How to Create an Eyeshadow Primer

Last Updated: October 16, 2021

If you wear eye shadow regularly, than you probably already know the importance of using a great eye shadow primer. If you wear eye shadow without primer, get ready: this is about to improve the quality and lasting power of your shadow. Eye shadow primer helps adhere your shadow to your lid in order to help it stay on longer. It prevents creasing in the folds of your eyelids, and helps make your eyes appear vibrant and flawless. You can head to the beauty supply store or pharmacy and pick up some primer, but why bother? With a few supplies you probably already have, you can create your own at home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Makeup, Body Butter, and Aloe Vera

1
Choose your container. Before you start, you need to find a little container to use for mixing your ingredients. You can clean out an old eye shadow pot and use that, but a Dixie cup, a contacts case, or any small container works fine. Just make sure it is thoroughly cleaned before you begin.
2
Add equal amounts of foundation and concealer. If you use powder foundation, you’ll need to invest in a liquid foundation for this recipe. However, you can use it on your face as well, so it’s money well spent!

You can add as much of these products as you want, depending on the size of your container and how much you think you’ll use. Just remember to use the same amounts of both, and you will need to add the same amount of body butter as well.^{[1]
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It’s best to stick with the foundation and concealer you use regularly, because you know it won’t cause an allergic reaction or a breakout.

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3
Combine the body butter. You can use facial lotion, but body butter works particularly well because it is thick and has a bit of staying power on your lids. If you choose to use a facial moisturizer, just look for one that is a bit thicker.

Runny, lightweight lotions don’t work quite as well. Use a spoon or a knife to scoop out an amount of body butter equal to the amount of foundation you used. ^{[2]
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Because your eyelids are sensitive areas, test the lotion on a small patch of skin before using it in your primer.
4
Squeeze in a few drops of aloe vera. Aloe vera is know to decrease oil production in your skin.^{[3]
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Research source} Excess oil on the eyelids is a major reason for smearing and fading throughout the day. By adding a little bit to your primer, you’ll be combating this problem.^{[4]
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- Make sure to buy 100% aloe vera gel. You can find this at your local pharmacy.
5
Mix everything together. You can use a spoon, a toothpick, or anything that fits inside your container. To apply your new homemade primer, simply rub a small amount into each eyelid. You can apply it directly with your fingertips. Seal the container and save the rest of your primer for later!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Combining Chapstick, Cornstarch, and Foundation

1
Put some chapstick in a container. To make this primer, you will need 1/2 a teaspoon. In order to scoop out one teaspoon, run your chapstick under warm water to soften it up a bit. This will also make it easier to mix your chapstick with the other ingredients.

The chapstick will help the eye shadow stick to your lid, and it’ll help the color look bright and bold. Use an all natural chapstick so that it will be gentle on your skin. You can find this at your local pharmacy– just make sure to read the label!
2
Add a teaspoon of cornstarch. This probably sounds like a strange thing to add to something that’s going on your face, but it has a purpose. Oil produced by your eyelids can cause your perfectly placed shadow to smear and rub off.

Cornstarch helps prevent this by drying up excess oil.^{[5]
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Research source} In your primer, it acts as a barrier between oil and your shadow, leaving your eye shadow looking impeccable.
3
Finish with your liquid foundation. Add 1.5 teaspoons of your favorite liquid foundation. This will help your primer match your skin tone. Mix everything together using a tooth pick, a spoon, or another utensil, and you’re all set. Apply to the entire surface of your eyelids using your fingertips.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you put on eyeshadow without primer?

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Yes, if you're using jelly, liquid, or cream eyeshadow. Layering two liquids on top of each other will cause them to melt together. Also, if you have drier eyelids, you probably don't need to use an eyeshadow primer since your lids won't have any trouble holding the pigment.
Question

Is there anything else that I could use instead of cornstarch?

Alanna Suzanne Snyder

Community Answer

You can just use regular concealer over your eyes with the powder you set your face with.
Question

Is there a substitute for foundation?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use a BB or a CC cream and there are many other products on the market.