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Category: Primer
There's nothing more frustrating than working on your eye makeup in the morning only to have it disappear by lunchtime. What's the point of perfecting your eye makeup when it wears off or melts into your face by the time you're ready to go out? Luckily, with a super quick, super easy application of eye primer, you can rest assured that your eye makeup will stay in place all day long.
- What is eye primer used for?
- How to choose the texture of an eyeshadow primer
- Types of eyelid primers
- How to choose an eyeshadow primer shade
- How to use eyelid primer: step-by-step guide with video tutorials
- How to replace eyelid primer
- Reviews about using eyeshadow primer
- Video on how to use eyelid primer correctly
- Questions and answers from makeup artists on using eye primer
- The best eye primers
What is eye primer used for?
- Eyeshadow Preparation: Eye shadow primer is used to prepare eyes for eyeshadow. It helps with longer wear and eyeshadow blends easier providing a smooth canvas to apply and stay in place.
- To even out skin tone: Eye primer is used to even out skin tone and decolorize the skin. This is beneficial for those who have darkened or discolored eyelids. Eyelid primer can also cover visible veins.
- To enhance color: Eye shadow primer can make pigments stand out and look more vibrant. Some shadows, especially powder formulas, appear lighter than they appear on the palette. A primer can help you achieve a richer color.
- Skin Barrier: Primer also acts as a barrier between the skin and makeup. It can remove oil from the skin, helps prevent eyeshadow from smudging. If you have oily eyelids, primer is a must to keep your shadow in place all day long.
- To prevent creasing and smearing: Eyeshadow primer is useful in hot, humid weather to prevent eyeshadow from fading or smearing. It also helps prevent wrinkling during eye movements.
Clinique All About Shadow Primer
This product combines two products - a concealer and a primer. It can be used both as a base for eye shadow and as a stand-alone product to create the perfect tone.
Women write that the lightest shade from this line can also be used to highlight the eyebrow line. They write that the shadows apply perfectly to the product, last a long time, and the color becomes more intense.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the reviews are mixed; the product worked for some, but not for others. Therefore, when choosing an eye primer, purchase a sample so as not to waste money, and buy a full tube only after you are sure that the product is suitable.
How to choose the texture of an eyeshadow primer
Primers come in gel, cream, liquid or pen form. The texture of your primer will affect how it feels on your eyelids and how long it will last. Gel primer usually lasts the longest and can be used with all types of eyeshadow. It's great for hot weather and minimizing wrinkling.
- Cream primers have a mousse texture and are the easiest to find. They work with most eyeshadows and may feel a little heavier on your eyelids.
- Liquid primers are very lightweight but tend to crease if applied too lightly. Make sure you thoroughly mix the liquid primers into the creases of your eyelids when applying.
- Pen-style primers can be applied directly to your eyelid instead of using your brush. They are very convenient for this reason, however it can be difficult to measure how much primer you apply.
Lumene Beauty Base Eyeshadow Primer
This primer was again rated by women with normal to dry skin. They write that it does not tighten, does not cause a sticky effect, dries quickly and does not shine. The shadows fit perfectly onto the base, but they do not become brighter and retain their original appearance. Makeup, according to girls' reviews, can last up to twelve hours, but is easily removed with ordinary washing products - soap, foam.
Women with oily skin types wrote that this primer was good and worked better than many. On its basis, the shadows last up to six hours, but then roll off.
They noted the aroma of the product, they write that it is light and pleasant. After applying the primer, the skin looks radiant and well-groomed; you don’t have to use shadows if you prefer a natural look.
Types of eyelid primers
Choose the finish of your primer. Matte primers are great for everyday use because they tend to last longer and give you a more neutral base for your eye makeup. Even if your skin isn't oily, your eyelids tend to get a little oily throughout the day, and the matte finish will help absorb oil and keep your makeup in place.
