Disclosure: The products I recommend are ones I personally use and stand by. All views shared are my own. This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Wondering if the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer lives up to the hype?
In this article, I reviewed its performance to see if it really helps eyeshadow stay vibrant and crease-free all day.
Spoiler alert: this is one of the eyeshadow primers I keep in my professional and personal makeup kits.
Overall Review: 8.4
Overall Review: 8.4
Key Takeaways
-
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is praised for keeping eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free throughout the day, making it a reliable choice for makeup artists.
-
Some users experience issues with the primer’s watery consistency and tacky texture, which can complicate the application and blending process.
-
Despite some drawbacks, the product’s overall performance, durability, and long-lasting formula make it a strong contender in the eye primer market.
Introduction to Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion aims to become your trusted ally in achieving long-lasting, crease-free eyeshadow. This primer is designed to create a smooth base on your eyelids, enhancing the vibrancy of your eyeshadows and ensuring they stay put throughout the day.
Makeup professionals and enthusiasts alike rave about its reliability and how it keeps eye makeup looking fresh from morning to night. But can it really deliver on these promises? We’ll put it to the test.
Targeted at anyone who loves to experiment with eye makeup, whether you’re a fan of glitter eyeshadows, bold shimmers, or precise eyeliner looks, this primer aims to be the backbone of your beauty routine. Urban Decay claims it can handle it all, from everyday wear to special occasions. Before forming any opinions, it’s critical to scrutinize the details and verify if this primer meets the expectations.
- Keeps eyeshadow in place all day.
- Enhances the vibrancy of eyeshadow.
- Effective in preventing eyeshadow creasing.
Cons
- Watery consistency, especially in the Anti-Aging version, which can affect performance.
- Tacky texture, can make blending eyeshadow challenging.
- Gel liners may smudge when used with this primer.
Product Story
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has established itself as a dependable mainstay within the eye makeup sphere. Loved by both makeup professionals and enthusiasts, it has gained a reputation for maintaining eyeshadow’s appearance throughout the day without the need for touch-ups.
The product was developed to address common eye makeup woes like creasing, fading, and lack of vibrancy, making it a must-have for anyone serious about their eye makeup game.
This primer clearly embodies Urban Decay’s dedication to quality and performance. The brand claims that this product not only enhances the longevity of eye makeup but also ensures that the colors remain vibrant and true to their original hues.
This has made it a favorite among those who want their makeup to look flawless from morning till night. But as always, bold claims warrant thorough testing, and that’s what we’re here to do!
List of Ingredients
Upon examining the ingredient list, one can find a combination of common and specialized components crafted to fulfill the primer’s proclaimed benefits. Ingredients like:
-
Isododecane: Creates a smooth base.
-
Dimethicone: Provides a silky feel.
-
Silica: Absorbs oil to prevent creasing.
Knowing the contribution of each ingredient towards the primer’s overall performance is crucial. For instance, Cyclopentasiloxane is used for its emollient properties, providing a silky feel without being greasy.
Meanwhile, Trimethylsiloxysilicate helps with the primer’s long-wearing capabilities, ensuring that your eyeshadow remains vibrant and intact throughout the day.
Understanding these ingredients can help users appreciate the formulation’s complexity and effectiveness.
Potentially Concerning Ingredients
-
Talc: Controversial due to potential asbestos contamination.
-
Phenoxyethanol: Preservative that can cause skin irritation in some people.
-
Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate: Silicones, which can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
-
Synthetic Beeswax: Generally safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Generally Safe Ingredients
-
Isododecane, Polyethylene, Triethylhexanoin: Typically considered safe and effective for creating smooth application.
-
Aqua (Water), Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides: Common, safe cosmetic ingredients.
Eyeshadow Primer Potion has mostly safe ingredients but it depends on you and your skin type. If you have sensitive skin or if you’re avoiding silicones and certain preservatives you may want to consider investigating further.
If you do end up purchasing it make sure you do a patch test before full application to see how it works with your skin!
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The experience of unboxing the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion itself is quite delightful. The product comes in a sleek, easy-to-squeeze tube that immediately gives off a high-end feel.
The tube’s design is not only visually appealing but also highly practical, allowing for precise application directly onto the eyelid. First impressions indicate that only a tiny amount of the primer is needed to cover the entire lid effectively, showcasing its efficiency.
The intuitive packaging of this product offers several benefits:
-
Streamlines the application process, eliminating the need for extra tools
-
The squeezy-tube design ensures that you can use every last drop of the product, minimizing waste and maximizing value
-
With its compact size, it is also perfect for travel, fitting easily into any makeup bag.
Application Process
Thanks to the accompanying applicator wand, applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is effortlessly easy. The wand is designed for precision, allowing you to apply the primer directly to the eyelids without any fuss.
Simply dab a small amount onto your lids, then use your fingertip to blend it evenly across the surface for a smooth finish.
Urban Decay advises the following steps for applying their eyeshadow primer:
-
Let the primer settle for a few moments prior to eyeshadow application for optimal results.
-
If you’re using the Anti-Aging version, applying a base shadow can help prevent any issues with blending and ensure a flawless look.
-
This step-by-step process ensures that your eyeshadow goes on smoothly and stays put all day.
For long-lasting eye makeup, apply a thin layer of primer, let it set for a minute, then layer your eyeshadow and eyeliner. Finish with a setting spray to lock in the look all day.
Aesthetic Appeal and Packaging Design
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion’s aesthetic charm is disputable. Housed in a sleek tube with metallic accents, it feels comfortable to use but it’s not exactly luxury. There is sexier packaging out there BUT it definitely follows the rule of function over form.
