A couple of questions- primer, setting spray and eyebrows!

Nov 4, 2012

Lauren P.

Hi guys and gals,

Just a few questions that have been niggling me.

First of all, primer: I brought an inexpensive facial primer the other day and I think it's pretty good, but I've seen a lot of people using eyeshadow primers as well? If I'm doing a darker eye I want something that will help the colour show up on the eye and stick for as long as possible! Do you think I should get one? I should say I'm not working at the moment, due to reasons, and I can't really afford anything with a hefty price tag!

Second: Setting Spray... worth it or not?

Finally, eyebrows. Unfortunately, I'm naturally blonde so that means naturally my eyebrows are like non-existent, which is just a massive nuisance! So I've been filling them for a few years now (I wish I had naturally dark brows!) but for some reason I can never get them quite right around the "beginning" of the brow, when I blend it in with a brow brush the colour seems to go with it, leaving a gap! Argh, takes me ages in the morning to perfect my brows. I've started using eyeshadow in the same colour to fill them out, but it's just so annoying. Can anyone help?

Sorry for the essay :)

Nov 5, 2012

Autum L.

Primer: Using an eye primer in my opinion not only makes the color last longer but it also makes the color more vibrant. Think of the primer as a protecter from your skin. When you apply makeup naturally your skin wants to soak it up. But the primer doesn't allow this to happen thus saving your eye makeup from fading. I use the sample size of Stay Don't Stay by benefit. If you go to your local Sephora store and ask for a sample size they should be able to give you one.
Setting Spray: As for setting spray i do use one. Mine is the oil control version by Urban Decay called Oil deslick setting spray. I purchased mine also from sephora for around $25. You can get the mini for around $10 to see if you like it or not.
I don't touch or do my eye brows so i can't help you there :( Hope i was able to help at least a little!!! Here's my youtube if you want to check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCYfv5qWhyU xoxoautum <3

Nov 5, 2012

Lauren P.

Thanks for your advice! Not sure if we have a Sephora shop in the UK but will have to have a browse :) 

Nov 5, 2012

Brittany S.

I always use eyeshadow primer. It makes the colors pop and stay! I have the urban decay primer potion (I only like original and Eden). I got a professional size one off ud's website for $20 in their sale section so I would check that out. If that's still too much I also like the nyx bases. They have a white one that will really make the colors pop even more.

As for setting spray I'm not a big fan of them. I've tried a few and I just was not impressed. What you can do if you wanna test it out and not break the bank is get the elf 1 it's about $3 and you can get it at Walmart, target etc. that way you can test it out if its something you'd be interested in further than I would invest in a name brand one.

As for brows I'm lazy with mine so I wouldn't be much help sadly. I hope my ideas helped. I'm currently unemployed as well (make up school) so I try to get deals where I can. If you have an ulta near you they run great specials and send out lots of coupons :). The only thing I mentioned that you cannot get there is elf. Good luck girl! 

Nov 5, 2012

Yesenia P.

Primer: on a day to day basis I usually wear neutral eyeshadow colors to work- so I don't use a primer. But when I go out on the weekends and wear bright colors, I have to wear primer. It definitely helps the color to pop and stay longer. I have an old MaryKay one, the Elf one from Target and the UD Primer Potion. I have also just ordered the NYX jumbo eye pencil in milk. It is white and I'm hoping this will help those really bright colors. I also just recently purchased the Maybelline color tattoo in bad to the bronze and too cool and they are great bases. So I ordered 4 more from Ulta. I think cream bases are also great primers.

Setting Spray: I LOVE Skindinavia. Skindinavia also makes the Urban Decay ones. I think they do make a difference

Eyebrows: I don't do anything with mine =\ maybe I should start!!! 

Nov 5, 2012

Kristina L.

I'll help you with the brows lol , maybelline define a brow is best , it's a very fine tip which gives you a more natural look , it has dark blonde , go check them out , there in a green tube 

Nov 5, 2012

Lyndsey H.

Primer: You definitely wanna use a primer and I promise you that you will see a huge difference in your eye makeup! They have a lot of affordable primers out there. You can try the NYX skintone base that one is really nice, and as for setting sprays I really like Fix + by Mac, I know they sell the smaller size for $10 and I definitely think this product is a must because not only does it help your makeup stay but it also gets rid of cakey ness and it also hydrates your skin. I use it even when I don't wear makeup. And for your eyebrows Wet n Wild has eyebrow kits according to hair colors. You can find this online at Nonpareilboutique.com good luck!

