Top 6 Reasons to Use an Eye Shadow Primer

Adding an extra product into your makeup routine may seem like a pain, especially when you aren’t sure if it’s completely necessary. But what if it’s more essential than you thought? Many people view eyeshadow primer as a seemingly unimportant product. Can it really be worth buying a primer to be worn only underneath your eye shadow? Will adding in this extra step yield real results? Well, as it turns out, yes! We’d argue that an eye primer definitely deserves a place in your makeup routine, and using one can have some real benefits. Below, we’re sharing the top six reasons to use eyeshadow primer before eye makeup application, plus walking you through exactly how to add it into your makeup application process. Keep reading to learn all about eye primer and how to use it.

REASON #1. EYESHADOW PRIMER CAN HELP EYE SHADOWS LAST LONGER

When you wear eye shadow without a primer underneath, it should come as no surprise when your makeup starts to move or fade over time. Throughout the day, your eyelids can start to look greasy, and the excess oils can cause your eye shadow to start fading. After you’ve picked out, purchased, and applied your eye shadow, what a shame to see it go to waste so quickly! That’s where an eye primer comes in. Applying one before dusting on your shadow will help ensure that your eye makeup lasts longer. And truly, who doesn’t want that?

REASON #2. IT ALLOWS EYE SHADOWS TO APPLY SMOOTHLY

If you struggle to actually apply your eye shadow, we have some good news: The problem may not be a lack of skill or effort! Without an eye makeup primer underneath, eye shadows can sometimes go on unevenly, and they can be more difficult to blend out. A light layer of primer could make all the difference in the time and effort required for application by creating a blank slate on which to apply your eye shadows. This is especially crucial when you’re trying to create a trendy or more advanced eye makeup look (such as the sunset eye or the peacock eye). Achieving your desired spread of shadow will be tough without a primer creating an even base to work on!

REASON #3. EYE PRIMER CAN HELP LOCK EYELINER IN PLACE

Eye primers can also be used before eyeliner application—they aren’t limited to benefiting your shadows. Creating a perfect flick or dramatic cat eye is quite the achievement, but it isn’t so satisfying when your liner starts to rub and smudge off after only a few hours. Applying eyeliner overtop of an eye makeup primer can help it wear evenly, just as it would with eye shadow.

REASON #4. IT CAN HELP CREATE A SMOOTH CANVAS

If your eyelids are less than smooth—maybe they’re starting to show signs of aging—an eye shadow primer can help create a smoother canvas for the rest of your eye makeup application.

REASON #5. EYESHADOW PRIMER can help prevent creasing

Have you ever taken a look at your eye makeup, halfway through the day, only to find that it’s completely creased? If you have, then you know how annoying it is! There’s an easy way to help prevent it from happening in the first place though: eye primer. Seriously, give it a try and we promise you’ll be thanking us.

REASON #6. eye primer can brighten up your eyes

Different eye shadow shades look different on each one of us because we each have different skin tones (and undertones). Swiping on a bit of primer before applying your eyeshadow creates a bright base on which to layer on your color, which makes for an overall brighter end result.

HOW TO USE AN EYESHADOW PRIMER

Now that you know everything that eye shadow primer can do, here’s how to use it.

Step 1. Cleanse

Eyelids are one spot you may be forgetting to cleanse, but it’s important to sweep away any excess oils or lingering eye makeup before layering products on top. To do so, use a gentle cleanser, like a micellar water. Saturate a cotton pad with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleanser Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types and gently wipe across eyelids to get completely clean in a single step.

Step 2. Apply eye makeup primer

Using a small shadow brush, spread a thin layer of primer onto your lids. You probably don’t need as much product as you think, so use sparingly. About a mustard seed-sized amount should be enough for each eyelid. Softly tap the eye shadow primer on, being careful to not tug or pull at your skin, and work it from your lash line to just beneath your brows. Apply along your bottom lash line, too, if you wear lower liner.

Step 3. Add eye shadow

Of course, you didn’t come this far to not wear eye shadow. Grab your favorite palette, whether that’s the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude or the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette, and create an eye-catching look.

Step 4. Line your lids

With the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, line along your upper and lower lashes as desired. This long-lasting liner comes in 15 fun shades, so get creative!

Step 5. Finish with mascara

We can’t forget mascara! Complete your look by coating your lashes with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara.

Next up: Let’s talk face primer! Here’s how to find The Best Primer for Your Skin Type.