Can Face Primer Do Double Duty For Your Eyeshadow?

Whether you've carefully crafted a new look or have simply slapped on your everyday makeup, you likely want it to last as long as possible. In order to do just that, you should add a primer to your routine. When it comes to a primer that's meant for your eyes — or more specifically, that's meant to keep your eyeshadow in perfect condition — there are various factors to keep in mind to end up with what you truly need.

"There are clear options available that extend the wear and then there are also options that give your lid some coverage and make the shadows more vibrant," makeup artist Disco explained to Marie Claire. On top of that, primers can also be waterproof or be especially designed for sensitive skin. That's why you'll want to make sure that the product you choose to use suits both your particular eyelids and your specific needs.

If you're thinking that this sounds a lot like what typical face primer can do for you, then you're absolutely right. That might make you wonder if your favorite face primer can do double duty and keep your eyeshadow locked in place. It turns out that the answer might not be what you expect.

There's no doubt that we appreciate a good hack and are always willing to take advantage of money-saving tips. That's why we would totally be on board if it were possible to skip the eyeshadow primer and use face primer on your eyelids. Unfortunately, that's not a good idea due to the fact that the two products offer varying results. 

If you take a glance at the ingredient list of the two kinds of primers, you would notice that they feature different formulas. Face primers rely on silicone to create a blank slate by covering up any issues. However, makeup artist Savannah St. Jean told Byrdie, "Silicone would create too slippery of a surface on the eyes, add to creasing, and make it harder to blend your eyeshadow evenly."

As for eye primers, you'll find that they're somewhat stickier, which allows them to hold your eyeshadow in place securely to help you avoid the dreaded creasing or fading. St. Jean noted that eye primer used on the face "would grab your makeup in an undesirable way and would not leave you [with] a smooth base."

But wait! Although using eyeshadow primer is obviously the ideal option, there is something else that you can use beneath your eyeshadow if you're in a pinch and need a reasonable replacement.

Picture it: You have a big meeting or a fabulous date in an hour or two and, oh no! You discover that you've run out of your handy-dandy eyeshadow primer. While you might think that you can get away with using your face primer as a one-time substitute, it turns out that you likely have a better option already available. It will just require a touch of concealer.

All you need to do is grab a concealer that's a liquid formula, according to Maybelline. You'll also want to grab one that's on the lighter side and isn't terribly thick. On top of that, this hack will work even better if you use a product that isn't overly runny or particularly wet. Of course, you should also try to opt for something that promises to last for hours and won't allow your makeup to rub off. When you've picked out the perfect concealer (or the one you happen to have on hand if you don't have various options), then use a rather thin layer before adding eyeshadow on top.

While this will certainly work on occasion, keep in mind that it's best left as a backup or plan B. Using concealer as an eyeshadow primer isn't something that you'll want to do if you have proper primer in your makeup kit.