Nov 5, 2012

Sarah B.

Primer: definitely a good investment. I own Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin. The awesome thing about this primer is its a super flattering, subtle champagne shimmer. I use this under any shadows that need a little warmth and when I wear neutrals with shimmer. Best part about this is its great for those days when you don't really feel like applying shadow (which are many many days for me, ha). The primer itself gives eyes a little pop of shimmer and definition without having to dirty a shadow brush with a single shadow. I just set it with my loose face powder. I also have LORAC Behind the Scenes primer. This is my go to primer for any days I want to actually apply shadow. It doesn't rubber up on my like UDPP regular formula does... it's the best primer I use and I would suggest this to you if you're looking for an all purpose primer. NYX Primer (pot form that comes in pearl, white, and nude) hasn't impressed me. Bought nude and white and I rarely use either due to the fact that I have more reliable primers. Color Tattoo works pretty well as a primer, and creates a good undertone for eye looks. So many options, but I would suggest investing in the LORAC... I rave to everyone about it.

Setting Spray: personally, I think that using a setting spray is not essential. If skin is primed and set with a good powder, my makeup stays in place. I do indeed use it though! I find setting spray to be refreshing when I feel fatigued during a long day at work, and as a quick pick me up in the morning.

Eyebrows: GIRL. You have got to put on yo' brows! Luckily, I have always preferred a natural, full look so I never overplucked, and I was blessed with a naturally nice shape. While my eyebrow stars have aligned, my body hair is very light in color. So I always have to fill mine in. Anastasia Bevery Hill's makes an AWESOME brow kit that includes stencils, theory of the "Golden Ratio", two ashy brow powders, brow wax, and a matte and shimmer shadow duo that's great for highlighting your brow bone and brightening your eyes. I love this kit even though I know how to fill them in. Super concurrent palette makes it worth the splurge!

Nov 5, 2012

Callie G.

Primer- ELF has an eyelid primer for $1. I have it, and it works. My eyeshadow doesn't fade as much with it than without it.
Eyebrows: Merle Norman has a Brow Sealer that works well. Sadly, it comes in only four shades. Two light/medium, and two dark.
The applicator is pretty much a mascara wand, so not very good for the base/beginning of the eyebrow. For the beginning, I recommend TIGI Brow Sculpting duo. It has a cream side, and a powder side. For a color match, the Brow Sealer in Taupe matches the Brow Scultper in Blonde perfectly. 

Nov 5, 2012

Bethany K.

Hd brows? 

Nov 5, 2012

Natalie H.

Get ur eyebrows tinted its easier and the high street do colour primers for eye shadows so if your doing a smokey eye they do black and grey primer I haven't tried them but there cheap enough to buy and find out think the brand is sleek 

Nov 5, 2012

Shelbi V.

Primer- It really helps foundation stay on along with a setting spray it'll last alleluia day
eye shadow primer- a must without it creasing will happen- elf has one at target for only a dollar :)
setting spray- gives you a dewy finish and helps last your foundation-elf has one for only 3 dollars :)
Hope this helped!

Nov 9, 2012

Katelynn D.

I actually put primer over my whole face then use my concealer/foundation or bb cream (depending on the day) and do my eyes last. While my foundation is still wet I apply my eyeshadow. It acts as a primer and really helps hold the eye shadow on. Also for setting spray honestly I just use a light most of extra hold hairspray. I only do this if I have super long days or an event. And I cover my eyes just below the brow line and mist my forehead just a bit, then move my hand just below my bottom lid cupping upwards and spray my cheeks and the rest of my face.

For your eyebrows it's really just an artform, some peoples brows are harder to shape than others, but if yours cause you that much hassle, and you're filling them in anyway, you might consider dying them a light/medium brown and going from there.

Good luck (:

*Oh and most finishing sprays are decent, so you will probably be pleases no matter what, however the hairspray trick was taught to me by a makeup professional and has worked really well for me. Plus it's cheap! Just be careful not to inhale and watch your eyes! (: