Beauty Best NYX On The Rise Mascara and Primer Picks Reviewed Now
The best NYX On The Rise picks center on two products: the Volume Liftscara Mascara and the Lash Primer. NYX created On The Rise as a lash lifting system. The mascara uses a part hourglass, part rounded brush to grab and elevate every lash. The primer acts as a boosting base that adds volume and conditions with castor oil. Together, they promise instant lift and 10x volume without a lash curler.
We reviewed both products as a system and individually. The mascara works alone for a lifted, volumized look with its ultra pigmented black formula. The primer works under any mascara to amplify thickness and length. It has a grey black tint that enhances natural lashes even on its own. The primer is infused with castor oil to nourish while you wear it.
Your best pick depends on your lash goals. If your lashes are straight and need lift, start with the mascara. If your lashes are fine or sparse, add the primer for extra base volume. Keep reading for the buying breakdown, a product comparison and answers to common questions.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP On The Rise Volume Liftscara Mascara, Black Hybrid hourglass brush.
- NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP On The Rise Lash Primer, Eyelash Booster Lash boosting primer.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Instant lift and volume in one mascara
#1 Best OverallNYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP On The Rise Volume Liftscara Mascara, Black
- Hybrid hourglass brush
- Ultra pigmented black
- 95 percent saw volume
- Cruelty free
Pros
- Unique lifting brush shape
- High drama in few strokes
- Affordable prestige performance
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Needs technique to avoid clumps
Best for: Boosting base under any mascara
Runner-UpNYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP On The Rise Lash Primer, Eyelash Booster
- Lash boosting primer
- Castor oil infused
- Grey black tint
- Buildable volume base
Pros
- Amplifies any mascara
- Conditions with castor oil
- Works alone for natural tint
Cons
- Needs tacky timing with mascara
- Not waterproof
What the Liftscara brush actually does
NYX designed the On The Rise brush as a hybrid: part hourglass, part rounded. The hourglass section curls and elongates by grabbing lashes at the base. The rounded section adds volume by depositing more formula on the mid lengths. This dual action lifts in one stroke what usually takes a curler plus mascara. The elastomer bristles are short and firm, which separates lashes instead of clumping them. The formula is ultra pigmented matte black for high drama. It catches and coats quickly, so you get full coverage in a few strokes. NYX cites a clinical study where 95 percent saw instant volume and 94 percent saw instant lift. The brush shape means you should roll the wand as you apply. This rolling motion ensures every lash contacts both brush sections for maximum elevation.
Mascara vs primer: do you need both
The mascara is the star if you want lift and volume in one step. It delivers the dramatic, elevated look on its own. The formula is buildable, so you can go from natural to bold. The primer is a booster that goes under mascara. It adds a base layer of volume and length, making any mascara perform better. The grey black tint means it also works alone for a natural tinted lash look. The castor oil infusion conditions lashes, which is rare in a primer. If your lashes are already thick, the mascara alone is enough. If they are fine, straight or sparse, the primer makes a visible difference. Buying both costs less than one prestige mascara. The duo is ideal for those who want maximum impact without false lashes. For special occasions, consider adding individual false lashes to the outer corners. The On The Rise mascara blends them seamlessly with your natural lashes. The primer helps the falsies adhere better. This creates a custom, dramatic look without full strips.
How to apply for clump free lift
Start with clean, dry lashes. If using the primer, apply one thin coat from base to tip. Let it set for a few seconds but not fully dry. The primer should be tacky when the mascara goes on. Apply the mascara with the Liftscara brush using a zigzag motion at the base. This deposits formula at the roots for lift. Roll the wand as you pull through to the tips. The rolling ensures the hourglass section curls each lash. Practice the rolling motion on the back of your hand first. This helps you master the technique without wasting product. The motion should feel natural after a few tries. Once learned, it becomes second nature and speeds up your routine. Apply one coat for daytime, two for drama. Do not pump the wand, because it pushes air into the tube and dries the formula. If you see clumps, use a clean spoolie to separate before the formula sets. Work one eye at a time so the primer does not dry completely before mascara. If you accidentally let the primer dry fully, do not apply more wet primer over it. Instead, use a clean spoolie to gently fluff the lashes. Then apply mascara directly. The dry primer still provides a base for the mascara to grip.
Price, value and who should buy
NYX On The Rise products cost around eleven to thirteen dollars each, which is drugstore pricing. The mascara performs like prestige lifting mascaras that cost twice as much. The unique brush shape is the real innovation here. Few drugstore mascaras offer a hybrid hourglass brush. The primer adds value as a two in one: it boosts volume and conditions with castor oil. If you already own a favorite mascara, the primer alone can upgrade your routine. The system suits those with straight lashes that resist curling. It also helps aging lashes that have thinned and lost density. The formulas are cruelty free, which NYX certifies through PETA. For the price, this is one of the best lifting lash systems in the drugstore aisle. Compare it to prestige lifting mascaras that cost thirty dollars or more. The performance is remarkably similar. NYX has democratized the lifting lash trend. You no longer need to spend a fortune for elevated lashes.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nyx on the rise lash product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The standard On The Rise mascara and primer are washable formulas. They hold up to daily wear but will run with heavy water exposure. If you need waterproof, look for a waterproof topcoat or a different NYX waterproof mascara.
Not necessarily. The mascara lifts and volumizes on its own. The primer helps if your lashes are fine, sparse or straight. It adds base volume that makes the mascara look even fuller. Try the mascara first, then add the primer if you want more.
Use thin coats and let the primer get tacky before mascara. Do not apply mascara over fully wet primer, because the formulas gum up. Use a zigzag at the base and roll the wand. Comb through with a clean spoolie if needed.
Yes. The primer has a grey black tint that enhances natural lashes. It gives a natural, defined look without full mascara. The castor oil also conditions. It is perfect for no makeup days when you want some lash definition.
Expect eight to ten hours of lift and volume without flaking. The formula is long wearing but not waterproof. It removes easily with makeup remover or micellar water at night.