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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