Years ago, (way back in 2010 or 2011?), finding a good eyeshadow primer that is light on the pocket seemed impossible. The famous UDPP (as makeup bloggers call back in the days) or what we know as Urban Decay Primer Potion was way above my student budget back (well hanggang ngayon naman dahil kuripot ako). I could still recall that I was trying to get my hands on the Etude House Proof 10 Primer because it was hailed as an affordable dupe of the Urban Decay Primer. I searched high and low but was not able to get my hands on it or perhaps I forgot if I have bought one before. Moving on, during my last trip to the Etude House Store, I chanced upon new stocks of the Proof 10 Primer and another Eyeshadow Base - the Look At My Eyes Pearl Eyeshadow Base.

 ETUDE HOUSE PROOF 10 PRIMER

This is one the best affordable eyeshadow primers available locally. It weighs 10 grams and it only costs 298 pesos. For the price, one may not have high hopes on this primer as it is way cheaper than the Urban Decay but the performance of this eyeshadow is amazing. It comes in plastic tear drop bottle with a doe foot applicator. It is sheer and has a subtle milky tint. Due to its consistency, it does not alter the texture or the coverage of the eyeshadow. It applies beautifully on bare lids and takes a good amount of time to dry. However, if applied on lids with makeup (liquid foundation and powder), this have a tendency to dry too quickly and I experienced difficulty in blending the product. I make sure to apply less product on the lid or none at all to make this primer work its wonders on my lids. This technique will also lessen any appearance of streakiness. This primer works well on both matte and shimmery shades. This makes my eyeshadows look more vibrant especially matte eyeshadows. 

 The consistency is sheer and the colour is milky. The colour is almost transparent when blended on the lids. The primer is not too sticky and it reminds me of the UDPP but this is thinner in texture. 

 This is cream base and goes really smooth on the lids. It has a pearly and luminous colour. It looks  whitish champagne on my lids. It made my eyeshadows pop and made the colours look more vibrant. Due to its finish, it looks lovely as a base for highlighters even on the cheeks. I find that it works better with shimmery shadows. This does not work for oily lids and those with such skin type may find this greasy. This made my eyeshadow crease a bit but since I had super dry skin this worked very well on me. It made my eyeshadow last for 4-5 hours. I also love how it made my shimmery shadows look extra glam. I find this easier to apply than the Proof 10 primer because it is a cream base. I usually use this when I am in a hurry because I just use my fingers to apply and blend this base and the shimmery eyeshadow of my choice. 

 This is how the eyeshadows look like using with the pearl shadow base.

Overall, I am definitely repurchasing both products especially the proof 10 Primer because it makes my eyeshadow lasts the whole day.

What is your favorite eyeshadow primer?

 P.S. congratulations to Emily Gatus for winning my Reader of the Month Giveaway!I love reading your insights and comments on my blog!!  Please email me at mylucidintervals@gmail.com

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To my surprise, I am so in love with this cushion!!!!!! I was not expecting that I will love this more than the Real Powder variant. I find myself reaching for this compact everytime I go out of the house. This has a nice pigmentation and can cover some discolorations. It can also tone down the redness of my rashes. I do need to conceal my undereyes and some of my prominent rashes and discolorations. What I love about this is that this feels so light on the skin yet it delivers a decent coverage and natural finish! I can also layer the product without fear of caking or product build up. I love the fact that it has a high physical sunscreen of SPF 50+ PA+++. 

Due to the hydrating properties of this BB Cream, this does not cling on the dry patches on my face. I also notice how refreshing this cushion bb feels when worn. (Or guni guni ko lang ito!!) This does not make my skin look greasy nor oily by mid day. This Cushion BB has a natural finish which is great for everyday wear. 

http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2016/07/mli-reader-of-month-giveaway_6.html

Firstly, I really like the rose gold packaging. It looks so posh and elegant. The Spong that came with it has a nude/peach shade compared to the usual blue cushion sponge of Etude House. The compact of this Cushion BB is slim as compared to the usual bulky cushion bb/foundation in the market. Due to this, I immediately checked the weight and found out that it is only 14 grams as compared to my 15 grams Any Cushion and April Skin BB Cushion. I also noticed that the inner flap cover that holds the sponge and covers the cushion itself has tiny clickers around it securing the flap unto the compact very well. This prevents the cushion from drying too fast. I do notice that my first any cushion from Etude House does not have this kind of lock function hence, it dried up easily. The mirror is also big enough. The sponge that came with felt more fluffier and smoother as compared to the more rubbery texture of the any cushion sponge. The label does not only mention of the product's shelf life but it did mention the expiration date which is very useful. 

