By: I’kerra Amos
Why are primers and/or bases essential to the application of eyeshadow? Primers and bases act as an adhesive, a glue of sorts to give the eyeshadow something to stick to. There are many benefits to utilizing these products such as color payoff, anti-straying and anti-creasing. Those factors themselves are worth the effort. Everyone wants their makeup to be vibrant and have the type of brilliancy to capture the stare of the cute guy on the other side of the bar. You also want to be assured that all the hard word won’t be in vain and as you’re dropping it low on the dance floor, your eyes will look just as they did when you left the house.
There are several brands out there that offer added assurance. A few I’ve tried have been Too Faced Shadow Insurance (3 finishes, @ $18), one of which is a yellow-based color corrector (lighter skin toned approved) and Urban Decay Primer Potion (4 finishes, @ $19-$23) and offered in 2 sizes (normal & professional). If you’re searching for a cheaper alternative there are brands like Ruby Kisses 24/7 Eyeshadow Magic Primer for $4.99 at your local beauty supply or E.L.F. Lid Primer for $1 at Target or www.eyeslipsface.com.
Bases on the other hand, are more opaque in nature. They can help to add that extra punch of color, to give a dull color some life change the undertone of some colors. Some of the most popular bases are M.A.C. Paint Pots (9 shades and LE, @$17.50) acts as a one-step primer/base, Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams (22 shades, @ $22), which are versatile, NYX Eyeshadow Base (3 shades, @ $7) and NYX Jumbo Pencils (27 shades, @ $4.50). When using bases as well as primers a little goes a long way.
Recommendations: After it’s all said and done, I like and utilize both types, especially for my more dramatic looks. Make sure to invest in a primer, using it in conjunction with the base is key. I can’t leave home without it, and I won’t.
Above image via Style.com
Related posts:
