Tag: primer

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Product:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax.  Keep your unruly eyebrow hairs tame in any kind of weather with this affordable pencil that is an exact dupe for a much more expensive product.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost Best: $3.97 (.09 oz.) ($44.11 per ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  MilaniCosmetics; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Chubby wooden pencil with outer plastic cap

Description:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is a clear wax pencil that you use either by itself or with tinted brow powder to control eyebrow hairs and keep them neat and in place.

Formula:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is waterproof, completely clear and is somewhat thick.  It is slightly tacky feeling until it dries.  I usually set this with tinted powder on female clients.  I use it by itself or with translucent powder on male clients.  This is great for taming thick wiry eyebrow hairs on men.

Sensitivity:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is fragrance and paraben free and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contacts.

Company Claims:

“For naturally beautiful brows, tame and sculpt with one sweep of the easy-to-use Brow Shaping Clear Wax Pencil. The transparent shade works well on all hair colors and the non-sticky medium to strong hold formula blends well with other brow beautifiers. This pencil dries to a weightless, matte finish and when it’s time to sharpen your brow-shaping skills, the Duo Sharpener does the trick.”

Discussion:  I have been a fan of clear brow waxes for decades.  The best one I ever found was a retractable pencil by Femme Couture that was discontinued.  I then had to begin my search for an alternative.  The next best thing I found was Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer at $21 each.

Product Dupe:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is a dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer and performs exactly the same.  I’ve even included the ingredients list for the Anastasia Brow Primer below so you can see just how similar they are.  The key difference in the ingredients occurs near the end.  The Milani product does not contain any parabens and the Anastasia product does.  They look, smell, and feel identical when you use them.  The cap stays on better on the more expensive Anastasia pencil.  Since the Milani pencil costs $17 less, I can live with the cap issue.

Colors:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax only comes in one color, 01 Clear.

Morning Review:  Before applying tinted brow powder, I stroke the Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax in the direction of the hair growth of the eyebrow hairs.  The wax glides on easily and has no odor.  The wax not only keeps the brow hairs in place, but it also serves as a primer and gives the powder something to cling to.  If you are using an eyebrow pencil without powder, then I would put the wax on after the pencil.  The wax can be applied prior to or following other products and it is just as effective either way.

Evening Review:  After many hours, my eyebrows are still neat, in place and there has not been any flaking or fading.

Overall Review:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is fast, easy, and helps to keep eyebrows looking their best.

Pros:

  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Stays on for many hours
  • Waterproof
  • Removes easily with eye makeup remover
  • Hypoallergenic formula does not cause any irritation
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • It is not retractable and needs to be sharpened.
  • The pencil does not fit in regular or oversized sharpeners. You need to use the Milani Duo Sharpener.
  • The outer plastic cap keeps falling off.

Suitability:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Package

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Package

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Tip

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Tip

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer Tip

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer Tip

Ingredients Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax:  Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Polyisubutene, Cetyl Palmitate, Talc, VP/Hexadecene, Copolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla) Wax, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.

Ingredients Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer:  Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina, Polyisobutene, Cetyl Palmitate, Talc, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Candelilla Cera, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Wet N Wild Coverall Primer

3 Comments

Product:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer.  New to the idea of primer?  Want to dip your toes in the water without much of a financial commitment?  Here is an entry-level formula.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good.

Cost: $4.68 (.84 fl. oz.) ($5.57 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Walgreen’s; Walmart; Wet N Wild Beauty.

Container:  Plastic squeeze tube, twist-off cap.

Description:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer helps to properly prepare your skin for foundation.  The company makes some lofty (outrageous) claims for this inexpensive primer.

Formula:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer is a white liquid and is fairly thin when it comes to primers.  It becomes invisible and clear on the skin very quickly.  It only takes about 10 seconds to be fully absorbed into the skin.  It dries to a soft, almost powdery finish.  It does contain silicones even though water is the first ingredient.

Sensitivity:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer is fragrance, talc, paraben and dye free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.  The very light chemical scent dissipates within seconds upon application.  If you are allergic to silicone, stay away from this one.

