Eyeshadow Primers & Eyeshadow Bases: Differences, Types & Methods of Application

It's important to know that there is a different between an eyeshadow primer and an eyeshadow base, a lot of people think they're the same thing but they're not. It's okay to refer to a primer as a base and vice versa but it's important to know the differences, especially if you have oily eyelids or are looking for a primer/base that has a specific purpose.

In this post I'm going to be talking about the differences between an eyeshadow primer and an eyeshadow base, the types of eyeshadow primers and eyeshadow bases available and the methods of application.

Differences

*An eyeshadow primer is used to prime the eyes, it creates an even and smooth surface for eyeshadow application. Some eyeshadow primers can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, redness, discolouration and veins etc, whereas an eyeshadow base doesn't. An eyeshadow base creates a blank canvas.
*An eyeshadow primer prevents eyeshadow from creasing, fading or coming off completely, whereas an eyeshadow base doesn't. An eyeshadow base intensifies the colour and vibrancy of an eyeshadow.
*An eyeshadow primer makes eyeshadow last longer, whereas an eyeshadow base doesn't.

Eyeshadow Primers

An eyeshadow primer is a light oil-free cream that is applied to the eyelids, it has a light texture and consistency and is usually a cream, neutral or invisible colour. Eyeshadow primers are non sticky and dry down within a couple of minutes. As well as on the eyelid, eyeshadow primer can also be applied up to the brow bone and underneath the eye. An eyeshadow primer creates a barrier between the eye and the eye makeup, it seals the oil from the eyeshadow therefore eyeshadow primers are great for anyone who has oily eyelids. Eyeshadow primers are primarily used to prevent eyeshadow from creasing, fading, smudging or coming off entirely, they are basically used to prolong the wear of eyeshadow. Not only are they used for their prolonging properties, they are also used to intensify the colour and vibrancy of the eyeshadow.

Eyeshadow Bases

An eyeshadow base is a cream that is applied to the eyelids, again like eyeshadow primers they can be applied to the brow bone and underneath the eye. Eyeshadow bases have a heavier consistency than eyeshadow primers and they also have a sticky texture, unlike eyeshadow primers they don't dry down. An eyeshadow base is used to help intensify the colour and vibrancy of an eyeshadow or pigment by helping it stick to your eye. Unlike an eyeshadow primer, an eyeshadow base will not “prime” the eye as eyeshadow bases don’t tend to have the same ingredients as eyeshadows primers. The majority of eyeshadow bases don't contain ingredients that will prevent eyeshadow from creasing or fading. As well as intensifying the colour and vibrancy of an eyeshadow, eyeshadow bases are also used for other purposes. 

• A nude/neutral eyeshadow base will get rid of any discolouration or redness on the eye. It creates a blank canvas. 
• A dark coloured eyeshadow base, e.g. black, will make the eyeshadow appear darker.
• A light coloured eyeshadow base, e.g. white, will make the eyeshadow appear brighter and more vibrant. 

Types Of Eyeshadow Primers & Bases

There are many eyeshadow primers and bases on the market, both drugstore and high-end. If you'd like a comparison post on drugstore and high-end eyeshadow primers and bases, please let me know. 

Different Types Of Eyeshadow Primers
- Eyeshadow primers typically come in a squeezy tube, non-squeezy tube or bottle. They usually have a doe-foot/brush applicator too.
-Eyeshadow primers are usually a cream, neutral, flesh toned or invisible colour.
-Eyeshadow primers dry down within a couple of minutes.

1. Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original)

2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance

3. theBalm Put A Lid On It

4. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

5. Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Different Types Of Eyeshadow Bases
- For an eyeshadow base you can use foundation, concealer, paint pots, cream colour bases, cream eyeshadows, eyeshadow sticks, eye pencils, gel eyeliners. Eyeshadow bases typically come in a pot, squeezy tube, non-squeezy tube or pencil. 
- Eyeshadow bases come in a variety of different colours and different finishes. You can buy both flesh toned/neutral shades or bright colourful shades, they also come in both matte and satin/shimmer finishes. 
-Eyeshadow bases do not dry down and this is due to their texture. 

1. MAC Paint Pot

2. MAC Paint

3. MAC Shadestick

4. Inglot AMC Gel Eyeliner

5. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

If you have...

