Long time no comparison post!
I've never considered primers to be essential before I got into makeup, but now I can't see myself doing my make-up without one, and eyeshadow primer is no exception. Somehow the best primers manage to make cheap eyeshadows show up and stay on my eyelids, so I knew I didn't want to settle for nothing less than the best, especially if I only needed a tiny amount for each application.
The Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is the first eye primer I've heard of when I first got into beauty, and now it's still one of the best primers around. Another great contender that I've discovered as of late is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI). Today I wanted to put two of the best eye-primers on the market to the test to see which one is really the best. Keep reading to know my verdict!
I've never considered primers to be essential before I got into makeup, but now I can't see myself doing my make-up without one, and eyeshadow primer is no exception. Somehow the best primers manage to make cheap eyeshadows show up and stay on my eyelids, so I knew I didn't want to settle for nothing less than the best, especially if I only needed a tiny amount for each application.
The Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is the first eye primer I've heard of when I first got into beauty, and now it's still one of the best primers around. Another great contender that I've discovered as of late is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI). Today I wanted to put two of the best eye-primers on the market to the test to see which one is really the best. Keep reading to know my verdict!
Consistency & Finish
Both primers are flesh coloured when dispensed, but turns invisible when spread. You only need very little (probably a quarter of a pea) for both eyes. On my eyes they manage to cancel out most veins and any darkness, but take note that I have very little of these to begin with, so I cannot speak for those with more prominent veins and darkness.
There are very subtle differences in consistency, which I don't think first-time users will notice. The TFSI is slightly more runny, while the UDPP is slightly thicker and seems to contain less oil. This could mean that TFSI might be better suited for those with drier eyelids, while UDPP would be better suited for those with oilier eyelids.
I do find that I need a little bit (and I really do mean a little) more of the TFSI than the UDPP. I also find that I need to warm the UDPP a bit between my fingers, because the first few times I didn't led to a bit of blending that made me tug on my eyes a bit, which I don't like to do. I also take a little more time blending TFSI. As for the finish, you can barely notice the difference between them once blended, which takes a few seconds.
Both primers are flesh coloured when dispensed, but turns invisible when spread. You only need very little (probably a quarter of a pea) for both eyes. On my eyes they manage to cancel out most veins and any darkness, but take note that I have very little of these to begin with, so I cannot speak for those with more prominent veins and darkness.
Left - UDPP, Right - TFSI
There are very subtle differences in consistency, which I don't think first-time users will notice. The TFSI is slightly more runny, while the UDPP is slightly thicker and seems to contain less oil. This could mean that TFSI might be better suited for those with drier eyelids, while UDPP would be better suited for those with oilier eyelids.
I do find that I need a little bit (and I really do mean a little) more of the TFSI than the UDPP. I also find that I need to warm the UDPP a bit between my fingers, because the first few times I didn't led to a bit of blending that made me tug on my eyes a bit, which I don't like to do. I also take a little more time blending TFSI. As for the finish, you can barely notice the difference between them once blended, which takes a few seconds.
Performance
Both primers definitely bring out more colour and add to longevity to whatever eyeshadow is placed on top versus not using a primer at all. The story is different between primers. They both manage to make all eyeshadows more vibrant and long-lasting without any signs of creasing on my eyelids. Do note that I have hooded, oily eyelids, so this is a big accomplishment.
They also both work well with shimmer and matte eyeshadows, which was one of the more important factors for me. They prevent excessive fallout that come with glitter and shimmer shadows, but also bring out more of the colour of matte shadows. They also make mattes more blendable.
One thing I noticed is that the UDPP works slightly better with UD eyeshadows than the TFSI. You can see above that the eyeshadows are a little richer in colour than with the TFSI. For Too Faced shadows, I find that both work fine. On the eyes however, I barely see any difference, which is why there aren't any pictures for that portion. Trust me, I've tried for weeks!
I will say that when I overapply the UDPP, eyeshadows get a little more difficult to blend. This means that I spend a longer time blending my eyeshadows, but on a positive note, its plus points for longevity.
Both primers definitely bring out more colour and add to longevity to whatever eyeshadow is placed on top versus not using a primer at all. The story is different between primers. They both manage to make all eyeshadows more vibrant and long-lasting without any signs of creasing on my eyelids. Do note that I have hooded, oily eyelids, so this is a big accomplishment.
