After a Lifetime of Oily Lids, I've Finally Found an Eye Shadow Primer That WORKS

Updated on Feb 23, 2020 at 2:05 PM

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I'm more of a lipstick person than an eye shadow gal, but not by choice. All my makeup-wearing days, I've been plagued by oily eyelids. I gave up on elaborate eye looks long ago when I realized it didn't matter how expensive my eye shadow was — it would inevitably clump together in one solid line at the crease after an hour. If you've ever stood in a mirror gently using your finger to fan out pooled pigments, you know the struggle.

Years ago, a makeup artist introduced me to MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots ($22), which I've been using for years as both eye shadow and concealer (I know, I know). It wasn't until recently that I decided to give MAC's actual primer a try. I'd been discouraged after years of primers that didn't make a smidge of difference on my lids, but hey, MAC knows what they're doing, right?

Right.

No really, RIGHT.

I tried an eye shadow look that was way outside my traditional nothing-but-nudes situation, and it didn't budge for 12 hours. Allow me to take you on my journey.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots

From

$22

10 a.m.: After Applying Prep + Prime and Full Lids of Shadow

I slathered the sheer, creamy MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base ($25) over my entire lids — plus under my eyes as well. Because this was a legitimate experiment and I am a seasoned scientist, I figured I'd at least attempt a trendy eye look. I'd just received Morphe's Jaclyn Hill Palette Vol. II ($39), so I reached for the corals and did my best.

MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base

From

$25

Jaclyn Hill Palette Vol. II

From

$39

10 a.m.: After Applying Prep + Prime and a Full Lid of Shadow

I could have blended more, I know.

10 p.m.: After an Entire Day Wearing Prep + Prime

Literally 12 hours later, the eye shadow colors were still intact. You can tell this is a real "after" photo because every part of my face except my eyelids is greasy. (Maybe I should reframe that and instead think of my skin as glowy. Yes, I'm glowy.)

10 p.m.: After an Entire Day Wearing Prep + Prime

Look at that! Nary a line in sight!

Buy MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base

After 15-plus years, I've finally found a primer soulmate in the MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base ($25). Stay tuned as I venture outside my neutral color zone. What's next? Blues? Glitter?! The world of eye makeup is now my oyster!

MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base

From

$25