Let’s face it: whether your preferred beauty look is full-on Kardashian or #IWokeUpLikeThis, every girl’s wish in life is to have thick, long, dark eyelashes. But if you were not naturally blessed by the Perfect Lash Fairy, how best to go about getting them? Extensions are an option, but they get expensive and, like all good things, don’t last forever. Falsies work, but can be hard to apply every day. And if you have short eyelashes, a curler just isn’t going to cut it.
The true trick to getting those amazing lashes you’ve been dying for? Eyelash primers. Think of it as a base coat for your mascara that works to lengthen, volumize and replenish your natural lashes. To get the look we’ve rounded up the ten best eyelash primers you absolutely need to try. Pair them with your favorite mascara and you’ll be batting those lashes in no time.
Lancôme CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base
When you’re looking for an XL boost to your lashes, Lancôme’s super-enhancing mascara base is the product for you. Infused with microfibers and Vitamin E, the formula coats your lashes for length and thickness, smoothing them out to maximize the results of your everyday mascara. It goes on white, intensifying the pigments of a black mascara. You won’t believe your lashes can look this amazing. (Sephora, $25)
Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer
For high-volume lashes, prep with Urban Decay’s Subversion Lash Primer. It’s creamy formula contains Panthenol and Vitamin E for protection and conditioning, and is free of any fragrance or parabens. The extra-large brush allows for easy application that’ll leave you with thicker, longer and stronger lashes. The primer gives your lashes more weight, and therefore gives the mascara something to hold onto—don’t be surprised if people think you’re wearing falsies! (Sephora, $20)
Givenchy Mister Lash Booster
If you’re going for that perfect “No-Makeup Makeup” look, Givenchy has got the product for you. This all-in-one product is both a lash primer, serum and transparent mascara in one, meaning you get essential nutrients and a volumizing lift in just one swipe. The applicator is composed of supple bristles that will massage lashes to fortify and nourish them. Of course, you can still use it under a mascara, or even at night before bed for added treatment. Bonus—it can be used on brows too! (Sephora, $31)
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer
Made with high-performance natural ingredients like HydroPlant Peptide, cellulose and sweet almond extract, Tarte’s multiplEYE Lash Primer will condition, nourish and lengthen your lashes with every swipe. The cone-shaped brush ensures separation and precision while coating every lash from root to tip. Drying clear and clump free, you’ll have a smooth base for your mascara—and therefore an amazing dramatic look—in no time! (Amazon, $22)
Smashbox Layer Lash Primer
For ultra long lashes with extra hold and zero flaking, try Smashbox Layer Lash Primer. It’s nutrient packed formula includes panthenol for extra conditioning and strengthening, so not only will it extend the wear of your mascara, it will also leave your lashes in better shape than it found them. Apply directly at the root, wiggling the brush towards the ends of your lashes for a full coat with extra length and no clump. For the best results, apply mascara while the layer of primer is still wet.(Ulta, $19)
Estee Lauder Lash Primer
This multitasking primer does so much more than just prep. Giving you double the volume, this Estee Lauder product also curls (no more need for that eyelash curler!) and sets your lashes in place. While conditioning to prevent breakage, the formula acts like a magnet for your mascara to ensure long-lasting hold. Both ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, reviewers have said that this product has even helped their lashes grow longer and thicker. Score! (Nordstrom, $24)
Clinique Lash Building Primer
For dry lashes, this Clinique product is a must. It’s ophthalmologist-tested, moisturizing formula helps to mend those annoying breaking lashes. It’s unique polymer combination holds to lashes for longer and fuller wear, and reduces any chance of your mascara flaking off throughout the day. The white undercoat boosts your mascaras natural pigments while lengthening for your best look yet! (Nordstrom, $15)
Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base
After using an eyelash curler, apply this Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base to set the curl—think of it like hairspray for your lashes. To get that perfect fanned out, fringe look you’ve been dying for, apply this primer from root to tip. You’ll instantly get fuller volume and longer lashes! It’s lightweight formula matches perfectly with any volumizing mascara, so pair this with your favorite brand and you’ll be turning heads in no time. Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base, $24, Sephora.com)
Blinc Lash Primer
For the short-lashed babes, this lash and brow primer moisturizers and conditions even the stubbiest of hairs. Enriched with Vitamin E, the product replenishes Vitamin B5 levels to your lashes for protection against environmental stressors and other damage. Apply 1-2 coats of this dye-free formula and allow it to set for 30 seconds between coats before applying your regular mascara. You’re guaranteed to have unbeatable lashes with amazing volume and length with just the swipe of a brush! (Sephora, $20)
Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum
You’ve heard of plumpers for your lips, but how about a plumper for your lashes? The first “active serum” mascara primer, this Dior product contains soy proteins that promote growth, strength and vitality. It’s super light, quick dry formula can be applied at night as a treatment or during the day for a smooth base and added volume under a mascara. Priming and thickening your lashes will quickly become an absolute must in your everyday makeup routine; you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. (Sephora, $29)
