NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - Thoughts...
From NARS -
New! No smudging, creasing or caking. The NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is the insider trick of the trade. Never looking heavy-handed, this lightweight eye primer creates a seamless canvas that keeps cream and powder color looking brilliant, fresh and just-applied, all day.
A polymer and mineral powder blend creates a firm grip on color ensuring hours and hours of gorgeous wear. Fortified with special deep-sea and antioxidant rice extracts, the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base dries on contact and keeps the delicate eyelid smooth and prepared for color application.
Extends the wear of eyeshadow, eyeliner and eyebrow pencil.
Instantly transforms to a matte finish and preps skin for color application.
Maximizes color intensity.
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance free
Net Wt. 0.28 Oz./8g
Price $24
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My Experience
My Four P's...
Price
The price of the
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is
$24 for 0.28oz./8g. This is quite a bit pricier than the other popular eyeshadow primers on the market, namely
Too Faced Shadow Insurance which retails for
$17 for 0.35oz. and
Urban Decay Primer Potion which retails for
$18 for 0.34oz. So you get less product for a good $6 or $7 more..interesting note - this is an
extra $1 for every oz. you lose....
This price really irked me but
NARS product prices have always irked me. I cannot deny the quality of their products though so it's hefty price I guess I will have to pay.
Oh oh oh...and just who does
Smashbox think they are for selling their crappy eyeshadow primer for $20 for 0.08oz.? Riding the hype of their famous
Photo Finish Foundation Primer I'm sure...they can kiss my lipstick!
Packaging
The
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base comes in a no fuss basic tube with a doe foot applicator (similar to Urban Decay Primer Potion). There are no fancy grooves and curves here, so we are sure to get the most of our product without sawing into the container (eh em Urban Decay!).
The thing that struck me as odd was that the container top (that holds the applicator) is as long as the actual container (tube). Hmmm...but I figured out a probable reason for this...that I didn't really notice as a deficiency in the Urban Decay Primer Potion until now. Because the top is so long you can use the applicator like an eyeshadow brush. It's much more comfortable and sturdier than a stubby cap.
Product
The product itself is medium thick with a creamy consistency. It comes out white but blends out to colorless on the eyelid. There is no color tint so it works well without affecting the eyeshadow color. It's not as thick as Urban Decay or as thin as Too Faced....a happy medium. It blends easily and leaves almost a silicone-based finish on the skin.
Performance
Now how does it measure up?
I have used Urban Decay and Too Faced for the longest time and both have their issues but I could never complain about performance. They both prevent creasing and my eyeshadow lasts all day. Along comes NARS...
The
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base does the same thing as the other primers....no creasing and long lasting eyeshadow. As far as eyeshadow color vibrancy goes...I use cream bases for that and they do a far better job. I rely on my primer to keep my oily lids under control and prevent creasing and fading. This does just that, no problem.
But...it
outshines the other primers when used with a cream base...I have used it with my
MAC Paintpots or
MUFE Aqua Creams on top and excuse me! This helps them glide on like a dream. Again I didn't notice that this was an issue before, just par for the course. I thought that a little tugging and drying was a side effect of the
MAC Paintpots (
MUFE Aqua Creams are creamy on their own). But not so with the
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Everything glides onto my eyelid so easily, no dragging! I told you about the silicone-based finish! Smooth, silky and perfect.
Now my lids can be super oily or dry on any given day. For
oily lids the
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is great. But when there are
dry spots watch out. The primer will emphasize the dry areas and not be as smooth. Make sure to moisturize dry spots before applying the primer to reduce these effects.
Overall
I'm enjoying the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base right now more so than my Urban Decay Primer Potion. On dry days I have to make sure I moisturize well before using the primer but on oily days it's a dream. I prefer it when using MAC Paintpots as base because it helps with smooth application. I will still alternate between primers though because the price tag irks me! I will repurchase but not without cringing (hopefully I catch a sale).
If you can stand the price it's worth checking out!
