Turns out lash primers *are* necessary–here's the best we've tried
A lash primer is an essential step
With so many recent lash primer launches, all we want to know is if the best lash primers are necessary? There's lots to think about, is it worth another step in your makeup routine? Is it worth the ££'s? Well, the experts say that the best lash primers are definitely worth the extra step.
You know how the best foundation doesn't work as well or stay as long without a slick of the best primer underneath? Well, you'll find that the same applies to your best mascara.
Cocktailed with your mascara, eyelash primers also boost the volume of spindly hairs and extend their length for a false-lash effect. Not to mention, some formulas are tinted. Keep scrolling to find out what you need to know about using a lash primer.
Is lash primer necessary?
"Eyelash primers give your lashes a new surface to adhere to," says Nam Vo, Global Artistry Ambassador for Marc Jacobs.
"Yes, it's another step in your beauty regime. But eyelash primers ensure that when you layer mascara on top, it goes on clump free. Plus, they seal your mascara in place. There's no flaking or smudging throughout the day, so it's worth it," Vo explains.
This beefs up all lashes, making them look instantly denser. Even if you choose not to wear mascara on top. But it's especially beneficial for those with fair lashes as the overall pigment is richer and longer lasting. Many eyelash primers nourish and condition, too.
However, it's not necessary to choose the same brand of lash primer and mascara - if the lash primer is great, it will help any mascara last longer.
Who needs a lash primer?
"A lash primer is ideal for people who have really straight lash profiles where nothing seems to hold the curl, or those who have turned to lash services like a lash lift or extensions because they feel like they can never get a dramatic look with their natural lashes," says Elyse Reneau, Executive Director at Global Beauty Too Faced.
How to use lash primer?
"Lash primer is meant to be worn underneath mascara in order to achieve its maximum effect. Simply add a coat or two to your lashes before putting on your favorite mascara. The great thing about Better Than Sex Foreplay is that we made the formula in a pitch black shade, which avoids the traditionally white residue that other lash primers typically have. While we recommend pairing with Better Than Sex, it works under any mascara, or even on its own," explains Reneau.
"I like to apply it and let it sit while I do something else on my face and then I apply the mascara, it’s protective for your lashes because mascara is so drying and can also be left on overnight as a lash treatment," make-up artist, Demi Zissimou tells Marie Claire UK.
What to look for in a lash primer?
Do you want tinted or non tinted? One more thing to consider when picking an eyelash primer: the shape of the wand.
"A curved wand with thick bristles is great for creating major volume and drama in one swipe," says Vo from Marc Jacobs Beauty. "A tiny precision tip wand is what I use for mess-free application on the lower lashes. Tapered wands are great for those hard-to-reach places, like the inner and outer lashes."
Best lash primers as tested by team Marie Claire UK
The Marie Claire team has been busy testing. Scroll down to see the ones we really rate...
Tested by Dionne Brighton, Beauty Writer: "The Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara is one of my favourites, so when they launched a primer I just had to try it. I'm usually always for doing the quickest makeup possible, but ever since I tried this I haven't been able to stop using it. I've never liked a lash primer before because of the white cast, and then I have to do more coats of mascara. But because this is tinted, it lifted my lashes before I even put mascara on and actually used less mascara as a result. So it's a win-win situation for me."
Tested by Fiona Embleton, senior beauty editor: 'I'm actually a big fan of eyelash primers having seen make-up artists cross their fingers and apply them to models with barely-there lashes after wearing too many falsies during Fashion Week. Every time the results were astonishing - and the same is true when I used this one on my own lashes. Sky-high length? Check. More definition? Check. And it also breathed life into the last dregs of my current mascara. Suddenly there was no more clumpy or patchy application, just a quick, smooth swipe through. Brilliant.'
Tested by Lucy Abbersteen, beauty writer: "First of all, I like that this primer is black, because it makes sense to match it to the colour of your mascara. I also like how skinny the brush is, as you can get right into the root of your lashes. It gave me seriously long, lifted lashes when paired with a volumising mascara, and you could probably wear it on its own for a more natural look, too."
Tested by Andrea Thompson, editor-in-chief: '"My make-up routine is pretty minimal so I’ve never considered using an eyelash primer before. First impressions were: is the white formula going to make my mascara look grey? Actually, I think I’ve been missing a trick. This primer gripped my lashes so they looked super long and gave my mascara's jet black hue extra sheen. It really opened my eyes, too. I’d definitely use it again."
Tested by Sarah Barnes, junior beauty writer: "My lashes are long but weak so I try not to overload them with product. Any fears about adding an extra coat under my mascara were unfounded as this formula is incredibly light and silky thanks to the conditioning jojoba oil. Another bonus: the jojoba oil makes eye make-up removal a doddle as there’s no unnecessary rubbing or lash fall out and the hairs still feel soft. My top tip? Wait a minute before applying mascara so the primer has time to set."