Company Claims:  (Here we go…)

“Remember when you were a kid, watching fairy tales, wishing you had a magic potion to transform yourself instantly into a glamorous princess? Well, we’re here to make your dreams come true! This miraculous primer can be used all over your face to minimize the appearance of pores, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, prevent your foundation from caking, and brighten your complexion for ultra-vibrant color that lasts all day. Magic! How does it do this? Because we basically put diamonds in a bottle! No, really, we did. The key ingredient in this miracle primer is white sapphire, formulated into a smooth, silky cream that glides on effortlessly, leaving behind a crystal complexion. Just think of us as your fairy godmother!”

“Magic Potion!

  • Refines Pores
  • Fills Fine Lines
  • Brightens Complexion
  • Evens Skin Tone
  • Made with white sapphire!
  • Provides a perfect surface for ultra-vibrant color that lasts all day
  • Prevents Caking, Creasing, and Smudging”

(Those may be the most ridiculously exaggerated claims ever made by a cosmetics manufacturer.)

Discussion:   If I had never used a primer before I would probably think this one is better than it is.  If you have no experience with primer and you try this one, you will probably like it.  If, on the other hand, you have used a lot of high-end primers, this one may be a bit of a let down.

Whenever I test a new primer I always do so on freshly-cleansed bare skin and you should do the same.  Otherwise, you will not know exactly how your skin is reacting to the product.  Wear the primer by itself one day before you put makeup on top of it.

For my dry skin, I would definitely need to use a moisturizer underneath this primer, as this was drying to me.  If you have oily skin, this may work well for you on bare skin.

Colors:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer only comes in one color and they don’t have a name for it.

Morning Review:  I applied Wet N Wild Coverall Primer on clean bare skin all over my face.  I then applied makeup to only one side of my face to test how well it helps with makeup longevity.  It is probably the fastest drying primer I have ever used.  You don’t have to wait to apply makeup on top of this the way you do most primers.

Let’s address the Company Claims:

Magic Potion!  (No, there is no magic in this tube.)

  • Refines Pores (Slightly)
  • Fills Fine Lines (No improvement)
  • Brightens Complexion (No change)
  • Evens Skin Tone (No change)
  • Provides A Perfect Surface… (Slightly)
  • Prevents Caking, Creasing, Smudging  (For a little while)

What it did was make my face feel slightly smoother with a dry powdery finish.  My makeup went on smoothly on top of this primer.

Application Tips:  On myself I applied this with my fingers.  On clients, I usually apply primer with a beauty blender sponge.  This primer is so thin it would be easily absorbed by a sponge so fingers work best for this one.  Since this has a lotion consistency, to avoid squeezing out too much product, simply hold the tube with the nozzle pointing upward, not downward.

Evening Review:  There was not much change throughout the day.  My skin did not become drier or oilier because of the Wet N Wild Coverall Primer.  It made a slight difference in helping makeup to go on smoother and last longer.  The second time I tried the primer I put it on top of moisturizer and it worked much better for me that way.  This is not hydrating at all on its own.  I also tried this with different foundations and it did help them all to last about 25% longer than foundations on their own without primer.

Overall Review:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer imparts a nice silky feeling to the skin, helps makeup go on easier, and adds a little longevity to the wear of foundation.

Pros:

  • Dries almost instantly
  • Applies easily
  • Improves skin texture
  • Adds a little staying power to foundation
  • Removes easily with regular facial cleanser
  • Fragrance, paraben, talc, dye-free formula
  • Feels light on the skin, not heavy

Cons:

  • Is NOT a “Magic Potion”
  • Does not live up to the claims by the manufacturer
  • Does not fill fine lines or wrinkles
  • Is not hydrating
  • Does not do much to smooth the skin like thicker primers do

Suitability:  Wet N Wild Coverall Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (Those with dry skin should apply a moisturizer first.)
  • Best for users with oily skin or those who like very light weight products on their skin

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars = Good.

