E.L.F. Essential Primer Eyeshadow Review & Swatches
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.
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.
Sultry Satin with Powder Eyeshadow on Top
Coco Loco
Sultry Satin
Tried ’em?
Do share!