Very Oily Eyelids
If you have very oily eyelids you need to use both an eyeshadow primer and an eyeshadow base. If you just use an eyeshadow base and don't use a primer, your eyeshadow will crease. By using both a primer and a base you're ensuring that your eyeshadow won't crease.

Oily Eyelids
If you have oily eyelids you need to use an eyeshadow primer. If you just use an eyeshadow base, your eyeshadow will crease. A primer will create a barrier between the oil on your eyelids and the eyeshadow.

Normal Eyelids
If you have normal eyelids you have the option of using an eyeshadow primer or an eyeshadow base, or both. 

*If you notice your eyeshadow creases when using an eyeshadow primer and/or base, you're either using too little, too much or your skin doesn't agree with product. Don't worry if you do notice creasing, you either need to change the amount you're using or the product itself. 

Methods Of Application

Application:

• Makeup Brush - You can use a number of brushes to apply an eyeshadow primer or base, e.g. a flat eyeshadow brush, cream eyeshadow brush or blending brush. Apply the product to the eyelid using a flat eyeshadow brush and blend using a blending brush. 
• Sponge - This isn't a common method but some people do use a sponge to apply an eyeshadow primer or base. Simply dab the sponge into the product and apply to the eyelid. 
• Finger - Using your finger is probably the easiest way of applying an eyeshadow primer or base as you don't have the dreaded task of washing your makeup brushes once you've finished your makeup. You can simply apply the product to your eyelid and blend away with your finger. 

When applying an eyeshadow primer or base it's important to know...

• Eyeshadow primers do not need setting as they dry completely.
• Eyeshadow bases do need setting as they don't dry completely - If you're planning on using  matte eyeshadows you need to set the eyeshadow base first with either a translucent powder or a pale matte eyeshadow. You don't need to set it if you're planning on using a shimmer/satin eyeshadows. Matte eyeshadows don't blend well on a sticky base but shimmer/satin eyeshadows do. 

So now we know the differences between eyeshadow primers and eyeshadow bases and we know the different ways to apply them. If you would like me to do a comparison post on drugstore and high-end eyeshadow primers/bases, please let me know.


Thank you for reading and I hope you found this post helpful! Talk to you all in my next post!

Much love,
Cole
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Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30

As you will all know I love under bases (primers) so when I was asked if I would like to review the Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30, I literally jumped at the chance. I had never really tried Shu Uemura products before, apart from the infamous eyelash curlers and the odd eyeshadow, so I was eager to try one of the Shu Uemura under bases. An under base is in effect a 'primer', you can wear it alone or under any foundation (face product).


Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30: "Our number 1 selling product worldwide, UV under base mousse gives you the perfect base for your make up."

What Shu Uemura have to say about their Beige UV Under Base Mousse ...

"Original beige shade. A weightless mousse make-up base that helps to even out the skin's tone and texture, reduce redness and minimise the appearance of pores. Use before make-up application to prepare the face for flawless makeup."

Directions of use?

• Shake well before use.
• Make sure the bottle is upright before dispensing the mousse. 
• Dispense a walnut sized amount of the mousse into the palm of your hand using the pump provided. 
• Apply the mousse to your face using your fingers. Apply half to the left cheek, half to the right cheek and use the remainder for the forehead and t-zone. Blend in the mousse using a brush or your fingers, whichever you prefer. 

What are the product claims?

• Evens out skin tone and texture.
• Reduces redness. 
• Minimises the appearance of pores. 
• Helps to keep makeup on longer.

Are there other types of UV Under Base Mousse available?

Yes, in total there are 4 different types of UV under base mousse available and they each have a different use. 

• Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30 
• Pink UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30
• BB UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30
• Brightening UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30

How much does the Beige UV Under Base Mousse retail at and where is it available?

The beige UV under base mousse retails at £29.00, as do the other different under base mousses and it can be purchased online at Shu Uemura or in-store/online at Space NK. 

What does the Beige UV Under Base Mousse look like?

Swatches...

Is the Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse suitable for everyone?

The under base is suitable for absolutely anybody, no matter if you have dry skin, normal skin, combination skin or oily skin. It's suitable for ALL skin types which is wonderful. 

