To prime or not to prime?

Eye-shadow primer - is it a necessity? It depends on who you ask. Some people can get away with using their concealer as a primer and not have a care in the world. Some of us, however, are lucky to have oily lids that need a little help. There are some eye-shadows that are more prone to creasing, such as cream shadows or super shimmery shadows. An eye-shadow primer can also be used to neutralize any discoloration on the lids and helps the true color of the eye-shadow being used to be true to it's shade. So, what's Jessica's go to for priming her oily eyelids?

MAC paint pot in painterly: Why do I like it? It is dryer than some other primers I've used, which is ideal for my lids. The shade has a slight neutral-pinkish undertone that neutralizes any discoloration I have. I do set this with either a shadow that's close to my skin-tone or the loose powder I use to set my under-eye concealer. This product is my go-to!!!

Where can you find it? Nordstrom, Maceys or MAC Cosmetic stores or online, maccosmetics.com $22

You won't like it if: You have dry skin.

Tip: Use a dense brush to apply to your lids. Make sure your cover is closed tightly to prevent the product from drying out.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance: Why do I like it: It helps prevent my eye-shadow from creasing and the formula is light-weight. The tone of this primer doesn't necessarily cover any discoloration on my lid, which is why this isn't my first choice when priming. However, if you're looking for something to make your eye-shadow last for hours without fading - this is a great choice for you!

Where can you find it? Ulta, Sephora and Toofacedcosmetics.com $20

You won't like it if: You have dark lids or veined lids.

Tip: Apply a small amount to your eyelid and under eye with your ring finger.

Pro: This is in squeeze tube and the product doesn't dry out!

Urban Decay Primer Potion: This was my very first eye-shadow primer that I tried! Blair Fowler used it, and I just had to get it! This was before they came out with the new shades and they changed their packaging. Wow - long time ago. Okay, so for what you want to know. Why I liked it? It did a great job neutralizing any discoloration I had on my lids. However, since my lids are oily, it didn't do much for me in terms of preventing creasing or staying power. My eye-shadow was still vanishing throughout my work day. Bummer! I have heard that a lot of other people have great results with this primer. Maybe, I need to give it another try! I'll update this if I do repurchase.

Where can you find it? Ulta, Sephora and urbandecay.com $20

You won't like it if: You have super oily lids that crease like a mo fo!

Tip: Apply a small amount to your lid and under eye with your ring finger. Set with an eye-shadow or powder.

Pro: Lots of new shades to suit everyone!

An eye-shadow primer isn't needed for everyone. I do think that a primer will pro-long and intensify your eye-shadow look and if that's what you're looking for, try one out!! If you don't have a problem with oily lids or discoloration, you could probably do without. But, what does it hurt to be proactive and use one just in case? No one likes it when their make-up that took them 20 minutes to one hour to apply wears off their face within four hours!! There are some at the drugstore, but I haven't tried any of those yet. If you know of one and would like me to let you know my thoughts - let me know.