While you don't have to look too hard around the web to get vibrant eyeshadows or flattering face products, finding a good eye primer is a tough task in the world of healthy beauty. It's one that's still ongoing for me, even after two years. With that said, let me introduce you to one of my most frequently used products, Silk Naturals Stick 'Em Eye Shadow Enhancer. Though it's not specifically called a primer, based on its description on the website, it is supposed to do everything a primer does. So let's just call it a spade a spade.
This primer is a thin gel consistency, and only a very thin layer needs to be spread on the eyelid. Then you let it dry for a couple seconds, and apply your shadows. And the result? It is definitely better than using an eyeshadow alone, but it's not perfect. It helps the shadow adhere to your eyelid, makes the colors look a little bit more vibrant, and increases the longevity. After using this all day or night however, my shadows do not fully stay put. And if its a reeeaaallly long day or night, almost all the my eyeshadow can be gone by the end. It also can make shadows difficult to blend if it is not applied evenly. The liquidy texture is really nice because it is light on the eye, and can be mixed with pigments to create liquid liner. When I do this, my eyeliner really does stay put.
When I ran out of my first tube, and while I was waiting for a new one to come in, I used nothing for a week or two. I really noticed my eyeshadow looked less pigmented and didn't last long at all, and I really missed this product. But after using mainstream products like Urban Decay Primer Potion, I also think that there could be something better out there; a product that lasts longer and is easier to blend with. On the other hand, the tube is only $4.99, so the price is right.
This product does have sodium benzoate in it, a concern because when mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), it may form benzene, a known carcinogen. This product does not have any vitamin C, and sodium benzoate is supposed to be a safer alternative to parabens and phenoxyethanol. So I am alright with its presence, even though I'd prefer something that doesn't have it.
My final verdict? I am better off with this product, but I am still hoping in the back of my mind for something a bit better.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Glycerin, Silica, Ethanol, Propanediol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Gluconoactone and Sodium Benzoate
Where to buy: $4.99 at silknaturals.com
Have you ever used the Medusa's makeup stick-it eye primer? It is all natural, and is made specifically for their loose mineral shadows, or eye dusts...I think it works pretty good at keeping them on all day. Its the only natural eye primer I have.
ReplyDeleteNo, but that sounds great! I will check it out.
DeleteEvery time I order from them, I consider getting this, but I always hold off because of the propanediol. Do you know much about it? I know Silk Naturals says it's "a corn based Ecocert approved 100% natural humectant," but I've also heard it's another name for propylene glycol. It's one of those ingredients I haven't been able to find much info on :/
ReplyDeleteI don't think that they are the same thing. I checked with EWG, and it is rated a 1. I usually look at the part from Environment Canada Domestic Substance List, and it says "Classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful."
DeleteOn the other hand, propylene glycol is rated a 3, and it has been "Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful" from the same list.
So overall, I am okay with it.
Have you tried The All Natural Face's Magic Primer? I've tried a bunch of primers and this one works best for me. Plus it's only 7$ I think, pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI have not. It sounds pretty good, but last time I looked it I just felt a bit iffy about one of the ingredients.
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