There is perhaps nothing more frustrating than after spending a whole lot of time and care tediously applying your eyeshadow that it ends up flaking off, falling into the crease, or dusting all over your face because it did not “stick” properly to your eyelid and stay just where it was supposed to.

For years women have battled with this issue, some even resorting to spritzing hair spray on their face to try and keep their makeup in place. Before you sink to such desperate levels, you may want to consider using an eyeshadow primer to help keep your eyeshadow in place.

What is an Eyeshadow Primer

Many women have not even heard of a “primer” for their skin, never mind one that is made just for their eye area. An eyeshadow primer is a type of cosmetic that is being used more and more by women to coat the eyelids before you apply eyeshadow overtop of them. The primer allows for a smooth, even application that will also help keep the eyeshadow in place so that there is no flaking, clumping, or creasing. Eyeshadow primer is also given credit for helping increase and/or maintain the vibrancy of the eyeshadow color that you are applying.

You can find eyeshadow primer in a number of different forms, but the most popular is the tube or small tub form. You can apply the eyeshadow primer with either a brush or a wand that has a soft rubber or spongy tip (you can also use a concealer brush if you have one on hand to apply eyeshadow primer). Eyeshadow primer is wet and will feel wet upon application, but within seconds it will dry and become part of your skin. Make sure that you apply it in a thin and even layer to expedite the drying process and to ensure that the eyeshadow will also then be applied evenly.

When should I Use Eyeshadow Primer?

Eyeshadow primer is particularly handy if you live in any warm and humid climates, or any days when it’s raining outside. Just a bit of humidity or sweat can cause your eyeshadow to move around and crease in the least flattering of places (like gathering all up in your crease) or it can even begin running down your face if you are in a humid enough climate!

Primer is also great for anyone who is wearing dark eyeshadow, like a smoky eyeshadow color. When lighter eyeshadows crease and move it is far less noticeable than when a black or charcoal colored eyeshadow creases or begins to drip. If you are planning a night out on the town and may be hitting a club (it’s pretty darn hot in those places!) then seriously consider applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids prior to eyeshadow application.

When do I Apply an Eyeshadow Primer?

A primer for the entire face or even just your eye area is generally applied after you have cleansed, toned, and moisturized your skin. It is not recommended that you apply a primer after any sort of makeup product has been added, such as concealer or a foundation, as this may cause those products to wipe off.