Eyeshadow base: why can’t a makeup artist do without it?

What is an eye shadow base?

A primer, foundation or base for eye shadow is a beauty makeup product that prepares the skin for the application of eye shadow and promotes better adhesion of the product to the skin. The primer makes eye makeup more durable and shading easier and faster. The shadows fall on it in an even, dense layer without unevenness, without crumbling or spreading. The base also evens out skin tone, smoothes out flaking and even makes age spots, small blood vessels and redness less noticeable.

Eyeshadow bases often contain ingredients that condition the skin while moisturizing it. Among them are natural extracts and oils, beeswax and even vitamins.

In what cases should I use an eye shadow base?

It is not necessary to use eyelid primer before every makeup application. It will be irreplaceable in several cases. Firstly, if you need to create clear boundaries between several shades of eye shadow in eye makeup, they can lie back to back and will not mix. Secondly, to perform a bright make-up: in this case, the base will help maintain the saturation of the shade. Thirdly, if you need to extend the durability of your eye makeup.

But when performing soft shading, it is better to avoid using a primer, because the shadow pattern will be difficult to blend along the border.

Types of bases for shadows

There are two main types of eyelid primer.

Wax base. This type of eye shadow base has a shade close to the skin color and has a velvet texture. All shadows fit perfectly on it - from regular dry ones to those with large glitter. The wax base helps with shading of shadows and perfectly fixes rich colors. Use this product before applying pigment or any powder eyeshadow as it does not contain enough ingredients to adhere to the skin.

White base for shadows. This primer will help lighten the skin of the eyelids so that bright colors lie on them like a white canvas. In this case, the shadows will retain the color intensity and will look fresh and impressive throughout the day. The white eyeshadow base has a creamy texture, so it is important not to rub the eyeshadow on top of it so that it does not mix with the color and dilute it to a pastel shade. It is not recommended to use this product when working with glitter and sparkles.

Also in the assortment of cosmetic brands you will find mattifying bases, moisturizing, waterproof, with an anti-age effect, shimmer and transparent for glitter. When choosing a primer, pay attention to the following nuances:

• Mattifying bases are best for oily skin:
• for dry – moisturizing;
• if a girl has drooping eyelids, give preference to a waterproof base;
• for age-related makeup, products labeled anti-age are ideal;
• Shiny bases are an excellent solution for sparkling makeup with shimmer shadows.

How to use eye shadow base?

Apply a thin layer of base to the upper eyelid and blend thoroughly so that there is no excess. Otherwise, due to the dense intermediate layer between the skin and the product, cosmetics will quickly accumulate in facial wrinkles and lose their richness and brightness.

Then begin applying the eyeshadow using gentle, tapping motions until you reach the desired color intensity. After you fill the required area with shadows, blend them along the border.

What can I use to replace the eyeshadow base?

If you want to make your eye makeup intense and long-lasting, it is best to use a special product. But if you don’t have it on hand, use the following products as a base:

• long-lasting foundation or concealer;
• nude pencil with creamy texture;
• loose powder;
• makeup fixing spray.