When it comes to makeup, most people know the importance of primer but choosing a suitable one can be tricky.
In this article, we will be discussing the difference between face primer and eye primer.
These two primers have the same objective: to make your makeup last longer.
However, there are some critical differences between the two.
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What Does A Face Primer Do?
The primary purpose of face primers is to provide a smooth canvas for the foundation.
Face primers are available in different formulas, and using them depends on your skin type.
If you have oily skin, mattifying primers like this lightweight primer help control shine and keep makeup from separating and creasing.
If you have dry skin, hydrating primers help moisturize the skin and let the makeup go smoothly.
For mature skin, there are primers with smoothing properties that help to blur wrinkles and fine lines.
You can also layer face primers depending on your skin needs.
For example, you can use a hydrating face primer on dry patches and a mattifying one if you have an oily t-zone.
Related: Best face Primers For Mature Skin.
What Is An Eye Primer?
You can use an eye primer to make your eyeshadow color last longer and prevent it from creasing.
Eye primers usually come in a small tube and have a thick formula that helps your eyeshadow grip to your eyelid.
Some eye primers are tinted, while others are transparent. The tinted ones help cancel out any discoloration on your eyelids and can act as an eyeshadow base.
This eye primer, for example, is one of the best-selling ones. It has a smooth formula that blends easily into the eyelids and helps improve the color payoff of your eyeshadow.
An eye primer is necessary if you have oily eyelids and want your eyeshadow to last all day without creasing.
Face Primer Vs Eye Primer: What’s The Difference Between The Two?
Here are the critical differences between face primer and eye primer:
The Formula
Face primers have a smooth liquid or cream formula that feels silky to the touch.
Most of them have a silicone-based formula that helps to blur pores and fine lines. They are easy to blend and make your foundation go smoothly.
Eye primers have a thick gel or cream formula. They feel tackier than face primers and help the eyeshadow grasp the eyelids while preventing them from creasing.
For example, you can see in the picture below the comparison between the formulas of two famous face primers (left) and eye primers (right).
As you can see, the texture of an eye primer is thicker and more gel-like.
Because of their formula, eye primers are not meant to be used on the entire face. They have a thick consistency which can clog the pores and prevent the foundation from blending effortlessly on top.
However, some eye primers can be used on certain areas on the face.
For example, if your foundation is separating on your nose, you can apply an eye primer underneath.
The tacky texture of this primer can help the foundation grasp into the skin.
TIP: For acne or spots you wish to conceal, eyeshadow primers hold your concealer in place much better than concealer alone.
The Application
Face primers are applied all over the face before applying foundation.
You can use them on their own if you want a natural makeup look, or you can wear them under your foundation to make it last longer.
Some face primers can be applied on top of the foundation to touch up your makeup during the day.
On the other hand, eye primers are applied to the eyelids before applying eyeshadow.
They help to improve the color payoff of your eyeshadow and make it last longer.
TIP: You can mix your primer with foundation to get a natural look.
The Packaging
Most face primers come in a large tube of 22ml, which is supposed to be applied all over the face.
Eye primers come in a small tube of 5-10ml; you only need a small amount for each eyelid.
A little bit goes a long way with both primers, so don’t be tempted to use too much.
The Purpose
Face primers come in different formulas, depending on your skin type.
For large pores, use a smoothing silicone-based primer to smooth the appearance of pores.
For oily skin, a mattifying primer helps to control shine and keep makeup from melting or creasing.
For dry skin, using a hydrating primer helps to provide moisture to the skin while letting the makeup go on smoothly.
For mature skin, use a smoothing face primer to blur wrinkles and fine lines.
Some face primers can also color-correct redness or hyperpigmentation and they are available in different colors such as purple, red or yellow.
On the other hand, eye primers provide a base for the eyeshadow on which they can stick.
They also help accentuate the eyeshadows’ color payoff while preventing creasing.
Some eye primers are also tinted, which helps cancel out any eyelid discoloration and can act as an eyeshadow base.
TIP: Match your primer and foundation formulas to prevent your makeup from looking patchy.
Can You Use Face Primer As Eye Primer?
Eye primers act as adhesives for eyeshadow, and they help the eyeshadow to grasp the eyelids while preventing creasing.
Face primers are not as tacky as eye primers, so they might not provide enough grip for the eyeshadow.
Most face primers have a smooth and liquidy formula that might not be ideal for the eyelids as it might cause the eyeshadow to crease.
Their silky formula is ideal for filling in pores and fine lines on the face, but it might not work well for the eyelids.
