What it is:A conditioning lash primer that boosts the benefits of Clinique mascaras.What it does:This lash-conditioning undercoat contains a unique polymer combination that holds mascara to lashes for a longer, fuller look with extended wear. The moisturizing formula also helps to condition and mend dry lashes.What else you need to know:Ophthalmologist tested.

Questions & Answers:

12 Questions

120 Answers

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Overall Rating:

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Questions & Answers for Clinique Lash Building Primer

Question

curling

do you need to curl your eyelashes BEFORE applying this treatment or AFTER? my eyelashes hold a curl better when i curl them before applying mascara.

asked 3 years, 1 month ago

ezme

(oxnard, ca)

on Lash Building Primer

12 answers

Answers

answer 1

I suggest curling your lashes before this treatment for the best results.

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

melissabt

answer 2

Definitely before

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

dsmallz

(Modesto, ca)

answer 3

Yup--i always curl before I put it on.

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

bwileaver

(Savoy, IL)

answer 4

Curl your lashes BEFORE you put on your mascara ;)

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

meatie

(Cincinnati, OH)

answer 5

I curl my eyelashes before priming and mascara.

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

mkhcorder

(Vancouver,WA)

answer 6

Yes, before

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 7

No you don't. This product helps holds your lashes upward for the top lashes and downward for bottom ones. But if you want, you can curl it before then apply.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

fullofsmilez

(Louisville, Colorado)

answer 8

Definitely apply before just like a regular mascara. Quickly apply your mascara as soon as you apply the primer and while it is still wet for the best and non-clumpy look.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

princessdiana

(Atkinson, NH)

answer 9

Before, definitely.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

zoeycat

(San Antonio)

answer 10

I curl mine before I apply.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

gumbymelon

(long island)

answer 11

I curl my lashes first, then apply the primer.

answered 3 years ago

Bananacakey

(Anderson, IN)

answer 12

Curl your lashes first, then apply this treatment, and then follow up with mascara for best results.

answered 3 years, 1 month ago

MakeupMaven

(San Francisco, CA)

Question

Clinique vs. Smashbox

I want to buy a mascara primer but I can't decide between the Clinique one or the Smashbox one. Which one creates the illusion of thicker, longer, healthier lashes?

asked 3 years, 10 months ago

plushgun123

(Scottsdale, Arizona)

on Lash Building Primer

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

Clinique is really nice. It makes my mediocre lashes thick and longer and just nice looking :) I use less mascara with it.

BUT. You definitely need to curl your lashes before you use this. Even if you already have nice lashes. This primer, I find, sometimes flattens out my curl a little bit (not a ton... but still).

Have a happy day :)

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

meatie

(Cincinnati, OH)

answer 2

I love the Clinique primer. I recommend you try it first since it is a much better price. Then, if it is not what you are looking for, go for the more expensive Smashbox product.

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

scrabber50

(Lee's Summit, MO)

answer 3

Hands Down.... Clinique is the better purchase. I have used it since it was first added to the line. All of my friends are loyal followers now as well. It is fantastic!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

aprilmaeking

(Weston, FL)

answer 4

Clinqiue, the SmashBox clumps!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 5

I have only used the Clinique primer, but LOVE it. I use it with the Tarte Amazonian Clay mascara and get an extension look. Especially since I have short and thin lashes. You can see the huge difference it makes for me. Usually mascara only makes my eyelashes visible, but with this combo, IT'S AMAZING!

Images for this Answer

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answered 1 year, 6 months ago

asianchic101

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 6

I have tried both and I am sold on the Clinique primer. Please see my review (posted today) under the Clinique Primer here on Sephora for a few tips that might help you too.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

Anonymous

(West Palm Beach, FL)

answer 7

I've tried both and if this says anything, I gave clinque 5 stars and smashbox 3. I didn't like the Smashbox primer at all, the brush was thin and didn't go on well and I used it with an expensive mascara which it took away from in my opinion. The Clinque primer is fabulous and helps my mascara to look phenomenal and last all day.

answered 1 year, 11 months ago

ladycatherine

(oklahoma city, ok)

answer 8

I've never used the Smashbox one because I've always just used Clinique. In my opinion it's amazing! If it's not broke don't fix it... that's why I've always just stayed with Clinique! Pretty reasonably priced for what you get!!

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

lesd88

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 9

I would pick clinique, it will give a boost to your lashes.

