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Thrive Causemetics

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 2nd, 2023

Key Details
  • Clean Ingredient Makeup
  • "Beauty with a Purpose"
  • Eyelash and Eyebrow Products

Summary

Thrive Causemetics was founded in 2013 by Karissa Bodnar after a very close friend of hers passed away from cancer. Karissa has worked as a makeup artist for over a decade and formulated and designed many beauty products. The ingredient lists include a combination of natural ingredients including Orchid Stem Cell Complex, castor oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and shea butter. For every product that is purchased, Thrive Causemetics donates one to a woman going through cancer treatment. This company believes in “Beauty with a Purpose” and that women who are going through cancer treatment shouldn’t just survive, they should thrive. 

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The Good

  • Unique Mission and Products 
  • Bestselling Thrive Mascara
  • Makeup Tutorials
  • Free Shipping on Orders Over $35

Unique Mission and Products 

Thrive Causemetics has a very clear purpose: To make sure all women feel confident and beautiful, no matter their circumstances. This company was founded to help women who have lost their hair, do just that. With every purchase that is made, one beauty product will be donated to a woman who is undergoing cancer treatment. Most faux eyelashes or lash extensions are made to adhere to eyelashes that are already there, but Thrive Causemetics lashes are specially designed for women who no longer have any. Bodnar has developed a variety of other beauty products that include: Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner, Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, lash adhesive, eye shadow, eye brightener, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, and brow liner to make sure women have everything they need to feel beautiful. While Thrive Causemetics products are designed to help women who have lost their hair, the products work for any woman, lashes, and eyebrows or not. Thrive Causemetics uses only cruelty-free, vegan ingredients. 

Bestselling Thrive Mascara 

Thrive's bestselling mascara is a lash growing mascara that promotes long-term growth and moisture for your natural lashes. It is a tubing mascara, which means the mascara covers each individual lash with a tube-like layer. This product is a more affordable option than eyelash extensions, works well for those with watery or sensitive eyes and is more effective in creating a long lashes look than traditional volumizing mascara alone. The formula can be removed easily with makeup remover and a washcloth or cotton ball. Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is not advertised as a waterproof mascara but the tube-like fiber layer is water resistant. 

Makeup Tutorials 

There are tutorials offered to help women get the look they want. They are step-by-step instructions for different looks and practices directly from a Thrive makeup artist. These tutorials are helpful to those women who are unsure about how to achieve the look they are hoping for. Thrive Causemetics also offers videos on how to care for the false lashes that are purchased. From fine lines, skin tone, and lip colors Thrive can help you create the look you want. 

Free Shipping on Orders Over $35

Free shipping is offered on all orders over $35. Because their products are high end, most of the orders made qualify for free shipping. Plus the more customers spend, the more products are donated to help those women in need. Thrive also offers free shipping on any returned product, including a postage-paid U.S. return label in each order. They are also willing to fully refund makeup the customer is unsatisfied with, within reasonable circumstances.

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The Bad

  • Limited Product Offering

Limited Product Offering

Thrive Causemetics has a limited product range. They provide customers with eyelashes, eyeliner, brow liner, lash adhesive, Glossy Lip Mark, Lip Mate, Bronzer, Blush, Triple Threat Color Stick, Brilliant Eye Brightener, and eyeshadow. But if customers are looking for any other makeup products such as foundation, perfumes, or other skincare products, they won't find it here. Thrive was founded to provide women with the things they have lost (eyelashes and eyebrows), but foundation and skincare may be provided in the future.

 

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The Bottom Line

This company may not have as much variety in terms of product selection, but its bestselling mascara promoting lash growth sets it apart, and Thrive has a purpose and cause. Thrive Causemetics offers great products while also donating to women in need because every woman deserves to feel beautiful in their own skin.

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Star Rating

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2.7

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359 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

34%

4 grade

4%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

11%

1 grade

47%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Christi Tolleson, AZ

I was very excited to try, but it didn't work for me. The mascara left little balls hanging off my lashes. A second coat to fix it made it worse. The eyeshadow was beautiful but after a couple of hours it melted into one color. I use primer and powder before applying and my other shadows never do that. I have pricey and cheap shadows and they all look good after a full day of work and into the evening. Not this one. I wished it would stay on. Thought it was supposed to be semi permanent or at the very least long lasting. The blurr cream. It was just ok. I like Lancome better. I was bummed I spent so much and had high hopes. I am happy for those that love it, but I would not recommend this. Maybe buy one item at a time to see if you like it. Goodbye $100.

