It Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer

The other day while doing my makeup I was surprised to realize that I've finished a full-size tube of It Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer. It didn't happen because it's a favorite product (more on that below) nor was it a case of "I'll finish this tube even if it kills me (don't do that. Life's too short for bad makeup). Admittedly, the amount of product It Cosmetics give you here is 0.118 oz, nearly half of what you get in a Lancome Définicils, for example (0.23 oz). The point, still, is that I've used up this It Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer just by testing and trying to figure it out.

If you're familiar with lash primers (my favorites are from Lancome, Lauder, and Dior) you know that they work on a similar idea to the age old trick of layering two mascaras, especially a lengthening one on top of a volumizing mascara. Lash primers often have a volume-building hyaluronic acid core that attracts and binds moisture (a good thing for lashes), creating a plumped up base for the mascara. Many of these primers are white, which I don't mind, they help show exactly where I need to apply more mascara. Those who dislike white lash primers will find that this It Cosmetics product takes care of the issue.

The other task that this It Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer is supposed to tackle is tightlining, the technique of applying an eyeliner in a very thin and non-conspicuous line at the very base of the lashes, making them appear fuller and darker without being too obvious. I do it all the time with a brush and pencils, liquid, gel, or cake liners (as long as they don't have shimmer particles in them), but beginners will supposedly find the super thin and delicate wand of the It Cosmetics primer much easier to manipulate and less likely to poke themselves in the eye (we've all been there).

The one thing that the thin and delicate wand does beautifully is separate the lashes and prevent clumping. It's a good pre-mascara comb. However, as a tightliner I don't find it particularly effective, probably because the formula is on the thin side. I can definitely reach the base of the lashes, but it doesn't do much there. It is just not an eyeliner.

Priming-wise there's also too little impact. The primer conditions the lashes, which is nice if one curls them first (I rarely do these days), but I've had primers that are much more effective in building an impressive frings that I just don't see the point. Using any random two macara samples that I have around seems to do a better job, even if I do need a lash comb afterwards to get a clean look. Speaking of clean, It Cosmetics boats that they don't use parabens in this primer. I won't get into the whole issue (the internet is vast and full of research), but my personal opinion is that a product that goes right into one's eye needs to have preservatives that prevent cooties from growing and multiplying inside the tube. I'd rather have parabens in all liquid and cream eye products, but that's just me.

Bottom Line: I am tempted to sterilize and save the wand to keep it as a lash comb and a reminder not to repurchase.

It Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer ($24, made in Korea) is available at Ulta and from the company's website.