Primer for eyelids. 5 reasons why you should use it


What is an eye shadow base?

Eyeshadow foundation or eye primer is an indispensable beauty product. It makes makeup truly lasting and expressive. Features a special formula. At the same time, it facilitates easier blending of dry and cream products. And increases the degree of their color rendition. However, simplifying make-up is not the only function of the primer.

Eyeshadow base is the basic component of makeup. It must be applied to the skin of the eyelids before applying decorative cosmetics. It is usually a translucent substance with a liquid consistency.

Sold in three types:

  • In liquid form;
  • In the form of a cream;
  • In the form of a gel.

It is this makeup base that will add brightness to the shadows. At the same time, it will not allow them to roll off. And your makeup will remain in its original form for the whole day. Interestingly, it does not have to be corrected or repainted.

What is an eye shadow base?

To facilitate understanding, throughout the article I will use 3 names of the same product, because you can find different names on sale:

  1. base;
  2. primer;
  3. the basis.

This cosmetic product performs two important functions, which usually become a priority when purchasing this product:

  • prolongs the durability of eye makeup;
  • enhances the brightness of eye shadow pigment.

I think everyone who wears eyeshadow wants it to last as long as possible, and the base really does that with a bang. As a big fan of eye makeup and the owner of oily eyelid skin, I always had to adjust the shadows, as they constantly got caught in the crease of the eyelid.

That's why, in fact, I started looking for a solution to this problem. And the eyelid primer turned out to be a real discovery and salvation for me at one time. Now I very rarely leave the house without it, because even without applying shadow, my eyelids look very well-groomed, as if I had just washed my face.

Eyeshadow base or how to make your eye makeup last all day?

To choose an eyeshadow primer for yourself, you need to pay attention to its consistency:

  1. liquid - usually translucent, suitable for young skin, may contain caring components, does not dry out the delicate skin of the eyelids, and at the same time does not make it oily;
  2. gel - ideal for oily eyelid skin, but it can be slightly drying; it is best used in the summer;
  3. cream - usually contains body pigment, so it masks minor imperfections such as age spots, freckles, and redness.

Very often you can find eye shadow bases that come in round jars, small tubes or similar to lip gloss. Having tried many primers, I came to the conclusion that it is the last option with a brush that is best applied; with this use, the skin of the eyelids is not stretched at all.

Main functions of the primer

  • Effectively disguises wrinkles. It's no secret that the skin of the eyelids is especially delicate and sensitive. In addition, it is prone to premature photoaging. Primer base works delicately. At the same time, it forms a protective weightless film. It evens out the relief and smoothes the surface.
  • Hides signs of fatigue. The modern rhythm of life with frequent lack of sleep and overwork has a negative impact on the condition of the eyes. The foundation allows you to disguise light bruises. It gives the face a fresh and rested look.
  • Eyelid foundation is not a skin care product. But they often contain various moisturizing and nutrients. They are the ones who carefully care for the delicate skin of the eyelid. Ideally protecting it from pigments of decorative cosmetics.
  • Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The mattifying effect prevents premature pilling and oxidation.
  • Enhances color rendering. The situation is familiar: you bought a palette with bright contrasting shades. Everything seems to be perfect, but in reality it only slightly highlights the look. Does it provide virtually no coverage? Even using cheap shadows with an unknown composition will not harm the skin of the eyelids. If it's pre-applied with a good base coat. Purchasing a high-quality eyelid foundation will allow you to save on the purchase of expensive decorative eye cosmetics. And even the most inexpensive shadows will look high-quality and bright thanks to the base.

Shadow fruit base is a unique product

Do not be mistaken that face makeup base and eye shadow base are the same product, just labeled differently. These are two completely different means. The skin on the eyelids is much thinner and more sensitive than on the face. It is much drier and subject to whiter aging faster. Eyelid foundation is made by manufacturers taking into account these skin characteristics. Therefore, a high-quality, professional foundation for eyelids is responsible for solving the following tasks:

  1. Protect thin, sensitive eyelid skin;
  2. Smooth and nourish the skin;
  3. Simplify the application of decorative cosmetics;
  4. Ensure makeup lasts all day long;
  5. Remove excess shine.

