Prime vs. Thrive: Which Mascara is Better for Lengthening & Volumizing Mature Lashes?

Mascara starts to work differently as you’re getting older. When you’re dealing with sparser lashes, drier eyes, and the kind of fine lines that make smudging a real concern, regular mascara just doesn’t cut it anymore. I’ve tested both the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($26) and the PrimeLash Mascara by Prime Prometics ($28) to see which one actually delivers results for mature lashes.

Here’s how they compare–and why one ended up being my go-to.

If you want both length and volume, PrimeLash performs better.

This was the biggest difference. Thrive gave me decent length, but it didn’t do much to plump up the look of my lashes. For my long but sparse lashes, volume makes all the difference.

PrimeLash claims to deliver up to 3x more volume, and in my experience, that held true. My sparse lashes looked noticeably fuller without feeling stiff or heavy. It uses a tubing formula that grabs onto even the finest lashes, including those tiny corner ones that usually get missed.

If you’re looking for an affordable mascara, it’s a tie.

Both brands are at a comparable price point: Thrive’s tubing mascara costs $25 and Prime Prometics costs $28. You’re getting incredible results with each brand; however, you will have to pay more for shipping with Thrive. It’s a difference of $4, which makes Prime Prometics a bit cheaper. 

If your eyes are sensitive or watery, go with PrimeLash.

As we age, our eyes become more prone to irritation, dryness, and tearing. Thrive should technically be smudge-resistant, but I did notice some dryness by midday and occasional flaking.

PrimeLash is water-resistant, not waterproof, which means it stays in place without being harsh. I wore it all day without any eye irritation or stinging, and it held up beautifully even when my eyes teared up from wind or allergies.

If you need long-lasting wear, PrimeLash holds better.

Thrive starts off looking great, but it just didn’t hold up quite as well through a full day. I noticed a bit of smudging under the eyes after 6–8 hours, especially in warmer weather.

PrimeLash stayed put from morning to night. It didn’t flake, transfer, or lose its lift. Despite being water-resistant, it handled humidity and light sweating without breaking down, making it ideal for daily wear.

If ease of application matters, PrimeLash is more user-friendly.

Both brands have well-designed wands, but Thrive’s slimmer applicator felt a bit too flexible for me—harder to control if your vision isn’t what it used to be.

PrimeLash has a firm, curved brush specifically made for mature lashes. It lifts from the root and separates without needing multiple coats. I found it easier to apply cleanly, especially near the lash line and outer corners.

For Me? PrimeLash Wins for Mature Lashes!

If you’re looking for a mascara that respects your sensitive eyes, adds noticeable volume and length, and actually stays put, PrimeLash outperforms Thrive on nearly every front. It was designed specifically for women over 50, and it actually promotes lash gowth.

It’s not just about pretty packaging or trends—it’s about performance. And for me, PrimeLash delivers on what matters most.