Eyelash Primer – Application, Benefit, Alternative, Removal

Eyelash primers remind me of priming a house with a white base before painting because most primers are white. We all know how important it is to prime a house to get the best out of the colours applied afterwards. But will it be okay to say the same about an eyelash primer?

Let’s find out.

WHAT IS AN EYELASH PRIMER?

What would you say a foundation primer is? Something you put on before you put on the foundation to smooth makeup for better coverage and more extended wear, right? Or, if I ask you how to make your eyeliner and eyeshadow easier to use and last longer, I’m pretty sure eyeshadow primer would come to your mind as the answer.

So, just like Eyeshadow Primer and Foundation Primer, Mascara primer or eyelash primer works the same way.

Eyelash primer also known as mascara primer is a clear, tinted, or white-based coat that you brush on eyelashes before you go with your regular mascara. These base coats of mascara primer, give mascaras thicker and more voluminous lashes, to begin with, and help them to glide on smoothly.

As eyelashes have splits and unevenness like other hairs. Primer fills in gaps to smooth our lashes. This smooth surface improves the mascara application. Eyelash primer looks like mascara as it comes in tubes similar to mascara and applies similarly. Eyelash Primers are usually transparent to help your eyelashes cover with your favourite coloured mascara.

WHAT IS EYELASH PRIMER MADE OF?

Like cleansers, eyelash primers are water-based. Water dissolves active components and gives the primer a liquid, easy-to-work-with consistency. For example, primers include PVP, a bonding chemical that coats eyelashes and interacts with glue. In primers, ethanol dissolves PVP.

Also, most primers are made with conditioning ingredients known for strengthening and nourishing hair. In most cases, primers have fibres in them to make eyelashes longer. Many companies claim that their eyelash primer formula helps lashes grow over time by using-Hydrolyzed soy proteins. 

So, In short, though Eyelash Primer ingredients vary, the most common are water/aqua, wax, oils, astringents, and alcohol.

WHAT DOES AN EYELASH PRIMER DO?

Eyelash primer or Mascara primer is an excellent way to get bigger lashes if you don’t have the time or motivation to apply falsies or obtain lash extensions. Eyelash extensions are pretty expensive too.

You can apply mascara without a primer, but the look won’t be as striking. Using eyelash primers, you cover even the tiniest lashes with keratin, making mascara seem dramatic and complete. It prevents clumping, lengthens, and volumizes lashes.

With a few strokes of your magic mascara wand, you’ll have fuller, darker, longer-looking lashes instead of struggling with falsies and eyelash glue since eyelash primer coats the lash strands to widen the surface area.

Like lash extensions, you won’t need regular touch-ups. Your natural lashes will grow healthier and stronger, too.

BENEFITS OF EYELASH PRIMER

Even though most reviews of eyelash primers show that this is just an extra step, that doesn’t do much.

But trust me when I say this, eyelash primers have these benefits, which only a regular mascara can’t provide. So let’s talk about it.

• THICKER AND FULLER LOOKING LASHES –

You’ll notice the thickness primers give just after one swipe of your regular mascara. And for fuller-looking lashes- the primed lash strands get finely separated, appearing as if you got more lashes than before.

• HEALTHIER LASHES –

Getting healthier lashes depends on the formula’s quality. Many of these primers are formulated with keratin which is supposed to strengthen lashes. Also, some lash-softening primers contain vitamin E, giving extra nourishment throughout the day.

• BETTER MASCARA APPLICATION –

Mascara slides smoothly with primers on. The old used mascaras tend to get clumpy and not as creamy as they used to be. Try pairing them with eyelash primers.

• LONG-LASTING LOOK –

All primers work as a kind of adhesive to hold other products on a surface; eyelash primers are like that too. Eyelash primers hold the mascara well and reduce flaking.

• WORKS AS A BARRIER –

Eyelash primers build a barrier between the lashes and mascara. So the natural oils from our lashes can’t mess with the mascara. Thus the end of smudging problems.

• VOLUME & CURL –

Eyelash primers bulk up the lashes without applying mascara. And as for the curls, primers usually do a good job holding them.

• MAKES COLOR VIBRANT – 

Eyelash primers are mostly white in colour. Makes black mascara appear more vibrant and bold. So colourful mascaras will appear more pigmented and stay the same throughout the day, just like regular mascaras.

• MINIMIZES MASCARA COATS –

This lash primer does the part of making the lash thicker and volumized. Just swipe one or two times your regular mascara and see the magic.

• MAKES BAD MASCARAs TO GREAT MASCARAS –

You may find primers not doing much when paired with high-end mascara. But we all have those terrible mascaras which give clumpy lashes or just won’t slide smoothly through lashes. Pairing those mascaras with a primer will make them work.

• CAN REPLACE REGULAR MASCARAS –  

Tinted primers give all the benefits mentioned above and some colour. People who are just not into applying mascara every single day can opt for tinted primers.

