Why do some lashes look like they belong in a magazine ad while others barely show up? Getting that thick, fluttery look often comes down to your prep work.
If you want to stop mascara from clumping or fading by noon, you need a primer. These Best Primer Mascaras act like a foundation for lashes, smoothing the surface before color arrives. Read on to see which base fits your routine.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas containing conditioning ingredients like hyaluronic acid if you have brittle or dry eyelashes.
- Choose a white primer if you want to verify total coverage before applying your final coat of black mascara.
- Look for tubing technology if you struggle with smudging or have oily eyelids that usually cause raccoon eyes.
- Select a formula with a slim brush head if you have short lashes or need to reach those tricky inner corners.
- Consider a multifunctional product if you want to save time by combining your eyeliner, primer, and mascara into one step.
| The Gold Standard |  |
Lancôme Cils Booster XL Primer | Smooths lash surface | Adds noticeable volume | Conditions with vitamins | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Volume |  |
Essence Lash Princess Mascara Primer | Affordable lash boost | Soft finish | Adds extra length | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Lengthening Fiber Power |  |
Maybelline Sky High Mascara | Intense lash extension | Flexible brush design | No clumping | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Hydration Focused Base |  |
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Lash Primer | Hyaluronic acid infusion | Vegan formula | Smooths lash texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Travel |  |
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Travel Primer | Compact travel size | Moisturizing formula | Easy to transport | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Time Saver |  |
IT Cosmetics Tightline 3-in-1 | Combines three steps | Reaches the roots | Defines lash line | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Lancôme Cils Booster XL Primer
If you want your lashes to look like you are wearing extensions, this is the primer for you. It coats each lash in a white, vitamin-infused formula that builds significant volume before you even apply your regular mascara.
Because the formula is so effective at thickening individual hairs, you might find that it requires a bit of extra care to ensure your black mascara fully covers the white base. It is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a dramatic, high-impact finish.
- Brand:Lancôme
- Product Type:Lash Primer
- Main Benefit:Visible lash enhancement
- Application Style:Wand brush
- Additional Feature:Vitamin E enriched
- Additional Feature:Conditions lashes over time
- Additional Feature:Creates a base for mascara
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Essence Lash Princess Mascara Primer
You do not need to spend a fortune to get a noticeable boost in your lash routine. This primer adds length and volume while keeping the lashes feeling flexible and soft rather than brittle or crunchy.
It is a great choice if you appreciate a lightweight texture that does not weigh your lashes down. Keep in mind that the formula is quite thin, so you should give it a few seconds to set before layering your top coat.
- Brand:Essence
- Product Type:Lash Primer
- Main Benefit:Length and volume
- Application Style:Fiber wand
- Additional Feature:Lightweight formula
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
- Additional Feature:Flexible lash feel
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Maybelline Sky High Mascara
While technically a mascara, the formula performs like a primer by using lengthening fibers to extend your lashes to extreme heights. It is perfect if your main goal is to add significant length without creating a clumpy mess.
The brush is very flexible, which acts like a small comb to separate every lash. If you prefer a very natural look, be careful, as this product is designed for high-reaching impact.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Type:Lengthening Mascara
- Main Benefit:Sky high length
- Application Style:Flex tower brush
- Additional Feature:Infused with bamboo extract
- Additional Feature:Defines each lash
- Additional Feature:Washable formula
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Tarte Tartelette Tubing Lash Primer
This primer acts as a conditioning treatment for your lashes while they are covered in makeup. It uses hyaluronic acid to ensure your lashes stay moisturized, which is a great perk if you notice your lashes feel dry after removing mascara.
The formula creates a smooth foundation that helps your mascara glide on without skipping. Because it is a tubing formula, it is exceptionally durable and stands up well to long days.
- Brand:Tarte
- Product Type:Conditioning Primer
- Main Benefit:Hydrated, full lashes
- Application Style:Precision wand
- Primary Ingredient:Hyaluronic Acid
- Additional Feature:Cruelty-free ingredients
- Additional Feature:Moisture rich base
- Additional Feature:Tubing technology
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Tarte Tartelette Tubing Travel Primer
This is the same conditioning primer as the full-size version, just tucked into a compact package. It is perfect for tossing into a gym bag or carry-on luggage so you never have to skip your lash routine.
The hyaluronic acid helps keep your lashes supple and healthy throughout the day. It is a fantastic pick if you want a reliable base that you can take anywhere with ease.
- Brand:Tarte
- Product Type:Conditioning Primer
- Size Capacity:Travel size
- Main Benefit:Hydration
- Application Style:Precision wand
- Primary Ingredient:Hyaluronic Acid
- Additional Feature:Vegan and cruelty-free
- Additional Feature:Convenient portable packaging
- Additional Feature:Tubing base coat
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IT Cosmetics Tightline 3-in-1
If you are tired of juggling multiple products, this tool functions as an eyeliner, primer, and mascara in one. It features a very thin brush that allows you to get right into the root of your lashes to create the appearance of a fuller lash line.
It is an ideal choice for a minimalist makeup kit where efficiency is the top priority. Just note that the thin brush requires a steady hand to apply the product specifically to the roots.
- Brand:IT Cosmetics
- Product Type:Multi-purpose mascara
- Main Benefit:Tightlining effect
- Application Style:Skinny wand
- Additional Feature:3-in-1 functionality
- Additional Feature:Increases lash volume
- Additional Feature:Precise application wand