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

sunshine016

(Vega Baja, PR)

answer 10

I would recommend the Clinique one. The price is better and it does everything it says it would plus some.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

fullofsmilez

(Louisville, Colorado)

answer 11

Sorry, I really haven't tried the Smash box primer (but it too has great reviews), but I would definitely say this has all your looking for. It helps lengthen, volumize and condition lashes. As far as thickening, I would say so as well, just not like fake thick. Lashes look great if you apply this before any mascara. No, it does not only work great with JUST Clinique mascaras, but if you do opt for a Clinique mascara, I would recommend pairing this with the High Impact Mascara. That'll give you a lift and thick lashes! It might be a bit clumpy (the High Impact), but as long as you apply with gentle strokes and carefully define with application, it really does give you plush lashes. I hope this helped! My best beauty wishes to you!

answered 3 years, 10 months ago

angeehem

(Riverside, CA)

Question

Color of Primer?

Is the color of the primer clear or white? Can it be worn alone? Thanks

asked 3 years, 5 months ago

Jessx1x23x

on Lash Building Primer

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

The primer is white in color and I would't wear it alone.

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

mkhcorder

(Vancouver,WA)

answer 2

The primer is white and you would not want to use it alone. However, it is a great product to use under mascara and will really make a big difference in the final look.

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

scrabber50

(Lee's Summit, MO)

answer 3

It is clear/white but disappears when you apply mascara on top of it. Wearing it alone would be weird and you wouldn't get much impact out of it. Think of this as the condition you use to get volume and shine out of your hair. It also helps strengthen lashes and keep mascara from smudging. It is not meant to be worn alone.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

aprilmaeking

(Weston, FL)

answer 4

It's white and can not be worn alone

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 5

It's white. I wouldn't wear it alone, unless you want eyelashes.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

asianchic101

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 6

I would not recommend this product to be worn alone. It coats you lashes well but it comes in a white and not clear.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

fullofsmilez

(Louisville, Colorado)

answer 7

The color is white on your lashes. You definitely need to cover it with mascara. For best results, quickly apply the mascara while your primer is still wet for a non-clumpy look.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

princessdiana

(Atkinson, NH)

answer 8

It's white, like most other primers. This one actually dries white-ish, so you shouldn't wear it alone.

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

eugene

(Orange County, CA)

answer 9

It's white. I don't know about wearing it alone, I've never tried.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

zoeycat

(San Antonio)

answer 10

It's a primer. It dryes white, so no you shouldn't wear it alone.

answered 3 years ago

Bananacakey

(Anderson, IN)

answer 11

It's white, but I think Lancomb's primer is better because of the brush.

answered 3 years, 4 months ago

dottiedd

(Chicago, IL)

Question

Clinique or Dior?

I got a sample of the Dior lash primer and I love it. However, I have a hard time paying $30 for a primer. I'm running low and need to decide whether to buy the full version or try something new. Is Clinique just as good or fairly close? I've heard good things and would like to try it next. I love Clinique's High Impact Mascara (one of my favs) so I have high hopes for their primer.

asked 1 year, 10 months ago

jo11

(Calgary, AB)

on Lash Building Primer

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

You can't beat Clinique's lash primer for the price. I haven't used Dior's primer but I really like the Clinique product. You should try it and see for yourself.

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

scrabber50

(Lee's Summit, MO)

answer 2

I can honestly say this is the BEST product I have ever added to my makeup bag. I use it along with Clinique's lash doubling mascara and all the women in my family are now sold on it too. It conditions your lashes for minimal breakage, builds them up for optimum coverage and keeps mascara from smudging. I highly recommend it!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

aprilmaeking

(Weston, FL)

answer 3

i had the same thoughts i tried dior sample lash primerand i liked it alot but the price when i went to purchase the full size thats why i shopped around and i am very very happy with the clinque it is just as good as the dior try it you wont be sorry

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

char5469

(saginaw mi)

answer 4

Clinique!

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 5

Yes, I think Clinique's lash primer is very reasonable for the good results you get using it. I really like it.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

gmgerstner1

(Fox, OR)

answer 6

You sould try this primer definately. It is great and it last a long time.

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

dado

(Chicago, IL)

answer 7

I think Clinique is a great cost effective alternative to Dior primer. I actually prefer the way it goes on.

