February 12, 2013

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow is a nice little budget pick if you’re lemming or liking Covergirl Intense Shadowblast. You wouldn’t think you’d need an even more friendly budget option when it comes to Covergirl but their version can run from $9.99-$11.99 at drugstores and E.L.F.’s version is a mere two bucks a pop!

Did I like them?

I always get terribly confused with the entire Primer Eyeshadow thing. Is it an eyeshadow? Is it an eyeshadow with a built in primer? Eh?

In this case, there isn’t any confusion as E.L.F. states that it’s an eyeshadow with a built-in primer for longer wear. Covergirl, well, they weren’t as clear with ShadowBlast…was kinda wishy wash about whether it acts as a primer and a shadow or was it a shadow with a built in primer. Oh my head….!

I personally didn’t like Shadowblast as they sheered out rather badly so color wasn’t as intense and the wear was kinda crummy. E.L.F. pretty much duped a similiar formula that’s a liquid cream hybrid eyeshadow of sorts with a sponge tip applicator. I find they apply much nicer than the Shadowblast version with better pigmentation when built up. The texture is very similiar if not a little thinner than Covergirl’s formula. The lighter color I selected, Sultry Satin, was too sheer to get terribly excited about but Coco Loco more than made up for this.

E.L.F. Coco Loco Essential Primer Eyeshadow

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow  Coco Loco

E.L.F. Sultry Satin Essential Primer Eyeshadow

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow  Sultry Satin

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Swatches

Coco Loco and Sultry Satin

The thinner consistency has a silicone-y like texture which applies easily directly from the sponge and blends out nicely without revealing the skin of my lid as I work. Color adheres well and has a few second dry down period with plenty of that time that can be dedicated to building the color up if wanted.

When applied correctly they look quite lovely alone. With powder shadow on top, even better! I didn’t love that they faded and creased rather badly heading into my third hour of wear even with primer under them. That was a sad point! I also felt the lack of variety (only four shades available) in the shade department was sorely lacking!

Overall, if you can deal with a little creasing and fading you might enjoy this budget pick. If the creasing bothers you use them as a primer of sorts as powder on top is intense and has a far longer wear sans creasing. If they resisted creasing they’d get a strong Muse Approval. Not too bad a formula at all here.

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Bse

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow FOTD

Sultry Satin with Powder Eyeshadow on Top

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Coco Loco Face of the Day

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Coco Loco FOTD

Coco Loco

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Sultry Satin Face of the Day

E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Sultry Satin FOTD

Sultry Satin

Tried ’em?

Do share!

I purchased this item.

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

  • LINDARRAGNAR

    thats a shame that they crease!! But they look lovely on your brown eyes!!!! p.s how are you liking that snow?? ;p

    • the Muse

      thanks chica 😀 Ugh no more…! It’s everywhere! So messy! I hear we are getting 1-3 inches more later today? nooo!

      • LINDARRAGNAR

        I too an done with the snow!!! lol I mean we were really fortunate in chicago we got 1 big snow and its all melting right now!! 😉 stay warm!!

        • the Muse

          didn’t know you were in Chicago! 😀 my fav city! You get brutal wind though girl!

  • charlotte

    I think these products do have a purpose.. maybe not these if they crease but I wore CG Brown Bling last weekend by itself with a little liner and a bunch of mascara and it did not budge all day. I spend the whole afternoon biking at the state park so it was definitely a good test of staying power. Took me about two minutes to do my eyes. I find the color very close to WnW nutty or MAC satin taupe. Yesterday I wore the Almay “green eyes” one with black liquid liner, it comes out a pretty champagne taupe. Again lasted all day and while it was subtle it paired very well with a red lip. The only complaint I have is that it’s very difficult to apply to the lower lashline with the applicator, it just sticks to the lower lashes.