I wanted to love Covergirl’s Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara. With its promise of curled, lifted, and fanned-out lashes without a curler, it sounded like a dream. But after giving it a real-world test, I’m not convinced it’s worth your money.

From clumping issues to lackluster performance, this mascara didn’t live up to the hype for me. Let’s break down my experience, weigh the pros and cons, share some maintenance tips, compare it to other brands, and answer your burning questions to help you decide if it’s right for you.

My Experience with Covergirl Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara

I’ll be honest—when I first saw Covergirl’s Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara on the shelf, I was intrigued. The packaging boasted a 50° curved fiber brush, plant-based keratin, and a vegan, cruelty-free formula. It comes in three shades: Intense Black, Dark Chocolate, and Berry Brown. I picked Berry Brown, hoping it would give my blue eyes a subtle pop.

The idea of a mascara that could curl, lift, and fan out my lashes without extra tools was exciting, especially since my lashes are stubbornly straight and fine.

The first application was a letdown. The formula felt thick and goopy right out of the tube, making it hard to apply smoothly. I started at the base of my lashes, wiggling the wand as instructed, but the curved brush didn’t grab every lash as promised.

After one coat, my lashes looked barely coated, so I went for a second. Big mistake. The mascara clumped, leaving me with spidery lashes that felt heavy and looked unnatural. I tried the “curved side up to coat, concave side to curl” technique, but it didn’t make much difference.

I wore it for a full day to test its 24-hour wear claim. By lunchtime, I noticed slight smudging under my eyes, especially after a sweaty walk. It didn’t flake, which was a plus, but the smudging was annoying. Removal was another issue—while it’s marketed as easy to remove, I needed multiple swipes with micellar water to get it off, and I noticed a few lashes falling out in the process

. I gave it a few more tries over the week, experimenting with lighter applications and different shades (I borrowed Intense Black from a friend), but the results were consistently underwhelming.

The Berry Brown shade was a highlight—it did complement my eye color nicely, and I got a couple of compliments. But the formula’s texture and performance overshadowed any color payoff.

I also experienced mild itching after one application, which made me wary, especially since I have sensitive eyes. Overall, my experience left me frustrated, and I couldn’t help but compare it to other mascaras that deliver better results for the same price.

Pros of Covergirl Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara

Despite my disappointment, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The mascara has some redeeming qualities, though they’re not enough to make me recommend it.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formula: I love that Covergirl is Leaping Bunny Approved, meaning this mascara is 100% cruelty-free. The vegan formula, infused with plant-based keratin and lifting waxes, is a big win for eco-conscious folks. If you prioritize clean beauty, this is a solid point in its favor. It’s also ophthalmologically tested, so it’s marketed as safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, though my mild irritation suggests it’s not foolproof for everyone.

Unique Shade Options: The three shades—Intense Black, Dark Chocolate, and Berry Brown—are a standout. I found Berry Brown particularly flattering, as it gave my lashes a soft, reddish tint that made my blue eyes pop without looking too bold. Dark Chocolate is great for a natural look, especially for those with lighter hair or low-contrast features. These shades offer more variety than the standard black or brown of most drugstore mascaras.

Curved Brush Design: The 50° curved fiber brush is a cool concept. It’s designed to wrap around each lash, catching even the tiniest ones, and mimic the effect of a lash curler. While it didn’t work miracles for me, I can see how the thinner, curved wand could be a plus for those with shorter or sparser lashes. It’s easier to maneuver than chunkier brushes, especially for lower lashes or inner corners.

Affordable Price Point: At around $8-$10, this mascara is budget-friendly. You’re not breaking the bank, which is great if you’re experimenting with new products or don’t want to splurge on high-end brands. For students or anyone on a tight budget, the price makes it accessible.

No Flaking: Unlike some mascaras that leave little black specks on your cheeks by the end of the day, this one stayed flake-free during my tests. That’s a big plus for long days when you don’t want to worry about touch-ups.

Cons of Covergirl Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara

Now, let’s talk about why this mascara fell short. The downsides were hard to ignore, and they significantly impacted my experience.

Clumpy and Goopy Formula: The formula is thick and sticky, which makes application a chore. One coat often did little to enhance my lashes, but adding a second coat resulted in clumps that looked like spider legs. I had to use a clean spoolie to comb through the mess, which defeated the purpose of an easy-to-apply mascara. Other users have echoed this, with one calling it “terrible” for clumping after just two coats.

Limited Lengthening and Volumizing: Despite the 3D promise of curl, lift, and fan, I didn’t see much lengthening or volume. My lashes looked slightly darker but not noticeably longer or fuller. For a mascara marketed as transformative, it felt more like a basic tint than a game-changer. Another reviewer noted that it “does not make your lashes appear longer,” and I have to agree.
Potential for Smudging: While it’s billed as smudge-proof, I experienced slight smudging under my eyes after a few hours, especially in warm weather. It wasn’t raccoon-eye bad, but it was enough to make me check a mirror mid-day. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, this could be a dealbreaker.

Possible Irritation for Sensitive Eyes: Although it’s ophthalmologically tested, I had mild itching and discomfort after one application. Another user reported severe itching and burning, even after trying it twice. If you have sensitive eyes, proceed with caution and maybe do a patch test first.

Heavy Feel on Lashes: The formula weighed my lashes down, making them feel wet and heavy. This was especially disappointing since 86% of users in a Covergirl study said it didn’t weigh down lashes. For me, it dulled the curl I got from my eyelash curler, and another user described the same “wet and heavy” sensation.

Difficult Removal: Despite claims of easy removal, I found it took extra effort to get this mascara off. I used micellar water and cotton pads, but it clung stubbornly, leading to some lash fallout. For a product meant to minimize lash loss, this was a letdown.

