Hey there beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most raved about eye primers on the market – the MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base. As a self-professed eyeshadow addict, I’m always on the hunt for products that will help my carefully crafted eye looks last from dawn to dusk (and beyond!). So when I kept seeing this little tube pop up in my feeds with rave reviews, I knew I had to investigate.
I scoured hundreds of customer reviews, from MAC mavens to eye primer newbies, to get the full scoop on this supposed “holy grail” product. Does it really live up to the hype? Let’s find out together as we explore the good, the bad, and the beautiful of the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base.
First Impressions
Right off the bat, this eye primer has some serious fans. With an overwhelming number of 5-star reviews, it’s clear that many have found their ride-or-die shadow base in this unassuming squeeze tube. Reviewers rave about its ability to keep even the most glittery, fallout-prone shadows locked in place for hours on end. “This primer is TRULY the best eye primer on the market. I have never used something so perfect to prime my eyes. I cannot be without this,” gushes one Prep + Prime devotee.
The key promises this primer makes are long-wear (up to 24 hours!), crease-resistance, and improved blendability and color payoff for your eyeshadows. Those are some big claims, but according to the vast majority of reviewers, it truly delivers. “IT REALLY INCREASES THE STAYING POWER OF MY EYESHADOW. LOVE IT! The key is letting it set before putting the shadow on,” advises one enthusiastic customer.
Application & Texture
So what’s the secret sauce that makes this primer so effective? Let’s talk texture and application. The MAC Prep + Prime has a lightweight, slightly tacky, almost putty-like consistency. You only need the tiniest bit – we’re talking a pin-sized amount – for both eyelids. “A little goes a long way,” is a frequent refrain in the reviews.
Many recommend allowing the primer to set or dry down for a minute before going in with eyeshadow. This seems to be the key to avoiding any patchiness or difficulty blending. “Initially it made blending a bit harder but once I learned to wait a few minutes between primer and shadow it was a game changer,” says one resourceful reviewer who found the perfect technique.
Once set, this primer grips eyeshadows like nobody’s business for all-day, budge-proof wear. “This makes my eyeshadow last all day and night. It’s like an oil block. You need this in your life,” raves a loyal user. Even those with oily lids or in hot and humid climates report that this is the only primer that truly keeps shadows from slipping and sliding.
The Wear
Test Speaking of long-wear, let’s put MAC’s 24-hour claim to the test. Reviewer after reviewer shared their Prep + Prime wear stories, and the results are seriously impressive. “I tested it by hiking for two hours in 80+ degree weather at close to 75% humidity, taking a nap, 10+hour computer work, rubbing my eye from earlier mentioned computer work and generally going about my day. Eyeshadow stays on all day long without moving,” reports one intrepid tester.
Others put it through the wringer of 12+ hour workdays, hitting the gym, unexpected downpours, ugly-crying sessions and more – all with shadows perfectly intact at the end of the day. “I must say that this is an excellent primer – the best I’ve used. My eye makeup looked the same at 11pm as it did when I put it on at 6am. There was no fading and the color remained the same vibrant shade,” shares another thoroughly impressed customer.
Even sceptics were converted into true believers after giving this primer a go. “I was so excited to try this primer, as I’ve never used one before. It is so drying that the brush drags on the skin and makes applying shadow really difficult. Blending is almost impossible because the shadow sticks instantly. This product is a complete waste of money and I wish I hadn’t bothered,” lamented one disappointed reviewer. But a few months later, they returned with an update: “So I think I judged this primer a little too soon. I’ve found the trick to it is to use the tiniest amount, warm it between your fingers and pat it on lightly. Then you must let it sit before applying your shadow. Once I started doing that, I noticed a big difference in how my shadow lasted throughout the day.”
Crease-Free Guarantee
For those of us with hooded eyes or oily lids, eyeshadow creasing is the bane of our existence. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending ages blending out the perfect smokey eye, only to glance in the mirror a few hours later and discover a hot creasy mess.
