular mascaras. Surprisingly enough, everyone seems to think that my Maybelline eye is the more expensive option since it isn't as dark or clumpy as Benefit. I initially thought that I preferred the brush on Benefit's Roller Lash, but where final results are concerned, Maybelline wins.

I can't see myself ditching my lash curler altogether, but I surely don't need it when I use either of these mascaras:

no pre-curl, two coats of each

For me, they work the exact same where self-curling is concerned. I especially love this style of brush for the lower lashes, since the curved shape and tiny inside bristles work so well to carefully comb through and deposit enough product. Neither of the two mascaras get flaky on me, and Maybelline is just a bit harder to remove.

Final Verdict:

I'm a fan of both of them. I get the same results with the Maybelline Lash Sensational as I do with Benefit's Roller Lash, and an even better appearance with the drugstore dupe overall. The Maybelline Formula is more liquidy and thick on the brush, but if anything, Benefit looks thicker and stickier on the lashes.

Once again, head to the drugstore for mascara and save those pennies so you can splurge elsewhere.

xx