Eliza Approved spotlights those hero products worth the spend. Whether it’s classic favourites or what’s landed on our beauty editor’s desk this week, you can put your trust in our recommendations.
If you love scanning makeup artists’ behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram anywhere near as much as I do, you’ll have noticed a few running themes.
Every artist will have Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £30, Lookfantastic stashed in their kit – they have done since the ’90s. They’ll also have some eyelash curlers (previously by Shu Uemura, now more often than not by Surratt, £28, Net a Porter).
And somewhere on that table, I promise, will be a tube of Nars Smudge Proof Eyshadow Base, £21. There’s a reason people in the know love it so much. I’m no different and have yet to go to work as a makeup artist without a tube or two in my kit bag – it’s that good.
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What does eyeshadow primer do and is it necessary?
Before I go into specifics about the Nars version, though, let me just outline what an eyeshadow primer does, and some things to be mindful of when deciding whether or not to buy one.
Imagine trying to apply a powder evenly over smears of Vaseline. It would clump and pull and it would be very hard to make it look smooth. Dial down that metaphor a little and picture your eyelids with a coating of eye cream or natural hydration in the form of oily lids and you’ll understand why sometimes applying eyeshadow can quite literally be a drag.
Enter eyelid primer. The idea: to create an even film between your lids and eyeliner or eyeshadow, meaning it’ll glide on more easily – and stick around for longer.
Which brands do the best eyeshadow primer?
There are loads on the market now, and they all vary. Some are see-through, some carry tint or even sheen, doubling up as shadow and primer, meaning your work is halved if your go-to is a wash of colour along with liner or mascara. Some are creamy in consistency, others more of a gel.
Now, let’s get back to my worship of the Nars version.
Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base: our verdict
The reason I – and lots of other makeup artists – love this one so much, is because it is versatile and always gets the job done.
It’s see-through (great if you like your natural eyelid colour to come through), it’s never tacky or sticky (so products are easy to apply on top), and you can use it under cream, powder or gel products.
Product specifications:
- Price: RRP 21.00
- Colour: Clear
- Benefits: Keeps eye makeup in place
- For all skin types: Yes
- Suitable for sensitive eyes: Yes
- Fragrance free: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
How to apply the Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
A little tip: sometimes clients complain to me that their eyeliner bleeds slightly onto their lower lashes, or that powdered smoky shadow moves as the day or evening advances. The answer to those issues? This clever primer. All you have to do is:
1. Take a little dab off the doe foot applicator (I usually push product onto the back of my hand from the applicator, rather than applying straight onto eyelids so I have maximum control).
2. Tap a tiny amount along the lower lash line using your ring finger. Remember to slide and smooth it for even application.
3. Once it’s dry (count to ten – in my experience, that’s more than enough time for it to set), then start to put on your chosen liner or shadow. You should notice it smears a lot less and goes on evenly.
Trust me on this – I’ve used it on lots of models working under hot lights and on many, many brides and it’s helped to keep their eye makeup in place every time without fail.
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