6 years ago

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Miriam Gonzalez-Poe West Hills, CA

Poor mascara in expensive packaging. It is the worst mascara I've used in a long time. Claims that it is "flake-free. NOT. Claims that it "builds lash fibers". NOT. Claims that it gives "instantly longer thicker lashes". Well maybe if you could get beyond the clumps...NOT. The "defining cob brush" does absolutely nothing to define lashes. Nothing can get through the amount of clumps that come out of the vial. I Will NOT buy again. Not even for the cause. Get yourself H&M's Maximilista Mascara not available in US stores, but available through their website. At 1/2 the price of Thrive Mascara it provides twice the fulfillment!

6 years ago

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BB Woodstock, GA

The mascara is OK not my favorite. It seemed to wear off towards the end of the day into my eye and irritate it. I've tried contacting the company to return it and a lip liner, which was not worth the $20 I paid for it, and noone has responded to me. Not even a hey, we got your message and we'll get back to you. I got nothing. I like the idea behind the company but not worth the price and their customer service is lacking. If they'd improve their mascara formula and customer service skills I might try it again because it goes on great but not at the expense of irritating my eyes every day. Oh and definitely do not wear it of you're going to sweat!

6 years ago

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Shelly San Gabriel, CA

I took off my lash extensions because I wanted to give my lashes a break. I decided to try Thrive mascara and was excited because of the reviews and pictures I had seen about it. I got it yesterday and was going to return the YSL mascara I bought. First of all, the Thrive mascara didn’t not go on like I thought it would. My lashes clumped and it was very drying. My eyes itched all day and still do today. When I went to take off the thrive mascara it was so hard. It would not even come off. I now contacted customer service and I am waiting on a response from them to return my item. I am going back to lash extensions. My lashes were better with them on and my eyes did not itch. I do like have they have a great cause with buying this product but I just can’t spend money on something that just doesn’t work. Maybe Thrive can come up with a better formula of mascara.

6 years ago

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lauras Chicago, IL

This review is solely for the liquid lash mascara. I used this product in the am and did not have any issues throughout the day. I removed it at night using my usual eye-makeup remover. In the morning, my eyes were crusted. I thought i had contracted something so i stayed home from work that day. after i washed my eyes with plain water, I did not apply any eye makeup and was fine the rest of the day. The next day i had no issues with my eyes. That evening, i again, applied the liquid lash mascara , i removed it later that night and again, woke up to crusted eyes. I've never had any problems with mascara in the past. As soon as i discontinued use of this product, i no longer had any eye issues. I returned this stuff and reported it to the company. Their response, "sorry, please return before the 60 days are up". Just thought i would have heard more than a sorry since it truly was an inconvenience to use their product.

7 years ago

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Liz McDonald Greeley, CO

I rarely give reviews but I don't want people to be misled like I was. I think it's great that you give to great causes. I bought the mascara and it is nothing like the people in the reviews describe. I've bought other mascara for a lot less than $25 and have gotten the same results as Thrive mascara. I was not impressed at all. I really wanted it to be this AMAZING mascara but it was not. Just wondering what percent of your sales go toward the causes you support.

3 years ago

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Ronna S Tucson, AZ

I got the brilliant eye product and am disappointed because you can barely see anything, the product broke ss I was applying it in the first week and you don’t seem to get hardly anything from this product both in making your eyes stand out plus there is barely any product. I should have returned it but now it’s been longer than 60 days. ☹️

5 years ago

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Nichole Plymouth, MA

They block anyone that posts a negative review on their Facebook and website, making it appear as though all their reviews are positive. So shady. I simply wrote that their brow gel in the color Audrey was not a good match for redheads, as they have been marketing it to be. I posted a pic of my hair and the brow gel and they litterally deleted every comment I made. I wasn't even rude, it was an honest review. I even gave them props for their mascara.

6 years ago

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Grace Saint Augustine, FL

Buyer Beware: Made in China. I bought the brow product. It is a fairly good product, but there are comparable products sold at Ulta and even Target. But what everyone should know is that Thrive products are made in China. Sorry, but I don’t trust the ingredients from there when something is going on my skin. Just think back to the poisonous baby formula and dog treats. No thanks! Furthermore, it took THREE MONTHS to receive it. They will say they ship from the US - but that is AFTER it arrives in their US distribution center from China.