Well hooded-lid gals, rejoice, because this primer has been a revelation for so many with this struggle. “Works great for my very hooded oily lids. 95% of products will crease on me but not when I have this. Please never discontinue!!” pleaded one shadow-loving reviewer. “I have droopy eyelids that ruin shadow within minutes of applying. But using this primer has changed my life! I put liner & shadow over it, & it stays for hours. I couldn’t wear shadow for the longest time, but now I can even do blends without worry,” celebrated another.
True to its claims, the MAC Eye Base seems to create a smooth, crease-free canvas for shadows that lasts and lasts – even on the oiliest of lids. “This is hands down the best eyeshadow primer I have ever used. It’s lightweight, doesn’t change the color of your shadows, it’s smooth and creamy to apply. Best of all it helps my shadows last all day and night long, no creasing or build-up,” confirms yet another happy customer.
Pigment Payoff Beyond preventing creasing and fallout, a good eye primer should also enhance the vibrancy and trueness of your eyeshadow colors. And according to reviewers, this is another area where MAC’s offering shines. “This eyeshadow primer really makes the pigment pop on shadows!” exclaimed a color-loving user. “This brightened the pigment of my eyeshadow, lasted all day long, and didn’t crease! Worth every penny,” agreed another.
Whether you’re going for subtle neutrals or bold colorful looks, reviewers report that this primer helps shadows apply more smoothly, evenly and intensely. “This shadow primer works but is a bit tacky. You have to work fast with it”, advised one user, while another noted, “My only tip is to use a thin layer because a little goes a long way.” So if you’re looking to get the most impact and intensity from your favorite shadow palettes, the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base may be your new secret weapon.
Blending Aid or Hindrance?
As I mentioned earlier, one of the few complaints some reviewers had was that this primer can make shadows a bit trickier to blend if you don’t let it set properly first. But for those who followed the “pat it on and let it dry” method, many actually found it enhanced the blendability of their shadows.
“Not only does it keep your shadow on all day, it makes it much easier to blend as well,” remarked one reviewer who unlocked the primer’s blending potential. “It seems to actually help make it easier to blend my colors together flawlessly!!!” raved another accomplished blender.
The key seems to be using a very small amount, applying it lightly with fingers rather than a brush or sponge, and letting it dry to a smooth, even finish before shadow application. Once you nail the technique, blending colorful looks becomes a total breeze. “I would definitely recommend to anyone with intentions of giving a matte base to their eyelids,” summed up one pro-blending reviewer.
Under Eye Priming
Interestingly, a few innovative reviewers found an off-label use for this product – as an under eye primer! “I like this one, I use it for under eye concealer & I think it helps creases, long shelf life as well!!” shared one unconventional user.
While Mac doesn’t specifically market this for the under eye area, it does make sense that the crease-preventing, smoothing properties could help concealer apply and wear better too. If you struggle with concealer settling into fine lines or cracking throughout the day, it may be worth experimenting with this as an eye base and face primer in one. Just be sure to use an especially small amount and blend it out well to avoid any heaviness under the eyes.
Not For Everyone
Of course, no product is going to work perfectly for every single person, and the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base is no exception. While the vast majority of reviewers raved about its long-wearing, crease-fighting powers, there were a few who found it didn’t live up to the hype.
“The primer did not work at all. My eyeshadow was gone within a few hours and it creased. I miss the old eyeshadow base called ‘Paints.’ The Paints eyeshadow base was fantastic. I don’t know why MAC changed the product,” griped one nostalgic customer, missing a discontinued favorite.
Some found that it made blending more difficult and lengthened their shadow routine. “The product sticks to my eyelids. I do leave about 10 mins before I apply shadow. But, the shadow sticks to the base and it’s not buildable. I am unable to do any motions with my brush to blend the product. The shadow then appears blobby and thick on my lids!” complained another dissatisfied reviewer.
And a few even had allergic reactions or sensitivities to the formula. “I’ve never had an issue with eye products irritating my eyes before and don’t have any allergies that I know of but each time I’ve tried to use this, my eyes water like crazy,” reported one confused customer.
So while this primer does boast legions of loyal fans, it may not be a universal hit for those with extremely sensitive eyes or who prefer an ultra-sheer, barely there eye base. As with any product, it’s best to sample it first if possible, or purchase from a retailer with a good return policy, just in case it doesn’t mesh with your unique skin chemistry or shadow style.
