The world of mascaras is vast—there are lengthening, volumizing, and defining formulas in every shade, price point, and wand shape imaginable. The best mascara primers, on the other hand, are a bit of uncharted territory. Most likely haven’t realized that there even is a step before mascara that can improve length, boost volume, and add an extra layer of conditioning for longer, stronger lashes.
Vogue’s Favorite Mascara Primers
Best Overall
Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer
Jump to reviewBest Splurge
Dior Diorshow Maximizer 4D Lash Primer-Serum
Jump to reviewBest Tubing Formula
Tarte tartelette™ Tubing Mascara Primer
But before you buy the first primer you see, consider the type of formula you prefer (tubing or traditional), if you need it to be waterproof, and what your goal is: conditioning, lengthening, or all of the above. There is a lot to sort through, which is why we asked two professional makeup artists to break down everything you need to know about mascara primers, along with nine of our collective favorites to shop.
In This Story:
Best Overall: Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer
Lancôme
Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer
- Why We Love It: “One of the original mascara primers, this formula combines conditioning ingredients and microfibers to plump lashes instantly and over time,” says makeup artist Lauren Martinez. Then there’s fellow pro Katie Galliher who calls it her “personal favorite mascara primer,” noting that it is especially good for nourishing and conditioning lashes. The formula is infused with vitamin E, which helps improve and protect lashes with continued use while adding noticeable length and thickness.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, vitamin E
- Best For: Volumizing, lengthening
- Color: White
- Size: 0.13 oz, 0.18 oz
Best Splurge: Dior Diorshow Maximizer 4D Lash Primer-Serum
Dior
Diorshow Maximizer 4D Lash Primer-Serum
- Why We Love It: Fans of the Diorshow mascara will be happy to learn that the brand sells a lash primer-serum crafted to amplify the benefits of the beloved mascara. It lifts, lengthens, thickens, and defines to the point where your lashes can pass for extensions. Martinez says the thin comb applicator “grabs every lash,” which makes the formula simple to work with. Apply it on bare lashes, then follow with mascara while the primer is still wet.
- Editor’s Experience: “Dior’s mascara primer is a classic. My lashes are very long, but thin, so I don’t mind the extra oomph. A little goes a long way with this primer, so I usually wipe the brush off before applying to avoid any unsightly clumping (because if you know me, you know I loathe clumpy, spidery mascara).” —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Cornflower, cotton flower, chamomile extract
- Best For: Volumizing, lengthening
- Color: Clear
- Size: 0.3 oz.
Best Tubing Formula: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Primer
Tarte
tartelette™ Tubing Mascara Primer
- Why We Love It: If you prefer tubing mascaras, this primer— infused with shea butter, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid to keep lashes moisturized and conditioned—is for you. Martinez calls it one of her “personal favorites” because it is great for holding a curl. Its white tint helps mascara appear richer, though Galliher recommends keeping the layers light so it does not peek through.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, carnauba wax, Japanese fruit wax
- Best For: Volumizing, curling, lengthening
- Color: White
- Size: 0.13 oz, 0.27 oz
Best Waterproof Formula: Too Faced Better Than Sex Foreplay Waterproof Mascara Primer
Too Faced
Better Than Sex Foreplay Waterproof Mascara Primer
- Why We Love It: Galliher describes this waterproof formula as a “nourishing, lengthening, thickening, lifting, long-wear primer” that delivers up to 24 hours of wear. Unlike many primers that come in clear or white, this one has a black tint, so there is no risk of a white pigment showing through, and you can wear it on its own for a softer look. The wand coats each lash evenly, giving definition without the heaviness of a traditional mascara. Galliher notes that because it is waterproof, it can be more difficult to remove, so you will need a proper eye makeup remover on hand.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, grapeseed oil
- Best For: Volumizing, curling, lengthening
- Color: Black
- Size: 0.13 oz, 0.27 oz
Best Drugstore Option: Covergirl Lash Blast Amplify Eyelash Primer
Lash Blast Amplify Eyelash Primer
- Why We Love It: Hidden in plain sight at the drugstore, this under-$15 option from Covergirl is what Galliher calls a “cruelty-free, lightweight, lengthening, and volumizing primer.” It glides on smoothly, has a great price point and performs just as well as the high-end formulas. The infusion of argan, jojoba, and coconut oils lends lashes a healthy sheen after application. Though it’s long-lasting and removes easily, Galliher notes that it is easy to over-apply, making a light hand is essential.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil
- Best For: Conditioning, volumizing
- Color: White
- Size: 0.44 Fl Oz
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Serum Infused Lash Primer
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Serum Infused Lash Primer
- Why We Love It: Galliher is a fan of this nourishing drugstore primer formulated with ceramides and vitamin B5. “[Maybelline Sky High] is one of my favorite drugstore primers and is just as good, if not better than, many higher-end formulas,” Galliher says. It lengthens, thickens, and conditions lashes, and the soft black tint makes it easy to wear on its own for subtle definition. Plus, because its allergy- and ophthalmologist-tested, it’s also a great choice for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearer.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin B5
- Best For: Lengthening, volumizing
- Color: Soft black
- Size: 0.26 Fl Oz
Best for Conditioning: Clinique Lash Building Primer
- Why We Love It: According to Galliher, this Clinique primer is ideal for anyone dealing with lash breakage or dryness, since the formula works as a moisturizing conditioner that helps mend and soften lashes. Martinez adds that “glycerin and panthenol nourish and moisturize the lashes, making this primer a perfect pair for waterproof mascara formulas.” It’s dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested and ophthalmologist-tested, and free of fragrance, oils, parabens and phthalates, which makes it especially well suited for sensitive eyes.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol
- Best For: Moisturizing
- Color: White
- Size: 1 oz.
