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What? A Sephora eyeshadow primer? That exists?
Don’t worry, I didn’t know this tidbit of information until recently either. As social media dwellers, we are so used to chasing down the latest “hot” product that we forget other products even exist.
This product isn’t new. In fact, it has been around for quite some time.
But so far I have heard exactly zero people talking about it. No bloggers, YouTubers, or Sephora sales associates. Today, we’re on a mission to find out what the deal is. Is this Sephora eyeshadow primer just so terrible that everybody is right in not talking about it, or is it really a hidden blessing in disguise to the makeup world?
Let’s see!
Let’s talk about the basics
This is one of Sephora’s two in-house eyeshadow primers, (the other being a powder primer in a pot. Curious, I know.)
For $14.00 USD, you receive 0.35 oz. of primer in a small squeeze tube with a controlled dispenser tip. For comparison, Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base costs $26.00 USD for 0.26 oz. In other words, you receive more product for less money. When is that not a good thing?
The packaging proves simple, yet effective. It’s compact, light, and easy to carry when you’re on the go. And if you’re the germaphobe type, then you’ll love this packaging! The wand-free design means you won’t be shoving bacteria and oil in the tube with every use, and the very small opening protects the product inside from outside air.
I have no complaints!
PURCHASE // Sephora Beauty Amplifier Perfecting & Smoothing Eye Primer >> [Sephora]
Familiar texture & scent free
I always notice smells immediately, and I am happy to report there is nothing offensive in the scents department. If you practically stick the tip up your nose, you might pick up on a slight makeup-y smell. Besides that, Sephora eyeshadow primer is scent free.
As you can see in the photos below, the texture and consistency are look very similar to Nars Pro-Prime. It comes out of the tube white, but it blends out totally clear. If you happen to be looking for an eyeshadow primer that’ll do double duty and cover discoloration too, then this may not be for you.
The products has a silicone-like feel. It is very smooth, and it creates an awesome canvas for blending eyeshadows into blown-out beautifulness.
I put the Sephora eyeshadow primer to the ultimate test
A couple of weeks ago, I attended my first outdoor concert festival. (Don’t laugh, I’m in my mid-twenties and I’ve never been to one.) I applied the Sephora eyeshadow primer all over my eyelids and blended on my eyeshadow as usual. If you’re wondering, I used my Lorac PRO Palette 2 that day.
From 9:00 AM until 11:00 PM (which is seriously late for this old lady,) I sat in the sun, I perspired, I wiped said sweat off my face, I danced, I walked through clouds of BBQ smoke, and I ate shave ice that got basically everywhere. It was a rough day for any eyeshadow primer.
After 14 (long) hours
Well, 15 actually. I applied my makeup around 8:00 AM, and didn’t get home until after 11:00 PM.
And how was I looking? Not great, but not completely terrible either. Honestly, it could have been a lot worse.
On a positive note, the eyeshadow was still clinging on for dear life. The eyeshadows weren’t creased, and they hadn’t disappeared completely.
However, the colors did run together by the end of the day, and they ended up looking a bit muddy. The entire look appeared less vibrant and neat by the end of the day, but it was definitely still there.
Another wear test on another day (fairer this time)
I have to admit, that was an extreme, and perhaps a bit of an unfair test for Sephora eyeshadow primer. After all, I’ve never tested any other primer to that extreme. My first wear test went relatively well, but I still wanted a good idea of how the primer would do under normal circumstances.
I choose a typical day: applying makeup at about 7:30 AM, doing work behind a desk, running a few errands, and calling it a day 10 hours later with a shower at 5:30 PM.
Under these circumstances, I have to say, I’m impressed. Granted, I didn’t fill my day with the most strenuous of activities, but I have encountered some primers that weren’t able to stand up to even a couple of hours of running errands around town.
At the end of my 10 hour day, the inexpensive Sephora eyeshadow primer kept my eyeshadow look in tip-top shape. I saw no fading, blurring, or smudging. And the most impressive feat, it kept my eyelid oils under control so there was no dreaded creasing.
The inevitable comparison to Nars Pro-Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
Two reason here. As you’ve probably already gathered, Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is my holy grail eyeshadow primer. Whenever I need bullet-proof protection against fading, creasing, smudging, or any other eyeshadow tragedies, it’s what I reach for.
So what are the similarities and differences between Sephora’s budget eyeshadow primer and Nars’ fancy pants eyeshadow primer?
Both primers blend to a super smooth finish that makes blending eyeshadow a breeze. However neither primer provides any coverage for discoloration, so you’ll need a separate concealer if you want pigmentation.
Does the Sephora eyeshadow primer work as amazingly well as Nars Pro-Prime? In my experience, no. But it is a close sister product in many ways, and it definitely holds it own.
Why is nobody talking about this?
It seems like Sephora Beauty Amplifier Eye Primer is trying to be a dupe for Nars Pro-Prime, but it’s just not quite there. But that doesn’t mean it is a bad product at all!
Personally, I will continue using the Sephora eyeshadow primer, and I’ll probably repurchase another tube when I run out. Why? Because it is a good product for a great price, especially for those days when I won’t be out for 14 hours so it doesn’t make sense to wear a primer meant to last that long.
I think this product has flown under the radar for far too long, and I’d love to see it get more attention. I think it’s a fantastic option if you’re in the market for a new eyeshadow primer.
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll definitely want to check this one out too >> 10 Ways to Make Your Eyeshadow Skills Look Professional AF!
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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