Rich Black & Bold: Does Thrive Mascara Really Do It All?

Okay, so unless you’ve been living under a matte-finish rock with zero Wi-Fi, you’ve probably seen this teal tube blowing up your IG feed. The Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in Brynn (a deep, rich black) claims to be your lash fairy godmother—length, volume, curl, no smudge, no clump, and apparently, no drama.

Naturally, I had to try it. I mean… wouldn’t you?

Let’s break this thing down. Spoiler: I’ve got feelings.

What’s Thrive’s Deal Anyway?

Thrive Causemetics (yes, with an “e”—because beauty branding is legally required to be extra) isn’t just about mascara. They’re on a mission. Think vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and basically guilt-free. For every product sold, they donate to causes that support women—think cancer recovery, homelessness, domestic abuse recovery. That’s a flex I can get behind.

They also talk a lot about “clean ingredients,” which, if you’ve ever read the back of your shampoo bottle, basically means they’re not trying to melt your face off with unknown chemicals. Good to know.

Wait—What’s a Tubing Mascara? And Why Should I Care?

Let’s get nerdy for a second. Most mascaras coat your lashes in pigment and wax. Tubing mascaras? They wrap each lash in a tiny polymer tube. I know, sounds like sci-fi for lashes, but stay with me.

Instead of smearing, flaking, or playing peekaboo with your under-eyes after 3 p.m., these “tubes” cling to your lashes until you take them off—with warm water. No scrubbing, no lash loss, no tears (unless they’re tears of joy, which I support).

So yeah. That’s why everyone and their cat is talking about tubing mascaras right now.

First Impressions: Packaging, Shade & Who This Is For

The packaging? Slick, weighty, and more elegant than you’d expect for something that ends up in your gym bag. The wand is sturdy, the bristles are short and fine. Minimal mess potential. You love to see it.

The shade “Brynn” is as black as the inside of my makeup drawer at 2 a.m. Not too shiny, not too dull—just jet black with backbone.

This is made for:

  • People with sensitive eyes

  • Contact-lens wearers

  • Folks who can’t be bothered with removers

  • People living in humidity (hello, frizz-season survivors)

What’s Inside the Tube?

Ingredient nerds, this part’s for you. Thrive loads this mascara with goodies that sound more like skincare than eye makeup:

  • Orchid Stem Cell Complex™ – Apparently helps support lash growth? I can’t prove that, but my lashes didn’t fall out, so… good sign.

  • Castor Seed Oil & Shea Butter – Nourishing oils that don’t weigh things down.

  • Sodium Hyaluronate – A fancy name for a super-hydrator.

  • No parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, or latex – So your eyeballs won’t scream in protest.

Basically, it’s got the vibes of a spa day for your lashes.

Lash Check: My Natural Situation

To understand the impact, you need to know what we’re working with. My lashes are:

  • Medium length

  • Straight as spaghetti

  • Slightly sparse on the outer corners

  • Resistant to curl like a toddler refusing nap time

If you’re nodding along thinking “same,” then yes—this review is for you.

Application: Does It Actually Work?

Application is a breeze if you don’t overthink it. The brush hugs the base of your lashes and pulls upward, like it's gently asking your lashes to behave.

One coat: Slightly fancier than bare lashes. Think “Zoom call ready.”

Two coats: Full-on “Who needs falsies?” mode. Long, lifted, curled. It even makes the lashes at the ends—the ones that usually ghost me—visible.

But here’s the kicker: don’t let it dry between coats. You’ve got maybe 10–12 seconds before things get crusty. Work fast, and your lashes will thank you.

How It Wears Throughout the Day

Let me say this loud for the oily eyelids in the back: It. Doesn’t. Smudge.

I tested this on a 95°F day with no A/C. It stayed put while I walked, sweat, cried (don’t ask), and accidentally rubbed my eyes twice. Not a flake in sight.

The curl stayed up. The length stayed long. The volume stayed… realistic. If you’re after chunky lash drama, you might need to layer it over a volumizing primer.

Removal: Easy Peasy, No Raccoon Eyes

Okay, this is where tubing mascara earns its crown. You just splash warm water on your lashes and gently pinch. The tubes slide off in tiny black worms (gross, but satisfying). No raccoon eyes. No rubbing. No waking up with mascara rings that look like you’ve been brawling in your sleep.

And yes, your lashes are still attached. Win-win.

✅ Pros

  • No smudging, flaking, or panda-ing
  • Water removal = no stinging

  • Clean, buildable formula

  • Great for sensitive eyes

  • Travel-friendly

  • Lash lift effect without tools

❌ Cons

  • Not super volumizing on its own

  • Must apply quickly—no slow-poke swiping

  • Pricey-ish ($26 ain’t nothing)

  • Can feel “tight” on lashes if over-applied

So… Is It Worth It?

Short answer: YES.

Long answer: If you want natural-looking length that doesn’t smear, doesn’t quit, and doesn’t turn removal into a crime scene, this mascara is a winner. Especially if you’re the person who always ends up with mascara on your brow bone by 4 p.m.

Will I wear this when I want massive doll lashes? Nah. But for everyday glam that doesn’t demand micellar water or makeup remover penance, it’s my go-to.

Final Thoughts (aka TL;DR for Scrollers)

The Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is basically your lashes, but with a promotion. Richer, longer, better dressed, and showing up on time.

It’s perfect for people who want definition without drama, lashes that stay curled without a curler, and easy removal without the eyelash casualties.

Would I repurchase? Already did.

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