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

clmcc

answer 8

Definitely try Clinique. I've tried both, and have gone back to Clinique, while I found both products to be good primers, Clinique's was creamier (but not too creamy that I couldn't apply my mascara) and cheaper - clear winner!

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

izzyny

(New York, NY)

answer 9

I have tried both and actually prefer Clinique. The application of Clinique seems lighter and easier than the Dior primer.

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

melmb

(Shawnee Mission, Kansas)

answer 10

I think you will love the clinique primer! Although small & cheap compared to other lines this product stands out! Apply generously for best results, let dry and apply again before mascara!

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

jessicamercedes

(Beverly Hills, CA)

answer 11

I hv not tried the Dior primer ( I just can't pay that much for a primer right now) but I will say that this primer is good & at that price I say GIVE IT A TRY!!

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

myanani

(Rossville,GA)

Question

What is the best way to use this primer?

How should I use it? Should I apply my mascara when the primer is almost dry or after it dries or right after applying the primer?

asked 1 year, 3 months ago

maggsters

(Chicago, IL)

on Lash Building Primer

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

I apply, brush though with my eyelash comb, then let it "set". I do notice I get a better mascara application (no clumping, smudging, etc..) if I apply primer then wait 1-3 minutes before mascara

answered 3 months, 1 week ago

jlewis1575

(San Antonio TX)

answer 2

I have tried both ways and applying when the primer is wet seems to work best.

answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Sierrraaaa

(spokane, wa)

answer 3

Never let a lash primer dry before adding mascara. Ever. Clump city.

answered 4 months ago

lew4him

(Tacoma, WA)

answer 4

It says on the package you should wait for it to dry. I haven't tried it any other way, but that seems to work.

answered 5 months, 3 weeks ago

kerrydd

(Stony Point, NY)

answer 5

That depends on your type of lashes. If you have shorter but thicker lashes...pile it on before mascara! You'll love the affect! However, if you have long but somewhat sparse lashes (like me), the only time you can really benefit from it is wearing it before bed (sleeping with it on) for long term results. This lash primer did wonders for my friend who has short thick lashes, but I only wear it at night and wash it off in the morning.

answered 6 months ago

CliniqueChick9

(Wausau, Wisconsin)

answer 6

Apply a generous amount and work it with the brush, so it can dry the way you want it to be. Once it dries, you won't be able to remodel it. Then apply a creamy, rich mascara to cover the white primer. This seems to work best for me. If I apply it too early, before the primer sets, the effect is not as dramatic and strong. Good luck!

answered 6 months ago

Marto

(Norway)

answer 7

As I was told by a Sephora employee (and what I've learned from NOT listening to this advice):
1. Apply sparingly to DRY eyelashes (dry with toilet paper before applying if recently washed face/showered)
2. Have your mascara open and in hand ready to apply RIGHT after the primer while it is still wet. Do one eye at a time to avoid the primer drying since when it does, the mascara looks clumpy.

answered 8 months ago

Caro4471

(San Francisco, CA)

answer 8

I wait until completely dry, the effect is usually quite lengthening.

answered 1 year, 1 month ago

gwenythb

(Texas)

answer 9

I have the best results when I wait about 30 seconds after applying the primer to apply mascara. Too long and it clumps, not enough time and it gets sticky. I really do like this product quite a bit, so don't be intimidated!

answered 1 year, 1 month ago

violamark

(overland park, ks)

answer 10

I always put my mascara directly after the primer (while it's still wet). I've found if you let the primer dry, the mascara doesn't adhere to it, thus not giving you the "full" effect you're looking for. Hope this helps!

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

almerinda

(NY, NY)

answer 11

I suggest waiting till the primer is dry to apply your mascara on top of it. I hope that this helps!

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

melissabt

Question

Can you wear this alone for a more natural look?