Would Buy Again?  No.  (For a drugstore primer and a few dollars more Revlon is better.)

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Wet N Wild Coverall PrimerWet N Wild Coverall Primer ReverseWet N Wild Coverall Primer Tip

Wet N Wild Coverall Primer Product Swatch

Wet N Wild Coverall Primer Product Swatch

Ingredients:  Water/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Alumina, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Product:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer.  You can’t have a beautiful face of makeup if you don’t properly prepare the skin first.  Primer is your best friend when it comes to preparation.

Overall Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost Best: $22.50 (.52 oz.) ($43.27 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Sold By:  DHC Care; Amazon.

Container:  Plastic squeeze tube, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a clear silicone-based product that improves the texture of your skin and blurs imperfections.  DHC (Daigaku Honyaku Center) is a company founded in 1972 in Japan that began with three olive-oil based products.  They are a direct sales and online catalog sales company and have been in the US since 1995.

Formula:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a translucent colorless gel and is fairly thick.  It is slightly tacky feeling when first applied but then dries to more of a matte powdery finish that feels soft on the skin.

Sensitivity:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is fragrance and dye free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

“DHC Velvet Skin Coat makeup primer instantly softens and improves the look of your skin. It minimizes the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections while reducing oiliness to help makeup glide on and last longer—with no “drying” time needed. Plus, it leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Look fresh and flawless, whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

  • Unique transparent, powdery gel texture
  • Apply before foundation or wear alone for a flawless, natural look
  • Can also be used on hands and neck
  • Used by professional makeup artists worldwide”

Discussion:  Back when primers were first invented I primarily used them on clients with oily skin to try and keep their makeup from melting off so quickly.  I then discovered their benefit for aging skin, enlarged pores and wrinkles.  I used to have a dozen different primers because I never could find one that worked with different skin types, until I found this one.  Somehow this primer works for everyone whether they have sensitive, dry, consistent, oily or combination skin.

Colors:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer only comes in one color, Clear.  It works will all skin tones and does not leave a white haze like some primers.  (For example, for fair-skinned clients I love Hourglass primer, but Hourglass does not work on dark-skinned clients.)

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, apply DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer prior to the application of foundation.  (If you are going to use a separate SPF, apply that prior to the primer and then proceed with foundation.  Yes, I know that others disagree, but they are wrong.  Why?  Because silicone –based primers form a film on your skin that will keep your SPF from being absorbed into your skin thereby reducing its effectiveness.)

On myself I would apply this with my fingers.  On clients, I like to smooth this on with a beauty blender.  Give it about 30 seconds to set and then apply the rest of your makeup as usual.  You should be able to use less foundation with this primer.

Evening Review:  After many hours, DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer helps to keep makeup from settling into fine lines, wrinkles, or fading away.  Makeup will last longer and touch ups will be required less frequently.

Overall Review:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer imparts a nice silky feeling to the skin, helps makeup go on easier, and adds longevity to the wear of foundation.

Pros:

  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Improves skin texture
  • Adds staying power to foundation
  • Removes easily with regular facial cleanser
  • Fragrance-free formula

Cons:

  • Can only be purchased online

Suitability:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.  I use this on male models, actors and performers.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer Swatch

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Ingredients:  Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, silica.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Lancôme Cils Booster Mascara Base

Product:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base.  If you weren’t born with long, full, luscious eyelashes, a lash primer can definitely amp up the volume and make the most of what you have.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.

Cost:  $25.50 (.18 fl. oz.) ($141.67 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Lancôme USA; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Ulta; Major Dept. stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube with twist-off tapered wand, outer carton.

Description:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is a primer that is intended to be worn as a base coat under mascara.  As this is white in color, it cannot be worn by itself without looking very strange.

I would not describe this as a wet formula.  It is more of a medium-dry formula.  It has almost no scent other than a faint polymer smell.

Sensitivity:  Lancôme Cils Booster is fragrance-free and I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally or from clients/testers.  This is suitable those who wear contacts or have sensitive eyes.

Company Claims:  “Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara primer glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E—to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.”

