We actually expect quite a lot from our mascaras. If they deliver twice the volume and length, we want three times the fullness instead. Thankfully, beauty brands continue to innovate with formulas that take our lashes to new extremes. Although there’s only so much a mascara can do on its own. Enter mascara primers.
Lash primers function similar to makeup primers. They provide a much-needed base for mascara to adhere to so it lasts all day (and night) without running. Which is what we really want from our mascaras, after all. Lash primers also help thicken and lengthen lashes before your go-to mascara is even applied. So a lash primer plus a great mascara will help you create the long, flirty lashes of your dreams.
Another plus? Many mascara primers are formulated with nourishing ingredients to help lashes stay soft and smooth. Healthier-looking lashes mean you can skip the mascara on days you want a no-makeup makeup look.
Go ahead and scroll down to see the best mascara primers for supersized lashes. Since this Saturday February 19 is National Lash Day, picking up one is a great way to celebrate.
Lashes in need of a boost? Make your mascara go the extra mile with these best eyelash primers.
Image: Imaxtree
Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer, $29.50 at Bloomingdale’s
Dior’s serum primer helps deliver oversized lashes and conditioning. Its air-pumped texture coats each and every lash to give your mascara a big boost. The formula also improves lash appearance, thickness and curl.
Lancome Cils Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Lash Thickening Mascara Primer, $19.60 at Ulta Beauty
Looking to add sheer volume? Meet your new BFF. All it takes is one sweep to see results. Its conditioning formula is infused with micro-fibers along with vitamins B5 and E so lashes seem longer and fuller.
IT Cosmetics Tightline Lash Defining and Lengthening Black Mascara Primer, $26 at Ulta Beauty
Tightlining can make eyes look supersized, but do it wrong and it can ruin a flawless smoky eye with just a few misplaced strokes. This innovative mascara primer delivers a tightlined look while helping prime lashes for mascara. The secret is the tiny brush, which allows the product to be applied at the very root for longer, fuller, flirtier lashes. The black formula also fills in sparse areas on the lash line for a rimmed look without the use of eyeliner.
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer, $27 at Benefit Cosmetics
This mink brown primer contains provitamin B5 to condition lashes. It can be worn on its own for natural-looking, feathery lashes or under mascara to boost performance and keep lashes from clumping.
Hourglass Curator Ascent Extended Wear Lash Primer, $39 at Nordstrom
This has to be one of the chicest eyelash primers — nay, lash products — around. The unique primer has a clear formula comprised of flexible wax and solid film-former. The weightless product is applied with a special Curator Lash Instrument that has a stainless steel tip for 360-degree range. The formula and application may initially seem awkward compared to the usual brush, but you’ll soon be a convert.
Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-in-1 Mascara and Lash Primer With Jojoba Esters, $16.99 at Target
Get a mascara and primer in one with this dual-sided product. Designed to be worn together, the primer builds a solid base while intensifying the color of the mascara. The mascara gives major lift and length, even without an eyelash curler.
Chanel La Base Mascara Volume and Care Lash Primer, $32 at Chanel
Chanel’s mascara base improves and extends wear. The formula’s pro-vitamin B5 nourishes as meadowfoam oil protects. It goes on white then turns translucent.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Boosting Conditioning Primer Mascara, $6.74 at Amazon
This lightweight option instantly boosts your lashes. Simply swipe on before mascara to build both volume and length. The price is pretty good, too.
Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer, $24 at Tarte
This formula promises a whopping 952 percent increase in lash volume before applying mascara. The 360-degree brush coats even the smallest lashes and the plant-based formula takes lashes to XXL lengths.
Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer, $22 at Urban Decay
It’s one thing to have long, voluminous lashes, but it doesn’t mean much if they’re dry and flaky. This lightweight mascara primer is like a treatment mask for lashes. The cruelty-free product contains panthenol and conditioning vitamin E to keep lashes looking their best. Combined with the creamy formula and a brush that coats every lash, the final result will have people mistaking your own lashes for falsies.
Estee Lauder Little Black Primer, $26 at Estée Lauder
Every closet needs a little black dress, but this mascara primer has convinced us that every makeup bag needs a Little Black Primer. It does all the things a mascara primer should, including boosting volume, length and thickness. The curved brush delivers ample product in a few strokes. Plus, the black formula can be used as a top coat on mascara.
NYX Professional Makeup Big + Loud Lash Primer, $7.85 at Amazon
Bigger is better when it comes to eyelashes. This primer takes stubby lashes to longer lengths thanks to the skinny brush that makes it easy to apply the product right at the roots of lashes.
Clinic Lash Building Primer, $19 at Clinique
Make mascara go the extra mile and ensure it stays in place with this eyelash primer. The conditioning formula keeps lashes healthy, while the polymer combination “holds” mascara for a longer, fuller effect and extended wear. Apply and say goodbye to midafternoon raccoon eyes.
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