Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base

Lancome was a latecomer to the primer scene. Their MA maintained for ages that all you need under makeup is a good moisturizer and eye cream and color would stick and stay true all day. Those of us who've been using primers regularly would beg to differ, of course, and eventually Lancome released Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base as an eye shadow primer.

One would think Lancome might have used the extra time for some serious R&D to develop a superior product. Well, in this case one is wrong. The texture of Aquatique is harder than most primers and almost waxy. It's spreads easier than I feared and creates the desired smooth canvas feel, but this kind of smoothness doesn't do much to make eye shadows stay in place. You feel like you're covering your lids with spackle but the color doesn't adhere to it very well. I've tried Aquatique base with numerous eye shadows from several brands, including Lancome, but the results were never as good as I get with other primers.

Bottom Line: They should stick with what they do best.

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base ($24.50) is available from most department stores, Sephora and lancome.com. I got the mini size as a part of a GWP.

All photos are mine.

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base

Lancome was a latecomer to the primer scene. Their MA maintained for ages that all you need under makeup is a good moisturizer and eye cream and color would stick and stay true all day. Those of us who've been using primers regularly would beg to differ, of course, and eventually Lancome released Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base as an eye shadow primer.

One would think Lancome might have used the extra time for some serious R&D to develop a superior product. Well, in this case one is wrong. The texture of Aquatique is harder than most primers and almost waxy. It's spreads easier than I feared and creates the desired smooth canvas feel, but this kind of smoothness doesn't do much to make eye shadows stay in place. You feel like you're covering your lids with spackle but the color doesn't adhere to it very well. I've tried Aquatique base with numerous eye shadows from several brands, including Lancome, but the results were never as good as I get with other primers.

Bottom Line: They should stick with what they do best.

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base ($24.50) is available from most department stores, Sephora and lancome.com. I got the mini size as a part of a GWP.

All photos are mine.

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base

Lancome was a latecomer to the primer scene. Their MA maintained for ages that all you need under makeup is a good moisturizer and eye cream and color would stick and stay true all day. Those of us who've been using primers regularly would beg to differ, of course, and eventually Lancome released Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base as an eye shadow primer.

One would think Lancome might have used the extra time for some serious R&D to develop a superior product. Well, in this case one is wrong. The texture of Aquatique is harder than most primers and almost waxy. It's spreads easier than I feared and creates the desired smooth canvas feel, but this kind of smoothness doesn't do much to make eye shadows stay in place. You feel like you're covering your lids with spackle but the color doesn't adhere to it very well. I've tried Aquatique base with numerous eye shadows from several brands, including Lancome, but the results were never as good as I get with other primers.

Bottom Line: They should stick with what they do best.

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base ($24.50) is available from most department stores, Sephora and lancome.com. I got the mini size as a part of a GWP.

All photos are mine.

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base

Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base is not your average makeup primer. It takes a bit of adjustment- the first couple of times I ended up with a bit of a Kabuki face because it's pearly white, not sheer. The base targets and evens skin tone and not necessarily texture, so my guess would be that if you need a primer to fill lines or scars and provide a a smooth surface, this Cle de Peau product might not deliver. However, it does affect the foundation and finish, so there is a visible smoothing effect and at least some enhancing of your foundation performance and lasting. Not as much as most silicone primers that really cement your makeup in place, but enough to make a difference.

So what does the Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base actually do?

Mostly, it brightens and gives the face a subtle and an unidentified glow while reducing the appearance of discolorations, uneven skin tone and dark circles. I'd say it's like Nars Brightening Serum on steroids, or maybe with a hefty dose of Touche Eclat. I saw a significant difference when using the base on the dark circle under just one eye compared to the other one. I tried taking photos, but this is beyond my skills or my camera's capabilities, so you'll have to take my word for it. This photographing experiment has also shown a certain glare that affected the pictures. I'd strongly suggest consulting with an experienced makeup artist before you wear it for a photo shoot.

