Essence’s New TikTok-Viral Call Me Queen Mascara Is the Ultimate Lash Lengthener That’s Just $5

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The Essence Lash Princess Mascara is one of the most viral TikTok beauty products to hit the scene, so the brand’s successor has a lot to live up to. Next in line for the throne is the new Call Me Queen Dramatic False Lash Effect Mascara, so, as WWD Shop‘s resident drugstore mascara tester, I took it for a whirl and compared it to the OG. Spoiler alert: It’s completely different but equally impressive.

The Essence Call Me Queen mascara launched in July with much fanfare — within just a few weeks, it’s already been spotlit in over 25 million dedicated TikTok posts, with first impression videos from beauty creators earning hundreds of thousands of views. Considering the Lash Princess False Lash Mascara reigns as the number one bestselling beauty product on Amazon with over 250,000 five-star reviews, it’s no surprise that any new Essence mascara would release with built-in hype.

I’ve tested over a hundred mascara formulas at every price point (yes, my lashes have seen better days). But I’m of the camp that there’s no need to shell out dozens of dollars for a mascara, and that there are plenty of affordable mascaras from Target, Walmart, or Ulta that’ll get you dramatic results. My crown jewel happens to be the Essence Lash Princess Mascara, because it lengthens, lifts, and thickens my lackluster lashes in just one quick coat. So, I wondered, if she’s the princess, then how could the queen possibly compare?

@meimonstaa

#essencepartner Here for the drama 😭🤭 trying the new @essence cosmetics #callmequeen mascara #essencemakeup

♬ Call Me Queen_15 – essence

For starters, it’s divergent from its predecessor. Dressed in regal purple, the Call Me Queen Mascara comes in a similar hourglass tube, with a thick cap that’s comfortable to grip and maneuver as you apply the product. Instead of a conical bristle wand, the “elastomer” brush is uniquely short and flexible, and if you look at it from an aerial view, the silicone bristle rows are arranged in a star shape. Upon my first application, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that not only did the wand deposit just the right amount of product, but also that the bristles gripped my lashes from the root and extended their length through the tip — no clumps, no fuss.

The highlight of this mascara is no doubt its smaller wand. While it won’t cling to every lash in one swipe like the Essence Lash Princess Mascara, it’s amazing for detail work on the outer lashes. It fits so snugly in the corners of the eye and coupled with the spiky bristles on the tip of the wand, it allows you to really flare out and lift the outer lash line. It makes for a standout mascara for those with smaller eyes who struggle with oversized mascara wands. Or, if you’re like me who only ever wears false eyelashes on the outer corners of the lash line, it’s great for fusing the real and faux without overwhelming the eye with goopy product.

The Essence Call Me Queen mascara actually gives more of a low-key lash lift that I’d wear on an everyday basis. It’s not quite as heavy and thickening as the Lash Princess and does a slightly better job at cleanly lengthening, defining, and separating short and sparse lashes. Plus, its beeswax formula feels soft to the touch throughout the day and delivers a feathery, fluttery effect, with no signs of flaking or running after over 10 hours of wear. Priced at just $4.99, this mascara is worth a try — and who knows, this new queen might just dethrone your current mascara.

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Meet the Author & Tester

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated and TikTok-famous mascaras.