Editor’s Note: With summer comes the season of sunshine–but also the season of sweat. The heat and increased humidity that comes with summer has ruined many makeup looks of mine before I found the right tools for the job.
Did you know that mascara has been found to be the most used makeup product? Anyone who habitually wears mascara will tell you that it’s one of the most important aspects of their makeup, if not the single most important step. So, to prevent that all-important step from melting down your face in the middle of August, eyelash primer is here to save the day.
If you’re looking to incorporate this step into your makeup routine, or you need a replacement primer after doing some makeup bag spring cleaning, we’ve got just the guide for you.
Have you always wanted to have luscious, fluttery eyelashes like celebrities on the red carpet? Do you have difficulties achieving that look even with mascaras that boast having some of the most advanced formulas?
The truth is that most makeup artists use one secret ingredient to get beautiful, long eyelashes that look like extensions. That secret ingredient is an eyelash primer. Applying a layer of eyelash primer to your lashes can lead to incredible volume and length.
Eyelash primer comes in the same type of tube packaging as mascara and is designed to be worn under mascara. It’s basically a base coat for eyelashes that will add length and volume and protect your lashes from any harmful chemicals in the mascara. This product will also make colored mascara stand out even more and prevent it from smudging or flaking off throughout the day, so your lashes look pristine no matter how busy your day has been.
- How to Choose the Best Eyelash Primer
- Top 10 Best Eyelash Primers 2026
- 1. Best Overall Eyelash Primer: L’Oreal Voluminous Base Eyelash Primer
- 2. Best Budget Eyelash Primer: Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
- 3. Best Premium Eyelash Primer: Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer
- 4. Best Violet-Tinted Eyelash Primer: Milani The Violet One Lash Primer
- 5. Best Lightweight Eyelash Primer: Covergirl Lash Blast Eyelash Primer
- 6. Best for Protecting Lashes: Blinc Lash Primer
- 7. Best Pink-Tinted Primer: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Primer
- 8. Best for Long-Term Conditioning: Rimmel Ultimate Boost Volume Primer
- 9. Best for Volume: Christian Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer
- 10. Best for Casual Looks: Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer
- A Complete Guide to Eyelash Primers
- Get Beautiful Looking Lashes
How to Choose the Best Eyelash Primer
There are many different types of eyelash primers on the market. Choosing the right one can take some time. You really need to consider the type of product that you’re using and how well it will pair with your mascara. Let’s take a look at some of the more important factors that you should consider when narrowing down your choices.
Formula
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Each eyelash primer is made from different ingredients. As eyelash primers are designed to condition and lengthen eyelashes, it’s crucial that you take a look at the ingredient list and make sure that the product you are choosing contains some healthy fatty acids and oils. Some of the more popular active ingredients to look for include:
- Vitamin E. This natural antioxidant can strengthen, thicken and lengthen your eyelashes. They can prevent free radical damage and also protect your eyelashes from environmental pollution. This healthy oil can stimulate eyelash growth and moisturize and condition brittle or dry lashes, so they look shinier and healthier.
- Vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacin. Niacin can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles that support lash growth. This helps your body to create more eyelashes, so they look thicker and longer.
- Vitamin B5, also known as panthenol or pantothenic acid. This is another type of vitamin that can help give you thicker and longer-looking lashes. Vitamin B5 does a great job at conditioning and moisturizing lashes to give them that healthy shine that you’ve been dreaming of.
- Microfibers. Almost all eyelash primers contain microfibers, which are tiny threads. These fibers will cling to your lashes to give them a thicker, fuller look. It’ll also help bond mascara to your lashes, so you can get that red carpet look with ease.
- Peptides. There are different types of peptides that can do wonders for your eyelashes. These amino acid chains can strengthen your lashes and condition them. They can also help them grow more in the long run, so you’ll look like you naturally have eyelash extensions.
Many eyelash primers also contain other oils and butters that condition and lengthen eyelashes. We’ll go through some of the active ingredients in each product, so you get a better idea of what the formula of each eyelash primer can do for you.
Application
Next up, you want to look for an eyelash primer that is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. For one, you’ll need to consider the texture of the primer. Look for something that isn’t too thick or thin. The right consistency will coat your lashes without getting them stuck together. You should also choose an eyelash primer that goes on smooth.
