MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base

Last month, I ran out of my favorite eyeshadow primers (UDPP and TFSI) at the same time so I decided to hunt for a new one. I'm foolish like that. I have holy grail products sure, but I also like to explore other options. It makes for good blog fodder, and who knows, the new one might actually work better!

Anyway, I came across the MAC Prep + Prime Eye (P1,000+) last August. I normally look for online reviews before buying a product in this price range, but I got this one on impulse plus I was in a hurry at that time. I didn't like it at first but I suppose it's just one of those things that grow on you, you know?

What I love about the product

• Intensifies eyeshadows, like a good eye primer should. It makes pigments and shimmers adhere better on skin.
• It feels like a very thin, lightweight, liquidy concealer, so it evens out your lid and can act as a base for your undereye concealer as well. If you don't have super dark bags, this can actually double as a concealer by itself.
• Comes in three shades so you can probably find something that will match your skintone. I got Medium and it's a perfect match.

• If you have dry lids, this is definitely for you. It's a little creamy and feels moisturizing. UDPP and TFSI are awesome but they do have a tendency to be drying.
• There's a lot of product in the pan, clocking in at 5 grams. You only need to use a little (actually, you can only use a little or else it will majorly crease) so a pan should last you a long, long time.
• Neat, fuss-free, professional-looking packaging. Signature MAC. The cap has subtle multi-color sparkles.

Very thin texture that has light-medium coverage

Used with one of my crappiest, roughest eyeshadows. It works!

What I don't like about the product

• It's quite emollient and doesn't dry right away so it creases. This is not for women with oily lids. I found that using as little product as possible helped though.
• Eyeshadows tend to fade over this.

Recommendations

The MAC Prep + Prime Eye BASE is best-suited for women with dry lids and don't particularly intend to wear their eyeshadows all day. 

However, if you're someone who has oily lids and needs primer that will enable your eyeshadows to withstand sweat, oil, and long hours, you're better off investing in UDPP.

Verdict

Personally, I like using this during events or tête-à-têtes with friends since I know I'll only be out for a few hours. I really enjoy its thin texture thats loads easier to work with than UDPP for instance; it's quicker to apply. Still, I really have to buy UDPP again soon. I sorely need the staying power.

Tried any new primers lately? What are you using?