Eyelash primer: what is a mascara base for?

22.12.2020

Primer for eyelash extensions is a mandatory preparation, without which it is impossible to do the procedure. This mistake is often made by new lash makers: when the master, in an attempt to save money and time, refuses to use a primer, thereby worsening the quality of the adhesion and shortening the wear time of the extensions.

What is an eyelash primer, why is it needed and can it be replaced with a degreaser? This article examines in detail the nuances of working with the drug and makes it easier for the specialist to choose a product that will be easier to improve the results of the work.

What is and features of eyelash primer

The secret to beautiful makeup is applying foundation. The product in combination with regular mascara makes eyelashes elongated and fluffy.

Makeup base is used on the skin, lips, eyelids, eyebrows. The first such product on store shelves was double-sided mascara, which was applied in stages. First a white base was used, then a black one. The product had a drawback: due to an unfinished formulation, the white coating stood out through the second layer. New generation primers are invisible or black. They look like bottles with a brush.

What can they be?

Primers cannot boast of special species diversity. But still, they can be divided into several separate groups. So, the following is used as a classifier:

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Release form. In most cases, the base for mascara looks the same as the mascara itself - a bottle with the contents and a brush for application. However, sometimes there are 2-in-1 products. In this case, there is mascara on one side of the tube and a primer on the other. Products for use in cosmetology can be sold in bottles that resemble nail polish packaging.
Texture. Most often, the mascara base is liquid in consistency, but sometimes there are formulations with a creamy texture. Particularly popular are products that contain fibers that make eyelashes longer.
Color. The colorless primer is recognized as the most universal. It can be used both as a base for mascara and as a means for styling eyebrows. A black base is sometimes used instead of mascara itself. White compositions make eyelashes denser and thicker. They are used as a base.

Serum products deserve special attention. And, by the way, it’s better to put them in a separate category. Serums are intended exclusively for care and wellness. They, like extension primers, are used for only one purpose.

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Why use a mascara base?

An unpleasant little thing in makeup can ruin the whole look. Fading or smeared paint will make the appearance untidy and unkempt. Mascara base eliminates such troubles. You won't need to touch up your makeup during the working day.

The primer will help maintain a neat appearance in bad weather conditions.

Previously, base coats were only used when applying professional makeup. It could be seen in the eyes of a person who worked on the podium or stage, where the face is given especially great attention. Now the primer is used when creating everyday makeup to look flawless.

Thanks to the base, the mascara lays on the hairs in an even layer, dries quickly, and does not fall off. The product extends the life of makeup up to 12 hours.

What to replace at home?

Professional eyelash primers are quite expensive. Many girls simply cannot afford such a purchase. Therefore, it occurred to them to invent a way to replace eyelash primer.

You can prepare your eyelashes for makeup and make them thicker, longer and more voluminous using a transparent eyebrow gel. In addition, you will also need dry baby powder. First, a clear gel is applied to the eyelashes. As a rule, every girl has one and is intended for modeling the shape of the eyebrows. Next, until the gel has dried, the eyelashes are covered with powder. The makeup base is ready. Now you can start applying mascara.

Base composition and functions

Mascara base is a cosmetic product with various functions, composition, consistency: liquid or gel.

The main components of the primer are water, ethanol and allantoin dissolved in it.

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Water is a safe substance for dissolving composition elements. Silicones can be used as a base. Ethanol is an alcohol that does not cause irritation in small doses and disinfects the surface of hairs. Allantoin is a crystalline substance. In medicine it is used for tissue regeneration and prevention of inflammation. In cosmetics it is used for moisturizing and exfoliating. Pigments make the base color white, translucent or black.

The water-repellent properties of the product protect makeup from moisture and tears.

Additional components in the composition are vitamins A, E, B, panthenol, peptides, keratin, flavors, essential oils, herbal extracts.

Functions of the tool:

The main function is surface preparation. The surface of a natural eyelash is covered with a fatty film that protects the hairs and eyes. Dust, small particles of dirt, bacteria, and dead epithelial cells accumulate on it. For some women with increased sebum secretion, mascara does not stay on their eyes at all. It simply slides along the oil film and crumbles. The primer degreases the eyelash. Ethyl alcohol disinfects the hair.
Allantoin moisturizes the eyelashes, polishes their surface, and creates a smooth surface.
An additional mechanical function is to comb the eyelashes, giving them a more well-groomed appearance, and preventing sticking.
Peptides in the product stimulate the follicles, hairs will grow faster. Panthenol serves to moisturize and protect hair from the effects of cosmetics. Vitamins and nourishing oils strengthen and have a caring effect. Keratin penetrates into the pores of the eyelashes, making them hard and elastic.
The insoluble fiber in mascara, which looks like soft little hairs, adheres to the surface of the eyelashes, lengthening them and adding extra volume.
The primer creates a thin film on the surface of the hairs, covers the scales, and protects them from the effects of cosmetics. This property is especially important for women prone to allergic reactions.
The silicones in the product envelop the hairs and cover the scales.
Some companies produce multifunctional primers that can be used as an independent cosmetic product. Natural eyelashes are coated with a black product and acquire the desired shape, color, and curl.

Most manufacturers advise using foundation and mascara of the same brand or carefully checking their compositions.

Precautionary measures

Despite all its beneficial properties, the primer is an aggressive agent that is contraindicated for use in case of fungal infections of the eyelashes and inflammation of the eyelids.

In these cases, the primer can increase the pain and make the situation worse.

The main active components of most primers are allantoin and vitamin complexes.

These are hypoallergenic substances, although they may in rare cases cause irritation to the skin of the eyelids .

Most allergies are caused by other additional components.

Review of the best eyelash primers

The top products in the rating compiled by bloggers and makeup artists deserve attention.

Diorshow Maximizer 3D, Dior – primer serum with a straight silicone brush. Efficiency has been proven through clinical trials. Thanks to the care composition of oils, eyelashes are protected, become elastic, and grow faster. Manufacturers promise cumulative results after a month of using the product.
Building base coat mascara, Kiko. The base coat is white. It is better to use the product with mascara of the same brand to achieve an even distribution and volume effect. According to the results of ophthalmological studies, the product is safe for the eyes. The straight brush has fine hairs that help make the hairs look voluminous and curved. The product guarantees protection against moisture. Contains water-repellent substances.
Big & Loud Lash Primer, NYX – gel primer. The translucent base will not be visible after makeup. The brush is thin and straight. The polymer composition of the product creates a coating that envelops and separates the eyelashes.
Lash Building Primer, Clinique with a creamy white base. The hypoallergenic composition contains a caring complex with panthenol and vitamin B. It copes with dry eyelashes and gives them volume.
Little Black Primer, or Little Black Primer from Estee Lauder - a base with a black pigment that adheres well. The composition evenly covers the hairs, making them silky and voluminous. Manufacturers suggest using the product with mascara, enhancing the achieved effect, or as a fixative to strengthen makeup. You can use the product as a stand-alone product. The hairs will be black and elongated. The result is long-lasting makeup with natural-looking eyelashes without additional coating. The package contains a curved brush that separates and curls the lashes.

Mary Kay offers good options. These cosmetics are cheaper than Lauder.

Choosing a base can only be done through trial and error. Samples in cosmetic stores will help solve this problem.

Methods of application

Primers are either clear or colored. Transparent simply creates an invisible layer to which the mascara layer “sticks.” Colored ones are produced in white, black, brown colors - this allows you to emphasize the shade of the mascara and make it deeper. True, with white you should be more careful and paint over every millimeter of eyelashes. Otherwise, the light areas will show through and the makeup will appear sloppy.

Sometimes girls use transparent or tinted bases as an independent makeup product. With them, the eyelashes become a little more voluminous, separated and longer than with mascara - you get the “makeup without makeup” effect. This technique is more suitable for owners of dark eyelashes of medium and longer length.

There are no special rules for using this product: apply the same way as mascara over the entire length, wait until it dries, and then apply mascara as usual.

Now bases are produced by almost all manufacturers of decorative cosmetics. It is logical to choose a primer from the same brand as the mascara: the developers make sure that the products match each other and create a wow effect.

