mascara help

so i swear it is impossible to have my lashes look really defined and curled up. I use an eyelash curler and then mascara. I’ve tried all the recommended ones- sky high, lash paradise etc.

I trid a sample of cliniques mascara recently and for the first time it actually LOOKED like i had mascara on. I was talking to my friend about it and she recommended I use an eyelash primer. I also considered buying a bigger version of the clinique mascara- however it is 40 dollars. As a drugstore girlie this is an investment LOL

Should I just get the clinique mascara, try using eyelash primer and another mascara, or do you have another idea for me (or brand im not aware of) that will define and make my lashes pop the most? what works the best for you?