There’s nothing quite like spending 30 minutes on your eye makeup, only to have everything get faded or turn into a creased nightmare a few hours later, no? Or maybe you’ve even grabbed a nice eyeshadow palette that looks great in the pans but the second you put it on skin, the colors aren’t as vibrant. The key to any eyeshadow, no matter how good it may be, will always be a decent primer underneath it. While face primers may be superfluous considering most pro(as well as some consumer based) foundations have built in primers in them already, very few eyeshadows, if any, have built in primers. There are many benefits to using an eye primer, from longevity and wear to keeping the shades true to color, and even some anti-aging, hydrating, and smoothing properties. No matter what eyeshadows you end up deciding to use, these primers are a must have in your arsenal!
- Seamless Eye Primer by Viseart- This primer is exactly how it sounds: truly seamless. Colorless and creamy yet light, this works well with not only Viseart brand eyeshadows, but also with any brand’s shadows. Crease proof and helping shadows stay true to color, a little bit of the formula goes a long way! Cruelty free and only approved for sale after the owner has tested and used the products on both her team and herself, this primer holds up to pro standards. Easy to blend without any signs of patchiness, and meant for all day(or all night!) wear, this primer is an essential in any makeup lover’s routine! Side tip: I even use this primer under my foundation in parts of my face that tend to crease easily like the wrinkles above my brow or my smile lines...it works wonders and keeps those parts from creasing even in the worst DC humidity! Seamless Eye Primer $24 is available at www.viseartparis.com
- Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer by Marc Jacobs- Cushiony and comfortable to wear, this smoothing eyeshadow primer is nourishing and feels like skincare with its luxurious formula. Infused with nourishing coconut extracts, this creamy primer helps to even skin tone and intensifies color payoff, as well as helps absorb oil with bark extract, keeping your eyeshadows vibrant and crease free. Free of any parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, this primer also comes in a tube which makes it a great option for those who have had primers in wands go dry before the product is even close to finishing. Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer $26 is available at www.marcjacobsbeauty.com
- Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base by NARS- An industry favorite, this primer is unique in that it works under both powder and cream shadows to lock your eye makeup in place. Fortified with a special deep sea extract and antioxidant rich rice extract, this eyeshadow base is smudge and crease proof, and dries on contact while keeping the delicate eye area smooth and ready for color application. Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base $26 is available at www.narscosmetics.com
- Transforming Gel by Face Atelier- Now I have quite a bit to say about this miracle product, so settle in. I first discovered this early on in my career, and this is unlike anything I have tried since. Simple to use and lightweight, the magic liquid transforms any loose, pressed powder or pigment into a pool of easily applied, long lasting color that sets for whatever purpose you use it for, from eyeliner to eyeshadow and even cheek or brow color! Vegan, oil free and fragrance free, a tube of this lasts forever since only a little drop goes a long way. I know the longest that I’ve had a bottle with regular use was a whole year! Transforming Gel $28 is available at www.faceatelier.com