Does it look funny if you don't wear mascara over it?

asked 1 year, 1 month ago

gusthemagiccat

on Lash Building Primer

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

It will absolutely look natural if you don't put mascara on. The color doesn't stay white, while it's wet it's the white color you see, it dries a natural gray. If you still want natural looking big lashes, after you applied the primer (It doesn't clump, go ahead and put a million coats on. LOL) take the mascara brush and either wipe the entire brush of the back of your hand (getting the excess off) of save that mascara and wipe it off on the side of the mascara tube (the opening) and slowly put mascara on.

answered 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Firetruck

(Creston, Ohio)

answer 2

It's got a white tint to it, so it would definitely look strange if you wore it alone.

answered 5 months, 3 weeks ago

kerrydd

(Stony Point, NY)

answer 3

coats your lashes white, so mascara is a must

answered 6 months ago

juttax

(Lawton, OK)

answer 4

I would say no, seeing that this mascara is not clear, but white, it would look even less natural than mascara! If you're looking for a good natural mascara, check out a mascara that is specifically labeled as "clear mascara".

answered 6 months ago

CliniqueChick9

(Wausau, Wisconsin)

answer 5

No you can't. Unless you want the Ice Queen effect:) It's white and very visible if not covered by a mascara.

answered 6 months ago

Marto

(Norway)

answer 6

You could do that but it would look so funny with white lashes since this primer makes your lashes white:) I think the best way to use it is putting mascara over it.

answered 6 months ago

aliceeeeeee

answer 7

If you wear this alone, there will be a slightly white color on your lashes.

answered 7 months ago

irishlady

(Syracuse, NY)

answer 8

yes, it goes on white

answered 7 months ago

laplaya

(los angeles, ca)

answer 9

You could use it and leave it at that if your lashes are dark enough. Because the primer is clear I am not sure that your lashes will seem to have multiplied or not.

answered 8 months ago

mcdonald

(Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

answer 10

No. When you put it on it looks white, so you need to apply mascara after the primer.

answered 8 months ago

Caro4471

(San Francisco, CA)

answer 11

It does look funny without any mascara. It is not clear and shows up white on your lashes.

answered 10 months ago

jojo05

(NYC, NY)

Question

Use with "tubing" mascaras

Can this be used with tubing mascaras (such as Blinc or Kevyn Aucoin)? I have thin eyelashes and definitely see an improvement on how my mascara looks when I use a primer. I am just concerned since the concept of the tubing mascaras is completely different than the majority of mascaras.

asked 3 years ago

youngerforever

(Southern Virginia)

on Lash Building Primer

10 answers

Answers

answer 1

I'm currently using it with a tubing mascara (d.j.v. Beautenizer) and it works great!

answered 5 months, 3 weeks ago

kerrydd

(Stony Point, NY)

answer 2

Yes--you can use it with tube mascara successfully. Initially that's what I bought primer for--because the tube mascara didn't volumize enough. Honestly, I don't know that the primer helped that much with the tube mascara, but it ended up solving my problem with regular mascara (smudging) that made me try the tubes in the first place.

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

bwileaver

(Savoy, IL)

answer 3

Sorry, I have no idea what a "tubing" mascara is, nor have I tried the Dior primer. I can only say that this Clinique Primer works very well for me. My lashes are so thin and pale that I rarely wore even mascara as the effort was just not worth it. Now I apply two coats of this primer plus two coats of Sephora mascara (it's not necessarily a fave - just what I'm trying now). The mascara alone was useless but used with the primer I actually look like a normal person again. At less than 1/2 the price of your Dior I'd say you should give Clinique a try.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

punk

(Whidbey Island WA)

answer 4

I've used it with tubing mascara and gotten the results I wanted--extension look without the price. Give it a try, you might find you are really happy with this primer, I really love it.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

asianchic101

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 5

I've used it with Clinique's Lash Power Long-Wearing mascara and it worked great. Came off fine with just warm water like the tubing mascara does.

answered 2 years, 1 month ago

nickythecat

(St. Petersburg, FL)

answer 6

I wouldn't know that but the product is great. I think it would work with any mascara.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

maureenmx

answer 7

i wouldn't suggest using it underneath those formulas. it is a little thick for the "tube" lash

answered 2 years, 4 months ago

nolaartist

(New Orleans, LA)

answer 8

I have used it with blinc and it works just find.

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

sunshine016

(Vega Baja, PR)

answer 9

Yes it can be used with tubs. I use a lot of the mascara tubs and I alot of times I notice that it can get really flakey, with this product it doesn't flake, to smudges (racoon eyes) and holds all day or all night.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

fullofsmilez

(Louisville, Colorado)

answer 10

You can use this with tubing mascaras as well as conventional mascaras.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

dcjen

(Washington, DC)

Question

curl

On a scale of 1-10 how good is this primer at holding a curl?

asked 4 years, 4 months ago

purplelover

on Lash Building Primer

10 answers

Answers

answer 1

Helps mine hold a curl!