Best for Volume: Grande Cosmetics GrandePrimer Pre-Mascara
- Why We Love It: While Grande Cosmetics is best known for its lash and brow growth serums, some of its other products fly under the radar, including this pre-mascara primer, which contains similar growth-supporting ingredients. According to Martinez, “the peptides in this formula help lashes grow longer over time while the microfibers provide fuller volume.” Since it’s a cream tint, Galliher notes that you should follow with mascara right away to avoid any drying or clumping.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, beeswax, vitamin B5
- Best For: Volumizing, lengthening
- Color: Cream
- Size: 0.32 oz
Best False Lash Effect: Fenty Beauty Hella Extra Mascara-Boosting Lash Primer
Fenty Beauty
Hella Extra Mascara-Boosting Lash Primer
- Why We Love It: After a false lash effect, sans the strip eyelashes? Fenty Beauty’s pick adds instant thickness to even the thinnest of lashes. Unlike most mascara primers, this lends more soft pink than stark white color. The subtlety in shade allows for your mascara to do the talking, rather than painstakingly coating each lash to shroud the appearance of your white primer. Meanwhile a blend of jojoba esters, synthetic beeswax and glycerin add much needed hydration to lashes, all while preventing your mascara formula from drying out and flaking. Keep in mind that this lengthening mascara primer formula is quite creamy, so apply with a light hand.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters, synthetic beeswax, glycerin
- Best For: Volumizing, lengthening
- Color: Pale pink
- Size: 0.32 oz
Everything You Need To Know
Is mascara primer worth it?
Yes. According to Martinez, “Mascara primer is absolutely worth it, especially if you have short, fine or straight lashes or struggle to get your mascara to last all day.” Galliher adds that it is also worth using if you want a little extra “oomph” from your mascara, whether that means more volume, length, curl or nourishment. And honestly, who doesn’t.
What does a primer do for mascara?
Martinez explains that “primer helps lock in a curl, increase wear time, and boost overall definition by plumping each lash with conditioning ingredients.” Galliher adds that it also “creates a smooth base for mascara to grip to, which enhances volume and length,” and she notes that it helps maintain curl throughout the day.
What to Look for in a Mascara Primer
Martinez explains that if you have dry lashes, you should look for primers with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, argan oil, and grapeseed oil. This is especially important if you wear waterproof mascara, which can be more drying. For short or straight lashes, she recommends a tubing primer that builds length and wraps each lash to help hold a curl. And for fine lashes, look for a formula with microfibers that can add thickness and density.
How to Apply Mascara Primer
According to Martinez, you should start with clean lashes. Curl them first, then apply the primer from root to tip. She says you can swipe on multiple layers if you want extra lift or volume. Before the primer dries, apply your mascara so it blends smoothly with the primer without smudging or clumping
Does mascara primer protect eyelashes?
Yes, it can help protect eyelashes. Galliher says that “most primers contain conditioning ingredients like vitamins and oils that strengthen lashes while creating a barrier between the mascara and the lash. This is especially beneficial with waterproof mascara, which I find to be more drying and damaging than regular formulas.”
Should older women apply mascara primer?
Yes, older women can benefit from using a mascara primer. Galliher explains that “due to hormones and environmental factors, older women’s hair often becomes drier, and hair loss is common, not only on the head but on the brows and lashes too. Mascara primers can protect and nourish lashes, with the added benefit of restoring some of the length and volume that may have been lost over time.”
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity makeup artists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to mascara primers, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, tint, wand style, how it layers with mascara, and the lash benefits they impart. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
- Katie Galliher is a celebrity makeup artist based between New York and Nashville. Her clients include Jessica Biel, Troye Sivan, Nicole Kidman, and more.
- Lauren Martinez is a Nashville-based professional makeup artist who specializes in red carpet and editorial makeup.