- Satin or shimmer finishes work when you don't wear eyeshadow under primer or plan to use glitter eyeshadow. Keep in mind that they don't have much staying power as a matte primer, and that you shouldn't use a matte eyeshadow over a shimmer primer or it will look off.
- If you have very dry skin, try a gel primer or one that illuminates the skin.
- Matte primers work with both matte and shimmer eyeshadows—they let you add all the sparkle using makeup rather than primer
- Matte primers are especially effective in hot and humid weather because they will keep oil and shine under control.
Tips for choosing
To choose a good product for your own use, you need to pay attention to:
- Primer with aesthetic enhancers. Can be used to give the skin a radiant, fresh look, and to disguise minor imperfections (wrinkles, unevenness, small areas of inflammation or redness, freckles). In this case, you can not apply shadows at all or choose shimmering ones. It is worth remembering that this foundation is less durable than a matte one.
- Silicone base eye makeup The main task is to smooth the surface of the skin, filling wrinkles, unevenness and folds. This base should be chosen for oily skin, because by covering the eyelid with a silicone film, it reduces sebum, preventing it from mixing with the shadows, while preventing the skin from drying out, thereby protecting against excess sebum synthesis.
- Colored primers. They are recommended to be used to eliminate color defects in the skin. A pink base is used to improve tone and is suitable for adding freshness to pale, dull and gray skin. It is better to choose purple to neutralize yellowness. A base with a yellow tint masks bruises and translucent blood vessels, while a green one masks areas of inflammation and redness. White or white with mother-of-pearl visually refreshes, adds shine, and helps correct the shape of the eyes.
- Mattifying base for eye makeup. Gives the skin matte, velvety, smoothness. It ideally fixes decorative cosmetics on the eyelids, preventing rolling, smearing and spreading, masks skin imperfections, and eliminates oily shine. This foundation is not suitable for dry skin - it can cause a feeling of dryness, deepening of unevenness and creases.
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How to choose an eyeshadow primer shade
For general, daily use, you should look for a primer that matches your complexion or is just a little lighter. It will look most natural if you skip the eyeshadow and just go with liner, and it won't change the shade of your eyeshadow by adding pigmentation.
- You can also use a clear primer for the most versatile option.
- If you're rocking a smoky eye or wearing dark eyeshadow, look for a darker primer to add depth to your look.
- If you're using multiple colors and really want them to pop, try a white primer.
- You can skip eyeshadow entirely and opt for a primer that has captivating color already blended into the formula.
- Consider color-correcting your primer if you have dark circles or want to brighten your eyes. Primers with a yellow or peach tint neutralize purple, brown, and blue tones in eye circles.
- An eye primer with a little green in it can neutralize pink or reddish skin.
What to look for when choosing?
Each woman has her own skin type, which affects the durability of cosmetics and the ease of its distribution, so this aspect cannot be ignored:
- For oily skin, you need to choose a product with a mattifying effect that dries the skin a little. Gel products are optimal because they do not clog pores and allow the skin to breathe.
- For dry skin, on the contrary, a light coating with a liquid consistency is more suitable. This primer will additionally moisturize the skin.
- If there are many imperfections on the eyelids, you will need a dense product with high covering power.
Foundations vary in durability. Some only make it easier to distribute products, while others make makeup more durable. What properties the base has are indicated on the packaging.
There are primers for special purposes. This applies to color bases. For example, a white base will significantly enhance the brightness of the shadows, and a black base under the shadows is ideal for creating a rich smokey eye makeup.
The skin should not experience discomfort either while wearing makeup or after removing it.
An eyeshadow primer is bad if it:
- lies unevenly;
- dries the skin;
- rolls into folds or spreads;
- does not affect the brightness of the shadows or the durability of the makeup.
How to use eyelid primer: step-by-step guide with video tutorials
Step 1: Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer
It is very important to always start with a clean face, removing any oil or dirt that may be on your skin. Moisturizer will keep makeup from drying out your skin. Wait at least 20 seconds after applying moisturizer or until your skin feels dry.
