April 16, 2010

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer Review and Swatches

So you’re bummed out because Urban Decay Eden didn’t work for you? When a few of you wrote to me saying, “Muse, I loved Eden but it didn’t work well with my skin tone…” I was kinda shocked. I felt like Eden was sort of a universal shade but I guess not. Goes to show you I don’t know everything and to think I thought I KNEW it all, kiddin’, kiddin’.

If Eden wasn’t working for you, you might wanna try out the Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer. The shade feels pretty universal to me although it is pretty light but this isn’t a bad thing as it manages to brighten up your lid and conceal redness, dullness, etc….

Check it after the jump!

What is it?

A lightweight eye primer to keep your shadow fresh and long wearing all day! Even doubles up as a concealer in some cases to create a nice even canvas on your lid. Supposedly blurs fine lines but can’t speak for that.

The Good….

Got oily lids? Get Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer. Formula is way thicker than Urban Decay Potion Primer and is comparable to Eden in thickness but runs towards a more matte dry down. Its quite but not as moisturizing as Eden feels so you have to work at getting it blended quickly as it dries down fairly quickly. It mattifies oily lids in a snap as it has a powdery finish that creates a lightweight mask over your lid that shadows can sit happily on top of for hours on end without fading or creasing. This stuff is pretty bulletproof and super long wearing, likey lots. It’s cheaper than the $18 UDPP at $15 but don’t let the tube fool you, you’re getting less product here. $18 for 0.34 oz of UDPP versus Kat’s version at $15 for 0.12 oz. Packaging wins the race as the flocked applicator dishes out a healthy amount and should work at getting it ALL out of the tube as time goes by. So if you’re annoyed by UDPP’s genie bottle packaging and the fact that nearly half the product gets stuck in the neck of the bottle, this stuff won’t suffer the same woe as the bottle is rounded. No one’s stopping you from dabbing a little under your eyes as well if you want to conceal with it. The formula is pigmented enough to work at a little concealing action under your eyes if you want to multitask for your buck.

The Bad….

Feels inexpensive but works out crazy costly when compared to over double the product for UDPP’s $18 price tag. Dries down quickly so you have to really be on your game during application. Has a rubber top a la NARS packaging which proceeds to get filthy really quickly.

Great For….

  • Folks with oily lids!
  • Kat Von D Fans!
  • UDPP package haters!

Not Great For….

  • UDPP Fans!
  • Folks who watch pricing versus amount of product.
  • NARS package haters!

Final Thoughts….

I like it alot. So much so it’s worthy of a Muse Approval for purchase. Yes, it’s a tad more expensive than UDPP but I still think it works incredibly well. I like how it replaces Benefit Lemon Aid and brightens, freshens up my eyes acting as a concealer for my lid as well as a primer. Packaging is a big plus considering that UDPP is quite annoying when you’re nearing the end and are unable to get to the final amount due to the crazy genie bottle.

Good stuff, loves it!

Anyone try?

Share it!

Buy it Now!

Disclosure: The following item was purchased by me for review purposes (and because I like flinging my money at makeup products of any kind) on Musings of a Muse. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Wendy

    I’m always on the lookout for a new eye primer, but I have to admit that I’ve had trouble trying to buy KVD’s makeup. I’ve seen her on LAInk and she just comes across as such a… ugh. You know what.

    And also, my computer keeps eating comments that I know I posted -_-.

  • Melissa

    ahhhhhhhhhhhh thank you and happy Friday. I am adding this to my sephora haul. I have put it in and taken it out like 20 times but I am pressing checkout now! I was waiting for an in depth review and u got it done for me. thanks again.

    • the Muse

      hey melissa happy friday almost again LOL little late replying 😀 my pleasure. update me whatcha think!?

  • Elle

    I do like how this brightens my eyes while priming ( I got a sample of it in my sephora haul so tried it out today!). I think the formula is a bit too thick for me but I did find a use for it. I just used a touch under my eyes and put my regular conceal on top. Seems to work quite well if you watch how you apply!

  • Minttu

    I dont like UD cause its colourless.This looks great!
    Any other you tried and has a flesh tone colour or colour that work?
    How about cream eyeshadows? I am thinking about M.Todd in nude.
    Do you usually put powder over primer? I have L.Mercier,but powder it or not?

    • the Muse

      Hi Minttu UD has Eden which is yellow.

      I never heard of M Todd. I don’t put powder over primer no. I put shadow over the primer and I’m done.

  • Katie

    I love Kat and her eye shadows but I’m not to sure about the primer. I have some and I put it on and I found that my shadow creased pretty quickly like with in 2 hours. I’m not sure if I’m just not putting enough on or what.