Why Lash Primers Are Essential for Stunning Lashes
In the fall of 2022, we consulted makeup artists to find the best mascaras for those with sparse lashes. While many excellent mascaras were recommended, Michigan-based makeup artist Kierra Lanice Wray emphasized that a high-quality lash primer is crucial, regardless of the mascara formula used. According to our previous reporting, applying a lash primer before mascara creates a fresh base, enhances lash health, and improves mascara performance. Wray revealed her favorite lash primer, calling it "one of the best, if not the best, on the market." Below, we feature her top pick along with other highly rated primers from renowned brands at various price points.
1. Essence Princess Lash Primer
The original Essence Princess Lash mascara is a viral drugstore favorite, known for its low price and ability to add wispy, eye-catching length without clumping. Experts have recommended it in past reports. Now, the primer version offers even more exaggerated volume and length. It features the same conical, soft elastomer brush that separates and coats each lash beautifully. This formula is enriched with conditioning agents for soft, healthy lashes. Available at Amazon, Target, and Ulta for $5.
2. Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Also by Essence, the Volume Booster lash primer adds noticeable volume and creates a moisturizing shield around each lash, protecting them from damage. Infused with acai oil and mango butter, it hydrates, nourishes, and conditions lashes. Priced at $5 at Amazon and Ulta, and $6 at Target.
3. Luxury Lash Primer and Serum
Wray named this luxury pre-mascara product "one of, if not the best, lash primers on the market." It prepares lashes for mascara by adding volume and curl, and with consistent use, improves overall lash appearance. It contains cotton nectar for softness and cornflower floral water to enhance lash shine and color. It is clump-resistant and does not turn mascara gray despite its white appearance. Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Ulta for $35.
4. Honest Beauty Double-Ended Mascara and Primer
For stubborn lashes, Wray recommended this multifunctional product by Honest, which serves as both primer and mascara. The double-ended tube features mascara on one side and primer on the other, saving money. The mascara is infused with jojoba esters to condition and soften lashes, while the primer provides an even base for flawless application. Available at Amazon and Target for $20.
5. Clinique Lash-Building Primer
Clinique's High Impact mascara is a trusted formula that is smudge-free, easy to layer, and creates defined length and volume without irritation. The brand's lash-building base holds mascara fibers better than mascara alone and contains lash conditioners and hydrators for healthier lashes. Available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Ulta for $24.
6. L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer
L'Oreal's Voluminous mascara is a favorite for making lashes appear fluffy, longer, and volumized without looking weighed down. The primer version promises a "blowout effect" and builds dramatic length and volume while conditioning lashes. Currently on sale for $9 at iHerb.
7. Babe Original Intensifying Lash Primer
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ulta, this primer stands out for its noticeable volumizing effect and skin-care-like ingredients. It contains a biotin and peptide complex to promote fuller-looking lashes, along with shea butter, panthenol, castor seed oil, and basil root extract to support lash follicles. Available at Target, Nordstrom, and Ulta for $15.
8. Lancome Cils Booster XL Lash Primer
Lancome, known for luxury mascaras, offers this enhancing primer with microfibers for exaggerated length and volume. It evenly coats and smooths each lash with a soft-fluff brush and is enriched with lash conditioners like vitamin B5 and E. Available at Amazon and Nordstrom for $23, and Sephora for $30.
9. Tarte Tubing Lash Primer
Tubing mascaras differ from traditional ones by using polymers that envelop lashes to build length. Tarte's tubing formula is a reviewer favorite, and the brand has applied this technology to a lash primer that wraps lashes in protective tubes for added length. This carnuba wax-based primer is infused with shea butter, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid to condition and hydrate lashes. Optimized for use with tubing mascaras. Available at Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta for $15+.
10. Benefit They're Real! Tinted Lash Primer
Most lash primers apply white, but Benefit's primer is tinted mink brown, allowing for a natural look when worn alone or a more dramatic effect under mascara. The provitamin B5 formula and fluffy, dome-tipped wand create defined, feathery, root-boosted lashes. Available at Nordstrom, Ulta, and Revolve for $29.