Benefits

  • Lengthens and thickens lashes without clumping
  • Maximizes the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara
  • Protects and conditions lashes
  • Smoothes eyelashes by coating them thinly and evenly—emphasizing even the shortest lashes
  • Intensifies color of your favorite mascara

Technology

  • Micro-Fibers
  • D-Panthénol and Vitamin E
  • Triangular, thin-shaped brush
  • Provides a white base for mascara to cover

Discussion:  Mascara primers serve a few purposes:

  • Coat the lashes to increase the diameter making them appear thicker
  • Provide ingredients that promote the health of the eyelashes
  • Act as a first coat of mascara thereby allowing for use of less mascara

Colors:  Lancôme Cils Booster comes in one color, white.

Morning Review:  Before applying mascara, coat both the upper and lower lashes thoroughly with a light coat of Lancôme Cils Booster.

Lancôme Cils Booster definitely makes lashes look thicker.  I would say the emphasis is more on thickness than length.  The company says the product contains micro fibers.  These are not like the thick fibers that you see in lash-extension type mascaras that can flake off and get into your eyes.  I did not actually see any fibers anywhere in the formula even when I inspected it with a magnifying glass.

Helpful Tips:

If you read reviews for this product you may find the information confusing, as some people say to apply mascara on top of the Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet, and others say to wait until the primer is dry.  Here are my thoughts:

  • If you apply your mascara on top of Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet and you use the wand that comes with your tube of mascara, you have just contaminated your mascara by getting wet primer on the wand. As soon as you put the wand back into the tube of mascara containing wet primer, your mascara will not perform the same and the mascara will produce terrible clumps.
  • When you remove the Lancôme Cils Booster wand from the tube, scrape some of the primer back into the tube so the brush won’t be too full of product.
  • Apply the Lancôme Cils Booster to one eye at a time as it dries quickly.
  • A light coat will work better than a thick coat.
  • After applying the primer brush through the lashes with a dry wand to remove clumps before applying mascara.
  • By the time you have finished with the second eye, the first eye is dry.
  • If you find that your mascara is clumping worse on top of the primer, it is because you are using too much primer.
  • If you are having trouble completely covering the white primer and some of it is still showing, first apply a light coat of mascara, then the Lancôme Cils Booster and finally another coat of mascara. By “sandwiching” the primer with mascara you will eliminate the potential for any graying or white showing through.

Evening Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster makes lashes look considerably thicker and makes mascara perform better.  After many hours there is no flaking or smudging of the mascara.  You can use Lancôme Cils Booster under any brand of mascara even though Lancôme would prefer that you use this over a Lancôme mascara.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base performs very well and provides excellent results for making the most of thin or sparse eyelashes.

Pros:

  • Makes thin lashes look considerably thicker.
  • Makes mascara go further as you use less mascara.
  • Primer gives mascara something to bind to.

Cons:

  • The tip of the wand is too bulky for my taste; I would prefer a narrower, more tapered tip for greater control and ease of use on the lower lashes. (I like the wand that comes with Clinique Lash Building Primer.)
  • Price

Suitability:  Lancôme Cils Booster is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Cils BoosterLancôme Cils Booster PackageLancôme Cils Booster Wand and SwatchLashes Without Mascara or Lancôme Cils BoosterLashes With Lancôme Cils Booster By ItselfLashes With Mascara By ItselfLashes With Mascara over Lancôme Cils Booster

Lancôme Cils Booster Before After

Ingredients:  AQUA / WATER / EAU, ORYZA SATIVA CERA / RICE BRAN WAX, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, STEARIC ACID, CANDELILLA CERA / CANDELILLA WAX / CIRE DE CANDELILLA, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PALMITIC ACID, ACACIA SENEGAL / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, PANTHENOL, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, MYRISTIC ACID, RAYON, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYCAPROLACTONE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Product:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer.  Is this the best eye primer to keep your makeup from fading or melting?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $20.00 (.39 fl. oz.) ($51.28 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: Sephora; Ulta.