The design of this primer includes:
-
A wand applicator, which makes the application process easy and precise
-
A compact, travel-friendly size, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go
-
Beautiful and highly functional packaging
Overall, this primer offers both convenience and style in appropriate quantities, ensuring a solid connection before proceeding, with just a touch of added confidence in your project.
Durability and Material Quality
In terms of durability and material quality, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion meets expectations. The packaging is made from sturdy materials that ensure the product remains secure and free from leakage, even with regular use. This durability is essential for a product that you rely on daily.
The applicator is built to withstand repeated use without degrading in performance, making it a reliable tool in your makeup arsenal.
However, over time, the consistency of the primer may change from a spongey and porous texture to a thinner paste, which can affect its application and performance.
Real-World Testing
I not only tested this product but I use it in my professional kit.
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion consistently yields high-grade results. My clients tell me that their eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease-free throughout the day.
This primer works exceptionally well with pencil and liquid liners, ensuring that your eye makeup looks flawless from morning till night.
However, it’s worth noting that the primer can cause gel liners to smudge, which is a significant drawback for those who prefer this type of eyeliner.
Despite this, the primer’s overall performance in keeping eyeshadow in place and preventing creasing makes it a reliable choice for everyday use and special occasions alike.
Longevity and Crease Resistance
Among the many admirable attributes of the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, its longevity and crease resistance stand out. Users consistently report that their eyeshadow stays in place from dawn till dusk without any signs of creasing or fading.
This is particularly beneficial for those with oily skin, as the primer provides up to 8 hours of crease-free wear.
Even on long days or special occasions, the primer holds makeup intact, ensuring that your eyeshadow looks as good at the end of the day as it did when first applied.
User Feedback and Common Issues
While the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has mostly received positive feedback, there are some recurrent issues on their website that’s useful to note.
Some users report that the primer struggles to blend evenly, leading to eyeshadow flaking and creasing over extended wear. This can be particularly frustrating for those looking to achieve a smooth, flawless finish.
Another recurring issue is the clear liquid that often appears at the tip of the tube before each use, especially with the Anti-Aging version.
Additionally, while the primer works well with pencil and liquid liners, it can cause gel liners to smudge, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Overall Assessment and Recommendations
Despite its compact tube size, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion offers great value. Its impressive performance and longevity justify the cost, making it an excellent investment for those serious about eye makeup. The primer’s ability to keep eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free all day sets it apart in the market.
While there are minor issues, the advantages far outweigh them. For anyone looking to boost their eye makeup’s durability and vibrancy, this primer is a top choice. However, it’s wise to consider alternatives to find the best fit for your specific needs.
Alternatives and Price Comparison
If you’re seeking alternatives to the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, an array of options exist across varied price ranges. The Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer offers similar benefits and is priced around $22. For those willing to spend a bit more, the NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is an excellent option at approximately $26.
For mid-range options, the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer is priced around $20. Budget-conscious shoppers might consider the Milani Eyeshadow Primer or the NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer, both available for about $7. These alternatives offer varying levels of performance and price, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Would I Purchase this Again?
After testing and using the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion I think it’s a quality product.
Its creamy texture and even spread enhance the performance of eyeshadows, making it a staple in my makeup routine.
However, the small amount of product given the price is a concern for some users. Despite this, the primer’s overall performance and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.
For those with oily skin, the primer is particularly effective, keeping eyeshadow crease-free for extended periods.
I would (and do) buy this product regularly for my professional kit and use it for myself as well.
Review Out of 10
Performance: 9/10
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion excels in maintaining eyeshadow vibrancy and preventing creasing throughout the day. Its long-lasting formula ensures that eye makeup remains fresh from morning to night, which is why it received a high performance rating. However, minor issues like the tacky texture and occasional blending difficulties slightly detract from its overall score.
Ingredients: 8/10
The ingredients in the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion are generally effective and contribute to its performance. Components like Dimethicone and Silica provide a smooth application and prevent creasing. However, the presence of potentially concerning ingredients like Talc and Phenoxyethanol may affect those with sensitive skin, impacting the overall rating.
Packaging: 9/10
The packaging of the primer is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The sleek, easy-to-squeeze tube allows for precise application and minimizes waste. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel. The only reason it didn’t receive a perfect score is that while the packaging is well-designed, it lacks some of the luxury feel found in higher-end products.
Price: 7/10
The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is priced on the higher end of the market. While its performance and quality justify the cost for many users, the relatively small amount of product for the price may deter budget-conscious consumers. This price-to-value ratio led to a lower rating in this category.
Brand Reputation: 9/10
With a respectable score of 8.4 out of 10, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion makes for a worthy addition to any makeup kit.
Summary
To sum up, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a reliable and effective product that lives up to most of its claims. It enhances eyeshadow vibrancy, prevents creasing, and ensures long-lasting wear, making it a favorite among makeup enthusiasts.
While it has some minor drawbacks, the overall performance justifies its cost. With its sleek packaging and high brand reputation, it’s a solid investment for anyone serious about their eye makeup.
Ready to elevate your eye makeup game? Give the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it does prevent creasing, even on oily lids. You’ll notice a significant difference in how your eyeshadow looks throughout the day.
Yes, it’s advisable to perform a patch test before using it on the entire eyelid to ensure it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Yes, primer can definitely enhance the pigmentation and vibrancy of your eyeshadow colors. Try using it before applying your eyeshadow for better results.
Some common issues with this primer include blending problems, a watery consistency, and smudging with gel liners. Avoid using this primer if you encounter these problems.
Yes, both the Milani Eyeshadow Primer and NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer are affordable alternatives priced at around $7. They are great options if you’re looking for budget-friendly choices for a primer.