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SHERRY Avatar

I really think the best primer I have used is Alexandra de Markoff Disguise for eyes. I have been experimenting with others such as UD primer potion, stay, don’t stray by Benefit and want to try the Laura Mercier primers. Alexandra de Markoff is a bit more expensive but it lasts forever and so far I have found nothing better.

melissa Avatar

I LOVE LOVE LOVE eden!!! I love the fact that it covers like a concealer would over the eyelid and makes a perfect surface…I too recently bought soft ochre…Im too pale for painterly… and I have been comparing the two…the MAC one seems like a better value because the container is giant, the UD is a bit more creamy, I just want to see if one lasts longer or has better color payoff/more vibrant…hmmm I should do each eye with a diff primer for the day and see!!! Good luck with the paint pot!

Rosanna Avatar

MAC Paint in “Bare Canvas”

It’s the only eyeshadow base I’ve used and I don’t think I’ll ever finish anytime soon (it seems endless like a pigment!). It seems to work well, I don’t know if I should try another eyeshadow base when I do run out.

RR Avatar

If I had to pick just one it’d be UDPP; I usually layer a MAC Paint Pot over it though… I’ve been told that’s a bit much but honestly if I’m going to spend my time applying makeup I want it to last all day. I’m actually only on my first full-size UDPP, my prior ones were samples from various sets/palettes.

Jessica Avatar

Glad for this post because I am in the market for a new shadow base! I’m thinking about Lorac’s behind the scenes, it looks like it’s the best bang for the buck! I do love my UDPP but I want a new love lol

Isis Avatar

For pigments/glitters – Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Shadows – depends on the colour I’m wearing but I suppose I reach for Nyx Milk the most these days

Q Avatar

I still use MAC Soft Ochre paint pot, but never alone. I also use the Bare Canvas paint on occasion. But since nearly all of my eyeshadow is mineral and loose, I cannot live without Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy. It’s THE BEST thing for mineral/loose shadows *ever*. If you haven’t tried it, you should. My shadows do not budge for 14-20hrs (I work a lot of 12 hr days and have things to do before and after work — and my shadow is consistently flawless.)

Annette Avatar

My go to eye shadow base right now, is Smashbox Photo Finish lid primer. Many don’t work for me, but this one seems to keep my shadow on ALL day.

Kim C. Avatar

i’ve always used UDPP, i’ve never felt a need to try anything else because it works really well for me. i’ve gone through about 2 tubes and have a few travel sized ones as back-ups

Andrea Avatar

I bought MAC Painterly to use as a base, but I’ve never had such bad creasing! So I use Too face Shadow Insurance, and Nars will be my next one.

Dusty Avatar

I have noticed how often you’ve been using the NARS one. Do you think that it’s better than the Paint Pot? (I remember reading the review, but I don’t recall what you said about compairing those two… I’m sure you did tho! LOL!)

I don’t have a go-to base… I like my base to match the shadow I’m doing and I RARELY do neutral looks. So I use Paintsticks a lot. If not Paint Sticks then Paint Pots 🙂

kasiaj85 Avatar

If I reeeeeeally need super-staying power I use my UDPP, which I L.O.V.E. 😀 if it’s just an everyday makeup I just use my ArtDeco base. Simply because UDPP is so hard to get in Poland that I have to save it for big occasions. And on the bases I always use my Bisque e/s.Flawless! 🙂

sabina Avatar

i love e.l.f eye primer.it used to be soft ochre paint pot.the e.l.f primer is so cheap and really works.i recommend it to every one.

Fiona Avatar

i never beleived in eye-makeup base, until i tried the one by Inglott. i was really impressed with it. the pot is quite small, but a little goes a long way, and it is better applied by a foundation brush. i do not use an eyeshadow base anymore.

Refinement Avatar

Without a doubt, Urban Decay Primer Potion. I’m currently using the Eden one. Sadly, I’ve never finished a tube. Even if you think it’s about to run out, just take out the small plastic thing that takes the excess off when you’re pulling the wand out and you’ll realise that there’s still half a tube left. I usually throw it out after 6 months because I get nervous about bacteria.

Kiki Avatar

MAC Painterly… but it creases on me :'(. So I ordered the NARS Smudgeproof EB, I hope it will work better.

Christine, do you think that NARS is that much better? Why did you switch from the paint pots?

Emily Avatar

I always use some sort of Mac’s Paint Pot…typically it’s Bare Study. I also always use UDPP on the bottom of my lids since I like to line the bottom with eyeshadow too. =)

LNU Avatar

UDPP! I have a MAC Painterly Paint Pot thats eventually gonna just gonna chucked or used for the give and get. I keep trying to reach for it since I paid for it, but UDPP has had my heart since the first 8 hour no-creasing eyeshadow love affair I had with it. 🙂

Noelle Avatar

My first love is MAC’s Bare Study. Finished it once (it kinda dried out towards the end though, so I just threw it out), recently bought a new one. Still love it! Also love UDPP and MAC’s Painterly.