Clé de Peau suggests adding a coat or two for darker areas, and that's true. Unlike most primers, this base builds up. It can also be used over your foundation with very nice results (again, be careful  if you're using it before having your engagement picture taken). I also mixed some with sheer coverage foundations (Chanel Vitalumiere) and with a tinted moisturizer. It worked every time. Used under mineral makeup, the Luminizing Base requires a very light hand and cautious when buffing the minerals. It required some practice, but once I got it, the results were great. Just make sure your skin is very (VERY) well-moisturized. At least if you're my age and trying to look alive.

Which brings us to two usage tips:
1. Despite claims, the base is not an adequate moisturizer for normal to dry skin.
2. Avoid your eyebrows, or better yet, use brow wax or something similar to protect them. It's a hassle to get the liquid out of the eyebrows, and I promise you, pearly white is not a good look for that part of the face.

Bottom line: Probably not a must-have, but used judiciously it can be a great addition to the makeup addict arsenal.

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base ($90) is available from top department stores, including online. I bought it at my local Saks and highly recommend you get a SA/ MUA to demonstrate it before you buy. Thankfully, Cle de Peau people are among the best you can find and they seem to be extra passionate about the line.

Image: vintage Japanese cosmetics ad from oldorientmuseum.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base

Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base is not your average makeup primer. It takes a bit of adjustment- the first couple of times I ended up with a bit of a Kabuki face because it's pearly white, not sheer. The base targets and evens skin tone and not necessarily texture, so my guess would be that if you need a primer to fill lines or scars and provide a a smooth surface, this Cle de Peau product might not deliver. However, it does affect the foundation and finish, so there is a visible smoothing effect and at least some enhancing of your foundation performance and lasting. Not as much as most silicone primers that really cement your makeup in place, but enough to make a difference.

So what does the Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base actually do?

Mostly, it brightens and gives the face a subtle and an unidentified glow while reducing the appearance of discolorations, uneven skin tone and dark circles. I'd say it's like Nars Brightening Serum on steroids, or maybe with a hefty dose of Touche Eclat. I saw a significant difference when using the base on the dark circle under just one eye compared to the other one. I tried taking photos, but this is beyond my skills or my camera's capabilities, so you'll have to take my word for it. This photographing experiment has also shown a certain glare that affected the pictures. I'd strongly suggest consulting with an experienced makeup artist before you wear it for a photo shoot.

Clé de Peau suggests adding a coat or two for darker areas, and that's true. Unlike most primers, this base builds up. It can also be used over your foundation with very nice results (again, be careful  if you're using it before having your engagement picture taken). I also mixed some with sheer coverage foundations (Chanel Vitalumiere) and with a tinted moisturizer. It worked every time. Used under mineral makeup, the Luminizing Base requires a very light hand and cautious when buffing the minerals. It required some practice, but once I got it, the results were great. Just make sure your skin is very (VERY) well-moisturized. At least if you're my age and trying to look alive.

Which brings us to two usage tips:
1. Despite claims, the base is not an adequate moisturizer for normal to dry skin.
2. Avoid your eyebrows, or better yet, use brow wax or something similar to protect them. It's a hassle to get the liquid out of the eyebrows, and I promise you, pearly white is not a good look for that part of the face.

Bottom line: Probably not a must-have, but used judiciously it can be a great addition to the makeup addict arsenal.

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base ($90) is available from top department stores, including online. I bought it at my local Saks and highly recommend you get a SA/ MUA to demonstrate it before you buy. Thankfully, Cle de Peau people are among the best you can find and they seem to be extra passionate about the line.

Image: vintage Japanese cosmetics ad from oldorientmuseum.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base

Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base is not your average makeup primer. It takes a bit of adjustment- the first couple of times I ended up with a bit of a Kabuki face because it's pearly white, not sheer. The base targets and evens skin tone and not necessarily texture, so my guess would be that if you need a primer to fill lines or scars and provide a a smooth surface, this Cle de Peau product might not deliver. However, it does affect the foundation and finish, so there is a visible smoothing effect and at least some enhancing of your foundation performance and lasting. Not as much as most silicone primers that really cement your makeup in place, but enough to make a difference.

