I was having a clear out the other day and came across a small stash of my favourite (and not so favourite) eyeshadow primers. It’s only until recently I’ve started wearing an eye primer, but since adding them to my makeup routine I’ve seen a huge difference in terms of the longevity of my eyeshadow and the degree of creasing visible.
I bought the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Soft Ochre a few years at the duty-free counter at the airport, but unfortunately, I had misplaced it by the time I arrived back home. It broke my heart losing that tiny overly-priced glass jar (£16/5g) and it was only until recently I decided to take the plunge and repurchase it. I’m so glad I did. Soft Ochre is a yellow-toned creamy eyeshadow that dries matte and creates the perfect blank canvas to build your eyeshadow upon. It’s incredibly long lasting and doesn’t add any excess oil or residue to your lids.
I was delighted when I came across the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer (£17/11g) at TKMaxx for only £4.99. They also had a few boxes of their Glitter Glue on sale too and I could kick myself for not stocking up when I had the chance. Shadow Insurance is a peachy toned primer which neutralises any discolouration. Its lightweight formula has a very similar texture to my Porefessional and it helps to lock down my eyeshadow and also intensify the colour. It’s crease-proof, fade-proof and waterproof.
I was really disappointed by the e.l.f. Studio Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer in Pearl (£3). It quickly absorbs into the skin but breaks down into white flecks under your eyeshadow. I’d never heard of a primer causing fall-out before and this one actually made creasing even more visible. I had read so many positive reviews prior to purchasing and I’m starting to wonder if I should try the sheer version instead as Pearl leaves a thick white coating with a slight shimmer that tends to crack and accentuate flaws – definitely one for the bin.
The NYX Professional Makeup HD Eyeshadow Base (£6/8ml) is my favourite high street primer. It’s affordable and although it doesn’t keep my eyeshadow in place as well as my all-time favourite (see down below), for only £6 it effectively helps prevent creasing and creates a smooth, even base to build upon.
Finally, the primer I reach for on a daily basis is the Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original. This primer keeps my eyeshadow in place for longer than any of the others above. It glides onto my lids smoothly and it’s polymer technology fills in and blurs any imperfections on the skin’s surface. As I only use the tiniest amount of eyeshadow primer, a tube lasts me an incredibly long time. That’s why instead of purchasing a full-sized tube (£17/10ml), I actually buy the travel-sized version for £9 containing 6ml from the official UD website. By purchasing from the official website you get free delivery, plus three deluxe samples with each purchase. I received samples of the entire primer potion collection, five of their new liquid lipsticks and their new range of primers all packaged in a lovely purple gift box – all for only £9.
I’ve layered the primers quite a bit in the above swatch to give you an idea of the different shades, textures and finishes. Depending on your budget I’d recommend the NYX HD Eyeshadow Base or the UD Primer Potion. However, if you have very oily eyelids the MAC Paint Pot is incredible for mattifying.
Do you wear an eyeshadow primer?
I ‘d love to know your favourites.