For each skin type, you need to purchase the appropriate eyelid foundation. For dry skin, a cream base is most suitable. For those with oily skin, it is better to opt for a gel base with a water base. For other girls, a light liquid eyeshadow foundation is suitable.

Eyelid primer: the need for choice

A primer is, as you know, a base for makeup, a base containing a certain percentage of pigment or completely colorless, designed to ensure the durability of makeup. Eyelid primer is a stand-alone product that performs the same functions, but is used exclusively for eye makeup. This raises a question (quite logical, by the way): why not use a simple primer for these purposes?


Eyeshadow primer will keep shadows in place until late at night! 17308

Functions of eye primer

Perhaps no one will argue that high-quality, professional makeup begins with a high-quality, correctly selected base - it is also called a foundation or primer. Basic cosmetics help hide minor skin imperfections: black and white comedones, enlarged pores, wrinkles, oily sheen, the consequences of an unsuccessful tan, blemishes and acne scars. Under the base layer, the skin looks healthier and its color is noticeably improved. It is high-quality basic cosmetics that allow models and celebrities to look chic on magazine covers and in music videos. Well, an eyelid primer provides the same functions - but only in a narrowly limited area. Perhaps this is the only reason why it has not gained such popularity and is not as in demand as a makeup base.

There are primers (bases) not only for facial skin, but also separate ones for eyelids and lips and even eyelashes. The lip base helps the lipstick lie more evenly on the lips and prevents it from spreading, getting into creases and rolling. An eyeshadow primer prevents eyeshadow from creasing and allows for better blending. The base for eyelashes makes them thicker, longer, and also allows mascara to lie more evenly. And all these bases cannot be called interchangeable: a face base cannot replace an eyelid primer or a lip base, or vice versa.

In some cases, eyelid primers containing light, light pigments can serve as base (lightest) shadows, which, as we remember, must be applied on top, directly under the eyebrows. So the statement that eyelid primer is the basis for the stability of eye makeup will not be too loud. Moreover, according to professional makeup artists and stylists, this product ensures almost 100 percent success of any eye makeup! For example, the top 10 most exciting eye makeups of the season from the New York Fashion Week show are “held” by eyelid primers. So if you choose a quality eyelid primer, then it doesn’t matter so much what kind of shadow you use and how much of it you apply: it will still stay in place all day and won’t mark the arch under your eyebrows that surrounds your upper eyelid. And here we come close to the question of who exactly needs an eyelid primer in the first place...

Who needs an eyeshadow primer?

First of all, this product will be needed by women with eyelid features such as freckles, folds and those with so-called transparent eyelids: a high-quality primer will “hold” the shadows longer, ensure their even application and, accordingly, mask all the imperfections in this area. Well, for those who have such a structural feature of the eyelid, when its moving part is almost invisible (this is not called a “overhanging” eyelid, as many mistakenly call it, but a “closed” eyelid), eyelid primers can safely be called a key item in cosmetic bag (and almost the only chance to see eyeshadow on yourself that hasn’t smeared haphazardly in the evening before makeup removal).


Eye primer review 18326

However, some make-up artists claim that this is a universal product that every girl from 16 to 66 years old needs. According to them, eyelid primer is the No. 1 way to avoid smudged eye makeup, which suits all girls, regardless of eye structure. So when deciding whether you need an eyelid primer, think about it this way: It's easier for you to spend an extra 10 seconds in the morning priming the area above your eyes than it is to spend an extra five minutes every couple of hours removing crumbled eye shadow and smudged liner from the corners of your eyes.

How to choose the best eye primer?

As a rule, an eyelid primer contains silicones and various pigments: silicones provide adhesion (make-up durability), even out the surface of the skin, mask folds, and pigments correct other imperfections. These products may contain different colored and/or pearlescent pigments depending on the type of skin defect. Pearlescent particles, also called aesthetic enhancers, are also supposed to give the face a fresh, radiant and youthful appearance. Any pigments in eyelid primers, of course, must match the skin tone: pink pearlescent pigment is suitable for light transparent skin, delicate peach for darker skin, thick apricot for dark skin.

