Primer plays an essential role in setting the stage for stunning makeup that lasts all day long. It creates a smooth foundation so the remainder of your products apply perfectly and stay in place.
But, there are many different types of makeup primer - and using the wrong one can do more than just hold you back. It may cause more harm than good. In saying that, can you use face primer on eyes? Specifically, on your eyelids?
While some primers may be versatile enough to serve the needs of your face and eyes simultaneously, the answer will be no most of the time. The skin on your eyelids and even under your eyes is very different from the rest of your face. Thus, its needs will be unique.
We’ll talk more about the key differences between face primer vs eye primer below to help you understand why it’s worth having separate solutions. You’ll also learn how to use face and eye primer correctly.
But whether you need eye primer vs face primer, Elizabeth Mott has you covered with the premier selection of Korean primer online. Browse our catalog today and elevate your makeup routine!
The Role of Makeup Primer
Why do you need primer for makeup in the first place? As you may already know this step creates the perfect base for all the makeup that follows. It smooths your skin’s texture and helps fill in fine lines and pores for optimal makeup adhesion.
If you’ve ever struggled with makeup slipping off or creasing halfway through the day, it could be the result of not using the proper primer, poor primer application, or neglecting primer altogether.
But there’s a bit more to primer than simply setting the stage. It can help control oil production or lock in moisture, too, depending on the formulation.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, there’s a primer designed with your specific concerns in mind. For example, mattifying primers are perfect for oily skin, while hydrating primers help dry skin feel comfortable and nourished.
Now, most people associate primer with face makeup, and for good reason. You can’t create a gorgeous all-day look without it. But your eyes and lips also need primer in some cases, helping hold your eyeshadow or lipstick.
That being said, is face and eye primer the same, or do you need separate solutions?
Can You Use Face Primer on Eyes? Key Differences Between Face Primer vs Eye Primer
So can you use face primer on eyes? We mentioned from the start that we don’t recommend it, and it’s because the ideal formulations for a face primer vs eye primer will vary quite a bit. Let’s take a look at where they differ below.
Why Put Primer Under the Eyes or on the Eyes?
First, it’s important to note that you do need an eye primer in some shape or form. The skin under and around the eyes is delicate and thin, which makes it particularly prone to fine lines and creasing.
Priming this area helps eyeshadow adhere better, prevents those frustrating creases, and keeps your under-eye concealer from settling into lines.
A good primer under and around the eyes keeps your makeup smooth, vibrant, and long-lasting. It also prevents oils from breaking down your makeup throughout the day, especially on oily lids or if you tend to get shiny in that area.
But, is face primer and eye primer the same? It’s time to dig into the nuances between face primer vs eye primer.
Is Face Primer and Eye Primer the Same?
There’s a big difference between eye primer vs face primer, and this goes back to serving the unique needs of different types of skin.
Eye primers are specifically formulated to handle the thin, sensitive eyelid skin and are usually more lightweight and tacky so eyeshadow can grip and stay in place longer.
Face primers, on the other hand, are made for larger surface areas and are often more focused on blurring pores, evening out skin texture, or controlling oil. Since the face and eyes have different needs, each primer is created with that in mind.
It makes sense when you think about it. You wouldn’t put lipstick on your eyelids even though it technically adds color similar to eyeshadow. The same is true of eye primer vs face primer. Just because these serve a similar purpose doesn’t mean it’s ideal.
Is face primer safe for the eye area, though? Can you use face primer on eyes if you’re in a pinch and need to make do with what you have access to?
Is Face Primer Safe for the Eye Area, Though?
We strongly advise against using face primer on the eye area. Truthfully, you’d be better off going with no primer on your eyelids in these scenarios. This is especially true for those with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses, but it applies to just about everyone.
Face primers can be thicker with ingredients that might be great for the face but could cause irritation or creasing on the eyelids. The skin on your eyelids is thinner and can easily become irritated by formulas designed for the broader areas of your face.
Are There Any Primers That Work For Both Eyes and Face?
Now, there is an exception to these guidelines on face primer vs eye primer. You may be able to get your hands on a multi-use formula designed to streamline your routine and save time and money.
These tend to be labeled as “face and eye primer,” and while they sound convenient, you need to set your expectations. You know what they say, a jack of all trades is a master of none! You’ll find that these primers don’t really serve your face or eyes well since they’re trying to do both.