So what does the Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Enhancer Base actually do?

Mostly, it brightens and gives the face a subtle and an unidentified glow while reducing the appearance of discolorations, uneven skin tone and dark circles. I'd say it's like Nars Brightening Serum on steroids, or maybe with a hefty dose of Touche Eclat. I saw a significant difference when using the base on the dark circle under just one eye compared to the other one. I tried taking photos, but this is beyond my skills or my camera's capabilities, so you'll have to take my word for it. This photographing experiment has also shown a certain glare that affected the pictures. I'd strongly suggest consulting with an experienced makeup artist before you wear it for a photo shoot.

Clé de Peau suggests adding a coat or two for darker areas, and that's true. Unlike most primers, this base builds up. It can also be used over your foundation with very nice results (again, be careful  if you're using it before having your engagement picture taken). I also mixed some with sheer coverage foundations (Chanel Vitalumiere) and with a tinted moisturizer. It worked every time. Used under mineral makeup, the Luminizing Base requires a very light hand and cautious when buffing the minerals. It required some practice, but once I got it, the results were great. Just make sure your skin is very (VERY) well-moisturized. At least if you're my age and trying to look alive.

Which brings us to two usage tips:
1. Despite claims, the base is not an adequate moisturizer for normal to dry skin.
2. Avoid your eyebrows, or better yet, use brow wax or something similar to protect them. It's a hassle to get the liquid out of the eyebrows, and I promise you, pearly white is not a good look for that part of the face.

Bottom line: Probably not a must-have, but used judiciously it can be a great addition to the makeup addict arsenal.

Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Enhancer Base ($90) is available from top department stores, including online. I bought it at my local Saks and highly recommend you get a SA/ MUA to demonstrate it before you buy. Thankfully, Cle de Peau people are among the best you can find and they seem to be extra passionate about the line.

Image: vintage Japanese cosmetics ad from oldorientmuseum.com

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Mineral Primer

I'm a primer fiend. If you're a regular reader you already know that (and you use one. Right? RIGHT?). A good primer create the smoothest base for everything that comes on top, allow you to use less foundation and get a better coverage and keep makeup looking fresh for long hours, even in extreme weather conditions (NYC in mid-August). Silicone-based face primers have become the standard and many companies offer one. They rarely vary, though some are thicker than others and all of them use some form of Dimethicone Crosspolymer as the main ingredient. The differences are in the minor additives and I've discovered that a few can be slightly pore-clogging.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics have their own primer, and looking at the list of ingredients it is, as they claim, chock-full of mineral and plant extracts. It's hard to say how much of it (if any) actually gets to work on my skin, but what I like about this Mineral Primer is that it actually feels lighter than than several other similar products I've been using. I wanted to take a photo comparing a drop of three or four silicone primers, but between my camera's limitations and my lack of skills I couldn't capture the difference. So you'll have to take my word for it- the Youngblood product looks the clearest and has the lightest texture. It doesn't affect performance, though. I still get the perfectly smooth canvas effect that works well with every foundation I've tried to use over it. Makeup stays vibrant and fresh from morning to night and I've not experienced any skin issues. Knowing that the primer is made of things like malachite extract, honeysuckle flower extract and also includes jojoba oil is just a bonus.

 Mineral Primer from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics ($37.50) is available from Henri Bendel (highly recommended to visit the counter, where you can get some good advice and match the products to your needs) and from the comany's website, ybskin.com. I've been testing a sample that was a GWP and recently received a full-sized product directly from the company.

