Dearest readers,

A while back i discovered make-up primers. If you’ve not used one, it’s just like a paint primer – it prepares the surface of your skin for foundation application. Foundation goes on smoother, glides over imperfections and lines, and stays put longer. So if you’re after that kind of thing, read on.

(Actually, I’ve only ever used Napoleon Perdis make-up primer. I’m really impressed with it, but tell me if you’ve used any other priming products and what they are like.)

So, dear friends, with the discovery of the make-up primer under my belt, i decided to try out an Eye Primer and tell you what it’s like. For this post I chose MAC’s Prep + Prime for the eyes. I don’t usually splurge on such expensive cosmetics, but for you my beloved readers i will stop at no cost.

The MAC sales assistant told me the primer would make eyeshadow last longer and make the pigments appear brighter. Before making any recommendation to you, whom I hold in highest regard, i thoroughly and scientifically tested these assumptions.

This morning i applied the primer to my left hand with an applicator brush. I then applied four colours atop of the primed area with a blending brush. On my right hand i applied the same four colours without the primer. Pictured below is each hand at the beginning of my experiment (click for big version).

(From left to right on each hand: MAC Ricepaper, Clinique Purple Dazzle, Living Nature #5, Living Nature #16)

I found that the colours applied on the primer were much brighter (except perhaps the MAC ricepaper). Without the primer you can barely see the Living Nature colours, but on the primed hand they really pop.

I left the swatches on my hand for a number of hours. The primed hand definitely lasted longer.

On the Pretty Rating i give this eye primer 3 out of 3 Pretties!!