Ask any makeup artist, and they’ll likely tell you primer is seriously key. Whether you’re using it as a base for your foundation or on your lids, it can make all the difference in your look. Although it can be an amazing product that helps grip your makeup so it stays in place, it can also feel a tad unnecessary if you like to keep it simple.
If that sounds like you, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Concealer can often work just as well and might even save you a few extra bucks. It’s my go-to for everyday use and never lets me down, but I do still reach for the occasional eye primer when my lids are being extra uncooperative. Whichever method you prefer, I’ve gathered some intel for you about which formulas are worth buying. With a little help from a celebrity makeup artist, I’m sharing all the details below. Keep reading—plenty of good recs ahead.
Eye shadow primer is another makeup product that seems to spark heated debates among makeup artists. Some swear by it, while others say concealer works just as well. Personally, I’ve used and loved both but actually prefer using concealer. Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay, however, also makes a strong argument for the use of an eye shadow primer.
“Eye primers are necessary to create long-lasting shadow looks that can also help get the most color payoff out of your palettes,” she says. “While some artists prefer straight-up concealer, I tend to opt for a primer instead. One of my favorite primers would have to be MAC’s Paint Pot Cream in Soft Ochre. It’s a pale yellow eye base that is full coverage, helping to cover any discoloration or periorbital veins for an even canvas.”
Do you absolutely need a primer? No, you don’t. But it can be extremely useful if you have eyelids that tend to turn into an oil slick after a few hours or you struggle to achieve that high pigment payoff you’re looking for when doing a vibrant eye shadow look. There are definitely formulas on the market that work well for this and keep your eye shadow in place all day. If you’re looking for a solid one that won’t totally break the bank and does what it says, keep scrolling for our top choice.
I have a confession to make here. Once I discovered that concealer can also act as a fantastic primer, I stopped picking up most of my old priming potions and started using concealer instead. I also started using concealer because my lids can get extremely oily. It really just creates the best matte layer for eye shadow to sit on without being too heavy. Occasionally, though, I still opt for an eye shadow primer if I’m creating a brighter or more dramatic look. This primer from Elizabeth Mott happened to be a random Amazon find for me. With so many glowing reviews, I figured it was worth giving a shot.
First of all, it’s pretty affordable compared to a lot of other eye shadow primers out there on the market. Second, it’s definitely one of the best formulas I’ve tried that doesn’t crease and helps immensely with lid oiliness. If you struggle with either of those things when it comes to eye shadow application, this one is definitely worth a shot. It also goes on and creates a weightless, non-greasy film and helps with any discoloration around the lid area.
I know it’s a bit hard to tell in the below photos, but I wanted to show what my eye shadow looked like with primer and without it. It might be a little hard to see in the photo, but the shadow tends to apply a bit patchier and looks less pigmented when you don’t use a primer. With the primer, however, the colors adhere to the lid a lot easier and look so much more vibrant.
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