MAC Unsung Heroes: Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base

You guys know that for the past few years (it feels like the past FOREVER) I’ve been a hardcore devotee of NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. I’ve gone through countless tubes since I started using it in 2011, and I haven’t found anything better…until now.

MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base is just as good IMO, if not better in some ways. Yes, I still think Pro-Prime is exceptional when it comes to extending the longevity of your eyeshadow, enriching the colors and making everything on your lids look flat-out better, but MAC Prep + Primer 24-Hour does those same things, too, and it hangs onto glitters and creams even better than NARS Pro-Prime.

What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.

If you’re looking for an all-around primer that you can use for everyday looks (say, using your favorite workweek palette) AND for evenings out (say, when you want to do it up friends and some loose pigments, glitters or creams), MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base is the way to go.

The colorless formula doesn’t settle into creases or fine lines, and it immediately mattes down your lids when you apply a layer. Use the thinnest layer you can, BTW. The less I use, the better off I am. Thank goodness, because a 0.40-oz. bottle is $23, and it even looks small when you hold it in your hand.

But really, you only need a little dab for both lids.

Since it’s transparent, it doesn’t shift or change the colors you wear on top of it in any way. If anything, it enriches the colors and makes them look more intense.

I haven’t had the chance to see if it really does last 24 hours yet, but I’ve worn it for 12 hours, and it was a champ. No creasing or fading. My eyeshadow still looked as fresh as it did in the morning.

If you like NARS Pro-Prime, you’ll loooooove this!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen