E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer Review!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer ($3) is a nourishing mascara primer that will add length and volume when applied to your lashes prior to your mascara. Boost the performance of any of your favorite mascaras and you'll be hooked! Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched condition your lashes, which will make them stronger over time.

Mascara Primer is a MUST for me, and I rarely ever go without it. It's something I've been hooked on for the past couple of years and when I don't use one, it makes me think that every mascara on the market is mediocre.

I have yet to find a mascara primer that works well and is affordable, so when I saw that E.L.F. now has a mascara primer with very high reviews, I was excited to give it a try.

I always make sure to curl my lashes really well before ever applying a base. I use a Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which has been my favorite curler for years.

After curling my lashes, I apply the base as I would a regular mascara, by brushing my lashes from base to end several times until my lashes are evenly coated in product. Then I like to wait a minute or so, and with the very tip of the brush, run it along the ends of my lashes to extend my lashes out, making them look a little longer. Then, I let my lashes completely dry for one minute. (**I've found that if I don't wait for the base to fully dry, it will completely wipe off when I apply my mascara.)

After my lashes are dry, I gently apply my mascara. I noticed that a standard wire bristle mascara wand tends to work better because it doesn't disturb the base. With a rubber/plastic wand, you have to be careful not to comb through your lashes, essentially removing the product off your lashes.

I find that I don't need to apply as much mascara to get my desired look when using this base, and with the first coat of mascara, my lashes look longer than they normally would. The base also helps keep my lashes separated, and my lashes hold a curl all day when wearing the base - otherwise, my curl would drop within a couple of hours.

I used the primer on my right (your left) eye only. I used IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara. 

I'm not crazy about the packaging - The tube is small and the actual wand is mega-long. I'm also not that crazy about the actual brush, but it works fine (personal preference of course).

I'm actually impressed with this base and I'm going to continue using it and I will repurchase in the future. I won't be tossing my Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base anytime soon, but I'm happy I'll be able to save a few bucks by using the E.L.F. primer between uses. E.L.F. requires a bit more time because you have to wait for it to dry, whereas I can apply my mascara while my Shiseido primer is still wet with fabulous results. I also find that the Shiseido base gives better volume, while E.L.F. works well at length and defining. 

If you're curious about trying a mascara base, E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer is a great place to start!

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Makes my lashes look longer
• Helps keep my lashes separated
• Keeps my lashes curled

Cons:

• You have to wait for your lashes to fully dry before applying mascara, so your lashes will be a little stiff when you're applying your mascara. It's not something I'm crazy about, but since it gives good results I don't mind.
• Tube design isn't that great, but it's not a big deal since it's only $3 ($1.50 with a coupon - who's complaining?)

Repurchase: Yes!

Price: $3, E.L.F.