What is Eye Shadow Primer

Demystifying Eye Shadow Primer – What It Is and Why It’s a Must

If you wear eyeshadow regularly, you’ve likely heard about using an eye primer. But what exactly is eye shadow primer? How does it work and why is it an essential step for flawless, lasting eye makeup? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this must-have makeup multitasker.

What is Eye Shadow Primer?

Eye shadow primer is a specially formulated makeup product designed as a base layer under eyeshadow. Typically liquid, cream or gel textures, primers create the ideal smooth surface for eyeshadow application. Primers improve adhesion and wear time of eye makeup.

Primers work by providing a tacky, grippy layer that eyeshadow pigments cling to. The ingredients bind to lids while also binding pigment particles together for enhanced hold. Just like wood primer before painting, eye primers prime lids for color.

Primers also even out skin texture creating a uniform canvas to apply shadow onto. They smooth over veins, fine lines and discoloration that could affect blending. Primers also decrease excess oil and moisture that can break down eye makeup quickly.

Why Use an Eye Shadow Primer?

Using an eyeshadow primer offers many makeup benefits:

•  Intensifies color payoff and pigment vibrancy
•  Prevents creasing, fading and fall out
•  Extends wear time to 12+ hours typically
•  Allows smoother blending with less effort
•  Corrects discoloration like redness on lids
•  Makes eyeshadow waterproof and sweatproof
•  Gives eye makeup a creaseless polished finish
•  Provides grip for shimmers and glitters
•  Makes eyeliner and mascara budge-proof too

With these advantages, primer is considered essential prep to make eyeshadow look its best and last. Concealer alone cannot achieve the same long-wearing, crease-fighting effect.

Choosing the Best Eye Shadow Primer

Not all eye primers are created equal. Look for these ideal features when selecting a primer:

•  Creamy, smooth texture that glides on easily
•  Long wearing formulas, up to 16 hours
•  Color correcting types to counteract discoloration
•  Matte or pearl finish – avoid shimmer
•  Nude shades to double as natural eyeshadow base
•  Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
•  Lasts over 6 months before drying out

Apply your eye primer before any other makeup. Smooth a thin layer all over bare lids up to brows using fingers, a concealer brush or primer wand. Let it set for 30-60 seconds before applying eyeshadow.

How to Use Eye Shadow Primer

Using primer properly ensures you get the most out of it for fabulous eye makeup:

•  Start with clean, moisturized lids – primer adheres best to smooth skin
•  Apply all over lids up to brow bone and let dry
•  Use a thin layer – too much can make blending tougher
•  For very oily lids, dust light face powder over primer before eyeshadow
•  For color correcting, choose a tinted primer and use only where needed
•  For a base, pick a matte nude primer that doubles as a neutral eyeshadow
•  Reapply primer after a few hours if eyeshadow has creased or faded

Eye Shadow Primer Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips to take your eye makeup to the next level with primer:

•  Pair waterproof primer with waterproof eyeliner and mascara for pool and tear-proof makeup
•  Use shimmer primer sparingly as a inner corner or brow bone highlighter
•  Apply primer to clean brushes then swirl into eyeshadow pans for stronger adhesion
•  If lids are very oily, dust light translucent powder over primer to set before eye makeup
•  Using too much primer can make blending harder – build up thin layers for best performance

Maximize Your Eye Makeup with Primer

Eyeshadow primer is a makeup bag necessity, not just an optional extra. Using primer consistently helps eye makeup last impressively longer and look more vivid. Both dramatic smoky eyes and natural looks benefit from the crease-free finish primer provides. For eye makeup that stays perfect from morning lattes to late nights, don’t skip the primer!