They also both work well with shimmer and matte eyeshadows, which was one of the more important factors for me. They prevent excessive fallout that come with glitter and shimmer shadows, but also bring out more of the colour of matte shadows. They also make mattes more blendable.
L to R: No primer | TFSI | UDPP
Palette used: Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette
Top row: Voulez Vous | Bottom row: Satin Sheets
L to R: No primer | TFSI | UDPP
Palette used: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Top row: Tease | Bottom row: Snakebite
One thing I noticed is that the UDPP works slightly better with UD eyeshadows than the TFSI. You can see above that the eyeshadows are a little richer in colour than with the TFSI. For Too Faced shadows, I find that both work fine. On the eyes however, I barely see any difference, which is why there aren't any pictures for that portion. Trust me, I've tried for weeks!
I will say that when I overapply the UDPP, eyeshadows get a little more difficult to blend. This means that I spend a longer time blending my eyeshadows, but on a positive note, its plus points for longevity.
Longevity
I've had a lot of days where I've worn UDPP on one eye and TFSI on the other in order to test the most important claim of eyeshadow primers. At the end of the day (and the end of my day is usually 12+ hours later), both held eyeshadows well with minimal fading and almost no creasing. There are days when I don't even remember which primer I used for which eye!
I've had a lot of days where I've worn UDPP on one eye and TFSI on the other in order to test the most important claim of eyeshadow primers. At the end of the day (and the end of my day is usually 12+ hours later), both held eyeshadows well with minimal fading and almost no creasing. There are days when I don't even remember which primer I used for which eye!
Price
I purchased both of these in Sephora Singapore for 30 SGD, from what I remember. On the Sephora USA website, they retail for 20 USD. UDPP contains 0.30 ounces or 11 mL and TFSI contains 0.35 ounces or 11mL. It's pretty much the same amount for the same price (unless that 0.05 oz means a lot to you) so it would really just be down to which one you prefer or which works for you.
Summary:
TFSI + UDPP:
- Sets clear, shadows appear more vibrant, long-lasting, works well on glitters, shimmers, satins, and mattes
Too Faced Shadow Insurance:
+ Formula slightly more moisturizing, works well with both UD and TF eyeshadows
- Use slightly more product, slightly longer setting time
Urban Decay Primer Potion:
+ Slightly drier formula, colours richer with UD eyeshadows
- Shadows hard to blend if overapplied, needs warming up to avoid streaks
Verdict: Both primers are equally good and do what they claim to do well. What you decide to be better will be up to your own experience. I personally like both and use them interchangeably.
I hope this was helpful for any of you who were curious about these two!
What were your experiences with these primers? Have you found one that is better than both? Feel free to leave me a comment below!
I purchased both of these in Sephora Singapore for 30 SGD, from what I remember. On the Sephora USA website, they retail for 20 USD. UDPP contains 0.30 ounces or 11 mL and TFSI contains 0.35 ounces or 11mL. It's pretty much the same amount for the same price (unless that 0.05 oz means a lot to you) so it would really just be down to which one you prefer or which works for you.
Summary:
TFSI + UDPP:
- Sets clear, shadows appear more vibrant, long-lasting, works well on glitters, shimmers, satins, and mattes
Too Faced Shadow Insurance:
+ Formula slightly more moisturizing, works well with both UD and TF eyeshadows
- Use slightly more product, slightly longer setting time
Urban Decay Primer Potion:
+ Slightly drier formula, colours richer with UD eyeshadows
- Shadows hard to blend if overapplied, needs warming up to avoid streaks
Verdict: Both primers are equally good and do what they claim to do well. What you decide to be better will be up to your own experience. I personally like both and use them interchangeably.
I hope this was helpful for any of you who were curious about these two!
What were your experiences with these primers? Have you found one that is better than both? Feel free to leave me a comment below!
Hmm well at least both seem to do an equal job. I own the Too Faced Shadow Insurance, so that's good to know. :]
ReplyDelete// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Thank you for reading, Carmen!
DeleteI'm not sure if it was you or Alex who talked about the Etude House Eye Primer before (years ago maybe.) I'm wondering how that product holds up to those two.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it was me because bad memory XD and ooh I wonder! I'll give it a swatch next time (or you can do a comparison too heehee :3)
Delete