There are also primers for the under-eye area, which are different than face and eye primers. These primers help to hydrate and prepare the skin before applying concealer.
Do You Need Face Primer And Eye Primer?
Using a face primer and eye primer is not necessary, but it can help improve your makeup’s longevity.
If you have oily skin, using a mattifying primer for your face will help to control shine and prevent the foundation from looking patchy.
Those with dry skin can use a hydrating face primer to prevent their makeup from looking dry while filling in pores and fine lines.
People with oily eyelids can benefit from an eye primer as it will help the eyeshadow last longer without creasing.
Eye primers can also help accentuate the color payoff of your eyeshadow and make it more vibrant.
They also provide a tacky base for glitter eyeshadows, which helps them adhere better and prevent fallout.
In conclusion, face primer and eye primer can make a massive difference in the longevity and finish of your makeup.
Best Eye Primers
There are many eye primers on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the right one.
Here are our top three picks for the best eye primers:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Original
This primer is ideal for those with oily eyelids as it helps to prevent the eyeshadow from creasing.
It has a lightweight, silky formula that glides smoothly and dries quickly.
The primer comes in a tube with a doe-foot applicator, making it easy to apply to the eyelids.
A little bit goes a long way with this product, so you only need a small amount for each eyelid.
It has a tinted formula that helps to even out the skin tone on the eyelids.
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
This primer is a great drugstore option that is affordable and easy to find.
The formula is lightweight and silky and dries quickly without leaving any greasy residue.
It helps to prolong the longevity of eyeshadow and prevents creasing, and it also accentuates the color payoff of the eyeshadow.
I’ve been using this primer for years, and it’s one of my favorites as it’s very affordable, yet it works well.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer
This primer is ideal for those with mature skin as it helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula is lightweight, glides on smoothly, and dries quickly without leaving any greasy residue.
This primer also helps prolong the eyeshadow’s longevity and prevents creasing, accentuating the color payoff of the eyeshadow.
It comes in a tube with a doe-foot applicator, making it easy to apply to the eyelids.
Are you looking for more eye primers? Check these best eyeshadow primers for mature skin. They have a thin formula that doesn’t emphasize fine lines and they help blend eyeshadow effortlessly.
How To Use Eye Primer?
Using an eye primer is easy; follow these simple steps:
- Start with a clean face and apply your usual skincare products.
- Choose the eye primer that suits your needs.
For example, if you have discoloration on your eyelids, choose an eye primer with a tint to even the skin tone.
For mature skin, choose a smoothing eye primer to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles. - Apply the primer to your eyelids with a doe-foot applicator or your fingers.
- Apply a small amount, like a tiny dot, to each eyelid, as a little goes a long way.
- Wait for the primer to dry before applying your eyeshadow. Apply your eyeshadow as usual.
For more tips, check our complete guide on how to apply primer, foundation, and concealer.
Eyeshadow Base Vs Primer
An eyeshadow base is a tinted product that helps to even out the skin tone on the eyelids and provides a smooth canvas for eyeshadow.
It doesn’t help prolong the longevity of the eyeshadow or prevent creasing as much as an eye primer does.
An eye primer is a clear or tinted product that helps to prolong the longevity of eyeshadow and prevents creasing.
It also makes the eyeshadow more vibrant and can help accentuate the color payoff.
If you only want to even out the skin tone on your eyelids, then an eyeshadow base can be a great choice.
But if you want your eyeshadow to last longer and prevent creasing, you’ll need an eye primer.
Eye Primer Vs Concealer
The main difference between an eye primer and a concealer is their purpose.
A concealer can help to even out the skin tone on the eyelids and provide a smooth canvas for eyeshadow so it acts as an eyeshadow base.
However, it doesn’t help prolong the longevity of eyeshadow or prevent creasing as much as an eye primer does.
An eye primer is a clear or tinted product that helps to prolong the longevity of eyeshadow and prevents creasing.
It can also make the eyeshadow more vibrant and help accentuate the color payoff.
So, if you’re looking for a product to help your eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing, then an eye primer is better.
Conclusion
Face primer and eye primer are supposed to let your makeup go smoothly and help it last longer. However, they have different formulas and purposes.
Face primers are made to provide a smooth canvas for the foundation, while eye primers are used to make eyeshadow grip the eyelids and prevent creasing.
Eye primers have a thick formula and feel tackier than face primers available in different formulas, depending on your skin type.
So which one should you use? Use an eye primer if you want all-day wear for your eye shadow. If you’re looking for something that will make your skin look smoother (and who isn’t?), go with a face primer!
Do you have a favorite primer that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!
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