Struggling to put on makeup in the morning and finding your makeup faded in the afternoon is really annoying. What's the point of making the perfect cat eye if it smudges when you're ready to head out? Luckily, with a super quick and super easy application of a primer for eyelids, you can be sure that your eye makeup will last all day.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Choosing a Primer
Step 1. Choose the right primary color
For general everyday use, we recommend that you look for a primary color that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Using this primer will look more natural if you don't apply eyeshadow and just use eyeliner. If you decide to use eyeshadow, it won't change the color, it will make it look more noticeable.
- If you're creating a smokey eye look or using dark eye shadow, look for a darker primer to amplify this eye look.
- If you're using multiple colors and want to make them stand out, try using a white primer.
- You may not use eye shadow and choose a primer with attractive colors that have been mixed into the formula of this product.
- Try using a color-correcting primer if you have dark circles under your eyes or you want to brighten your eyes. Primers with yellow or peach undertones can neutralize the purplish, tan and "bruise" under your eyes.
- Primers with a hint of green can neutralize redness or pink skin.
Step 2. Select the type of finish from the primer
Primers that are matte or matte are great for everyday use as they tend to last longer and provide a more neutral base for eye makeup. Even if your skin isn't oily, your eyelids tend to get a little oily over time, and a non-glossy primer can help absorb oil and keep eye makeup from smudging.
- A satin or glossy primer is a good choice if you don't apply eyeshadow on top of the primer or plan to apply a glossy eye shadow. Keep in mind that this type of primer doesn't last as long as a non-glossy primer and you shouldn't mix it with a matte eye shadow as it will look bad.
- If your skin is very dry, try a gel-based primer or a glossy primer.
- Matte primers can be combined with matte or glossy eye shadows because they add shine to eye makeup, not the primer.
- Primer products are very effective in hot and humid weather because they control oil and shine on the face.
Step 3. Select the primary texture for the eyes
Primer can be in gel, cream, liquid, or stick form. The texture of the primer you choose can affect how it feels on the eyelids and how long it lasts. Usually gel primers last the longest and can be used with all types of eyeshadow. Primers like these are great for use in hot weather and can minimize creases on the eyelids.
- Creamy primers have a mousse-like texture and are the easiest to find. This primer works well with most eyeshadows and can feel a little heavier on the lids.
- Liquid primer is very light but can highlight creases on the eyelids if applied too little. Make sure you blend the liquid primer into the crease of your eyelid thoroughly.
- Stick-type primers can be applied directly to the eyelids, instead of using your fingers or a brush. This type of primer is very comfortable to use but it is difficult to control the amount of product you apply.
Step 4. Make your own primer using natural alternative ingredients in case you run out of this product
Unscented and unflavored aloe vera gel or Milk of Magnesia can replace primer. Both can absorb excess oil and aloe vera can also moisturize the eyelids. Apply only a small amount with a cotton swab and be careful not to get it in your eyes. Mix the following ingredients to make your own primer:
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored lip balm, soften (put under running water for about 1 minute).
- 1 teaspoon corn flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid foundation that matches your skin tone.
- Mix all these ingredients in a small container.
- You can use a little bit of refined petroleum jelly if you don't have a lip balm, but it's not as long-lasting as lip balm.
Method 2 of 2: Applying Primer
Step 1. Clean your face and apply facial moisturizer
It is very important to make sure the face is clean before applying makeup, removing any oil or dirt on the skin. Moisturizer helps prevent makeup from drying out the skin. Wait at least 20 seconds before applying facial moisturizer, or until your skin feels dry, not supple. If the moisturizer is still wet, it can interfere with applying the primer to the skin.
Step 2. Dispense a small amount of primer onto the back of your hand--it should be just one grain of rice
Indeed, the goal is to cover the entire eyelid with primer, but if you use too much, the results are not good. It can cause makeup to build up and look clumpy or too shiny. But if you use too little, your eye makeup won't stick.
- The amount of primer used should be sufficient for "both" eyes.
- It's a good idea to start your app with not too many products and add them if needed rather than starting with too many products and trying to remove them afterwards. Remember: less is better in primary applications.
Step 3. Insert your ring finger or small brush into the primer and apply it to the eyelids
It's a good idea to pat, spread and blend (but don't rub) the primer gently into the skin. You can start near the inner corner of the eye and work your way up to the brow bone and outer corner of the lid, or you can start at the center of the lid and blend outwards and upwards. Whichever you feel is suitable.
- Clean fingers are the perfect tool for applying primer and often that's all you need. You can easily control how much product you apply and the warmth of your fingers can help you spread the primer.
- Small makeup brushes can touch the tiny corners near the tear glands and lash line and can usually help you apply the product evenly.
- Make sure you do it gently and never tug on the skin around the eyes as it can make them sag and wrinkle in the end.
- Make sure the primer really blends into the crease of the eyelid. The function of the primer is to fill in the lines on the skin so that makeup products don't accentuate these lines.
- If you are applying eye makeup to the lower eyelid, use a thin brush or your fingers to apply the primer to the lower lash line.
Step 4. Allow the primer to absorb and dry (about 20 seconds) then apply your eye makeup as normal
Your eyelids should feel like a flat canvas and the eyeshadow will apply smoothly. If your eyeshadow looks clumpy, it means you've used too much primer and should use less next time.