6 years ago

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Susan Cedar Rapids, IA

I decided to purchase the Thrive mascara based on reviews. However, I was very displeased. This mascara does not lengthen, curl or create any more volume than any other high-end mascaras I have used. I will say it washes off easily and does not smear. Just another waste of money on a product and the expensive shipping fee for what it was professed to be.

6 years ago

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Tina Figueroa Union, NJ

I bought the mascara, and was so disappointed. It's rather expensive, but I guess when the company advertised that when "you buy one, we give one" - they have to charge extra. So in fact I AM giving one.... - anyway, the mascara came and I was super excited to try it out. It does nothing for my lashes, when it comes to length, and the 'sticks' the individual hairs together ..... The container itself is very heavy, so I'm excited to find out if it will last longer than my usual brand.

6 years ago

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Shana Melnysyn Costa Mesa, CA

The only reason for two stars (and not one) is that most of their makeup is actually great. I especially love their mascara, which is better than any other I've tried. However, I had read somewhere that they engage in deceitful practices regarding reviews, and after having my own 3-star review disappear while other new reviews got posted, I am convinced that this is a totally sketchy company and I am pissed. I don't care how good their products are or even if they are working for a good cause -- if they need to lie and cheat to get customers, I don't want to support them anymore.

6 years ago

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S. Crawford Beaumont, CA

I really wanted to like this Cosmetic Company and its merchandise but unfortunately that hasn't been the case. I'm in the process of contacting them about their mascara due to having a second I infections since using this for about a month. The fibers get in your eyes and if you don't completely wash every spec off they Knuffle in your eyes and cause infections. Beware of mascara!

6 years ago

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Nicole Nicole Fort Worth, TX

I truly wish I would have found these reviews before being fooled by the website ones. This mascara does go on well but does not extend the length of my lashes, in fact I feel like they look shorter. The mascara is incredibly hard to get off which causes lashes to come out while causing wrinkles around my eyes from rubbing the stuff off. I have purchased mascaras that are much better and will not purchase from this company again. Too expensive to be so disappointing. I do want to say it arrived promptly.

6 years ago

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Carol B.

Disappointed in the mascara and brilliant eye brightener. This mascara is definitely not better than the best mascara, Lancome, except that Thrive is cruelty free. But it doesn't make your lashes look great. The eye brightener doesn't go on easy and if you're putting it under your eyes, you have to drag it hard on your sensitive undereye skin. I'll keep the lipstick because it's a pretty shade. But will return the mascara and eye brightener.

6 years ago

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Maria White Virginia Beach, VA

I ordered the waterproof mascara, brown eyeliner and lipstick. 5 stars for the mascara and 0 stars for the eyeliner and lipstick. Waterproof eyeliner is too soft and didn't last at all. The lipstick, though it was the same color name that the one I ordered, didn't look like in the picture and leaves your lips very dry. I left a review on their web site and doesn't show there. I think they deleted it. Very very desapointed!

7 years ago

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Kiy morlet Pomona, CA

I'm disappointed in the Thrive " waterproof " liner. I was SO excited to receive it due to all the enthusiastic reviews. Well.. BOOO.. it's NO BETTER than any other waterproof liner.. you might as well use NYX, wet and wild NYC or any other drugstore brand.. the reason the Thrive FB has such great reviews is because they BLOCK anyone with anything that is even slightly negative .. even questions.. so buyer beware...

8 years ago

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Pearl Huntersville, NC

I really wish I had read the reviews first. The mascara is VERY clumpy and sticky. Good luck getting it off. Especially without pulling your lashes out. Normal make up remover or face wash will NOT get this off. Don't waste your money. Next.

5 years ago

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Jd Young Locust Dale, VA

Purchased the mascara and lipstick. I’d give the mascara a 5 on the 1-10 scale. Not impressed. But, am truly disappointed in the lipstick. It is dry and difficult to apply, pulls the lips. I was lookin forward to a moist, dependable lipstick. They were my only - and last - purchases from Thrive.