Also, wearing mascaras every day sucks the life out of your lashes. You can say bye to mascara for a few days because You still can get the same effects and less drama with tinted eyelash primers.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR AN EYELASH PRIMER?

Anyone with lashes can apply eyelash primer. However, people with reasonably long lashes will likely get more benefits than others.

You will see the effect of primer properly if you have a good amount of lashes. After applying lash primer, your lash strands are supposed to be separated and fanned out. No matter the size, a lash primer separates every lash strand, and your eyes appear as if you have suddenly grown more lashes. This is something mascaras can’t do. Regular mascaras clump up newly grown lashes with long ones. It gets easier to apply mascara on primed lashes.

Primers can make short and thin-looking lashes longer and thicker. This is because lash primers with fibres add a little length to the lashes, and this extra layer makes them thick. Then again, the changes are not so visible in the bigger picture.

HOW TO USE EYELASH PRIMER

• THINGS YOU NEED –

1. An Eyelash primer.
2. An Eyelash Curler.
3. Your favourite mascara.
4. A Blow Dryer (Additional Step).

• STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP – At first, start by curling your clean eyelashes with a slightly heated-up curler.

2nd STEP – Then, apply eyelash or mascara primer just like mascara. Make sure to coat every lash and go thoroughly. 2-3 coats are enough. You don’t have to be super cautious while applying primers. They are not messy like regular mascaras.

3rd STEP – Finally, wait up to a half minute, and then apply your mascara. There is no need to wait for eyelash primer to dry.

➔ EXPERT TIPS FOR APPLICATION –

• FOR BETTER MILEAGE –

After following the steps mentioned above, apply a couple of coats of primer again for better mileage. If you feel your lashes are heavy, in that case, reduce the primer and mascara coats for a more natural look.

• FOR LONG-LASTING CURLS –

To ensure your curls last throughout the day, you should use a blow dryer. After applying the primer, blow dry your lashes upwards for around 15 seconds. Don’t worry. They won’t be dried up and become brittle. Then apply your mascara and again blow dry your lashes upward till the mascara dries up.

• FUN FACT –  

Even if you get mascara around the eye area, you can simply scrub it off without messing with it.

HOW TO REMOVE AN EYELASH PRIMER

The process of removing regular or waterproof mascara and eyelash primer is pretty much the same. You can use multiple ways to remove eyelash primer, however, I will share the two most popular ways of removing eyelash primer one using the commercial product and the other using natural ingredient.

REMOVE EYELASH PRIMER USING JOJOBA OIL

• THINGS YOU NEED –

1. Oil-based makeup remover.
2. Cotton pad.
3. Cotton buds.

• STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP – At first, start soaking a cotton pad with any oil-based makeup remover.

2nd STEP – Then, hold the cotton pad on your lashes for 20 seconds to allow the mascara to break down.

3rd STEP – Next, start swiping downwards so the mascara slides off. Keep repeating until no mascara is left.

4th STEP – Finally, the primer you applied will mostly come off with the mascara. To clean the lash line properly, use a soaked cotton bud.

REMOVE EYELASH PRIMER USING MICELLAR WATER

• THINGS YOU NEED –

1. Micellar water
2. Cotton pads or cotton balls

• STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP – Start saturating a cotton pad or ball with micellar water.

2nd STEP – Then, gently press the saturated pad or ball against your closed eye for a few seconds, allowing the micellar water to break down the eyelash primer.

3rd STEP – Next, gently wipe away the eyelash primer using another cotton pad or cotton ball, taking care not to rub or tug on the delicate skin around your eye.

4th STEP – Finally, repeat the process on the other eye.

EXPERT TIPS FOR KEEPING EYELASHES HEALTHY

• EAT A HEALTHY DIET –

Eating biotin-rich foods and adding protein to your diet will give you the proper nutrients. For example, nuts, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, and whole grains have biotin. Biotin also helps with keratin production. 

Also, some healthy high-in protein foods are- eggs, chicken breasts, oats, cottage cheese, almond nuts, tuna, etc. You can try pills or supplements if you don’t have enough biotin and protein from your food sources.

• DRINK GREEN TEA –

The antioxidants of green tea are really good for both hair and lashes. Mix a vitamin E capsule with homemade, cooled-down green tea and apply them to your lashes every night. Caffeine and flavonoids will help the lashes grow.

• USE EYELASH SERUM/EYELASH CONDITIONER –

If you ask me, does eyelash serum make lashes long and reach? I will answer both Yes and No. Because The main ingredients, like vitamins and amino acids, increase the growth phase and prevent them from shedding. But doesn’t make eyelashes longer than usual just makes them look that way.

• USE HOMEMADE EYELASH CONDITIONER –

Opting for essential oils or vaseline is a safe and cheap way to keep the lashes healthy. Coconut oil and castor oil are most famous for nourishing hair. Just mix these oils and apply them regularly.

• BRUSH EYELASH –

Eyelashes need brushing, just like our hair. If you have crisscrossed lashes, brushing them with a spoolie will help keep them detangled and grow out evenly.

• MOISTURIZE EYELASH –

Moisturising eyelashes bring nutrients to the roots of the eyelashes, which makes the roots healthier. After applying, dab the product on the eye area, so it absorbs better than eye massages. You can press around the eye socket for 3 seconds and release. It’s a good massage. Never pull or stretch the delicate skin.

• STEAM THE EYE AREA –

An easy and effective way to boost eyelash growth. Manage a towel, warm it up, and place it on your eye so your eyelashes can take a break. This stimulates the blood and helps lash growth.

• TOSS OLD MASCARA –

Finish using whatever Mascara you’re using between a 3-6 month time period and get a new one.

• AVOID SLEEPING IN MASCARA –

Sleeping in Mascara is terrible for the follicles. Repeatedly doing this can be very damaging as the mascara particles accumulate in the root area and cause the lashes to fall out.

• REMOVE MASCARA GENTLY –

Don’t give in to your urge; start pulling dried-up Mascara. Pulling and tugging literally break the lash strands. Also, trying to get rid of Mascara with soaps or harsh products causes significant irritation. You need to baby your lashes to keep them healthy.

• QUIT RUBBING YOUR EYES –

Rubbing the eyes vigorously not only gives wrinkles but weakens the roots too. This makes eyelashes easier to fall out.

• DON’T OVERUSE EYELASH CURLERS –

This mistake makes you lose your lashes before they can even regrow. In addition, overusing these curlers weakens the roots and can even cut the ends!

• CLEAN EYELASH CURLER –

After using the eyelash curler, ensure that it is cleaned and stored in a clean location. Also, change the rubber every 3 months. Worn-out rubber bands rip away lashes.

• DON’T CURL AFTER APPLYING MASCARA –

Apply Mascara after curling. Some people on the internet suggest curling again after applying Mascara. This is a horrible way to make curls last longer.

• AVOID HEAVY CHEMICALS –

Heavy chemicals are used on your lashes when you get a lash lift or lash perm. These chemicals are so hard on your lashes that they won’t feel the same until they all fall out and grow back.

• GIVE LASHES A BREAK –

Going for lash extensions, perms, or lifts again and again or wearing Mascara or falsies 5 days out of 7 a week is the worst thing you can do. So instead give your lashes a break for about a month or so. It will help your lashes to get back on track again.

ALTERNATIVES TO EYELASH PRIMER 

• USE FOUNDATION –

You may or may not like this alternative. Applying foundation before mascara makes it last longer. Also, the foundation increases volume and makes them appear fuller.

• MIX BABY POWDER WITH MASCARA –

If you want thick lashes or spider-leg-looking lashes, you can do this as eyelash primers also give those effects. Mix the baby powder with mascara on a palette and apply the mix with a mascara wand. Add a couple of layers to make them stay on your lashes.

• USE VASELINE – 

You’ll notice the difference immediately if you apply a small amount of vaseline to your lashes. Vaseline thickens the lashes, so if you apply mascara on top of it, your lashes will look thicker.

• USE ALOE VERA GEL – 

Apply aloe vera gel first, then give your lashes a good curl. After that, finish the look with mascara. Aloe Vera gel will keep your lashes incredibly nourished throughout the day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES EYELASH PRIMER HOLD A CURL?

ANSWER: Not necessarily. Lash primers are designed to coat the lash strands and make them thick. Too much of the product may weigh the lashes down as it doesn’t have any special agent to freeze them. It’s essential to avoid conditioning lash primers which usually weigh down lashes.

DOES EYELASH PRIMER MAKE EYELASHES GROW?

ANSWER: Eyelash primers give the effect of long lashes. However, it can’t make your lashes naturally grow. Eyelash primers with Hydrolyzed soy proteins claim to grow lashes, but I cannot attest to that claim.

DOES TUBING MASCARA GO WELL WITH EYELASH PRIMERs?

ANSWER: Yes. In Fact, any type of mascara will go well with eyelash primers.

CAN I SLEEP WITH EYELASH PRIMER?

ANSWER: Conditioning eyelash primers with vitamin E and B5 are great for your lashes. You can just sleep on it without the fear of damaging your lashes.

FINAL THOUGHTS

An actual fact about eyelash primer is not many people know that eyelash primer is even a thing. It’s because most makeup gurus do not consider adding eyelash primer to their beauty/makeup routine. 

Instead, They just go straight with the mascara and some fine pair of falsies or have eyelash extensions, to begin with. Adding this extra step to your natural lashes is totally up to you. Not everyone likes this product, and you may not, but trying it out won’t hurt.