Clear mascara is an excellent, readily available substitute for traditional lash primer. You use clear mascara as a primer by applying it as a base coat before your regular mascara to add volume and length to your lashes.
Why Use Clear Mascara as a Primer?
If you don't have a dedicated lash primer on hand, clear mascara serves as the perfect substitute. It provides a layer that can help separate lashes, give regular mascara something to adhere to, and contribute to a smoother application.
According to makeup tips, applying clear mascara as a base coat before your regular colored mascara can effectively help to:
- Increase the volume of your lashes.
- Enhance the length appearance of your lashes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Clear Mascara as Primer
Using clear mascara as a primer is simple and adds an extra step to your regular mascara routine for potentially better results.
- Start with Clean Lashes: Ensure your lashes are clean and dry, free from any previous makeup residue.
- Apply the Clear Mascara: Using the clear mascara wand, apply a thin, even coat from the base of your lashes to the tips. Cover all your lashes just as you would with regular mascara.
- Allow to Set (Slightly): Let the clear mascara dry for about 30-60 seconds. It should feel slightly tacky, not completely dry or still wet. This allows the subsequent colored mascara to grip onto the clear base.
- Apply Your Regular Mascara: Immediately apply your regular colored mascara over the clear base coat. You should notice your mascara gliding on smoothly and potentially building volume and length more easily.
- Optional: Additional Coats: If desired, you can apply additional coats of colored mascara before the first layer fully dries, following your usual mascara application technique.
Benefits of Using Clear Mascara as a Base
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Volume | Provides a coating on each lash, making them appear thicker. |
| Length | Helps extend the lash by providing a surface for colored mascara to build upon. |
| Separation | Can help coat and separate individual lashes before colored mascara is applied. |
| Alternative | Excellent substitute when a dedicated lash primer is unavailable. |
| Accessibility | Clear mascara is often more common and affordable than specific primers. |
Using clear mascara as a primer is a practical trick to enhance your lash look using a product you might already own. It helps create a smooth canvas, leading to potentially more defined, voluminous, and longer-looking lashes when you apply your colored mascara over it.
