Thrive Causemetics Review as an Over 40 Woman
I originally wrote a Thrive Causements review in 2019, but since then, Thrive Causemetics has discontinued some products and added new ones to the collection. I wanted to update you with my honest, unpaid thoughts as a Thrive Causemetics customer and woman over 40.
Who I am Determines my Review…
We all know that beauty reviews have a lot to do with age, genetics, skin tone and type, how one cares for their skin, and how one likes to apply makeup.
Hi there, I am Alison. I am a 49-year-old who prefers the no-makeup makeup look with the occasional pop of bold lipstick. I love the look of luscious lashes and am particular with my mascara and occasionally bump it up with a bit of liner right at the lashline. For the rest of my face, I like it evened but letting my freckles show through and love blush in the winter and bronzer in the summer.
I am usually a medium-light color of concealer and foundation, with a neutral undertone. I like the sun, and even with sunscreen, I get darker in the summer. I have some sun damage from college years in tanning beds, dark circles and veiny eyelids from a lifetime of seasonal allergies and rubbing, and am prone to breakouts and rashes from salicylic acid and foundations/CC creams/BB creams that claim to be hydrating for dry skin. Otherwise my skin is pretty happy and calm.
What is Thrive Causemetics?
For those unfamiliar with Thrive Causemetics (which is impressive because each time I open Facebook or Instagram, I see an ad for the brand), it is a beauty brand that is vegan, cruelty-free, free of parabens and sulfates, and that gives back with every purchase (over $140 million at the time of writing this piece).
With over ten years of impact benefitting cancer survivors, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, homelessness and poverty, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, under-resourced youth, education, and racial and social justice, Thrive Causemetics is the kind of beauty brand I feel good supporting.
Thrive Causemetics Review as an Over 40 Woman
So many of you in the Wardrobe Oxygen community asked for my thoughts about Thrive Causemetics or raved about its products I HAD to try it! I started with their mascara. Because I liked it so much, I ordered several other products. I took a break, and tried more products from Thrive Causemetics and revisited products I had tried before to see if they had changed. Below is my Thrive Causemetics review after trying several products from the beauty brand:
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara Review
A few years ago, I started noticing that no matter what I did, my mascara would smudge under my eyes. I was complaining about this in the bathroom at a concert, and another woman said it's because as we age, we lose fullness under our eyes, which affects how our lashes lie, causing smudging.
I found waterproof mascara took care of it, but waterproof mascara was causing my lashes to get brittle and occasionally break. Doing research, I learned about tubing mascara and tried several brands. The one I found to give me the best length, volume, and impact was Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions.
This mascara is thick and doesn't dry fast. Your first couple of uses may have you resemble Tammy Faye. Try wiping the wand a bit before application. The product becomes utterly amazing after a few uses, maybe due to air getting into the tube. Seriously, my lashes get compliments from strangers, this stuff is so good. No smudging, no flaking, no brittle lashes. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions is amazing… until it's not.
After 6-8 weeks, the mascara stops being amazing and becomes ordinary. And then it becomes clumpy and flaky and gross. And it happens so gradually you wonder if that month of awesomeness was a fluke. But it's not. I have gone through many tubes of Liquid Lash Extensions and find a couple of days of gloop, a month or so of the best lashes in my life, a week of meh, and then it's over.
For $26, only one month of greatness isn't wallet-friendly. It's why I am not committed to Liquid Lash Extensions and keep trying other tubing mascaras in hopes to find one that works as well until I use at least more than half the tube. But every couple of years, I do come back.
Thrive Causemetics Review of the Buildable Blur CC Cream SPF 35
I decided to check out the Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream. With an SPF of 40, a price cheaper than the last foundation-like product I purchased, and better ethics, it sounded like a good buy. I guessed the color I needed, and I chose one far too pale. No worries, I went to the site to start an exchange, was able to return the wrong color for free, and received the correct color before they even received my return!
A CC cream provides more coverage than a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, but fits my no-makeup makeup ideal as the goal is to color correct, not cover completely. I found one light pump is enough; I pump it on the back of my hand, tap my finger into it, tap dots all over my face, then blend it with a damp BeautyBlender.
The Thrive Causemetics CC Cream doesn't emphasize my pores, nor does it disappear over the day. I set it with a small brush and translucent powder.
The packaging is a tube with a pump. Thrive Causemetics offers 28 shades—not bad, considering the formulas are meant to adjust to your skin tone. I like this product, but I am not obsessed. I'll admit I used my tube until it was empty, but I never repurchased it. Updating this review is making me consider revisiting this product as I haven't found a Holy Grail alternative since.
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener Review
I'm not fully on the highlighter train. I keep trying it: powders, creams, liquids, sticks, even different methods of application and it usually just makes me look sweaty.