Step 2: Apply a small amount of eyelid primer to the back of your hand.
The quantity should only be about the size of a grain of rice. While you want the primer to completely cover your eyelid, too much primer is not advisable. This can cause your makeup to sag and appear chalky or shiny.
- It's always better to start with less product and build up layers if you need to, rather than starting with too much and trying to rub it off. Remember: less is more when it comes to primer.
Step 3: Apply eye primer to your eyelid
Dip your ring finger or small brush into the primer and apply it to your eyelid. You should gently blot, pat, smooth and blend (but not rub) the primer into your skin. You can start at the inner corner of your eye and blend upward towards your brow bone and outer corner of your eyelid, or you can start at the center of your eyelid and blend outward and upward.
- A clean finger is the ideal tool for applying primer and in most cases that's all you'll need. You can easily control how much product you apply and the heat from your fingers can help you distribute it.
- A small makeup brush can really get into the little corners and edges of your tear duct and lash line and usually helps you get an even application.
- Always be gentle and never pull the skin around your eyes as this can lead to sagging and wrinkles later in life.
- A primer's job is to fill in the fine lines on your skin so your makeup doesn't settle into creases.
- If you are applying makeup to the lower eyelid, use a thin brush or finger to gently sweep it along the lower lash line.
Step 4: Let the eyelid primer dry before completing your eye makeup.
It should take about 20 seconds for the primer to dry. You can then apply your eye makeup as you normally would. Your eyelid should feel like a flat canvas and your eyeshadow should apply smoothly. If the shadows appear clumpy, you may have used too much primer.
- Try also using a brow primer to preserve your brow powder.
How to replace eyelid primer
Make your own primer or use a natural alternative if you're out of primer. Unscented aloe vera gel and milk of magnesia can replace eyelid primer. Both will absorb excess oil, and aloe can actually moisturize your eyelid. Just apply a little with a cotton swab, being careful not to get it into your eyes. Mix the following ingredients to make your own primer:
- 1/2 teaspoon scented lipstick, softened (hold it under water for about 1 minute).
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid foundation that matches your skin.
- Combine all ingredients together in a small container.
- You can use a tiny piece of highly purified Vaseline if you don't have lipstick, but it won't have the lasting power of the wax in lipstick.
Reviews about using eyeshadow primer
You need to apply the shadows 2-3 minutes after the base so that it dries. With my rather oily skin on the eyelids, the shadows do not crease and remain perfectly on the eyelids until the end of the working day. When they run out, I think I'll buy them again. I recommend.
I heard that it is recommended to powder the foundation before applying eye shadow, but I didn’t do it. I liked the first day of wearing the primer. I have oily and drooping eyelids and my shadows really crease. With her for a day there are practically no changes. But overall, everything is fine for the century.
It does not roll off, the shadows stay on it and become brighter. Over time it hardly dries out.
Previously, eyeshadow, whether cheap or expensive, lasted for several hours and at the end of the working day it was terrible on the eyes. And with the base they last almost a day!
The shadows last from morning to evening... a little, just barely noticeable in the crease, but I saw this late in the evening before I started washing my face. The shadows blend well and are more saturated. Satisfied with the purchase.
What is the base for?
The eye area receives a lot of attention in creating a beautiful image. For them, special products are selected individually, depending on the structure of the skin, color and characteristics of the cosmetic product.
- The product protects the skin of the eyelids from the negative effects of low-quality cosmetics. There are situations when shadows dry out the skin of the eyelids.
- Holds cosmetics on the eyelids and helps preserve its structure.
- Causes cosmetics to adhere tightly. If a woman suffers from constant shadow rolling, the base does not allow this.
- The product is suitable for oily skin – it prevents chafing; when used on dry skin – it smoothes out flaking on the skin surface.
Questions and answers from makeup artists on using eye primer
Do you apply eye primer before or after foundation?
You should apply it over any primer you use before your foundation, including eyelid primer.