Better Than the Rest?
In the world of eyeshadow primers, there are a few major players that tend to dominate the field. Urban Decay’s Primer Potion and Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance are two of the most popular and widely available options. So how does MAC’s Eye Base stack up to these cult faves?
According to reviewers who’ve tried multiple primers, many vastly prefer the MAC for its superior long-wear and non-creasing abilities. “I’ve tried so many different eye primers, and this is by FAR the best out of any other brand. I’d never been able to blend my eyeshadows until this product. I love this primer!” gushed one convert. “Glides on smoothly, like butter, makes eyeshadow and eyeliner last all day. Far superior to the other brands that I’ve tried (Smashbox, Urban Decay, Estée Lauder, NYX). Not sticky, does not settle into the creases of my eyelids. Simply amazing,” declared another.
Others found that it surpassed the cult classics in terms of creating a smooth, even base for blending. “I really love this eyeshadow base because of all the ones I’ve tried this one is the only one that keeps my eyeshadow from creasing. It only takes a very small amount otherwise it won’t blend your eyeshadow well so definitely less is more,” advised one pro-blending fan.
That being said, some still preferred their old standbys and found the MAC primer more finicky to work with. “I bought this based on the good reviews here but was terribly disappointed. This feels oily on skin and hard to apply. And after a few hours my shadow creased badly. Not sure why some reviewers say this is better than Urban Decay…” pondered one unimpressed customer. So while many find the MAC primer far superior, it may depend on your specific skin type and shadow preferences.
Worth the Splurge?
At $25 for a 6g tube, the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base is definitely pricier than some other options on the market. But for most reviewers, a little goes such a long way that it ends up being worth the initial investment. “I don’t normally write reviews but I bought this product a few years ago and I’m buying it again today. I bought another eyeshadow primer and it didn’t work. This works. This makes my eyeshadow last all day and night. It’s like an oil block. You need this in your life,” testified one long-time loyal user.
Others noted that it greatly helped their pricier, high-end shadows perform their best, making their entire collection more worthwhile. I think this product helps increase the wear time of my eye shadow. Love it! The key is letting it sit before putting the eyeshadow on! Easy to do. I like it more than other brands I’ve tried. Highly recommend!” encouraged one high-end shadow lover.
So while it may require a bit of an upfront splurge, the MAC Prep + Prime seems to pay for itself in the long run by making shadows last longer, apply better, and look their most vibrant all day long. “Finally eyeshadow primer/base that is easy to apply, goes on smooth, allows for blending and stays on all day. A little goes a long way. I apply it over my eye moisturizer and both stay together well,” confirmed yet another satisfied spender.
The Final Verdict
After poring over page after page of glowing reviews, with a few constructive critiques sprinkled in, I think it’s safe to say that the MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base is a clear winner for most. While no product is perfect for everyone, this little primer has some powerfully devoted fans who credit it for totally transforming their eyeshadow game.
From oily and hooded lids to waterproof wedding-day wear, this primer seems to keep shadows locked, loaded and looking fresh for even the most makeup-melting occasions. The key is definitely in the application – a tiny dab blended out with fingertips and allowed to set seems to be the golden ticket to crease-free, budge-proof, super-blendable shadow that lasts.
If you’ve struggled with disappearing shadow, mid-day creasing or fading, or lack-luster pigment payoff from your favorite palettes, the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base may just be the answer to your eye makeup prayers. It’s earned Holy Grail status from hardcore shadow-lovers and newbies alike for its truly impressive long-wearing powers.
Of course, as with any product, it’s wise to sample it first if you can, to make sure it meshes well with your unique skin chemistry and makeup preferences. But for most, it seems this little primer packs a powerful punch in keeping even the most glittery, dramatic eye looks going strong all day (and night!) long.
So if you’re ready to wave goodbye to the heartbreak of shadow separation and give your pretty peepers the 24-hour TLC they deserve, the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base may just be the game-changing primer you’ve been searching for. Here’s to happy, crease-free shadow-wearing!
Buy on Amazon: Here