Makeup Files

Did you know that you can completely change your look by first applying a cream base or primer?  It’s true.

This means that you can have one eye shadow routine look two different ways.

Here’s how you use the base:

1. Find a good cream base or primer (more on this near the end of the post).
2. Apply this first.  Put it on your lid wherever you plan on putting shadow.
3. Apply your eye shadow look directly on top of the base.

After all of that, you should have a bold, bright look.  Primers and bases will:

• brighten colors
• keep your look lasting all day
• prevent your eye shadow from getting messed up in the crease
• shimmer shadow will stand out a lot more

Here’s an example of the exact same look with and without a base:

Here, you can see that the look with the base is harsher and darker.  This makes it perfect for night or when you really want to go bold.

The exact same look without the base is much softer and subtler.  The colors are blended better, but it’s not nearly as bold.  This means that it’s perfect for daytime, and especially for work.

The Big Benefit

The best thing about having the option of using a base is that you can essentially double the amount of looks that you can achieve with the makeup that you own.

For instance, each one of the tutorials that I do on Makeup Files can have two different styles: one with base and one without.  They’ll look different enough that it’s like you can wear two separate looks.  (Although, you shouldn’t do them at the same time like I did in the picture above.)

Some Great Bases and Primers

I use Cupcake Cult Eye Primer for my base, but it looks like they don’t make it anymore.  Uh oh!  Here are some other, highly rated products you could use to achieve these looks:

1. MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Painterly.  While MAC has a lot of primers and cream bases, I most often hear people using this product as a base instead (specifically the ‘Painterly’ variety).  Be sure to start using your eye shadows before this dries. ($16.50)
2. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. People seem to love this product.  I’ve heard so many good things, I’m planning on getting it myself. ($16.00)
3. Laura Geller Eye Spackle.  This product is still pretty new, but it’s been getting rave reviews.  It’s formulated specifically for powder eye shadow.  ($23.00)