The Brilliant Eye Brightener didn't appeal to me until my friend Tammy said she loves it. And there are so many reviews from women over 40 stating it was a gamechanger. So my next order I bought it to get to free shipping. I ordered Stella (Champagne Shimmer).
Yeah, I still don't get it. Maybe I need an application tutorial? I will dab it in the inner corners of my eyes, under my brow bone, along my waterline, and… eh. It clumps a bit, I blend it so it's not clumpy and it's nearly invisible. I just don't know if I am the right customer for this product. If you use it and love it, can you share how you use it in the comments?
Thrive Causemetics Lip Filler Long Wearing + Plumping Lipliner Review
I still love the look of lips filled in with liner and topped with a gloss. For YEARS my lipliner of choice was Wet n' Wild 666/Brandy Wine. I wondered if Thrive Causemetics liner would be a good replacement in a softer more “my lips but better” color.
I went with ‘Jesse' in the lip pencil, described as a pale rose ginger. It is exactly the same color as my lips. I could fill half of one lip with it, and you seriously can't tell the difference. It's not really better than my actual lips, except it can be used to prevent bleeding without needing to be an exact match for my lipcolor.
It glides on easily, feels nice, and's a quality lip liner. It's not anything revolutionary. Thrive Causemetics says it plumps, but I haven't experienced it. It's $24… besides the ethics and really nice packaging I don't see it being any better than Wet n' Wild which is under $2.
What Thrive Causemetics Should I Try Next?
Updating this Thrive Causemetics review makes me realize that beyond the mascara, I haven't tried the beauty brand in a while and there are a lot of new products to choose from. I had to delete a few products from this review as they are no longer available, and I am really curious about the line now, especially the following items:
- I have found that even though I color my grays, I still find brunette brow products to now look too harsh. A brow pro told me to try taupe, and I am a convert. Thrive Causemetics now has taupe brow liner and taupe brow gel. I have heard great things about Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix™ Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel and think my next order will contain this, and possibly also the Infinity Waterproof™ Eyebrow Liner. Have you tried? Thoughts?
- Especially in the summer, I love tinted lip balm. I currently am using the one from RMS in “Peacock Lane” (ALISONG20 for 20% off) but would like a berry color and a warmer color. Have you tried the Sheer Strength™ Hydrating Lip Tint from Thrive Causemetics? Worth it?
- Now that I'm over 40 and have fewer f*cks to give while still giving a sh*t, the only time I wear eyeshadow is when it's a stick so I can get a subtle smoky look by drawing around my eye, smudging it, and then maybe adding a bit above the crease for dimension. I want it easy, I don't want it to smudge, and I refuse to use more than two colors. I have used shadow sticks from Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, and Julep Beauty and they're all fine but not Holy Grail. The Infinity Waterproof™ Eyeshadow Stick from Thrive Causemetics is tempting me; “Shaney Jo” looks like the no-makeup makeup color I prefer (and no shimmer!), and I am really digging the fun colors for special occasions. Thoughts?
Is there anything I am missing? I am tempted to place an order in the next few weeks so I can properly update this Thrive Causemetics review with highly recommended products. The Wardrobe Oxygen community has never steered me wrong and your favorite product may be in the updated review (and may end up being a daily favorite!).
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I also love the mascara, but found it dried out quickly. My solution was to purchase the minis when they have them on sale around the holidays. The cost for 4 minis is a tad more than 1 full size, but my total use is far greater, IMO. The only downside is that the minis only come in black and I would prefer black-brown. But I can live with that.
That’s a fantastic idea! I do love the mascara after not initially liking it (I think I got a bad one the first time around), but definitely agree that it dries out too quickly, even observing all the tips and tricks such as not pumping the wand up and down, etc. I’m going to order 4 minis next time!
On tubing mascara, I’m with you 100% I use Boots No 7 ‘Stay Perfect’ which is about £14 (not sure if it’s available in the States?).
More expensive but very good is Clinique’s ‘Lash Power’. It’s a bit softer after it dries than the No 7 one but not worth the extra expense for me. I’m on a budget and wear makeup most days so go through a lot.
Curious whether you have tried the Laura Geller line? I am seriously no makeup (max mascara and lipstick), but as I get older and spend more time online, some concealing powder works wonders. Her quizzes brought me to some different shades of lipstick – which I like a lot and helped me to a different understanding of my aging skin tone.
Yes I have used Laura Geller and liked the products but as an influencer I do not like how they have misused my imagery. They used my photos on their site, in emails, and social media without permission or payment. I ended up deleting my content so they would no longer have it to use as they never replied to my emails asking for takedown or payment. But the products are fantastic and those who make the products are not the same as those who market the company.
