Lash Primers Are Worth It

Introduction to Lash Primers

The best lash primers help you get the most out of your favorite mascara. Whether your ideal flutter craves lengthening, separation, volume, or all of the above, the right primer makes mascara easier to apply and results longer-lasting and more noticeable. Like regular mascaras, these base coats come in a variety of wand shapes, pigments, bonus ingredients, and talents, making it tricky to pinpoint your perfect match.

Our Top Picks

We checked in with editors, makeup artists, cosmetic chemists, and board-certified dermatologists to help you zero in on the best of the best. Ahead, shop our favorites, complete with our editors’ before-and-after pics.

Best for Lengthening

Lancôme Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

Lancôme’s Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is usually our answer to "Why do your eyelashes look so good?" and, honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. This 2021 Best of Beauty alum provides a grippy, nourishing base coat that makes your lashes look longer, fuller, and prepped for pigment. By priming your lashes, you help them separate evenly, which maximizes surface area and sets the stage for your mascara to catch eyes. The lash-loving formula packs vitamins B5 and E to promote growth and keep lashes healthy. Bonus: You can even wear this primer solo overnight as a conditioning treatment. And don’t worry, the primer’s initial white color won’t get in the way of the black (or brown, or burgundy) of your mascara, as long as you apply your top coat while the base is still wet.

Contributing editor Deanna Pai applied Lancôme’s Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base and saw a significant difference. She notes that it takes a minute to dry, which can be annoying when she’s in a rush. The key ingredients in this primer include vitamin E, and it’s best for people who prefer length over volume.

Best for Layering

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Tinted Primer

Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Sky High Tinted Primer scores major points for versatility. Unlike many of its priming peers, the formula doubles as a soft-black tint that can be worn solo or in conjunction with your favorite mascara. Infused with ceramides and vitamin B5 to condition, this primer helps your mascara layers appear less clumpy and crunchy, making your lashes feel healthier over time. The trick to this primer is to let it dry fully before applying a follow-up—thankfully, it dries really quickly, so patience needn’t be a virtue.

Contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applied Maybelline’s New York’s Lash Sensational Sky High Tinted Primer and was impressed with the results. She notes that the wand’s flexibility makes it easier to catch the tiny lashes in the inner corners of your eyes. The key ingredients in this primer include ceramides, carnauba wax, jojoba oil, and vitamin B5, and it’s best for people looking for a multi-use primer that can be worn in different ways.

Best 2-in-1

Honest Mascara + Primer

Honest Beauty’s Extreme Length Mascara & Lash Primer has us fist-pumping. The primer end of this dual-sided tube is infused with softening jojoba esters, helping your mascara swipe on more smoothly and evenly with maximum lash lengthening and separation. Just brush on the primer, wait about 30 seconds, and then follow up with the jet-black mascara side of the tube.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the right lash primer can make all the difference in achieving the perfect lash look. Whether you’re looking for lengthening, layering, or a 2-in-1 product, there’s a primer out there for you. With the help of our top picks, you can say goodbye to clumpy, crunchy lashes and hello to a more voluminous, longer-lasting look.

FAQs

Q: What is a lash primer?
A: A lash primer is a base coat that you apply to your lashes before applying mascara. It helps to separate, lengthen, and volumize your lashes, making them look healthier and more noticeable.

Q: How do I choose the right lash primer?
A: When choosing a lash primer, consider your lash type and what you want to achieve. If you have short lashes, look for a lengthening primer. If you have thin lashes, look for a volumizing primer. If you want a multi-use product, consider a 2-in-1 primer and mascara.

Q: How do I apply a lash primer?
A: To apply a lash primer, simply brush it onto your lashes before applying mascara. Make sure to let it dry fully before applying your top coat.

Q: Can I wear a lash primer alone?
A: Yes, some lash primers can be worn alone as a conditioning treatment or to add a touch of color to your lashes.

Q: Are lash primers worth it?
A: Yes, lash primers are worth it if you want to achieve a more voluminous, longer-lasting lash look. They help to separate, lengthen, and volumize your lashes, making them look healthier and more noticeable.