answered 4 days ago

lbridges27

(Little Rock, AR.)

answer 2

I always curl my lashes first because when I have applied this primer without curling them then did not curl at all.

answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

tellmemore

(NJ)

answer 3

This primer, as far as I've noticed with my lashes (long but somewhat sparse), is about a 6. This is the best primer I've ever tried, but it only does so much because the primer decreases my volume.

answered 6 months ago

CliniqueChick9

(Wausau, Wisconsin)

answer 4

answered 8 months ago

Caro4471

(San Francisco, CA)

answer 5

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 6

I curl my lashes before I use the primer and a mascara (without curling benefits) and I've found that my lashes are just as curly as when I curl them.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

asianchic101

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 7

I would say it's about a 8.5 or 9. I have longer lashes and it holds my lashes all day long. I also have some for clients who have short lashes and it really works wonders for them too.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

fullofsmilez

(Louisville, Colorado)

answer 8

According to my experience, this primer doesn't hold a curl very well. I've never tried curling my eyelashes AFTER applying this primer. However, I always curl it before I apply the primer, and my eyelashes would straighten out. Perhaps it works better for those with naturally curled eyelashes. I ended up returning it.

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

eugene

(Orange County, CA)

answer 9

I use a lash-curler just before applyin the primer, and, the curl is definitely still there after applying the primer. I've used other brands in the past that have not held the curl.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

comomma

answer 10

answered 4 years, 4 months ago

Anonymous

(austin, tx)

Question

What's the size of the tube of Clinique Lash Building primer?

asked 4 years ago

Anonymous

on Lash Building Primer

9 answers

Answers

answer 1

The tube is very slightly skinnier than the Clinique mascara tube, but roughly the same length.

answered 8 months ago

Caro4471

(San Francisco, CA)

answer 2

It is .16 oz or 4.8 ML

answered 1 year, 3 months ago

seophorasiangirl

(Omaha, NE)

answer 3

It's as long as the mascara tubes but thinner, and a little goes a long way.

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

rnjennrn

(Knoxville, TN)

answer 4

It's a skinny tube, similar to L'Oreal Lash Out mascara-

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

windycityg8tr

(Chicago, IL)

answer 5

Its the length of a normal mascara tube but much slimmer

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

meeshy

(New York, NY)

answer 6

It is a regular-sized tube like a regular mascara.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

princessdiana

(Atkinson, NH)

answer 7

it's the same length as most mascara tubes, just thinner.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

zoeycat

(San Antonio)

answer 8

The tube is pretty long. I would say around 6 inches

answered 3 years ago

em3415

(New Orleans, LA)

answer 9

it's the size of a typical tube of mascara.

answered 3 years, 11 months ago

beautyfan4

(Newton, MA)

Question

Growth?

Some mascaras lengthen, volumize, or darken lashes over time? Does this have a similar effect, or do you only get the benefits while wearing it?

asked 1 year, 3 months ago

Anonymous

(Chicago, IL)

on Lash Building Primer

9 answers

Answers

answer 1

I've been using it for two weeks and can tell a difference in the length & strength of my eyelashes. They are definitely healthier.

answered 4 days ago

lbridges27

(Little Rock, AR.)

answer 2

while wearing it..

answered 1 month ago

JennySibri

(Queens, NY)

answer 3

Definitely only when wearing it.

answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

tellmemore

(NJ)

answer 4

I haven't noticed any "side" effects - I can only see a difference when applied

answered 3 months, 1 week ago

jlewis1575

(San Antonio TX)

answer 5

Yes, it does lengthen and put lashes in the proper place.

answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Klara66

(Cincinnati, OH)

answer 6

lenghtens and volumizes

answered 6 months ago

juttax

(Lawton, OK)

answer 7

This primer, in fact, is better for wearing before bed and washing off in the morning because it benefits your lashes in that way. While wearing the mascara, however, you won't notice (or at least I didn't) much of a benefit besides length. If you have long but somewhat sparse lashes like me, this will decrease your volume a lot. I only wear this before bed (and sleep with it on) for long term benefits.

answered 6 months ago

CliniqueChick9

(Wausau, Wisconsin)

answer 8

This product lengthens lashes and is applied under mascara.

answered 8 months ago

elvie11

(SLC, ut)

answer 9

I haven't noticed any long-term effects, just works great when I have it on.

answered 8 months ago

Caro4471

(San Francisco, CA)

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