11 best lash primers 2024 for added volume & length
Lash primers may not be the most obvious addition to your makeup rota, but they're certainly worth considering. Not to be confused with eyelash growth serums – which are formulated to extend the life of your lash cycle and therefore give the illusion of other-worldly lash growth – lash primers instead condition and protect your lashes whilst making your best mascara (if you choose to add it) work even harder.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably unsure on whether or not you need a lash primer, but take it from GLAMOUR editors who have tried a lot of beauty gimmicks, lash primer is absolutely not a product to be skipped.
Best lash primers at a glance – our top picks:
- Best overall: DIOR Diorshow Maximizer 3D Mascara Primer-Serum, £33, Boots
- Best tinted: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Boosting Tinted Primer, £10.05, Amazon
- Best multitasker: RevitaLash Double Ended Volume Primer and Mascara Set, £37, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable: Max Factor False Lash Effect Max Out Primer, £6.34, Amazon
Often brimming with lash-loving ingredients like vitamin B5, ceramides, panthenol, beeswax, jojoba oil and more, some strengthen and improve the overall health of your lashes to make them look longer and thicker. Thanks to their clever, fast-drying formulas and easy-to-use mascara-shaped wands with bristles that glide effortlessly, they’re incredibly speedy to apply – there’s no need to worry about adding yet another step to your morning routine. Plus, this is the step you’ve been missing if you can’t seem to stop your mascara from smudging and ruining your perfectly applied eyeshadow or under-eye concealer.
No two lash primers are made equal – it all depends on what you’re looking for. Some people are naturally blessed with healthy lashes, so they may prefer formulas that work solely to keep mascara from flaking or smudging. Others might biologically have super sparse lashes and opt for formulas that focus on nourishment, hydration, length and volume. There are even options for those with sensitive skin around the eyes. Whatever your preference, rest assured I’ve tried a formula that will be perfect for you.
Scouring the beautysphere’s hoards of lash primers to find your perfect one is no easy task. To help you choose, I’ve put together a list of the very best lash primers to fit every budget and preference. I’ve considered everything, from the formula and its ingredients to the wand and packaging. So whether you’re looking for the best volumising mascara primers, the best cruelty-free lash primers or ophthalmologist-approved lash primers, to those that work best for sensitive eyes or suit anyone on a budget, GLAMOUR has got you covered. Get ready for your best flake-free and long-lasting lashes yet – no clumping in sight.
Scroll down to view our list of all the very best lash primers for 2024…
DIOR Diorshow Maximizer 3D Mascara Primer-Serum
Why we love it: When it comes to makeup, anything DIOR is the ultimate treat. This eyelash primer improves the look of your natural lashes by working to volumise whilst curling and lengthening too – all for 24 hours. Much like wearing your favourite oversized T-shirt, this formula allows you to wear oversized lashes. I like to pair it with a slick of concealer and a touch of bronzer for those ‘no-makeup makeup’ days. Come Christmas, Valentine’s day, or your birthday, you want to make sure this one’s on your wishlist to take your eye make-up to the next level.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Boosting Tinted Primer
Why we love it: Thanks to its hard-working black tint, this primer is perfect for those who prefer a bit of ‘oomph’ without going all out with real mascara. It’s also really handy for anyone with light blonde lashes – instantly perking them up and making them stand out. Pair with volume mascara and eyeliner for a full-glam look. Expect people to start asking if you’re wearing lash extensions…
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
RevitaLash Double Ended Volume Primer and Mascara Set
Why we love it: When it comes to what I choose to put on my lashes, I think I have a type. One of my favourite mascaras is the double-ended Legit Lashes Mascara by Huda Beauty, and it turns out that my favourite lash primer is double-ended, too. I just think it’s so handy to have one product do multiple things. This two-in-one wand means there’s no rooting around in your makeup bag for multiple products. Instead, just grab this one sleek product for both primer and mascara application in a jiffy. You’re welcome.
Max Factor False Lash Effect Max Out Primer
Why we love it: Using colour theory to its advantage, this primer coats each lash in a stunning blue pigment that makes later mascara pop even more. Think of it as the underpainting to your final lash look. I also love that you can wear this alone for a burst of colour that any makeup artist at fashion week would swoon over.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Amazon discount codes.
Rimmel Ultimate Volume Boost Lash Primer
Why we love it: Anyone who loves a fat lash should have this in their makeup bag. It uses plumping micro-fibres to physically stick to your lashes like velcro, giving each strand added thickness, length and volume. Plus, a cocktail of conditioning oils (read: argan, jojoba and coconut) keep them looking fluttery and feeling soft. Oh, and it’s dermatologist and ophthalmologist approved.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: Another ophthalmologist-approved contender, this formula is designed specifically to be worn under mascara, holding on to each lash whilst conditioning, protecting and lengthening your natural lashes.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Lancôme Cils Booster Mascara Base
Why we love it: Chock-full of vitamins to condition and thicken lashes, this ophthalmologist-approved, visibly white formula acts as a guide for you to then apply mascara to every single lash. The thin, triangular wand effortlessly swipes the formula onto lashes (even the teeniest ones!), whilst high-tech fibres encourage a fuller curl.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara Primer
Why we love it: As someone who unwillingly weeps while cleansing, the mention of any formula for sensitive eyes instantly piques my interest. Enter: the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara Primer, which uses an ultra-soft brush and silky-smooth formula to volumise and care for your lashes without making you cry.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Amazon discount codes.
essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Why we love it: Think of your favourite smoothie and how healthy you feel after drinking it. This primer is like that, but for your lashes, and your lashes will feel so good after application. It’s pumped with the likes of mango and acai oils for the ultimate lesson in soft, nurtured lashes.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Amazon discount codes.
Why we love it: Starring an innovative, twisted wand shape for effortless application, this formula thickens, conditions and nourishes with fun micro heart-shaped fibres that lock onto lashes whilst feeling utterly weightless. Plus, it’s vegan and completely free of gluten, parabens or talc.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Space NK discount codes.
Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer
Why we love it: Any formula that’s cruelty-free is a winner in my book, but this one is a cut above the rest thanks to its creamy formula that glides onto lashes without any fuss. It’s enriched with vitamin E and panthenol too, which means it will improve the condition of your lashes over time as well as instantly making them look larger than life.
Save big when shopping for lash primers using these Beauty Bay discount codes.