Photo of Princess Natalie Palie in Paris, 1937 from myvintagevogue.com

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Mineral Primer

I'm a primer fiend. If you're a regular reader you already know that (and you use one. Right? RIGHT?). A good primer create the smoothest base for everything that comes on top, allow you to use less foundation and get a better coverage and keep makeup looking fresh for long hours, even in extreme weather conditions (NYC in mid-August). Silicone-based face primers have become the standard and many companies offer one. They rarely vary, though some are thicker than others and all of them use some form of Dimethicone Crosspolymer as the main ingredient. The differences are in the minor additives and I've discovered that a few can be slightly pore-clogging.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics have their own primer, and looking at the list of ingredients it is, as they claim, chock-full of mineral and plant extracts. It's hard to say how much of it (if any) actually gets to work on my skin, but what I like about this Mineral Primer is that it actually feels lighter than than several other similar products I've been using. I wanted to take a photo comparing a drop of three or four silicone primers, but between my camera's limitations and my lack of skills I couldn't capture the difference. So you'll have to take my word for it- the Youngblood product looks the clearest and has the lightest texture. It doesn't affect performance, though. I still get the perfectly smooth canvas effect that works well with every foundation I've tried to use over it. Makeup stays vibrant and fresh from morning to night and I've not experienced any skin issues. Knowing that the primer is made of things like malachite extract, honeysuckle flower extract and also includes jojoba oil is just a bonus.

 Mineral Primer from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics ($37.50) is available from Henri Bendel (highly recommended to visit the counter, where you can get some good advice and match the products to your needs) and from the comany's website, ybskin.com. I've been testing a sample that was a GWP and recently received a full-sized product directly from the company.

Photo of Princess Natalie Palie in Paris, 1937 from myvintagevogue.com

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Mineral Primer

I'm a primer fiend. If you're a regular reader you already know that (and you use one. Right? RIGHT?). A good primer create the smoothest base for everything that comes on top, allow you to use less foundation and get a better coverage and keep makeup looking fresh for long hours, even in extreme weather conditions (NYC in mid-August). Silicone-based face primers have become the standard and many companies offer one. They rarely vary, though some are thicker than others and all of them use some form of Dimethicone Crosspolymer as the main ingredient. The differences are in the minor additives and I've discovered that a few can be slightly pore-clogging.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics have their own primer, and looking at the list of ingredients it is, as they claim, chock-full of mineral and plant extracts. It's hard to say how much of it (if any) actually gets to work on my skin, but what I like about this Mineral Primer is that it actually feels lighter than than several other similar products I've been using. I wanted to take a photo comparing a drop of three or four silicone primers, but between my camera's limitations and my lack of skills I couldn't capture the difference. So you'll have to take my word for it- the Youngblood product looks the clearest and has the lightest texture. It doesn't affect performance, though. I still get the perfectly smooth canvas effect that works well with every foundation I've tried to use over it. Makeup stays vibrant and fresh from morning to night and I've not experienced any skin issues. Knowing that the primer is made of things like malachite extract, honeysuckle flower extract and also includes jojoba oil is just a bonus.

 Mineral Primer from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics ($37.50) is available from Henri Bendel (highly recommended to visit the counter, where you can get some good advice and match the products to your needs) and from the comany's website, ybskin.com. I've been testing a sample that was a GWP and recently received a full-sized product directly from the company.

Photo of Princess Natalie Palie in Paris, 1937 from myvintagevogue.com

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin

Ever since the release of Sin, the colored and shimmery version of Urban Decay Primer Potion, I approached it several time at various Sephora stores. If I were lucky to find a working tester that seemed half clean and free of cooties I'd swatch it on my hand, wrinkle my nose and think: "Seriously?!". It just wasn't my thing. The color seemed off and the texture reminded me of the long gone Lancome cream eye shadow that used to crease even before you stepped away from the mirror. But I've accumulated so many samples of Sin that I had to give it a fair testing.

