The product? Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara. The promise, as touted by Benefit? “The eye-opening Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush grabs, separates, lifts and curls … while the instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours.” Well, we’ve put this product to the test and are ready to spill the details.

Our editorial team has tested a multitude of mascaras, and we tend to be especially skeptical when it comes to claims of excessive curling powers. But this product pleasantly surprised us, opening up our eyes so gorgeously that we’re tempted to toss our eyelash curlers right here and now! At $24, it is a bit pricey, but trust us—you can skip the drugstore aisle with no guilt. Below, our beauty contributor Kara explains why.

Written by Kara Manos, Politics of Pretty

1. The slightly curved brush makes for easy application.
(Whenever I use straight, stiff wands, I always end up stabbing some part of my eye!)

2. The mascara is conditioning.
My lashes continue to look longer and fuller with every application.

3. No smudging or clumping!
With other mascaras, I’m often wiping excess product on the top of the tube to avoid clumping. But when I carefully pull the wand out of this one (without pumping!), I enjoy a seamless application. I’ve been wearing it daily at my 9-to-5 gig and have yet to experience any smudging.

4. It’s easy to remove each night.
Many mascaras have left my lashes extremely stiff and difficult to clean come bedtime. Whether you use a cotton pad drenched in makeup remover or a lightweight travel wipe, don’t expect to shed any lashes during this mascara’s removal process. (#winning!)