Assessing the quality of an eyelid primer - morning, afternoon, evening

Choosing an eyelid primer follows the same principle as other decorative cosmetics: liquid products are definitely not suitable for oily skin, but are very appropriate for dry or aging skin. Of course, the upper eyelid is not an area that can “boast” of active sebum production, but sweat often accumulates in this area, so when choosing an eyelid primer, also take this fact into account. In general, a good, high-quality primer - regardless of texture or packaging - should be easily and quickly distributed over the eyelid: having shaded the base, you need to lightly rub it in, and then gently pat it all over the eyelid with the pad of your finger: the product should dry almost instantly.


The most popular eyelid primers 17387

Main types

The main function of an eye shadow base is to prolong the durability of your makeup. During the day, the skin of the eyelids becomes covered with a characteristic shine due to the secretion of sebum. As a result, smudges form. But the remnants of the shadows roll into the crease of the eyelid. The base serves as a fastening element between the surface of the skin and the cosmetic product. It mattifies the skin, improves pigmentation and promotes even distribution of shadows.

There are 2 types of eyelid primer. They differ in structure and method of application:

Cream. These bases come with a sponge for application. The distribution of the product is carried out using line movements. Shading is done upward from the lash line.

Powdery. It is convenient to apply the powder base with a special brush or fingertips. They do this in short strokes. Afterwards it is driven into the skin with patting movements. After applying the base, dry shadows can be applied immediately without waiting for the base to dry. Creamy shadows are not advisable to use on oily skin.

What is an eye primer and do you need one?

How to make eyeshadow shades cleaner and brighter and make them last all day, even if it's hot outside? Eyelid primers are capable of this, and they perform these “tricks” equally well with shadows, gel eyeliners, and other eye makeup products.

How do eyelid primers work, and in what cases is their use necessary? We answer these and other questions together with a Posta-Magazine expert.

Valeria Ovchinnikova, official makeup artist of the Bespecial brand

What is an eye primer and how does it work?

Primer-base for shadows is a 2 in 1 product that is designed to even out the skin tone of the eyelids and eliminate color defects (wreaths, pigment spots), as well as enhance the durability and color transfer of products that are applied after: shadows, lipsticks, liners, gel eyeliners and other products.

What problems does an eyelid primer solve?

Prepares skin for eye makeup application. If you skip the primer-base step, the shadows may begin to crumble, blend poorly, or be applied not very evenly. Plus, eyelid primers enhance the pigment of any eyeshadow, maintaining its brightness and texture. The color of the primer can immediately set the color basis for further eye makeup, for example, if the makeup is nude, then the base should be transparent or beige, but if the makeup is colored, then the color of the base should be combined in shade with the overall composition of the eye makeup.

How to use eyelid primer correctly?

Depending on the consistency, the primer can be applied with a brush or with your fingertips. The second option is more preferable if it is important for you to apply the product in a thin layer and not allow a single lump to appear.

How does eye primer work?

Most often, primers work by containing a certain amount of silicones and other long-lasting components that block sebum production and keep shadows on the eyelid all day long. Using concealer, foundation or other products as a primer is not entirely correct. This is important to understand, since products created for other areas of the facial skin can perform completely opposite functions and contain components designed to solve other makeup problems.

Do these products have indications and contraindications for use?

Contraindications include individual intolerance to individual components of the product, severe dryness of the eyelids, which is accompanied by peeling and is associated with dehydration or skin diseases. In this case, it is not recommended to apply any cosmetics to the eyes. You need an eyelid base if it is important for you that your makeup remains fresh and bright throughout the day, if you do rich, multi-layered makeup. And a few more situations when a primer is necessary are oily skin and the special structure of the eyelid skin, the so-called “falling fold”, which often “eats” the shadows and smears them.

Long-lasting base for eye makeup Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, NARS
Long-lasting base for eye makeup Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, NARS

Primer Prisme Primer, Givenchy
Primer Prisme Primer, Givenchy

Primer for oily skin The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control, Romanovamakeup
Primer for oily skin The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control, Romanovamakeup

Long-lasting eye base Prep Prime, MAC
Long-lasting eye base Prep+Prime, MAC


Primer and concealer for eyelids Hide'n'Fix, BespecialPrimer and concealer for eyelids Hide'n'Fix, Bespecial
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Application rules

Before application, the skin must first be cleaned using special products;

If the primer does not moisturize the skin, then you should use a moisturizer for the skin around the eyes before applying it.

When using a colored base, the shade is chosen based on your own skin tone.

