little white truths

As you may know, I tried the anti-ageing version of this eyeshadow primer a while ago (I've reviewed that here) and I didn't like it because it wasn't great for longevity, but I'd heard so many good things about this original version that I was prepared to give it a go.

I'm pleased to say that I like it a lot better and think it works well, so I do recommend it and I can see why so many people swear by it. More on that below.

Urban Decay claims/product details:

• Coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike, this revolutionary eye primer elixir preps the eye for smoother, more vibrant, crease-free shadow and all-day wear
• Now paraben free
• Combining space-age polymer technology with a creamy, weightless texture, this highly acclaimed eye primer has garnered a worldwide cult-following
• Encased in a tube, use the wand to precisely apply an exact amount for controlled application
• The advanced formula glides across the lid to neutralise redness, fill in imperfections on the skin and create a flawless, even canvas for eyeshadow to adhere to
• RRP $20 AUD for 5.7g or $35 AUD for 10g

Do note that I would only ever buy the smaller size of this product because I wouldn't get through the larger one before it expired.

So keep that in mind because you only need a small amount each time (eye primers last for ages), and there's no point in buying a larger one unless you're a makeup artist - or at least that's my opinion.

Verdict

This product works for me and I definitely recommend it.

It's a standard, creamy eye primer that comes in a tube. You apply it with an applicator, and I've heard quite a few people complain about the applicator (many have cut theirs off) but I personally like it: I find that each side deposits the right amount of product for one eye and I'd prefer this to a squeeze tube because sometimes I dispense too much with standard tubes. I don't with this.

I normally run each side of the applicator over each eye and I get just enough time to blend each side out in turn before it sets. I don't use much per application and I do suggest using less because if you use too much, you may run into problems when it comes to blending it out.

On that, if I apply even a little too much, I find that clumps of product set along my eyelid and really bugger up my eyeshadow. I've also found that this primer can cling to dry skin, so be sure to hydrate your eyes first: otherwise this will go on patchily and then your eyeshadow will too.

In terms of performance, this definitely helps my eyeshadow adhere and it also helps with longevity. The longevity issue was the problem I had with the anti-ageing version of this primer, so I would pick this over that any day.

What I find is that my eyeshadow lasts all day when I use this, and it helps things stick in the warmer weather too, when my eyelids often become oily. Tick. That's what I'm after.

I should also note that I have hooded eyes (meaning there's a lot of rubbing that happens throughout the day), so if this works well for me and keeps my eyeshadow in place all day long, then it should work well for other lasses with hooded eyes too - although of course, different products can work differently for different people so it's always worth testing something before purchase if you can.

Overall this primer works for me and I recommend it. Probably the only thing I don't like about it is that it can cling to dry patches around my eye area (and I do get a few of those, given I have dry skin), so I need to make sure that the texture of my skin is as smooth as possible before I use it. Otherwise it's great. I would buy it again.

Worth trying.