Do You Put Eye Primer on Before or After Foundation?

Do you put eye primer on before or after foundation? Eye primer can help make your eyeshadow application look great and last as long as you want. You know the struggle: You’re going out to dinner after work. You take time with your makeup application in the morning and pay special attention to your beautiful eyes. Somehow during the day, your eyeshadow creases or disappears completely! Of course, you’re working hard at the office but you aren’t doing heavy physical labor. What happened and how can you make sure it doesn’t happen again?

Makeup artists understand your frustration. Most professionals report that eye primer makes the difference in your shadow longevity. But that’s only the first reason you should add eyeshadow primer to your makeup box.

If you’re uncertain about adding another product to your daily routine, this article is for you. Let’s answer your questions about “What’s an eye primer?” and “Do I put in on before or after foundation?” now.

Table of Contents

What is Eye Primer? Why Do I Need It?

You will love the look of your eyes after using eye primer.

Eye primer is an amazing product. Every woman who wears eye makeup should keep primer to smooth and brighten her eyelids. Eyeshadow primer comes in either cream or liquid-based form.

It’s applied to your eyelids to help shadow and eyeliner glide on smoother—and last as long as you want. It’s kind of like double-sided tape because the primer adheres to your lids and your eye makeup, thereby making sure that the deftly applied eyeshadow and eyeliner do not shift or move.

Primer creates a base for your eyelids. It also absorbs oil on the lids and creates an even, smooth surface for your cosmetics’ application.

If you don’t use eye primer, your eyelids may get shiny beneath your eyeshadow. This will cause the eyeshadow application to crease and your beautiful eye makeup might look patchy, uneven or (worse) disappear completely!

Like primer you probably use on the lips to extend how long your lipstick stays on, your eyelids may have a slight natural tone that makes it more challenging for some shadows to pop. White or nude primers make your eyelids a clean canvas to allow all shadows to stand out.

Do You Put on Primer Before or After Foundation?

This is an often-asked question. Consider that you want the eyelid primer to stay put so that your eye makeup lasts.

Many women naturally assume that you should put eyelid primer on first and then dab on your foundation. However, that’s not always the best way to put primer on your lids.

Use this trick to seamlessly blend your eyelid primer and foundation:

• Apply the primer with your fingers, a triangular sponge or an eyelid brush from the inner corner of your eyelid to the outer edge at which your eye makeup application stops.
• Blend well.
• Apply your mineral foundation to the lower face, then apply some over your eyelid primer.
• This step “sets” the primer and blends the foundation color over the entire face.

If you use a liquid or cream foundation, apply primer first before your foundation.

How Do Apply Eye Primer

This tried-and-true method will make you an eye primer pro in no time.

Step 1. Select the right shade for your skin. For daily use, look for an eye primer that will match the complexion (or go a tiny shade lighter). This looks most natural on those days you don’t wear eyeshadow or only wear liner. You can also buy clear primer—this won’t affect the shade of your shadow by adding any color. Keep in mind:

• If using tinted primers, the color of your eyeshadow may look different. Get the truest color match by using a clear/transparent primer or one with only a slight bit of color.
• If you’re wearing a dark eyeshadow or going for a smokey eye, choose a darker eyelid primer to deepen the look. If blending a palette of colors, make them pop by using white eyelid primer.
• If you have dark circles beneath your eyes or just want to brighten them, select a peach or yellow primer to neutralize brownish or purplish eye circles.
• If you have reddish or pink skin, select a greenish formula to even your skin tone.

Step 2.
Select your primer’s finish. Matte finishes work well for daily use. They also last longer and provide a neutral canvas for eye makeup. If your facial skin isn’t oily, the thin skin on your lids may be. In that case, a matte finish helps absorb the oil to keep your look in place. Note that:

• Shimmery finishes aren’t usually your best daily choice. To even the skin tone on your lids, choose a clear or matte finish.
• A shimmery or satin finish may work if you’re wearing a glittering shadow. However, shimmery finishes don’t have the same staying power as matte finish primers.
• Gel-based primers work well with very dry eyelid skin.
• Matte primers will work with all kinds of shadows with a little creativity. Add shine to your eye color instead of choosing a shiny primer.
• Matte eye primers are easier to wear when in hot, humid climates because they manage oil and shine.
• Matte primers are especially effective in hot and humid weather because they manage eyelid oil and shine.

Step 3. Select your eye primer texture.
Choose stick, gel, liquid, or cream-based eye primers. The texture influences how the primer feels on the eyelids and affects how long it lasts. Generally speaking, gel primers last longest and may be paired with all kinds of shadows. Also note that:

• Cream eye primers have a mousse-like texture. They’re easiest to find but may feel heavier on the lids.
• Liquid primers feel light but may allow creases to show if you don’t use enough of the product.
• Stick primers are easy travelers. You may apply them directly to the lid (no need for brush or sponge). Although sticks are very convenient, it may be difficult to tell how much primer you’re applying.

Step 4. Try this make-at-home eye primer recipe.

It’s possible to run out of eye primer. This easy recipe works and feels great out of the refrigerator.

Aloe vera gel and glycerin are easily mixed together for a simple eye primer. Mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, and one teaspoon of white kaolin (clay). Combine til smooth, then use a cotton swab to apply the primer to your lids. Keep refrigerated. The ingredients absorb oil so it’s ideal for oily eyelids.

Is Eye Primer Required before Putting On Foundation?

Applying eye primer before you put on foundation is best unless using a dry foundation.

No, but using eye primer before putting on your foundation may work best with liquid or creamy products!

After you apply facial moisturizers and any eye creams, squeeze a pea-sized bit of the primer onto your fingertips or a flat shadow brush. Use a thin layer so that it’s easily absorbed and ready for shadow application. Take gentle, rapid motions to blend the primer into the skin:

• Start at the lash line, top, and bottom, and blend to your brows.
• Wait about one minute for the primer to dry.
• Apply eyeshadow and/or eyeliner.

Why Should I Use Eye Primer?

Because eyelid primers perform…

There are at least six reasons to use an eye primer. Adding yet another step to your makeup regimen may seem unnecessary, but many eye primer aficionados feel that it’s much more essential than they ever imagined!

Using eye primer yields some real benefits, including:

1. Shadows stay on longer until you want to take them off.
2. Eyeshadows go on effortlessly after you apply an eye primer. When you’re trying out an advanced eye makeup look, this reason alone is enough to use eye primers.
3. Eye primers help to fix your liner in place. (Ever had problems with eyeliner? We’ve all been there. Eye primers make a big difference.
4. Eye primers create the clean canvas you need to make beautiful eyes.
5. Eye primers may help to prevent creasing, patchiness or disappearance of your eye makeup. Give it a try!
6. Eye primers brighten your eyes. If you have under-eye circles, eye primer is a must-have. Also, if you like darker eyeshadow colors, an eye primer establishes a base for layers of color!

Many of us enjoy trying new makeup products, but most of us need these products to perform. Once you try an eye primer that matches your skin color, tone, and texture, you will share this essential beauty product with others!