 There are three shades availabel: Light Beige, Natural Beige and Honey Beige (pls correct me if I am wrong). I did not get the Honey Beige, although being the darkest amongst the three, this shade somehow looked light on my skin and appears a bit pinkish. The shade Natural Beige is one shade lighter than my skin (NC30) but since I am acidic, the shade somehow blends with my skin giving a brightening effect. I love how this cushion bb applies smoothly and covers my redness instantly with just one layer. I just need to tap the product on my face faster than usual because this product sets very fast. I also need to use a much heavier moisturizer to make the product work for my dry skin. This cushion keeps my face mattified throughout the day but I do notice cakey build up on the sides of my nose and chin area. Compared to other bb cushion, I prefer a thin single  layer of this product as opposed to piling up  two layers because this product cakes easily. The coverage of this bb cushion is medium and can cover up my redness except for the inflamed psoriasis flare ups. 

Here is a photo of my face with psoriasis flare ups on my forehead. You will notice that Natural Beige cushion on my lower cheek has a yellow tone and it lighter than my skin color.

This is the huge doe foot applicator I was referring to. I got the shade sand which is the darkest shade. This shade has a neutral undertone and it blends well with my skin tone. It has a tick liquid consistency. It gives off a demi matte finish. Despite having such finish, this does not cling on to dry areas of my face. I also love how seamless this looks even though I have rashes all over. This does not emphasize my bumps and gives off that soft focus illusion. It also works well with my heavy moisturizer. Despite having a thick consistency, this foundation does not cake on me. It can also withstand the scorching heat of MNL.  One  layer does a great job of covering my redness, rashes and even a bit of my undereye circles. This may feel a bit heavy than your usual bb creams but when top off with powder, it sets beautifully.

What I love most about this BB Cover is how it works well with my troubled skin. You know those foundations that can emphasize skin imperfections? This one is not that kind. It does not make my skin itch nor does it aggravate my rashes everytime I use it. This also gives my skin a quick fix of smoothening power which makes my troubled skin looked better. 

For 879 pesos (something correct me if I am wrong), this is my favorite foundation this summer, It is long lasting, has a demi matte finish but is not drying, has SPF 50 Pa ++, it covers up my imperfection with just one layer and it does not cake. 

CONS: This feels quite heavy for summertime especially for everyday wear. So, I use it sparingly because a little amount is enough my entire face. Unlike other foundations I have in my stash, I do not apply two layers of this BB Cover. 

This product is not what I expected it to be. When I swatched this particular shade in Etude House, I swear it has some tint to it that I thought it was gonna  be a nice dupe for the much raved YSL Touche Eclat. I wanted to use it as a highlighting concealer but when I started swatching this pen, it just gives off a sheen/glow. This is basically a liquid highlighter or glow enhancer. 

I have yet to try mixing it my concealer to get the results that I desire in a highlighting conecaler. This cost around 600+ pesos. 

5. Precious Mineral Any Cushion in Honey Beige - I have dying to try out this product ever since it came out in the market. The cushion thing is very popular nowadays and I can't believe I finally have it in my stash. This is foundation that is amazingly light on the skin but gives off an awesome coverage. This is perfect for summer because it contains SPF 50 and can even give double protection from the sun. It is perfect for everyday wear. It blends very well with the sponge that came with it. It blurs out my pores, covers up my redness, brightens my face and amazingly evens out my skin tone. It is not drying that it why it is perfect for my dry skin. It needs to be set with powder to make it matte because it has a dewy finish.   

 6. Proof 10 Gel Liquid Liner - This has a very slim brush tip making it easy to create a thin line to a cat eye. The consistency of this liquid gel liner is quite thick so you have to shake the tube before using it. The color pigment is great and it stays on my lid for almost the whole day. It does not transfer, does not crack, or fade. 

 It has a nice matte finish to it. There are many shades available at Etude House counters varying from matte to shimmery ones. 

7. Bling Bling EyeStick in No. 9 - This can be used alone as a lid color or as a base primer. I love how blendable it is and stays fairly well on the lid even if used alone. I actually like it because it makes my shimmery shadows pop even more. 

These are the products that I used on my "after" photo above. Doing that makeup took me a bit more than 15 minutes. It is perfect for everyday for that fresh summer look.

What makeup product/s are you currently loving this summer?

Godbless