Eye Primer/Base 101

It's time for another 'Makeup 101'! I started this series last year, in 2019 and it became a feature on Dainty Ditsy ever since. I really want to continue - and hopefully complete - it in 2020 and this time, we're moving onto the Eyes - starting with all things Primer/Base! So, here's all of my tips, tricks and general advice that I've learnt along the way... 

• Why it's so important. Eye primers or bases have been an essential for me right back in the day of me properly getting into makeup. From the 'OG' Urban Decay Primer Potion right up to today's holy grail - P.Louise Base - it's somehow always been a staple in my stash. And for good reason too! Get yourself a good eye base and your eyeshadow game will instantly change for the better. Matte shadows will adhere and blend more easily, with better and richer pigment; whilst shimmers and metallics will 'pop' and apply more foiled-like on the lid. Not only that, but a good eye primer will really help lock your eye look into place all day and night long too - with no fading, crumbling or creasing! Sounds good - right?
• Choose the format for you! Next up - it's time to choose the right formula, finish and format for you! In general, there's a few to pick from. You can get a clear eye primer which focuses more solely on the priming properties of an eye primer as opposed to evening out your eyelid and creating a blank canvas; whilst a tinted eye primer will instead combine the two - priming and creating a more even base to work on at the same time! You can also get a more full coverage eye primer too - which is the format which seems to be the most popular and most-used nowadays - and certainly the format I enjoy the most these days too! These are more like a concealer, with a thicker texture and high coverage finish that creates a completely clean, even base on the lid. Then, finally, you have your glitter eye primers - which you use on top of your eyeshadow rather than underneath, before applying any loose glitter or pigment to get it to adhere nicely to the lid - or maybe even just a normal shadow, to help it apply better!
• ...Or maybe Concealer instead? If you don't have an 'actual' eye primer or base - try concealer instead! A lot of people do, myself included. Don't get me wrong, I love a 'proper' eye base but if I'm feeling a little lazy that day and don't fancy getting an extra, separate product out - I simply take the same concealer I'm using that day onto my eye lids. And you know what? Because, like I said earlier, nowadays most eye bases are very similar to that of a full coverage, thick concealer (the type of concealer I love and use) - it works in basically the exact same way! Admittedly, I do find that, unlike actual eye bases or primers that you can either leave un-set or set before applying your shadow, with concealer I always have to lightly set it first to ensure a seamless blend and no creasing throughout the day but that aside - it's virtually the same thing. 
• How to apply... Next up - it's time to actually get applying! If using a concealer as my eye base, I typically like to apply it whilst concealing under my eyes - as it's all the same kind of area! I use the wand to apply a few stripes to my lid, before using my beauty sponge to blend it out and then (as I mentioned) I always lightly set it afterwards with my pressed powder before going ahead with my shadow to prevent creasing and ensure a non-patchy, smooth application. If using an 'actual' eye primer, I'll skip on applying any concealer to my lid as I like to use them alone, and simply apply in the same way kind of way - a decent layer, I just use my fingers or a brush to blend it out this time! And, like I mentioned before - sometimes I'll set it before applying shadow, sometimes I won't!
• To set or not to set? And that brings me nicely onto the final point in this 'Makeup 101'! To set or not to set? Personally, as I've said - for me it all depends on whether I'm using a concealer or proper eye primer. And even if it's the latter, sometimes I'll lightly set it and sometimes I'll go straight in with my shadow! I think you need to experiment with what you find works best for you, your eyes and the products and techniques you use. If you want maximum pigment out of your shadows and are fine with starting out with the darkest colour first - an un-set base may be best for you. However, if you like to start out with your lighter colours, before gradually building up to your deepest shades, don't mind building up pigment or perhaps struggle with blending - a lightly set base could be more well-suited. Try different combinations out and see what you find the easiest!