The good news is that it looks better than I expected. I wouldn't wear it on its own, as the color is a bit too warm for me, but it actually brightens and mellows other eye shadows that are too cool toned (that's the curse of having a weird skin color). The metallic shimmer isn't too strong and wouldn't create drama when you're aiming for an understated look.

The bad news is that it's not as good as the classic Primer Potion. It doesn't have the same cream-to-powder texture and doesn't create the same silky canvas for the eye shadow you use above. As a result, it doesn't grab the eye makeup as well and doesn't last as long. It's still an acceptable eye primer, but not a great one.

Urban Decay also hasn't improved the packaging- it's still that little genie bottle that looks cute but is completely useless in dispensing the product after a couple of weeks. My strategy with the regular Primer Potion is to remove the inside plastic ring. This way you get more wiggle room for the wand and can reach further into the bottle.

Bottom line: Meh. I'm not buying it.

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin ($18) is available from Sephora in store and online.

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin

Ever since the release of Sin, the colored and shimmery version of Urban Decay Primer Potion, I approached it several time at various Sephora stores. If I were lucky to find a working tester that seemed half clean and free of cooties I'd swatch it on my hand, wrinkle my nose and think: "Seriously?!". It just wasn't my thing. The color seemed off and the texture reminded me of the long gone Lancome cream eye shadow that used to crease even before you stepped away from the mirror. But I've accumulated so many samples of Sin that I had to give it a fair testing.

The good news is that it looks better than I expected. I wouldn't wear it on its own, as the color is a bit too warm for me, but it actually brightens and mellows other eye shadows that are too cool toned (that's the curse of having a weird skin color). The metallic shimmer isn't too strong and wouldn't create drama when you're aiming for an understated look.

The bad news is that it's not as good as the classic Primer Potion. It doesn't have the same cream-to-powder texture and doesn't create the same silky canvas for the eye shadow you use above. As a result, it doesn't grab the eye makeup as well and doesn't last as long. It's still an acceptable eye primer, but not a great one.

Urban Decay also hasn't improved the packaging- it's still that little genie bottle that looks cute but is completely useless in dispensing the product after a couple of weeks. My strategy with the regular Primer Potion is to remove the inside plastic ring. This way you get more wiggle room for the wand and can reach further into the bottle.

Bottom line: Meh. I'm not buying it.

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin ($18) is available from Sephora in store and online.

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin

Ever since the release of Sin, the colored and shimmery version of Urban Decay Primer Potion, I approached it several time at various Sephora stores. If I were lucky to find a working tester that seemed half clean and free of cooties I'd swatch it on my hand, wrinkle my nose and think: "Seriously?!". It just wasn't my thing. The color seemed off and the texture reminded me of the long gone Lancome cream eye shadow that used to crease even before you stepped away from the mirror. But I've accumulated so many samples of Sin that I had to give it a fair testing.

The good news is that it looks better than I expected. I wouldn't wear it on its own, as the color is a bit too warm for me, but it actually brightens and mellows other eye shadows that are too cool toned (that's the curse of having a weird skin color). The metallic shimmer isn't too strong and wouldn't create drama when you're aiming for an understated look.

The bad news is that it's not as good as the classic Primer Potion. It doesn't have the same cream-to-powder texture and doesn't create the same silky canvas for the eye shadow you use above. As a result, it doesn't grab the eye makeup as well and doesn't last as long. It's still an acceptable eye primer, but not a great one.

Urban Decay also hasn't improved the packaging- it's still that little genie bottle that looks cute but is completely useless in dispensing the product after a couple of weeks. My strategy with the regular Primer Potion is to remove the inside plastic ring. This way you get more wiggle room for the wand and can reach further into the bottle.

Bottom line: Meh. I'm not buying it.

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Sin ($18) is available from Sephora in store and online.

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base (Primer)

Regular readers know that I'm a big advocate of makeup primers. They make whatever color products you use last longer, look better and even apply more smoothly. It's an extra step, but a quick one that pays off hours later. Eye primers are especially great because they prevent your shadow from creasing, melting and changing color as a result of exposure to air and skin oils.