Another thing to consider is the type of applicator that the eyelash primer comes in. Most eyelash primers come in the same type of packaging as mascara. The wand is easy for you to hold onto with one hand. The difference between mascara and eyelash primer is that you’ll want to look for a product that comes with a narrow, short-bristled brush. This type of brush will help separate each lash to ensure that each one is coated with some of the primer.
Noteworthy Features
Some eyelash primers are designed to protect and condition your lashes and protect them from environmental pollution. Others are designed to help stimulate eyelash growth or make your eyelashes pop. Each eyelash has its own noteworthy features that you should consider.
For example, tinted eyelash primers can give you a better idea of whether you’ve applied the primer evenly on your eyelashes. This is great for beginners who don’t have a lot of experience applying makeup. If you’re looking to make your eyelashes stand out, you can also look for an eyelash primer that’s tinted brown or black. These eyelash primers can be worn by themselves without any mascara although you’ll get more volume and length if you do apply mascara overtop.
Some eyelash primers are also waterproof, so you can wear them and go swimming. Each primer on our list has its own notable feature that makes it stand out.
Now that you know what to look for in an eyelash primer, let’s explore the very best ones on the market today.
Top 10 Best Eyelash Primers 2026
1. Best Overall Eyelash Primer: L’Oreal Voluminous Base Eyelash Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This eyelash primer is known for its ability to condition your lashes naturally, so you have healthier, longer lashes in the long run. It’s definitely a beauty hack that offers great value, as you’ll see a noticeable difference in your natural lashes within weeks. This product is affordable and works well with many different brands of mascara.
The only downside about this product is that it doesn’t appear to hold curls as well for those with very thick, straight lashes. These people may need to re-curl their lashes throughout the day to get that dramatic upward perm that they want. This product is one of our favorites because it checks almost all of the boxes of benefits that eyelash primers have to offer.
Formula
This formula can condition your lashes and boost the overall look and thickness of your mascara, so you easily achieve that dramatic red carpet look you’ve been dreaming of. This product is known for having many ingredients that condition and moisturize your lashes, like:
- Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, which contains a lot of vitamin A, C and E and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Jojoba oil, which has amazing rejuvenating properties that can save brittle, dry lashes and help them become healthy and long
- Pantothenol, also known as vitamin B5, which helps to naturally thicken eyelashes
These ingredients work together to condition and moisturize your lashes, so they become healthier with time. This is one of the best primers to use on a regular basis. You can even apply it onto your lashes even if you don’t plan on going out.
Application
This eyelash primer is very popular among many makeup users because it applies so smoothly. It’s an incredibly easy product to work with, and the primer is lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down your lashes. With that said, it can still build dramatic volume and length on each lash. L’Oreal is also known for manufacturing excellent applicators that make it easy for you to coat each lash with just the right amount of primer.
Noteworthy Features
L’Oreal claims that this eyelash primer can give you thicker-looking lashes in just 4 weeks if you apply it before your mascara two times a day.
Pros
- Can give you thicker-looking lashes in just 4 weeks
- Lightweight primer that adds dramatic volume
- Builds lashes up to 5 times their natural thickness when paired with L’Oreal’s Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara
- Goes on smoothly
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t hold curls well for thick, straight lashes
2. Best Budget Eyelash Primer: Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
As one of the most affordable eyelash primers on the market right now, Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer will do exactly what it advertises. This product is going to add a lot of volume to your lashes, so it’s great for those who are hoping to achieve a more dramatic makeup look. If you’re looking for a more natural look, a product like Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer would be a better fit.
Formula
One thing that stands out about this product is that it is infused with healthy oils that will nourish and condition your lashes. You’ll not only get a lot of volume, but also a moisturizing shield that protects your lashes from environmental pollutants. Some of the oils that you’ll find in the formula include:
- Acai oil, which is rich in vitamin B, vitamin E and many essential minerals
- Mango butter, which will stimulate eyelash growth while conditioning and softening your lashes
The formula is also vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free, so this product is a great choice for those who are worried about the environment and the impact that their purchases have on animals.
Application
This eyelash primer can be a bit difficult to apply. For one, you need to wait 20 to 30 seconds for the formula to dry before you apply your mascara. If not, your mascara may not glide on smoothly, and you may get some clumps. In short, patience is key here! If you don’t have a lot of patience, look for an eyelash primer that’s quick drying.
