Fab or flub? Maybelline launches new eye-shadow primer
Although the start of spring is still two months away, both prestige and drugstore makeup brands are already launching their new products for spring.
For this week’s column, we got a preview of a new product in Maybelline’s spring 2016 collection, the Master Prime Long-Lasting Eye Shadow Base.
Available at Walgreens ($7.99), the product is Maybelline’s first eye primer. It’s designed for sensitive eyes, and it reportedly helps enhance eye-shadow payoff and wear.
And while most primers come in only one shade, Maybelline’s new primer comes in three neutral shades or versions (Illuminate, Smooth and Matte).
Because I have naturally oily eyelids, I opted for the Matte version in hopes that it might help reduce the shine that develops on my eyelids throughout the day.
First impression
Packaged in a clear, lip-glosslike tube, the primer comes with a doe-foot applicator so users can sweep the product across their eyelids with ease.
The primer has a thick, mousselike consistency, which makes even the tiniest amount of product go a really long way. Starting with a clean face, I applied it to my eyelids, covering them entirely. I used my fingertips to pat the product down until it absorbed completely into my skin.
When finished, I applied my eye shadow as usual.
Fab or flub?
Flab. In the end, Maybelline’s Master Prime Long-Lasting Eye Shadow Base in Prime + Matte is a budget-friendly eye-shadow primer that worked well at preventing eye-shadow creases and fallout.
With the help of the primer, my eye shadow was instantly more vibrant and long-lasting.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed by its one shortcoming: Despite its name, the primer did not have a matte finish, and my lids were oily by the end of the day.
For those of you who don’t have oily eyelids, this won’t be a deal breaker. But if eliminating shine is one of your requirements for an eye primer, save your money and look elsewhere.
This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Fab or flub? Maybelline launches new eye-shadow primer."