Do You Let Eyelash Primer Dry Before Using Mascara?

Mascara is the final piece in the eye makeup puzzle that brings your look together.

It darkens, volumizes, and draws attention to your eyes, framing them in gorgeous lashes.

Eyelash primers deserve just as much hype! They boost your mascara’s capabilities and offer benefits that help grow your lashes.

Finding a good eyelash primer is a game-changer, an essential step in the makeup routine that is often overlooked.

But how should you apply it? Do you let eyelash primer dry completely before applying mascara? Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong here, it depends on the primer! But usually, you want to let your primer dry for about 30 seconds before applying mascara.

Below we’ve answered all your questions and provided a few tricks to achieve gorgeous lashes, so just keep reading!

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What Is Eyelash Primer, Exactly?

Mascara primer  looks a lot like mascara. It comes in a similar tube but has a white formula to differentiate between it and mascara. Here’s an example:

It’s similar to a face primer or eyeshadow primer, as its goal is to help your makeup last longer.

Lash primer creates a base for your mascara, so it’s less likely to smudge or rub off. 

It also separates your lashes, so you can coat each individual lash better than if there wasn’t primer there at all. By priming first, you’ll minimize eyelashes sticking together or clumping after applying your mascara.

Primer also has added benefits, such as conditioning, lengthening, and volumizing. Sometimes their formula also encourages growth.

By priming first, you’ll minimize eyelashes sticking together or clumping after applying your mascara.

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Do You Let Eyelash Primer Dry Before Applying Mascara?

There’s a lot of debate around the best way to apply eyelash primer. Everyone has their own tactic that works for them, especially when formulas differ.

So, do you let eyelash primer dry before applying mascara?

Some say yes, and some say no.

First and foremost, you want to avoid applying mascara right after primer. If the primer is completely fresh, you’ll end up wiping it off when you apply your mascara.

On the one hand, some people swear by applying primer after it has completely dried, but doing so can cause clumping.

Let It Fully Dry

Primer dries in a similar way to mascara. Have you ever tried to apply a second coat of mascara after your first coat has already dried?

Product flakes off and lashes clump together, causing a bit of a mess.

Depending on the formula, you may get away with allowing your primer to dry fully before applying mascara.

30 Second Rule

Others swear by the 30-second rule.

Instead of letting your lashes dry completely, wait about 30 seconds for the primer to become tacky, then apply your mascara.

This can be tricky to learn, as too soon means the primer is too wet, but too late means the primer is completely dry.

You’ll find the sweet spot through trial and error. But the idea is that if the primer is still a little damp, it’ll hold your mascara better than if it was dry.

Trial and Error

Ultimately, we recommend trying both ways to see what works best for you. You may find that your formula works best when the primer is completely dry. Or maybe you’ve figured out the sweet spot and get the best results when it’s damp.

Ultimately, we recommend trying both ways to see what works best for you. You may find that your formula works best when the primer is completely dry. Or maybe you’ve figured out the sweet spot and get the best results when it’s damp.

No matter which way you prefer, remember to give your primer enough time to stick to your lashes before going in with mascara, lest you wipe it all away.

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The Benefits Of Using Eyelash Primer

If you’re a fan of thick lashes, love the look of false lashes, or don’t want to spend money on eyelash extensions, an eyelash primer is a great option.

While yes, applying mascara alone creates a beautiful look, eyelash primer can enhance it completely. It helps boost your lash game by creating dramatic lashes that are long, voluminous, and thick without having to deal with falsies.

Primers often contain keratin, which helps create the look of longer, bolder, and darker lashes.

At their core, eyelash primer helps reduce clumping and increases how long your lashes last throughout the day.

But there are also so many other benefits!

Eyelash primer is even great to apply to your lashes on its own, as it helps your natural lashes grow strong and healthy. It often contains ingredients that help condition and lengthen your eyelashes, making for a wonderful side bonus.

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How To Use Eyelash Primer

Although all it takes to apply eyelash primer is a few swipes of the wand, here are a few tips and tricks for seamless application and beautiful lashes.

Step 1: Curl Your Lashes

Curling your eyelashes is a step that’s often overlooked in the makeup game.

If you’ve got flat lashes or even lifted lashes, curling them adds drama that only false lashes or extensions seem to achieve.

You always want to curl your bare lashes before applying any product, mainly because it keeps your curler clean from gunk and germs.

Make sure to invest in your lash curler (try a heated one, but don’t use a blow dryer!). You don’t want to pick up the cheapest one or whichever one you see first at the store.

The wrong curler, or a cheap one, can pinch your eyes, pluck your lashes, or even rip them off.

When curling, start at the base of your lashes and work your way up. Don’t pull on your lashes, or you might find yourself with bare patches along your eyelid.

Step 2: Apply Primer

Primer is applied in the same way you would apply mascara.

Carefully coat your lashes with your primer of choice from root to tip. This is what your mascara will stick to when applied, so make sure you coat your lashes well and separate them to avoid clumping.

Wait however long you prefer, as discussed above. Either wait for the primer to dry or move on to step three while it’s still a little damp, whichever way works best for you and the product you’re using!

Step 3: Mascara

Aim only to apply one coat of mascara to avoid clumpiness. When applying mascara, wiggle the wand to separate your lashes.

Once your mascara is applied, step back and assess your eyes. If areas are clumpy, take a cotton swab and a tiny bit of makeup, remove, and carefully separate your lashes.

If you need another coat, do so lightly.

Repeat the process on your bottom lashes. Voila, you’re done!