I Tried the Mascara With 6,000 5-Star Reviews Everyone Is Raving About

I have a very distinct memory of gluing my eye shut in an attempt to apply false eyelashes. I was probably 12 or 13, and it was Halloween. While I can't remember exactly what I was dressing up as, I do remember the burn from the lash glue and the seconds of terror that I would never be able to pry my eye open again and would be blinded forever.

Since then, I've sworn off fake eyelashes, and have them applied only by makeup artists for special occasions. But I've always loved the drama huge fluffy lashes bring. While I've tried everything from lash extensions to eyelash lifts, I've made mascara my bread and butter in bringing some life to my tiny lashes. I love all mascaras at every price point, but I'm particularly interested in those that promise a false-lash effect.

Recently I was captivated by a somewhat viral Facebook video of a woman applying coats of mascara to her blond lashes, only to have them instantly double in size. Every time she blinks into the brush, her lashes get longer and darker, without getting clumpy. I have never clicked on a product link so fast. When I saw it was called Liquid Lash Extensions, I was already sold, but then my eyes flickered over to the numbers: 7,569 reviews with 6,005 (and counting) of them being five stars. Talk about marketing at its finest.

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions is a fiber mascara, so it uses liquid fibers to build up your lashes. The formula contains orchid stem cell complex to encourage lash growth, and Japanese pepper extract to condition. It has a tapered spiky brush with tons of little bristles to grab each lash. Although I found the formula rather wet, it didn't glop or clump up, and has a nice glossy shine.

My results were not as dramatic as the video (sigh), but I was still totally impressed. It really separates my lashes, making it appear that I'm blessed with more than I actually have. I wouldn't say it doubled my lashes in length, but it definitely got close. It's super inky-black, and doesn't flake or smudge all day, but when you want to take it off, it comes off in seconds with warm water. My only gripe is it doesn't give as much volume as I prefer, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

One helpful tip: I found that it's easier to blink into the wand like the girl in the video rather than work the brush up through your lashes. I have no explanation for why exactly that it is—the brand only says to start at the base of your lashes—but by some lash-enhancing magic. it added extra length and separation in a way regularly sweeping it through my lashes didn't.

The brand also recommends working on one eye at a time, since the formula layers better when wet. I noticed that too when applying it; wait too long (or try to reapply later on) and it can get a touch clumpy.

So does Liquid Lash Extensions live up to its name? Nothing can compare to extensions, but it's pretty damn close.

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.

Originally Appeared on Glamour