Tips for Covergirl Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara

If you decide to give this mascara a try, a few maintenance tricks can help you get the most out of it. Here’s how to make it work better and keep your lashes healthy.

Apply Lightly and Build Gradually: To avoid clumps, start with a light coat. Wipe excess product off the wand with a tissue before applying. Wiggle the brush at the base of your lashes and sweep upward slowly. If you need more coverage, wait a few seconds before adding another thin layer. Less is more with this thick formula.
Use a Lash Comb: Keep a clean spoolie or lash comb handy to separate any clumps right after application. This can salvage a spidery look and make your lashes appear more defined. Brush through gently to avoid smearing wet mascara onto your eyelids.

Store Properly to Prevent Drying: Mascara can dry out if air gets into the tube. Always screw the cap on tightly and avoid pumping the wand in and out, as this pushes air inside. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources like bathroom steam, to extend its shelf life.
Clean Lashes Before Application: Start with clean, dry lashes to ensure even application. Leftover oils, skincare products, or old mascara can make the formula clump or slide off. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to prep your lashes each time.
Remove Thoroughly to Protect Lashes: To minimize lash fallout, take your time removing the mascara. Soak a cotton pad with micellar water or a dual-phase makeup remover, press it against your closed eyes for 10-15 seconds, then swipe downward gently. Avoid rubbing, as this can weaken lashes. Follow up with a cleanser to ensure no residue remains.

Replace Every Three Months: Mascara can harbor bacteria over time, especially if the formula feels goopy. To prevent eye infections, toss it after three months, even if there’s product left. Write the purchase date on the tube with a marker to keep track.
Pair with a Primer: If the mascara feels too heavy or doesn’t deliver enough oomph, try a lash primer first. A primer can add volume and length, letting you use less mascara and reduce clumping. Covergirl’s own eyeshadow primer might work as a base, though I haven’t tested it with this product.

Comparison with Other Brands

To see how Covergirl’s Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara stacks up, let’s compare it to three popular drugstore mascaras: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High, Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect, and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise. These are all in a similar price range ($6-$12) and widely available.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High: Maybelline’s Sky High is a fan favorite for a reason. Its flexible, spiky brush grabs every lash, delivering incredible length and separation without clumps. Unlike Covergirl’s thick formula, Sky High feels lightweight and builds easily for volume. It’s also smudge-resistant, even in heat, and removes more easily than Covergirl. The only downside? It’s not vegan or cruelty-free, which might matter to some. If you want dramatic, defined lashes, Sky High outshines Covergirl by a mile.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect: At just $5, Essence Lash Princess is a budget superstar. Its conical brush adds volume and length, creating a falsies-like effect. The formula is wetter than Covergirl’s but less goopy, making it easier to apply without clumping if you work quickly. It’s not as long-lasting (some smudging after 8 hours), but it’s cruelty-free and removes effortlessly. For the price, it’s hard to beat, and I found it gave my lashes more lift than Covergirl’s 3D mascara.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise: Lash Paradise is all about volume, with a fluffy brush that coats lashes evenly for a full, fanned-out look. The formula is creamier than Covergirl’s, striking a balance between buildable and clump-free. It’s not as lengthening as Sky High, but it holds a curl better than Covergirl and feels less heavy. It’s also smudge-proof for most users and easier to remove. Like Maybelline, it’s not cruelty-free, but if volume is your goal, it’s a stronger contender than Covergirl.

Also read: My Thoughts on Bumble And Bumble Post Workout Dry Shampoo Reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Covergirl 3D Mascara Smudge Easily?

It’s marketed as smudge-proof, but I noticed slight smudging under my eyes after a few hours, especially in warm or humid conditions. It’s not a total mess, but if you have oily skin or sweat a lot, you might need to check a mirror mid-day. Some users report no smudging, so it could depend on your skin type.

How Long Does Covergirl 3D Mascara Last?

Covergirl claims up to 24 hours of wear, and it does stay put without flaking. However, smudging can occur after 6-8 hours, especially in heat. On a typical day, expect 10-12 hours of decent wear before it starts to fade or smudge slightly. Replace the tube every three months to avoid bacterial buildup.

What Makes Covergirl 3D Mascara Unique?

The 50° curved fiber brush is a standout, designed to curl and lift without a curler. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Approved, with plant-based keratin and lifting waxes. The shade range—Intense Black, Dark Chocolate, and Berry Brown—offers unique color options, especially Berry Brown for a subtle pop. However, the formula’s performance doesn’t always match these innovative features.

Which Covergirl Mascara Is the Best?

It’s subjective, but Covergirl’s Clump Crusher is often praised for its no-clump, natural look and smudge-free wear. Users on MakeupAlley love its reliable brush and lightweight feel. Exhibitionist Mascara is another strong contender, especially the waterproof version, which holds up through tears and sweat. Based on my experience, Eye Enhancer 3D isn’t Covergirl’s best—it’s outdone by Clump Crusher’s ease of use and consistency.

Final Thoughts

After testing Covergirl’s Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara, I can’t recommend it wholeheartedly. While I appreciate its vegan formula, cruelty-free status, and unique shades like Berry Brown, the clumpy, goopy formula and lackluster results were dealbreakers. It weighed down my lashes, smudged slightly, and didn’t deliver the promised curl, lift, or fan. For $8-$10, you can find better options like Maybelline Sky High or Essence Lash Princess, which offer superior length, volume, and ease of use. If you’re curious, give it a try for the shades or ethical credentials, but temper your expectations. Your lashes deserve more than this mascara delivers.

Covergirl Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara: Is It Worth It?