Eye Shadow Primers 101

If you live in a climate that’s really humid in the summertime, you know that the heat and humidity do a number on makeup. The word “waterproof” is your friend and you have to search high and low for the foundation that actually STAYS PUT without looking like you’ve just been made over by a funeral director! Many people ask me “How do you get your eye shadow to stay in place all day”?   My answer; Eye shadow Primer.  Typically the next questions then are, “How does it work?” and “Which one do you use?” I have three that I alternate between right now and sometimes a fourth if I’m just feeling that it looks lonely in my makeup case.  Sometimes I don’t bother and pay for it within 3 hours….

But Primers are super important whether it be a foundation primer or an eye shadow primer.  Think about it, you wouldn’t paint your walls without first applying a primer would you?  Why would you apply “paint” to your face without it? I hate to call makeup paint because I like to think of makeup as a tool to self-improvement.  Primer can help you achieve looks that are subtle or dramatic with a sweep of the finger (or wand).  No fancy tools required, just a clean fingertip. So I’ll share with you the primers that I use and ones that I’ve tried.  The beauty of the makeup industry is that there are kajillions of companies vying for the opportunity to introduce their product for you.  Most of them are great products, so you really can’t lose.  I encourage you to try one for yourself.

Here are seven great primers to try:

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion $19.00

Eden

Greed

Original

Sin

This is my go to primer…not sure why, I just love it. I currently alternate between the original formula and the Sin. Sin is a champagne color with a slight shimmer and I really like it when I’m doing a shimmery look. Original is a matte clear color and it’s great for every day. Greed is golden and would be great with gold tone shadows. Eden is the one I plan to buy next because it is a matte flesh tone color which I think will work best for any occasion. Currently available in a squeeze tube at Sephora though I’m told that is a Limited Edition medium. They usually carry it in a hard tube with a lip-gloss style applicator of which I’m not a fan because much product is wasted. However, that wouldn’t stop me from buying the product! 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance $18.00

Candlelight

Glitter Glue

Lemon Drop

Original

The original formula is my other go-to eye shadow primer. It evens out the skin tone and creates a place for your eye shadow to “stick” giving more pop to the color as well as longer staying power. Color locks on to your eyelids and stays put without creasing. Can be used with both powder and cream based products.

The Too Faced primers are now available in other formulas:

• Lemon Drop: Infused with lemon yellow tone to neutralize ruddiness and redness.
• Candlelight:  Imparts a sexy, soft-focused light and a subtle metallic sheen whether worn as a base for color or alone.
• Glitter Glue: Is what it is....GLITTER GLUE; A glue specifically formulated to lock down eye glitter and enhance its reflective quality.

Benefit: Stay Don’t Stray $24.00

This primer creates a perfect canvas for eye shadow. I like this primer but its price is the only reason it’s lower on the list because I want you guys to save some money while getting great product. It’s just as good as the other two but the pump dispenses way too much even if you’re careful, which is a waste. I like the control I get with the squeeze tubes and even the lip-gloss style wands.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer $20.00

Again, great primer but this landed at the bottom because it was just slightly more expensive than the others. Also (for me) it seemed a little drying and didn’t last QUITE as long as the others but still in the top dog league. Some people are loyal to brands so I put this one out there because I do love my Smashbox.