However, I understand why the cream-to-powder texture of many popular brands might feel too dry for those with super dry or mature skin. The Eyelid Base from Sensai by Kanebo is an excellent solution for this issue. This is a very creamy primer, as you can see in the picture. It has moisturizing and shielding qualities while still providing a silky canvas and anchoring your eye makeup. The flesh color you see in the jar disappears upon application, but instead there's a very subtle brightening effect. It's barely noticeable- no sheen, shimmer or frost- only a slight illumination that is always welcome around the eyes.

I've been testing the Sensai Eyelid Base with most eye shadow and eye liner brands I own and the results are always great, no matter what (or how much) eye cream I've been applying underneath. The makeup stays on looking fresh with no change to color and finish. My one and only gripe is the packaging. The primer comes in this little jar with no want or applicator. You're supposed to dip your finger and dab right on the lid. I suppose you could also use a brush (a synthetic concealer brush would work here), but I find that primers are best applied with one's pinky. The average germaphobe wouldn't be happy with this arrangement, so my suggestion is to use a clean plastic applicator (like the one that comes with many good skin care products) to spoon a tiny amount out of the jar, then use your finger from there. Clean the applicator and rinse in hot water after use and store in a little ziploc bag.

Bottom line: Other than the packaging this is quite fabulous.

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base ($26, 0.22 oz) is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. I received it as a PR freebie.

Photo by me.

Bottom line: A great product and

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base (Primer)

Regular readers know that I'm a big advocate of makeup primers. They make whatever color products you use last longer, look better and even apply more smoothly. It's an extra step, but a quick one that pays off hours later. Eye primers are especially great because they prevent your shadow from creasing, melting and changing color as a result of exposure to air and skin oils.

However, I understand why the cream-to-powder texture of many popular brands might feel too dry for those with super dry or mature skin. The Eyelid Base from Sensai by Kanebo is an excellent solution for this issue. This is a very creamy primer, as you can see in the picture. It has moisturizing and shielding qualities while still providing a silky canvas and anchoring your eye makeup. The flesh color you see in the jar disappears upon application, but instead there's a very subtle brightening effect. It's barely noticeable- no sheen, shimmer or frost- only a slight illumination that is always welcome around the eyes.

I've been testing the Sensai Eyelid Base with most eye shadow and eye liner brands I own and the results are always great, no matter what (or how much) eye cream I've been applying underneath. The makeup stays on looking fresh with no change to color and finish. My one and only gripe is the packaging. The primer comes in this little jar with no want or applicator. You're supposed to dip your finger and dab right on the lid. I suppose you could also use a brush (a synthetic concealer brush would work here), but I find that primers are best applied with one's pinky. The average germaphobe wouldn't be happy with this arrangement, so my suggestion is to use a clean plastic applicator (like the one that comes with many good skin care products) to spoon a tiny amount out of the jar, then use your finger from there. Clean the applicator and rinse in hot water after use and store in a little ziploc bag.

Bottom line: Other than the packaging this is quite fabulous.

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base ($26, 0.22 oz) is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. I received it as a PR freebie.

Photo by me.

Bottom line: A great product and

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base (Primer)

Regular readers know that I'm a big advocate of makeup primers. They make whatever color products you use last longer, look better and even apply more smoothly. It's an extra step, but a quick one that pays off hours later. Eye primers are especially great because they prevent your shadow from creasing, melting and changing color as a result of exposure to air and skin oils.

However, I understand why the cream-to-powder texture of many popular brands might feel too dry for those with super dry or mature skin. The Eyelid Base from Sensai by Kanebo is an excellent solution for this issue. This is a very creamy primer, as you can see in the picture. It has moisturizing and shielding qualities while still providing a silky canvas and anchoring your eye makeup. The flesh color you see in the jar disappears upon application, but instead there's a very subtle brightening effect. It's barely noticeable- no sheen, shimmer or frost- only a slight illumination that is always welcome around the eyes.