The under base doesn't feel oily at all and it doesn't produce excess oil throughout the day so those of you who have combination/oily skin will love the under base. However, those of you who have dry skin may need to use a moisturiser underneath the under base as it absorbs into the skin really easily.

If you have a fair complexion I would also recommend opting for the pink UV under base mousse as the beige UV under base mousse is a little dark for pale skin. 

The Good

• Product Claims - Does the under base reduce redness?.. YES, does the under base minimise the appearance of pores?.. YES, does the under base even out skin tone?.. YES, does the under base help to keep makeup on longer?.. MAYBE (I own decent foundations which do not need the help of under bases (primers) so I cannot say if this under base prolonged the life of my foundation). I honestly think that this under base is a wonderful product and it certainly lives up to it's claims. It leaves skin looking absolutely flawless and it does a great job at reducing redness and the size of pores. It's like a pore/line filler and primer in one!
• SPF - I LOVE products containing SPF as they do wonders for my pale skin. SPF helps to protect skin from sunlight/UV rays therefore products containing SPF are great for wearing during spring/summer and also on holiday. SPF products are also good for wearing on a daily basis too. 
• Application - The under base is really easy to apply as you simply have to pump the mousse into your hand and apply using your fingers. Application is the same as any other under base. 
• Texture - The under base, funnily enough, has a mousse like texture. It's light, fluffy and most importantly, weightless. The texture of the under base is lovely, and I have to say that it has the nicest texture out of all of my other under bases. 
• Blend-ability - The under base blends into the skin really well and this is probably due to it's 'air-light' texture. I prefer blending it in using my fingers as I think it applies more evenly than with a brush. The under base melts into the skin ease and you're left with super soft, supple skin. 
• Scent - The under base has a really lovely scent, it smells very fresh and clean and it doesn't smell 'chemically' at all. If I had to say what the exact scent was then it smells of almond milk (or almonds in general).
• Packaging - I really like the packaging as it's different to the norm. Other standard under bases (primers) come in a tube or bottle form so I really like how this under base comes in a can. I also like how it comes with a pump as you can easily dispense the mousse. The pump also enables you to dispense the correct (needed) amount of product. I think the packaging is fun, different and it reminds me very much of a hairspray bottle!
• Size - The under base contains 64ml of product. Other standard under bases contain 30ml so you're in effect getting double the amount of product. 
• Availability - The under base can be purchased online at Shu Uemura and Space Nk. It can also be purchased in-store at Space NK, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. The under base is readily available meaning availability is not an issue. 

The Okay

• Price - £29.00 is a little pricey considering the majority of under bases retail around £15-20. The L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer retails at £9.99 and in my opinion, is just as good as the Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse. There's no denying that the under base is worth it's price tag but when there's cheaper alternatives available I think it could be priced a little lower. If you're looking for a high end under base then check out the Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse but if you're looking for a cheaper under base then check out the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer. 
• Colour - Once dispensed, the mousse is a beige colour, but once blended, the colour disappears slightly and you're left with a beige tinge to your skin. The beige colour is slightly too dark for my pale skin tone and I would imagine I'd be better suited to the pink UV under base mousse. If the colour was correct, this pointer would be in 'the good' section. 

The Bad

• I don't have anything bad to say about the under base as it's a wonderful product and it does exactly what it says on the tin. My only criticism is the price but then again, the product is worth the price tag. 

Overall...

I have to say that it's possibly the best under base that I've ever tried as it instantly creates a fresh 'blank canvas'. It eliminates all signs of redness and it reduces the size of pores dramatically, it leaves skin looking so flawless it's untrue. I often use this under base alone as it really does cover all of my imperfections, I feel I don't need to use foundation when using the under base as the under base does a good enough job at hiding things on it's own without the aid of foundation/concealer. It's a wonderful product which lives up to it's claims and I would definitely purchase in the future. I don't understand why the under base retails at £29.00 as it is a little pricey but if you compare it to other high end under bases, this one wins by an absolute mile! If you're looking for an under base that actually works then check out this one!

Would I recommend? Yes, it well and truly lives up to it's claims.
Would I buy? Yes, it's the best under base I've ever come across.
Rating? 9/10 (would have been 10/10 if it wasn't so pricey)

*The Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30 was sent to me for review purposes. This does not affect my thoughts and opinions on the product. As always, my reviews are 100% truthful.