Using a makeup brush will help prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

Application area: from the lash line of the upper eyelid to the eyebrows.

When applying the base, you do not need to make sharp strokes. One layer of product is enough.

Layering in this case makes the makeup heavier.

If you have eye cream in your makeup bag, you can use it before applying your base foundation. It is applied in a few minutes. The cream should be completely absorbed;

Do not apply the base with your fingers. Buy a special brush, this will help avoid unnecessary stretching of the delicate skin of the eyelids;

The base is applied very carefully, with soft, gentle movements;

Before applying shadows, you should wait a few minutes until the base is completely absorbed. Then it is slightly shaded and the excess is removed;

Excess cosmetic product must be removed with a cotton pad.

How to use primer


Scheme for applying primer to the face
Makeup primer is easy to apply to the skin, so no one should have any problems using this product. We tell you step by step how to apply primer to the skin.

  • STEP 1: Cleanse your skin with tonic or foam cleanser.
  • STEP 2: Apply moisturizer if you are going to use a silicone, gel, mattifying primer. For an oil-based liquid base, pre-moisturizing the skin is not necessary. You can also skip this step if you have oily skin type.
  • STEP 3: Apply a small amount of makeup primer to your face. First, place points on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose. Then rub it with your fingers. The layer should be thin.
  • STEP 4: Allow the base to absorb, then apply foundation with a sponge or makeup brush. Don't forget about concealer, blush and powder.

Manufacturers

Currently, the cosmetics market is filled with a huge number of eyelid foundations from various manufacturers. Before purchasing, you should analyze the condition of your skin, take into account the age limit and your financial abilities.

Let's look at the main manufacturers and the features of their eyeshadow bases:

  1. The main advantage is the low price of the product, it has a light structure and does not dry out the skin. The main disadvantages include distribution only via a network;
  2. ArtDeco Eyeshadow Base. This is a very popular brand of European cosmetics, which is inexpensive and of good quality. But such a base is not suitable for women with dry eyelid skin;
  1. Relouis Color Designer. The base is not expensive and has a dispenser. According to customer reviews, it dries out the skin greatly. At the same time, it does not provide long-lasting makeup;
  2. Lumene Beauty Base Eyeshadow Primer. This is a universal foundation that can be applied to the eyelids and lips under lipstick. Provides perfect long-lasting makeup. It's not cheap. Sometimes it dries out the skin;
  3. BeYu Eye Base. This is a professional base without preservatives or flavors. Easy to apply, but does not provide sufficient durability. Important, not suitable for oily and normal eyelid skin;
  4. Vivienne Sabo. A very inexpensive French foundation that can provide long-lasting makeup. But at the same time it has a very thick consistency. Often causes skin irritation;
  5. NYX Professional. An excellent foundation suitable for all skin types. Comfortable texture and low cost. There are no negative points;
  6. MAS. A very good foundation that ensures makeup lasts for more than 18 hours. Easy to apply. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

Selection rules

There is nothing complicated about how to apply an eyeshadow base; the main thing is to choose the right product for your skin type. When it's dry, the primer smoothes out flaking; when it's oily, it prevents the shadows from creasing. It also makes it easier to draw arrows, regardless of whether you do it with a cosmetic pencil or eyeliner.

Texture is an important parameter that should be taken into account when purchasing any cosmetic product. But it’s even more important to focus on the skin problems that you want to solve with its help.

  • Illuminating primers help combat dull skin and uneven skin tone. They contain shimmering color-reflecting particles. They visually smooth the skin and give it a healthy glow. Such primers can be applied either to the entire face or only to the prominent parts of the face instead of a highlighter.
  • If your skin tends to be oily, a mattifying primer is a good choice. It controls sebum secretions, so you don’t have to apply eye shadow during the day.
  • An excellent solution for dry skin is a moisturizing primer. It contains caring components: oils, vitamins and hyaluronic acid.

If you are in doubt about what kind of eyeshadow base you need, you can choose a universal one. The main thing is quality; when choosing, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

  1. Compound. Only natural ingredients.
  2. Consistency. For those under 25 years of age, it is better to buy a light liquid version; for older ladies, a cream version; for oily skin, a gel base is needed.
  3. Shelf life and storage.

How to choose a makeup primer?

When choosing a facial primer, it is important to consider the condition and type of your own skin.