Container: Plastic squeeze tube with outer twist-off cap, outer carton.

Most eye primers come in glass tubes with wands like lip gloss.  I don’t buy those because once you touch the wand to skin the product is contaminated and there is a lot of wasted product that you can’t get out of the inflexible glass tube.  I prefer the packaging of this Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer.  The flexible plastic tube limits air exposure, contamination and allows you to squeeze out every last drop so there is no waste.

Description:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a fragrance-free primer that is intended to be used under powdered eye shadows.

Tarte is known for their products that are primarily made from Amazonian clay.  Their tagline is “high-performance naturals”.  I first became interested in this brand because they are environmentally and animal friendly.  As an added bonus, most of their products also perform quite well, some better than others.

Sensitivity:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye primer and I have never had any complaints from the numerous clients I have used this on.

Company Claims:  “This primer acts as a smudge-proof base for shadow while preventing fallout and migration of color. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear.”  and

“360 Degree Creaseless can be used as both a shadow primer and under eye base to smooth areas around the eye giving you a seamless application and all around 360 degree eye solutions.”

“Key Claims and Benefits:

  • Waterproof 12-hour wear
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Enriched with Vitamin E”

Discussion:  Should you bother with an eye shadow primer?  Will it really make in any difference in the way the eye makeup looks or in how long the eye makeup will stay on?  Yes, most definitely.  This is especially important for anyone with oily eyelids where makeup will melt off within an hour.  An eye shadow primer will intensify the color of the shadow, make the application appear smoother, and add longevity to the makeup look.

Eye primers are not thick like eye gel creams, or concealers.  The consistency is closer to a lotion or thick serum.  Most are tinted to match your skin, some have a pearly nacreous luster, and some are shimmery and glittery.  I prefer primers that disappear but leave a texture that acts like a two-sided piece of tape: the primer adheres to eyelids while keeping the eye makeup on top from fading or maneuvering into your eyelid crease.  A good eye primer can replace a concealer over the lid and even out skin tone and texture.

Colors:  Unlike other eye primers, Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer only comes in one color.  I have used this on fair-skinned to dark-skinned clients.  It works for all skin tones.

Morning Review:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a white- colored cream that has no color once it is applied onto the eyelid.  Most eye primers are flesh-toned like Caucasian skin.  Since I apply makeup to all races, I prefer a product that is colorless.  The other benefit to a colorless product is that it will not alter the color of the eye shadows that are being applied on top of it.

The primer has no fragrance and simply has a light chemical smell that completely disappears once the product dries.  I don’t experience any adverse effects from the scent.  A drop of about 1/8 teaspoon is enough for both eyes.  This product actually works best if you do not use too much.  I always let the primer set for at least 60 seconds before applying shadows.  Usually I just apply the primer, do my brows, and then go back to the eyes to give the primer a chance to dry.  Once it dries, the skin on my eyelids actually looks a feels smoother.  It dries to a slightly powdery finish, so this is only good under powdered eye shadows.  Don’t try to use this under a cream or gel eye shadow or it will cause streaking.

This is the primer that I used under the MAC Powder Eye Shadows that I recently reviewed.  You can take a look at that review if you want to see the colors I used.

Evening Review:  Many hours later my eye makeup still looks perfect and nothing has faded, melted, flaked, or settled into the crease of my eyes.  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer definitely makes a difference in how long eye makeup will stay on without the need for touch-ups.

Overall Review:  I have tried dozens of eye primers ranging in price from $1 to $78 and this is the one I prefer to use.  This one outperforms all of the other eye primers I have tested.  I have used this on young girls with very oily skin and elderly clients with very dry skin and it has proven effective with all skin types.