Pamela Avatar

For five years it’s been UD Primer Potion (original). Out of curiosity, I’m starting to think of experimenting with other brands…

Sweeda88 Avatar

Too Faced Shadow Insurance. The only other one I’ve tried is L’Oreal De-crease, which dried out my lids HORRIBLY. I’ve noticed that the TFSI creases on me a LITTLE, but it’s barely noticeable, and it’s better than the L’Oreal primer.

Lauren Avatar

I still have a jar of Benefit FYI that I’m trying to finish up. My special occasion primer is the Elizabeth Arden Eye Primer. It’s the best one I’ve ever tried. I can even pop it under my eyes as a concealer.

Cynthia Avatar

TFSI has been no-fail to me but i’m slowly graduating to MAC Soft Ochre PP since i love the matte canvas it gives on my eyes to work with.

Andie Avatar

Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. It keeps my shadows in place for my 12 hour work shifts with no creasing or fading. I got a sample of the Nars, and I like it, but I prefer the hygienic applicator of the Lorac.

Paint Pots crease to high heaven on me, which is sad because I love some of the colors.

Michelle Avatar

I usually use MAC paint pot in Painterly. I used it every day under my shadow and it lasted a year. I’ve tried a sample of urban decay primer potion and really liked it — I’ve just heard that the packaging wastes a lot of product.

Wendy Avatar

Am I going to be the only one to say Benefit Stay Don’t Stray?? I’ve used almost every one listed here and Benefit works the best for my super oily eyelids. I’m just surprised that nobody else listed it! LOL

Shalamar Avatar

I’ve just bought this & have yet to use it. You say it works well for oily lids? That’s good to hear because mine get pretty oily sometimes.

Wendy Avatar

I found it to be the one that keeps oil at bay the most. My makeup isn’t perfect at the end of an 8 hour day. But it’s still there and you can tell what color it is! LOL
I do prefer this one to the others and I have very oily lids.

Shalamar Avatar

Well thank you for the input: ] I’ve never used a base before so I’m glad I bought one that will probably be worth my while.

sillylilacs Avatar

As a hooded monolid, nothing creases 🙂 so I don’t need a primer. But I usually use MAC’s Soft Ochre to even out the skintone/skinpigmentation, then I’ll use my NYX Jumbo Pencils to set a base.

tremorviolet Avatar

UPDD with Bare Study over it (my eyes are really hooded and crease a lot). I don’t like Bare Study’s shininess but Soft Ochre is too yellow for me and Panterly is too dark. I wish MAC would come out with a matte,light neutral PP.

Anitacska Avatar

I don’t have one. I alternate between about 4, UDPP, TFSI, Guerlain eyeshadow base and Barbara Daly for Tesco eyeshadow base. I honestly don’t know which one is better or worse, they all work just fine for me.

Thincspot Avatar

Bare Escentuals was my go to. It was pretty nice but I wanted to try something else for experimentation sake. I just bought Nars based on your testimony and I’m trying it out today. We’ll see how it holds up to my pigments.

When I want my pigments to pop a bit, I use Eve Pearl salmon concealer. It doesn’t help the color last though!

Melva Avatar

I alternate between my UDPP and Too Faced Shadow Insurance. However I did just purchase two paintpots (Artifact and Delft) because they are discontinued…I didn’t want to feel like I missed out lol

Rabia Avatar

Art deco eyeshadow base!! it works good for me and i have oily lids!
i also use Palladio eyeshadow base it comes in a lipstick packaging … it smells funky though

Simone Avatar

I’m currently between bases, I did have a relationship with UDPP for about two years until it had an accident with my straighteners on Christmas eve and all the product dried up and was useless, luckily this tragedy too place at around 9am so I had time to beg my dad to drive me to Debhanmes (Department store in the UK)in the snow to buy another as soon as possible! but I got there and they had none left so I was left with Too Faced Shadow Insurance which I’m not loving due to the funky smell and oily consistency at times so I’m currently using no base!

I’m planning on try NARS Smudge-Proof and Painterly Paintpot as I do have Bare Study and like it but it need a plain one.

Sorry for my long story here haha!

Marisa Avatar

It was UDPP for years and I went through many tubes. Now, thanks to your review, I have switched to the new NARS smudgeproof and I am in love! Thank you!

Tanja Avatar

Painterly paint pot over artdeco eyeshadow base works best for me.
I would be happy to find ONE product that works alone, but I have really oily lids 🙁

Mirna Avatar

I switch back and forth from MAC PP in Painterly and Soft Ochre. My 3rd option is Benefit’s stay don’t stray. I have not finished an eyeshadow base yet!

Abril Avatar

Too Faced Shadow Insurance & Painterly Paintpot (or other paintpot, it depends of the eyeshadow colour I’m using!) togheter! It’s the only thing that works for my oily lids!