What happened to hairdresser Billy’s beautiful long hair? Why did he cut it?
Because life is short and he felt he was better known for his hair than his self. He did other radical changes to his life and feels renewed. I found it so brave and badass!
I tried the Hydrating Lip Tint and found it underwhelming. I didn’t like the taste and it didn’t hydate all that well.
Ladies, tubing mascara is the only thing that works for me, and I recently went back to Loreal Double Extend. Not sure why I tried so many other things!
Thank you so much for the taupe eyebrow tip! Now I keep one taupe pencil for most of the fill and one in my regular color of brown for accent, then use a brush!
Finally, my biggest tip… It is Fenty Eaze Drop Stick Blur. This is the ultimate no makeup makeup. So fast, easy to apply any way, doesn’t budge and feels like nothing on. Seriously. Does not bother me, ever, and looks just as good right before I wash it off as it does when I put it on. Expensive, but magic! And thanks to all the women of color who finally have makeup in all kinds of shades and brands, you have greatly improved shade matching for everyone, everywhere! You can use this stick in any sloppy way (I am a draw, then blend with fingers person ) and it looks amazing. It is makeup that makes me happier about wearing makeup and that I can use to great effect when running late.
The Thrive brow liner and semi-permanent brow gel are actually some of my holy grail beauty products. I have repurchased them multiple times. As brow trends have moved away from darker, fuller brows, I have purchased lighter liner and gel. I have my brows shaped and colored every four weeks, and the Thrive brow products maintain the results well. I feel more confident wearing no makeup makeup when my brows look good.
And on the lip tint, have you ever tried Clinique’s almost lipstick in black honey? It looks dark in the tube, but very pretty on. I’m not sure it’s the bronze you’re looking for, but I like everything about this product. It is much lighter weight than the lipstick, but with some good color and staying time.
I tried Thrive and found it “meh” as well due to coverage and price point.
I’ve started using the EWG Healthy Living app to find cosmetic companies with low to zero toxins and allergens.
This summer I’ve discovered MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid Zinc with SPF 30 on Amazon and LOVE it for myself. Mattifying and gentle on my skin… good coverage. The bottle and dropper are messy, but I still enjoy how it feels and looks. You can find it on Amazon.
My mascara all-time fave Tarte’s Lights Camera Lashes and I try to find it in the 4-pk on QVC so it becomes $9 a tube.
Thanks for this wonderful resource for all of us!
I’ve tried a few of their things and like you, I think they’re OK but not WOW! I tried the tubing mascara and it sometimes flaked (my current go-to is Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof—yes, waterproof, but no smudging and lots of lash). I tried one the eye shadow sticks and wasn’t impressed with the staying power. So no recommendations for you—just a similar experience.
I love the mascara — will only use tubing mascara, and I think the Thrive product is better than Blinc. haven’t experience any clumping or degradation of the mascara, and I use mine over many, many months.
I also love the Face Brightening Illuminating Primer. I don’t use foundation, and find that this primer gives a nice finish to my skin and is a great base for blush and bronzer (currently using Clinique chubby stick as blush and Nars the multiple in South Beach when I want a little bronzing action).
thanks, as always, for your honest and thoughtful reviews!
I’ve been using the mascara forever – and I’ve just accepted that I’ll want to switch to a new tube every 4-6 weeks or so. Definitely not wallet friendly, but at the same time, I guess worth it to me for the product I love! 🙂
Hello. I was wondering if you can recommend a great product that will reduce under eye puffiness. I’m 70 and the puffiness is starting making me look tired all the time. Worried loved to hear from you. Thank you
Hi there, the two things that have helped the most is almond oil patted on at night, and cutting down to almost no dairy and caffeine. I have had puffy undereyes all my life and tried so many products and this diet change was the only thing that made a difference. I know it’s not the kind of answer anyone wants but I wanted to be honest with you.
Thank you. I’ll try the almond oil, I don’t eat dairy actually but I do love my caffeine. Lol! I’m waiting for the thrive mascara to arrive and because of you I’m going to do a regular regime of using vitamins c on my skin. Thank you. I like your reviews.
I like their mascara, but also like their brow product. My brows used to be darker and fuller in my youth and this product seems to really look natural.
Just got their blurring concealer. Very odd product. Very light coverage, thin consistency. Blah. Try it and do a review.
I’m 68 years young I’ve spent hundreds on make skin care nothing Has helped me look younger so I just bought some thing to try
I hope you’re products do what they say I’m on social security and I
Hate spending money on skin care that does nothing to help me
A little bit at least a
I just received the mascara. It is thick & clumps and it flakes, all the things they advertised that it doesn’t do. Did I get a bad batch?
Ew, that doesn’t sound right. I’d reach out to them and get a replacement.
