You can swipe on the best mascara money can buy, and your lashes still might not appear as long or thick as you desire. Not to mention, your lashes are exposed to the same environmental stress as the hair on your head, and they deserve a little conditioning care, too. That's where the best eyelash primers come in. Like a face primer does for foundation and concealer, eyelash primers help boost your mascara's performance by enhancing length, volume, and its staying power.
But not all eyelash primers are created equal. Some can actually make your lashes feel crunchy or stiff, so be sure to choose a formula that contains conditioning ingredients like vitamin B5, vitamin E, or glycerin to nourish and soften your lashes. You can also look for a primer with antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea or algae extract to help protect your lashes from damaging free radicals, which can ultimately make them thicker and healthier and less prone to breakage over time.
Another factor to consider when choosing a lash primer is the tint. Many lash primers have a white color to them that disappears once mascara is applied over top. Not only does the white help ensure that you've coated every lash, but it also allows the primer to work with any color mascara you choose, including vibrant neon shades. But you can also find eyelash primers that are already tinted brown or black to blend in with dark mascaras. These can also be worn on their own to enhance the appearance of your lashes while strengthening them.
Ahead, you'll find four of the best mascara primers for lengthening, holding a curl, and conditioning your lashes no matter what mascara you choose.