Evelyn Avatar

Painterly paint pot! The real test was slapping some on with bright pink eye shadows (breast cancer event) on a hot day. Typically I will sweat any makeup off on a hot day but at the end of the day my eye shadow was still there, exactly as bright as it was when I first put it on and it didn’t migrate anywhere.

Eileen Avatar

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base. It’s perfect for those of us with dry lids. A very little bit patted on the lid and brow bone does the trick. It is moisturizing and has optical brighteners. Most primers address oily lids which is definitely not my problem.

Claire Avatar

For me its Estee Lauders Double-Wear shadow cream in Ivory Lace. I recently picked this product up (Similiar to MAC Paint Pots) and I love it!

Liz Avatar

It used to be Lumene’s eye base, but lately I’ve been using Painterly Paint Pot most of the time. These work better than TFSI and UDPP on me.

Ashley Avocado Avatar

UDPP Eden — love it, love it, LOVE IT.

I’ve been wanting to try Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer as well as the Art Deco Eyeshadow Base, but I haven’t gotten around to it, yet. I’m also dying to dry Benefit Stay Not Stray after seeing your review… despite the packaging woes, I feel like I *have to* have it anyway!

Hannah Avatar

I usually use MAC Painterly Paint Pot for everyday looks, but if I want the look to be more vibrant, I’ll use UDPP. Sometimes I’ll use them both together, but that’s not very often.

Anna Avatar

Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Shadow Primer. I used UDPP before this, but it started to crease on me. Lorac hasn’t failed me yet. The girl at Sephora said it’s because the Lorac one turns into more of a powder. Sometimes, I use MAC Soft Ochre PP over it just to neutralize my lids.

Marie Avatar

ELF Mineral primer and NYX Jumbo Pencils for my bases. I never ended up being a fan on MAC paint pots… but I still keep them around in case I want to give it another go :).

Stefanie Avatar

MAC Painterly Paint Pot. I JUST ran out of mine the other day (and promptly replaced it). It’s a great deal considering it lasted me a good year and a half and I used it almost every day!

UmmAmirah Avatar

LOVE this post
I use Two Face Showdow Insurance with MAC rubenesque PP.
I also use NYX jumbo shadow pencils (various: Milk, Iced Mocca,Lavender, Pots and Pans, and cottage cheese)

Boogiepimp Avatar

Anybody else get a skin irritant/allergic reaction to UDPP or TFSI? I tried the same base they also sell at Scandolous cosmetics and Bitchslap cosmetics (made from same supplier) and that one in particular made my left eyelid swell so much! I went on a search to discover what ingeredient was causing this and it appeared to be Isopropyl Lanolate. All three primers has it listed as an ingredient, with it being closer to the top of the list in the Scanadolous base. It does not appear in MAC paint pots which is my fave base and also thankfully not in the Benefit Stay Don’t Stray. Wish I could still use UDPP…but um, not until they get rid of this ingredient which is basically lanolin which contains residue of bug carcasses that go into the sheeps skin (lanolin is a waxy substance secreted by the sheep’s skin) which causes the actual irritation most people get from it. Ewww, right?

Emily Avatar

MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque. I don’t wear shadows that often, because I’m not a fan of eye shadow’s consistency in general; I mostly wear Rubenesque on its own, but when I do wear shadow, I always reach for my paint pot!

Elise Avatar

I have tried a lot of bases. I tend to be a person that likes more heavy bases that neutralize your eye and can be seen when applied. I actually just got the Kat Von D eye primer and like it quite a lot. Good staying power, neutralizes the eye and makes for a all around good base. I used to love the old Benefit eye primer in a jar but don’t like the new stay but don’t stray one. I wish they went back to the old formula. Sometimes there is no need to change the product and they end up making a great thing into a bad one. I also usually use paint pots or grease paint sticks on top of my primer under the eyeshadows too,

Laura Avatar

I use UDPP as a primer and then a MAC Paint Pot over that as a base for my powder shadows. I have about ten of them and I try to use a colour that goes with my eyeshadow that day. If I don’t have onw, or I just want to use a neutral colour, I usually go with Bare Study.

ANETTE Avatar

I PRACTICALLY HAVE ALL THE SHADES FROM BOBBI AND MAC – SO NEVER FINISHED ANY OF THEM – BUT CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THEM!!!
THEY MAKE COLOUR STAY PUT AND WILL NOT CREASE MY AGEING LIDS!! MERVEILLEUX!!! 38 AND STILL CRAZY ABOUT MAKE UP…. FAVOURITES? ALL MAC, ALL CHANEL, BOBBI BROWN SOME YSL & LAURA MERCIER… GREAT WAY TO ADD COLOUR AND HUMOUR INTO MY BLACK CLAD STYLE…

maribeth Avatar

Paula Dorf’s hands down is the best eye primer ever to me..it’s 25.00 BUT it lasts about a yr if you use it frequently. I like UDPP after it, PD’s shows the eye shadow at it’s most vibrant without having to do NYX jumbo pencil over another eye primer. I sell it all the time and customers thank me for it. It’s found at Ulta.

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