This Is Why You Should Have Eyelash Primer In Your Makeup Bag

What are those bottles next to the mascara section that look just like your favorite falsie formula you ask? Well, they may be the key to your longest, most fanned-out lashes yet.

Eyelash primer usually comes in a white or light-colored tube, similar to the ones you use for your regular product, but they contain strengthening and fortifying ingredients. According to Honest's blog, eyelash primer offers a base coat that enhances the look of your regular mascara. In fact, without it, your lashes can lay much flatter. By prepping your lashes for mascara application, your wand can glide smoothly over the surface. The brand explains that this process is responsible for fewer clumps and greater definition.

Similar to using a facial primer before you apply concealer or foundation, eyelash primer has the same effect — it smoothes, tones, and prepares. Purvisha Patel, board certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, tells Byrdie, "The cuticle of our hairs is made of overlapping keratin. Mascara primer creates a smooth base by filling in the cracks and creating a smooth surface for the mascara, which ultimately looks like less clumping when mascara is applied."

Basically, you're building up a strong base that can withstand the pulling of your mascara wand that fortifies while enhancing your look.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of having the white tube stashed in your makeup bag comes from the results you'll see over time. Byrdie notes that many priming formulas come loaded with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, biotin, and keratin. So, if you're suffering from dried out lashes or short stems, adding this step can make a big difference in how they look. Plus, the priming coat protects them from various environmental stressors and any pulling or prodding you do throughout the day.

"Coating lashes with a formula rich in glycerin and jojoba oil before putting on your mascara will save you from weak and brittle lashes and can promote natural growth," Nam Vo, Global Artistry Ambassador for Marc Jacobs told Marie Claire.

To apply, use the product like you would your mascara. Wiggle the wand slightly as you move it upwards, creating separation as you go, Byrdie explains. The outlet also recommends waiting between 15 to 30 seconds to fully apply your mascara, letting it dry slightly. Mary Irwin, celebrity makeup artist, also told Byrdie, "I like to apply and let the lashes mostly dry—but not all the way—before applying mascara."

Check out different formulas to make the most of this product, and enrich your lashes with every swipe.