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Can a Lash Primer Really Change the Game? I Tried MAC’s to Find Out

Mariah StricklandMariah Strickland
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Published on May 28, 2025 • 3 min read
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When I was asked to try out the MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer, I’ll be honest—I was a little skeptical. My lashes are straight and somewhat sparse, which means finding a mascara that actually lives up to its claims is few and far between. The idea of a lash primer though? That piqued my interest. A product that’s the ultimate hack for longer, fuller lashes, no matter the mascara, is something that I could see myself really loving and using. So I decided to test drive this do-it-all lash primer with an open mind and open eyes—here’s what I found out.

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What to Know About the MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer

When it comes to MAC COSMETICS, it’s safe to say any product from the OG beauty brand is going to be good. Known for its iconic and extensive range of lipsticks, MAC COSMETICS has been a tried-and-true favorite of makeup artists and beauty lovers since its start in 1984. Recently, the iconic brand has also become a lash innovator with products like their mascara dry shampoo. So when I was asked to try the brand’s M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer, I knew it had to be something special. Have I ever used a lash primer before? No. Was I willing to take one for the team and try it out anyway? Absolutely. And with this extensive list of claims, I couldn’t be more excited:

  • Primes your lashes for next-level volume, length, lift

  • Reduces smudges and flaking

  • Conditions and nourishes lashes with an oil-based formula made with castor seed oil, vitamin E, and pro-vitamin B5 derivatives

  • Features a curler-shaped brush to give you customizable lift and curl, no matter your lash type

  • Works with ALL types of mascaras (yes, even tubing mascara)

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Mariah’s lashes before MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer.

What I Love About It

Let me start from the beginning: As soon as I took it out of the box, I was stunned. I’m a self-admitted aesthetic girlie—I love anything with a luxury vibe—so the sleek, high-end packaging already got this product major brownie points. When I twisted the top off, the wand design also stood out—it looked like it would offer the control and separation I search for when looking for a mascara. Brownie points total so far? Two for two. 

Now let’s get down to what we’re all really here for: Did this product actually work? Let’s just say my straight lashes work hard, but this lash primer works harder. When I tell you this lash primer made my lashes look beautiful throughout the day (no flaking, might I add!) well into the evening…They looked full, lifted, voluminous, and long without looking clumpy or weighed down. Bonus: The formula didn’t irritate my sensitive eyes (my teary-eyed girlies will feel me on this)!

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Mariah’s white-tinted lashes after applying MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer.

How to Use the MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer

Applying this mascara primer was pretty easy. I started off with clean, dry lashes (I love to do my mascara as the last step in my glam routine, btw). Just like applying regular mascara, I found that starting at the base of my lashes and slowly wiggling the wand out and up gave the best results. My favorite part? One coat of this baby was enough to get my stubborn lashes lifted and flirty. Plus, the primer leaves a white coating on the lashes, which makes it easy to cover every single last lash. Lastly, once I applied the primer, I waited for about a minute for it to dry down before going in with my mascara on top. Going in with mascara over already coated lashes made my lashes look thicker and fuller (which we love!), without any of the clumpiness usually caused by multiple layers of mascara—this primer formula was thin enough to avoid any of that!

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Mariah’s lashes after applying MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer + her regular mascara.

What to Consider Before Trying This Lash Primer

If you prefer a more natural lash look, I’d definitely consider using only one or two light coats of this primer before your mascara as it builds up on your lashes easily. I’d also note that the since the primer has a white coloring to it, I’d save it for a full glam day or a day when you have the time to add mascara on top, as the coloring is noticeable and definitely needs a couple coats of mascara to fully cover. 

My Final Thoughts on the MAC COSMETICS M·A·CSTACK Legit Lift Lash Primer

If you have stubborn, straight lashes, stress no more—this product was made for you. This lash primer is your key to elevating your flirty eye game and getting your lashes sky-high, all while keeping them conditioned and nourished—trust, you’ll love it. Remember: It’s designed to really bring the volume and drama—so I recommend reaching for it on the days and nights when your full glam needs a little extra oomph.

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