I've been testing the Sensai Eyelid Base with most eye shadow and eye liner brands I own and the results are always great, no matter what (or how much) eye cream I've been applying underneath. The makeup stays on looking fresh with no change to color and finish. My one and only gripe is the packaging. The primer comes in this little jar with no want or applicator. You're supposed to dip your finger and dab right on the lid. I suppose you could also use a brush (a synthetic concealer brush would work here), but I find that primers are best applied with one's pinky. The average germaphobe wouldn't be happy with this arrangement, so my suggestion is to use a clean plastic applicator (like the one that comes with many good skin care products) to spoon a tiny amount out of the jar, then use your finger from there. Clean the applicator and rinse in hot water after use and store in a little ziploc bag.

Bottom line: Other than the packaging this is quite fabulous.

Kanebo Sensai Eyelid Base ($26, 0.22 oz) is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. I received it as a PR freebie.

Photo by me.

Bottom line: A great product and

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer

Having amassed a serious stash of Too Faced's Shadow Insurance primer samples (Sephora seems to be giving them out left and right) has proven to be a good thing during the month or so of packing, moving, unpacking and reorganizing. I had a very small arsenal of fool proof, low maintenance makeup items in my smallest makeup bag and mostly lived on that for several weeks. The tiny Shadow Insurance tubes were very convenient throughout the process.

The eye makeup products I carried with me were some of the top performers: Le Metier de Beaute eyeliner and Nude eyeshadow, Edward Bess (Dusk) and Chanel (Le Bronze) single eye shadows. These are items that need very little help, so the Too Faced primer merely helped them stay on and look fresh from morning till night while running around and doing all the messy work that goes with moving house. Then life went back to normal, my makeup arsenal of unusual size neatly organized in a new storage system and I started testing new stuff as well as wearing all my other beloved colors.

That was when I realized that while Shadow Insurance has a similar texture and feel on the lid to Urban Decay Potion Primer,  it doesn't always deliver. Eye shadows with crumblier textures, some cream eye shadows and even some eye liners don't last quite as long as they do when applied over UDPP, and they often lose some of their sheen or vividness after 6 hours, which never happens with Urban Decay.

Bottom line: Not all primers are created equal.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer ($17) is available from Sephora, which is where I got all the samples.

Photo: Blank Canvas from retrospectivemediajournal.com

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer

Having amassed a serious stash of Too Faced's Shadow Insurance primer samples (Sephora seems to be giving them out left and right) has proven to be a good thing during the month or so of packing, moving, unpacking and reorganizing. I had a very small arsenal of fool proof, low maintenance makeup items in my smallest makeup bag and mostly lived on that for several weeks. The tiny Shadow Insurance tubes were very convenient throughout the process.

The eye makeup products I carried with me were some of the top performers: Le Metier de Beaute eyeliner and Nude eyeshadow, Edward Bess (Dusk) and Chanel (Le Bronze) single eye shadows. These are items that need very little help, so the Too Faced primer merely helped them stay on and look fresh from morning till night while running around and doing all the messy work that goes with moving house. Then life went back to normal, my makeup arsenal of unusual size neatly organized in a new storage system and I started testing new stuff as well as wearing all my other beloved colors.

That was when I realized that while Shadow Insurance has a similar texture and feel on the lid to Urban Decay Potion Primer,  it doesn't always deliver. Eye shadows with crumblier textures, some cream eye shadows and even some eye liners don't last quite as long as they do when applied over UDPP, and they often lose some of their sheen or vividness after 6 hours, which never happens with Urban Decay.

Bottom line: Not all primers are created equal.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer ($17) is available from Sephora, which is where I got all the samples.

Photo: Blank Canvas from retrospectivemediajournal.com