That’s why our advice is always to invest in a dedicated face primer and a dedicated eye primer. They’re really not all that expensive, and having the optimal tools in your arsenal will make a dramatic difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Plus, all the different types of primer you could ever need are just a few clicks away at Elizabeth Mott! We’ll explain what separates our selection from the rest later on.
Tips on Properly Using Face and Eye Primer
The formulations vary between face primer vs eye primer, and the tips for applying each will differ as well. So, here are some quick insights on using both face and eye primer.
Face Primer Application Tips
- Prep Your Skin: A clean, moisturized face helps primer glide on smoothly and absorb fully. Give your moisturizer time to fully sink in if your skin is dry before applying primer. This will prevent any pilling or patchiness.
- Less is More: As is the case with most aspects of skincare, a little goes a long way with face primer. Gently spread a pea-sized amount across your face. Focus on areas where your makeup tends to fade or break down - usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). You can always apply more if necessary, but you can’t undo overapplication without washing your face and starting all the way over.
- Press, Don’t Rub: Rather than rubbing the primer in, press it into your skin with your fingers. This helps it settle into pores and fine lines to create an even surface for your foundation. If you’re using a primer specifically for blurring or mattifying, gently blend it in circular motions.
- Wait Before Applying Foundation: Give your primer a minute to set before you apply foundation so it can form a barrier on your skin. This is what actually keeps your makeup in place all day.
Eye Primer Application Tips
- Start With Clean, Dry Lids: The natural oils your eyelids produce throughout the day can break down eyeshadow. So just as with face primer, make sure your eyelids are clean and dry before applying eye primer. You can use a light dusting of setting powder to absorb any oils if needed.
- Use a Pea-Sized Amount: Similar to face primer, you don’t need much for your eyes! Think about how thin the skin is, after all. A pea-sized dollop should be enough for both eyes. Dab it onto your lids and use your ring finger to gently pat it in, focusing on the areas where you’ll apply eyeshadow.
- Blend Up to the Brow and Down to the Lash Line: Apply primer not just on your lids but also along your brow bone and lash line. This way any eyeshadow or eyeliner you apply stays put and doesn’t smudge throughout the day.
- Let It Set Before Applying Eyeshadow: Like face primer, your eye primer needs a minute to settle into your skin before you can start layering on eyeshadow. This locks the shadow in place and prevents creasing.
Find the Best Primer for Face and Eyes Alike at Elizabeth Mott!
Hopefully, we’ve cleared up any confusion you had about face primer vs eye primer. Each has its place, and you should use formulations specific to the type of skin you’re applying it to.
While it can get overwhelming finding all these different products to add to your regimen, your search ends here at Elizabeth Mott, the #1 choice for cruelty-free Korean skincare online. We have an amazing selection of face primer and eyeshadow primer alike!
We’ve made it our mission to bring the benefits of a Korean skincare routine over to America. We’ve partnered with the leading manufacturers in Korea and tailored our formulations to your unique needs, so you can shop with confidence. Here are some of our most popular primers:
Each has been carefully created in accordance with a specific goal - be it protecting against harsh UV rays or unlocking that natural glow you’re craving.
But, we also have everything else you need, from Korean skincare for dry skin to Korean skincare for oily skin. This is truly your one-stop shop for vegan Korean skincare! Browse all our most popular collections below and see for yourself:
- Korean skincare for hyperpigmentation
- Korean skincare for dark spots
- Korean skincare for aging skin
- Korean skincare for blackheads
- Korean skincare for redness
As a Leaping Bunny certified skincare brand you can feel good about spoiling yourself with the best products on the market. Shop today and bring out the full potential of your skin!
Parting Thoughts on Eye Primer vs Face Primer
So, can you use face primer on eyes? Is face primer and eye primer the same? This face primer vs eye primer guide should have answered any questions you have on the topic. But if not, our customer service team is always available to field your questions.
The key takeaway is that you should reserve eye primer for your eyes and face primer for your face. They are typically formulated differently to meet the specific needs of different types of skin.
Our blog has more resources on topics like DIY makeup primer, how to choose Korean skincare ingredients for oily skin, does face primer expire, or snail mucin before or after moisturizer.
But now it’s time to start upgrading your primer game at Elizabeth Mott, whether you need an eye primer vs face primer or both. Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to setting the foundation for your makeup. Set yourself up for success with our tried-and-true solutions today!