The same thing happened to me it flakes terribly and I got some in my eye and I couldn’t get it out. I have tried it 4 times and it happened every time. Super disappointed. I have not asked for a refund. My first order of it got hung up and took about a month the 2nd was free from the company and was prompt. It was totally USPS fault.
Wait don’t give up. I purchased the mascara and used less by wiping the brush off a little. It’s a great product. Now I don’t have to wipe it off first.
I bought Instant Brow Fix Semi-permanent eyebrow Gel recently. I’m so disappointed in this product. After a few hours it
starts to separate and looks horrible.
Allison, are you replacing the mascara every 6-9 weeks?
I replace my mascara every three months, it’s really important to as it’s a liquid that hits the air, can get contaminated, and is right against your eye. I don’t love this after about 9 weeks but the next few aren’t terrible, it’s equivalent to other tubing mascaras I’ve used.
I really like Thrive. I’ve had to stop using the mascara though as my eyes become dry and itchy. I live, love, love the brow pencil and their gel. These replaced Anastasia pencil and Glossier gel. I also use the cc cream in light to med light when I have some summer sun. Can’t say enough!
I hope it isn’t too impolite to ask a personal question. You have pointed out the sunspot on your cheek many times over the years. However, in these pics, it looks like it is gone now. I think I have mentioned before how I get my sunspots laser-zapped now at the vascular doc whenever they pop up. Did you have a similar procedure? (You are adorbs eithers way; I was just curious because I can’t sing the praises of laser-zapping enough. Such an inexpensive way to feel better!)
Not too personal, it went away with regular use of Vitamin C! I started using Kiehl’s and over three months it was gone. Couldn’t believe it after all the years of having it! I wasn’t even trying!
Oh, wow! So, when you say vitamin C, do you mean the vitamin taken orally or some kind of vitamin c you apply topically?
It’s a topical treatment from Kiehl’s, I got for brightening but it was a perk of using it that I didn’t expect: https://shopstyle.it/l/3Bqx
Wow, that’s amazing. Definitely going to get some of that! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Alison, do you know if vitamin c or anything else would remove moles? I have a lot that aren’t freckles, but they aren’t the big above the skin kind either. They rather annoy me, so I thought I’d ask.
Thanks!
I don’t think so, I think for them the best bet is going to the dermatologist and they can take it off super easy and insurance usually covers it!
Thanks!
I bought this set, and am super happy with all of it. It is the perfect color and coverage for my skin. I don’t feel like I have a made up face, but I am comfortable knowing that I have an even looking complexion. The powder is super light, and gives a nice finising touch woithout looking cakey and powdery. And…I can’t say enough about this brush!!!
https://thrivecausemetics.com/collections/complexion-perfection/products/cc-cream-sponge-setting-powder-brush-set
I also have the hilighter stick, but it’s not something I use every day.
OBSESSED with the mascara. First mascara I have ever found that I can wear every day and not have racoon eyes. So in love!
“If you read my review and bought a tube” This be me. I like it, and I’ve never liked tubing mascara before. 6-9 weeks usage life is pretty short for the cost. I’m in the habit of using a tube until it is really used up, which is usually well past the recommended safety discard date (6 months?).
Highlighter stick – I use it under the arch of my brow, occasionally in the corner of my eye. I blend it for a subtle lightening/brightening effect. Don’t use it every day though. I look forward to the other brow product evaluations. 🙂
You must try the eyeliner…it is amazing! I use the grey to line lower eye and black on top. It, like the amazing mascara, stays put and you don’t have raccoon eyes. I enjoyed your review as I have considered the cc cream and lipstick. I will order now!
I tried their mascara also and had the same results as you. It was awesome for the first month or so but then started getting clumpy. I also tried their Focus eye shadow palette which I LOVED because it’s just 4 simple, blendable colors for a natural look. I have a Naked palette which I like but there are so many colors on it, I don’t feel like I’ll ever use all of them. So I like the simplicity of the Thrive palette and will definitely order again once I’ve finished up the Naked one I have.
I’ve heard a lot about Thrive Causemetics, especially about their tubing mascara and it seems like the most interesting thing to me. I’ve always had pretty long and full lashes so mascara was completely out of my makeup routine until I started doing more glam looks and felt the need for one. I also went for a waterproof one and I loved it but like you mentioned, it’d break my lashes and that’s not something I want when I love my natural lashes so much. Tubing mascara seems like a great option and their giving back policy seems amazing, I wish more brand would get on board and do the same. I’m gonna have to check if they ship to my country and see what they have and if I run out of something in the near future, I’ll check them out as well and see if they have a replacement.
Idk to me the picture with the highlighter, your eye looks open more and that side looks lighter and brighter. You can’t “see” the highlighter but it does make a difference.