Pros:  Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer has a lot of good qualities:

  • Professional quality performace
  • Works great with powdered eye shadows
  • No sensitivity issues
  • Works effectively on all skin types from very oily to very dry
  • Packaging system keeps product sanitary and allows full usage of the contents
  • Good for all skin types

Cons:

  • This is not good to use under cream eye shadows.
  • I have a difficult time finding this product in stock and have to order it online.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer Package

Eye Shadow With and Without Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Without and With Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Eye Shadow Over Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer

Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Cera Alba/Beeswax/ Cire D’abeille, PEG-40 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Boron Nitride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
Formulated Without:  Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon

Product:  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon.  Do you have trouble getting your eye shadow to stay on?  If so, this will definitely help.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $7.99 (.10 oz.) Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: L’Oreal Paris USA.

Container: Plastic tube outer housing, separate plastic cap, blister package or wrap.

Description:  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is a gel eye shadow in a crayon or stick form.  This is not an automatic twist-up crayon.  You will need to have a separate sharpener for this one.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is fragrance-free and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

The company claims, “Highly pigmented vibrant color.  2 in 1 Shadow and Liner.  Smooth Glide formula that lasts up to 24 H.  This ultra-intense smudge-proof eye crayon lasts from dawn until dusk and beyond, up to a full 24 hours. The smooth, creamy, long-wearing formula delivers easy-to-wear colour for any occasion.  It’s now easy to create endless runway-inspired, colorful eye looks with just one product.  Blend multiple colors together or use them individually for a monochromatic look.”

Discussion:  I love a dramatic smoky-eye look.  As a professional makeup artist, sometimes you have hours to perfect a look and sometimes you only have a few minutes.  When I need to create a smoky eye quickly, this is one crayon that helps me get the job done in a flash.  I use this under powdered eye shadows to make them last, make the colors pop, and for cut creases. L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon can be used both as a thick eyeliner and an eye shadow base.

These crayons used to come in a full line of matte colors as well as the shimmery ones.  Unfortunately, the matte colors have been discontinued and now only the eight shimmers remain.  (Why is it that every time I find something I like it gets discontinued?)  I have attached a photo of the eight colors that are still available.

Morning Review:  Today I’m using the L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon in color number 704 (Midnight Charcoal).  I don’t use a primer under this unless the client has very oily skin.  This glides on easily and does not tug on the delicate eye skin.  I applied this on the upper eyelid up to the crease line.  I like to apply this eye shadow with a medium brush rather than directly from the crayon.  I also drew a v-shape line at the outer corner and extended it slightly under the lower lashes.  You can smudge this for about 30 seconds until it sets.  I applied a charcoal shadow on top of the crayon cream.  I then finished the rest of the eye makeup using several other products (mascara, eyeliner, eyebrows, lashes, etc.)

Evening Review:  After eight hours, the eye shadow looks the same as when I applied it this morning without the need for any touch ups.  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon really makes the eye shadow stay put without fading or melting away.

Because L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon stays on so well, you will need to use an eye makeup remover to get it all off.  This will not rinse off with just ordinary facial cleanser.

Overall Review:  This is one product that performs just as the company claims it does.  They got it right this time.

When I use L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon my nose does not run, and my eyes do not water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using these crayons and I have never had any complaints from the numerous clients I have used these on.

Pros:  This is an excellent product that serves numerous purposes.  L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is easy to use for a makeup novice and performs well for pros like myself.

Cons:  I wish it still came in the matte colors and I would prefer an automatic crayon that does not need to be sharpened.  Also, I wish I could find this in more stores without having to order it online.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon is suitable for the following users:

  • All users
  • Users with extremely oily skin may need to use an oil-blocking primer first.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon Midnight Charcoal 704L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon Midnight Charcoal 704 TipL’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon ColorsL’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow Crayon With Additional Makeup

Ingredients:  ISODODECANE CYCLOPENTASILOXANE PEG/PPG-19/19 DIMETHICONE SYNTHETIC WAX HYDROGENATED POLYDICYCLOPENTADIENE NYLON-12 C20-40 ALCOHOLS PERFLUORONONYL DIMETHICONE POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE SILICA POLYGLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE/POLYHYDROXYSTEARATE/SEBACATE CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE POLYETHYLENE DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE POLYURETHANE-11 TIN OXIDE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR MICA CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS CI 75470 / CARMINE CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER].

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.