Another issue with this eyelash primer (which can also be a positive feature) is that the formula is a bit thick. This is great for those who are looking to achieve a dramatic look, as the primer will add a lot of volume and thickness to your lashes. However, you may need to be patient when applying this product to ensure that the primer coats each lash evenly.
With that said, the short bristles on the brush are easy to work with and will help you separate your lashes, so you can coat each one with ease.
Noteworthy Features
On top of being vegan and cruelty-free, this product is best known for the amount of volume that it can add. You really won’t need any false eyelashes with this product, as you’re going to get a very dramatic look. Thanks to the thickness of the formula, you only need to apply one coat. With that said, the formula is buildable, so you can apply several more coats if you want to get thick, luscious lashes that look like eyelash extensions.
Pros
- Infused with acai oil and mango butter
- Lightweight and easy to apply
- High impact primer that adds a lot of volume
- Ensures that your mascara stays on all day
- Vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free
Cons
- Needs to dry for 20 to 30 seconds
- Thick formula can be difficult to apply evenly
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This 2-in-1 primer and mascara is everything that you need to get beautiful, long lashes. The formula is made from healthy ingredients and is free of allergens, like parabens and paraffins. This product is great for those with sensitive eyes and skin.
Formula
One of the best things about The Honest Company is that it uses healthy ingredients that do not irritate the skin. The formula contains no parabens, paraffins, silicones, mineral oils or synthetic fragrances, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin and eyes. The formula contains ingredients like:
- Jojoba esters, which moisturizes and conditions your lashes to rehydrate them
- Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) wax, which has water-repellant properties that can ensure longer lasting wear
This formula is tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. It’s one of the better products out there for those who have a lot of allergies and sensitivities.
Application
This primer coats lashes very evenly and is easy to apply. You don’t need to have any makeup experience at all to evenly coat your lashes with this formula thanks to its perfect consistency. This product also comes with a specially molded brush that easily separates each and every lash for expert definition.
Noteworthy Features
The most noteworthy feature about this product is perhaps how great it is for those with sensitivities. It’s very gentle on the eyes and skin. On top of that, this product has everything you need to get dramatic, voluminous lashes. The 2-in-1 product provides you with a primer on one side and a compatible mascara on the other. You can save some space in your makeup bag.
Pros
- Perfect for those with sensitive skin and eyes
- Made without any parabens, paraffins, silicones, mineral oils or synthetic fragrances
- Specially molded bristles offer expert definition
- Comes with a mascara
- Lightweight yet thick formula adds extreme volume, length and definition
Cons
- A bit on the pricier side
4. Best Violet-Tinted Eyelash Primer: Milani The Violet One Lash Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
This violet tinted eyelash primer will make your black mascara POP. This is the perfect primer for a glamorous evening look. It’ll also condition and hydrate your lashes, so they become softer and healthier in the long run.
Formula
Like with most eyelash primers, the Milani The Violet One Lash Primer is known for having some excellent ingredients that will hydrate and condition your lashes if used continuously. This main ingredients in this formula are:
- Jasmine flower wax, which will hydrate, prep and condition your lashes
- Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) wax, which has water-repellant properties and will protect your lashes from environmental pollutants
- Chondrus Crispus powder, which is a rich source of nutrients and will protect your lashes
This product is 100% cruelty-free. The formula is also flake-free and smudge-free.
Application
This eyelash primer is easy to apply. The product goes on smooth and doesn’t flake. It also comes with a specially-designed, dual-side brush that will deposit the product evenly on each lash to give you the definition and volume that you desire.
The only issue with this product is that you’ll want to curl your lashes after priming them to maintain your curls. The product can cause curls to straighten up a bit. If you’re looking for a product that will curl your lashes for you, consider checking out the L’Oreal Voluminous Base Eyelash Primer.
Noteworthy Features
Like the L’Oreal Voluminous Base Eyelash Primer, this eyelash primer is tinted. It’s violent tint not only gives you a good visual on whether you’ve applied the product evenly, but will also make black mascara pop.
Another noteworthy feature about this product is that it’s waterproof. You can go swimming with this product on, and it won’t smudge off or run off. Pair this with a waterproof mascara, and you’ll have beautiful lashes even if you go for a long swim.