  • For oily types, a water-based mattifying product is suitable. It is recommended to avoid thick, oily textures.
  • For normal skin, a creamy texture is suitable. It is also recommended to pay attention to the presence of moisturizing components in the composition and SPF factor.
  • For aging skin, a gel or silicone version of the base is recommended. It evens out and smoothes out wrinkles.

What is the difference between concealer and corrector?

It’s difficult to say which primer, concealer or corrector is better, since these beauty products perform different tasks.

  • The concealer masks problem areas;
  • The primer evens out the tone and prepares the skin for applying makeup;
  • The corrector corrects the tone, eliminating dark, red, yellow spots.

Today, “2 in 1” cosmetics are gaining popularity, for example, concealer + primer. Also, some girls specially mix foundation with the base so that it fits better on the skin. In this case, it is important to understand that this trick can only be done with a cream base, since silicone or gel will not provide a uniform consistency.

Primer for face: TOP 10 best products

When choosing a face primer, it is important to consider its texture and study the composition. For women with problem skin, it is best to pay attention to the presence of soothing ingredients, such as green tea extract. If the skin is oily and prone to oily shine, you need an “oil-free” product, which means there is no oil in the composition.

We have collected the most popular and inexpensive face primers:


ARTDECO Face Primer Wonder Skin


BME - equalizing


BOBBI BROWN (with SPF 50)


BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Blurring Primer


CIATE LONDON Moisturizing face primer WATERMELON


CLINIQUE Superprimer Face Primers


DOLCE&GABBANA Moisturizing primer for skin radiance SECRET VEIL


ESTEE LAUDER Concealer + primer double-sided multifunctional DOUBLE WEAR


ESTEE LAUDER The Mattifier


GIORGIO ARMANI UV MASTER

Cream primer and water-based or oil-based liquid base are the most common varieties. They are also mattifying, protecting from ultraviolet rays, moisturizing, and with reflective particles. The main thing is to study the composition and choose the right product for your own skin type, so as not to irritate it, but rather soothe it and prepare it for applying makeup.

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Products that replace eye shadow bases

Water. If you apply shadows wet. They must first be moistened with water. It is advisable to do this with a brush. This way they will last longer. This method achieves a wet finish effect. This improves the pigmentation of the shadows.

Concealer. Convenient to use as a base for eyelid makeup. Distributing the product over the face, cover the eyelid area. An alternative option in this case could be concealer. It is suitable for those with dry skin.

Powder. It creates a mattifying effect. You can use loose and compact powder. This option is suitable for those with oily skin.

Lip balm. This method is controversial. But practice shows that lip balm instead of eyelid base helps to achieve depth of color and makes eyelid makeup long-lasting.

Eyeliner. Choose white or nude pencils with a light texture. Most often, the pencil is used as a base when creating makeup for photo shoots. So that the camera can capture the color saturation, the pigmentation of the shadows is improved by the base. For dark shades, use a black pencil. For pastel colors, a white pencil is suitable.

Lumene eyeshadow base

If you need a good primer, check out the Lumene brand, which has mostly positive reviews. Lumene is quite famous among women, ideal for problem skin, especially oily and porous skin. Ideally hides imperfections, evens out, and when applied over foundation, lasts well. Unfortunately, not suitable for dry skin.

Lumene eye shadow base reviews photos

Often women use it not as a way to mask problem skin, but as an excellent preparation for applying foundation. Reviews also say that with such a base the tone remains on the face throughout the day.

So why do you need an eye shadow base?

Professionals call this valuable item for a cosmetic bag a primer - this is a special product that gives eye makeup a special durability. Why do you need an eye primer? Any woman will answer this, because often she has to carry out “facial repairs” more than once a day. Thanks to this base, the shadows do not roll off, do not get caught in wrinkles, and do not lose the saturation of shades.

It is advisable to select the product individually, taking into account the structure of the skin and the characteristics of the shadows. An eyeshadow primer should:

  • protect the skin from low-quality cosmetics;
  • maintain the shade of the shadows;
  • help cosmetics adhere more tightly.

Therefore, before choosing an eyeshadow base, you need to carefully study the composition, consult with the seller and read reviews from women who have already tried this product on themselves. And then choose the most optimal option for yourself.

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