Rules for applying mascara base

You need to apply the mascara base in a certain sequence:

The main rule of applying makeup is to use cosmetics only on a clean surface. Use cleanser or micellar water and wait until dry.
Close your eyes and apply primer using combing movements from the roots of the eyelashes to their tips. Women with increased sebum secretion need to apply the base to the mobile eyelid.
After uniform application, you must wait until it dries. After a couple of minutes, you can move on to mascara.

You can use a curling iron or curling iron after applying the base. The effect will be more lasting. Eyelashes with the applied product do not curl and form a soft natural curl.

If a burning sensation or discomfort occurs during use, rinse it off immediately with water.

Follow the rules specified in the instructions for use of the primer. If you have eye diseases, skin damage, or hair loss, it is not recommended to use the product.

Feedback about use

Below are some reviews. If you have something to say, leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.

“ artificial hair extensions , the cosmetologist warned me that my eyelashes first needed to be treated with a primer .
I have always believed that this solution only
promotes more reliable adhesion. But having decided to first get acquainted with the composition, I realized that
it is also a restorative and strengthening drug . I know that in some cases people even refuse this additional service, and sometimes cosmetologists themselves make do with only a degreasing agent.
But if the eyelashes are quite weak, the lack of primer treatment will lead to the fact that the eyelash extensions will not last long.”
N. Kostina, Ulyanovsk.
“I do eyelash extensions several times a year, but before the first time I carefully studied the sequence of this procedure.
It turned out that before eyelash extensions are not only cleaned of cosmetics, but also additionally treated with a primer for additional protection.
This costs extra money, but those with very thin eyelashes should not skimp on this .
Otherwise, the eyelash extensions will quickly fall out and such savings will be unjustified.”
Maria Konovalova, Orsk.

Recommendations for degreasing during extensions

In an effort to significantly increase hair growth, most people come to the conclusion that the optimal solution is eyelash extensions. When doing extensions, it is important to carefully follow the recommendations, then the process performed will be effective, and the result will be beautiful and aesthetic.

When caring for eyelashes, you need to carefully bring the product into contact with the hairs, distributing the composition in an even layer on both sides. The entire surface should be thoroughly cleaned, creating a perfectly clean base for extensions.

Alternative solution

Beginners often wonder what can replace degreaser for eyelash extensions? As a worthy alternative, you can consider micellar water or alcohol-containing facial toners.

Micellar water

Micellar water is something you can use to degrease your eyelashes. An excellent product that is suitable even for dry and sensitive skin.

Micellar water is a fairly new product in the cosmetic industry; it is a mild cleansing composition. When they hit the surface of the skin, the micelles emulsify particles of dirt and sebum and draw them into their cells. From a chemical point of view, micelles are nothing more than spherical liquid crystals ranging in size from 10−5 to 10−7 cm.

We recommend:

Collistar Cleansing Make-Up Remover Micellar Water;
La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution;
Bioderma Sebium H2O Solution Micellaire;
Biosource Biotherm;
Bourjois Micellar Cleansing Water.

If you choose micellar water instead of a degreaser, pay attention to the presence of o, this type provides better cleansing

Advice from experienced cosmetologists

The effect of using a primer both for cleansing and caring for eyelashes is undeniable. Accuracy, thorough application and attention to contraindications for using the product are very important for the procedure.

Compliance with the instructions and strict adherence to the advice of professionals will help you achieve maximum results from using the primer:

The product should be stored at a temperature not lower than +5 and not higher than +25 degrees, it should not be overcooled or heated. It can not only lose its beneficial properties, but also change its texture if stored improperly.
After each use, the tube must be tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out.
Before use, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction; do not use the primer in case of irritation, scratches, or redness.
When applying the white composition, you need to paint your eyelashes with mascara on both sides.
Follow the rules and approach the procedure carefully.
Keep in mind that the time required for eyelash extensions and applying cosmetics at home increases when using a primer.

Even though there are circumstances in which primer must be used with caution, it is an indispensable element of eyelash extensions. They last longer and look more natural. Using the disinfecting properties of the product, specialists avoid unpleasant consequences from irritation and the development of bacterial infections.

By using a primer for eyelash extensions at home, women will not only be able to make up their eyelashes professionally, but also maintain their healthy and shiny appearance. And the unequivocal opinion of cosmetologists about the mandatory application of a primer for eyelash extensions and the fact that such degreasing is effective indicates the benefits of the product.