Can you use concealer as an eyelid primer?
You can use concealer as an eyeshadow base, but it won't set your makeup and block sweat and perspiration as well as primer.
Can I use regular primer on my eyelids?
Yes, you can use a regular primer on your eyelids or you can buy a special eyelid primer that will provide the best results.
Why do you need an eye primer?
This makes the eye makeup look smoother and the shadows stay on the eyes longer.
Will eyelid primer remove oil from eyelids?
Yes, you should see significant results in reducing the oil on your skin.
Should I use eyelid primer before using face moisturizer, foundation, concealer and powder?
First, you should apply a moisturizer to your face. Then use face primer, followed by eye primer and foundation. Then use concealer and powder.
Is it necessary to use eye primer?
Primer is something that is applied to your skin to prepare it for makeup - it helps your makeup go on more smoothly and your eye shadow to stay on longer without smearing. You don't have to use it if you don't want to, but some people find it useful. If you are looking for an eye primer it will almost always be labeled as “eyelid primer” and can usually be found anywhere cosmetics are sold.
Make Up For Ever Eye Prime
All women appreciated this primer. They write that it fits perfectly due to the presence of wax microgranules in the composition. The mineral powder included in the composition mattifies the skin and prevents it from shining again throughout the day and evening. The shadows apply smoothly and last perfectly for up to twelve hours, but again do not become a brighter color. Many considered this characteristic to be an advantage. They write that if you need brighter shades, you need to buy them, and the already chosen color should remain as it is.
The best eye primers
NYX Proof it eyelid primer
It has a gentle formula with a 100% mineral base that is free of parabens and preservatives. It does not contain any chemical dyes. It also has vitamins A, C and E which will help you prevent early aging and keep your skin hydrated. The eye primer formula applies smoothly and melts into the skin without leaving any residue. This makes eye makeup last longer and avoids wrinkles.
Primer for eyelids Bell Perfect Skin Eyeshadow Base
This eye primer comes with a unique formula that keeps eye shadow on the eyes. It has a nice creamy texture that acts as a smooth eyeshadow base.
Eyelid primer Essence
If you are on a tight budget, then this is the best eye primer. It comes in a cream nude color. Primer increases the wear time of your eyeshadow by 3 – 4 hours. It also gives a bright and illuminated look to your eye makeup.
Guerlain Eye-Stay Primer
This is by far one of the most popular eye primers in the makeup world. It is available in two different variants such as Sin and Original. If you wear makeup for long hours, then this eye primer is the best choice. It makes your eyeshadow look vibrant and smooth. It enhances eye makeup for up to 24 hours. No wonder it has gained a special place among makeup artists and makeup lovers as it gives a super vibrant eyeshadow look. To sum it up, it works as a triple action product - concealer, foundation and primer.
Eyelid primer PUPA
It is very popular due to its unique formula. This not only increases the wear time of your eye makeup, but also reduces eye puffiness. It provides a vibrant, natural glow to the eye area.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
This brand is popular because of its good quality and affordable price. It extends the wearing time of eye shadow by 8 – 10 hours. An added benefit is that this eye primer also works for the face.
Product Comparison Chart
The table below contains brief characteristics of the funds discussed above.
Model | Brand | Texture | Volume (ml) | Price, rub) |
Artdeco EyeShadow Base | Artdeco | creamy | 5 | from 311 to 500 |
Mary Kay | Mary Kay | creamy | 8 | from 490 to 520 |
Beauty Base Eyeshadow Primer, Lumene | Lumene | creamy | 5 | from 350 to 577 |
24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer | Smashbox | cream | 12 | from 1,181 to 2,020 |
Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base | NARS | liquid | 8 | from 1,700 to 2,299 |
Catrice Prime And Fine Eyeshadow Base | Catrice | creamy | 5 | from 260 to 331 |
URBAN DECAY EyeShadow Primer Potion | Urban Decay | creamy | 10 | from 1,498 to 2,090 |