5 years ago

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Kendra Taggart Washougal, WA

I like it just fine but it’s not at all in anyway like the advertising. I would never ever spend the money again. Drugstore mascara can be purchased waaay cheaper and is equivalent. Not worth the hassle of returning but definitely won’t recommend or consider buying other products.

6 years ago

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Deidre Barber Denver, CO

I bought the liquid lash extension mascara based on the rave reviews I read on Thrive Causemetics' website. I am extremely disappointed. It is dry and clumps up, and leaves little black specks on the cheeks, which are hard to brush off. Definitely would not recommend the mascara. I haven't tried any of Thrive's other products.

6 years ago

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Mary Elgin, TX

I got my product but the lipstick does not stay on like it claims. Mine came off within a hour. Very disappointed. Spent 96 dollars all together hope the other products work better then the lipstick. Pretty color tho, but don't last.

6 years ago

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Cristina Chevy Chase, MD

I bought their eyeliner that is amazing, so I was very happy, but I bought a lipstick as well that broke on after only using it twice. I also wrote 2 reviews about this online and haven't been offered a refund or a new lipstick to be sent to me. Additionally, both of my reviews have been DELETED from the website.

6 years ago

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Jo ann haley

Thrive doesn't tell you that you, the buyer, is responsible for return fees if you want a refund. I think they should post return fee is buyer responsibility BEFORE the purchase is made. All it says is Easy Returns. The semi-permanent waterproof eyeliner does not work any better than the popular brands for 1/3 the cost

7 years ago

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Allene

I have a problem with the service. The eyeliner I bought is not waterproof as claimed, yet ALL reviews on the sight give it 5 out of 5 stars. How is that possible? Also, there is NO phone number anywhere to ask about returns, and no receipt was included with the shipment.

8 years ago

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Ribbit ASMR Elkton, MD

I really love how it made my lashes look but for a product so expensive I had to stop using it, it is the first and only mascara that has given me contact dermatitis under one of my eyes

3 years ago

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Rosemarie Chegwin Valencia, CA

I am sorry I fell for the ad on Facebook. I have very sparse and slow growing eyelashes. This product does not extend eyelashes it makes them look separate not full. I would not recommend.

5 years ago

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Sara Ventura, CA

I purchased Lip Mate High-Shine Reviving Topper™ (Glinda) I am not impressed-- it works no better than any of my other High shine lipsticks at less than half the cost of this one...

5 years ago

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Denise M Yorktown Heights, NY

Purchased eyeliner and lipstick. Liked the eyeliner but for the price wasn’t impressed with lipstick. Not creamy and I feel for the money I could have bought a Lancome or L’Oréal.

6 years ago

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Susan Trevino Pasadena, TX

I bought the Thrive Causemetics semi permanent eyeliner. I was so excited! Don’t waste your money. It didn’t even last for 2 hours. $7.00 dollar Revlon lasts longer. I'm very, very disappointed.

6 years ago

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jo Palm Harbor, FL

I haven't bought it yet. My comment is...why offer it to women who are going through chemo?? From one who knows YOU DON'T HAVE any eyelashes. Mine fell out.

6 years ago

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Ryan Burke Chicago, IL

Mascara was incredibly clumpy after only 1 month of usage. I posted a review on the website and they never made it public, they are clearly filtering their reviews.

7 years ago

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Mirta

Bought two eyeliners. The colors are beautiful,but they do not stay in place ( only reason I bought them)'They really smudge. So I will not purchase again. M

7 years ago

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Barbara

I enjoy the product, if and when it arrives. I ordered 2 weeks ago and according to shipping info, it is still out for packaging.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Heidi Remondino Milwaukee, WI

Excellent Delivery! Great Cause! Did the liquid Eyelash Extensions Mascara work? NOPE! Still can't beat the Lorac Pro + Fiber.

6 years ago

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LORI A PELLETIER Fall River, MA

I ordered once. Not impressed. My eyes have been burning ever since, not sure if it was the mascara or eyeliner or both. Wanted to like it.

7 years ago

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Review Source

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Laura Flewellin Rockford, IL

Very disappointed with the eye brightening shadow. Twice I’ve gotten them sent broke :(

2 years ago

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Carole Cross Fountain Valley, CA

Liquid Lash Extensions flake... I am displeased with the product.

3 years ago

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Liz Mt. Pleasant, SC

Their lipstsick is very drying and uncomfortable.

6 years ago