Urban Decay Primer Potion vs. NYX Proof It! - eyeshadow primer comparison & swatches

Hey, beauties! I'll start this post off with a little makeup confession - until a few months ago, I never used an eyeshadow primer. I didn't really believe it was needed, that is, until I discovered Urban Decay's Primer Potion. A good eyeshadow primer can really transform your entire makeup routine - it makes the application smoother and more even, brings out the intensity of the colours, and makes your eyeshadow last a lot longer. Urban Decay's Primer Potion is the best eyeshadow primer I've tried to this date, however, it is also quite expensive (£16, Debenhams). I've been on the lookout for a cheaper alternative for a while, but most of the available drugstore options are very disappointing (namely, Rimmel's Undercover Shadow Primer, or L'Oreal's Color Riche Base). However, in my recent drugstore haul, I've discovered something that could be a worthy competitor - NYX's Proof It! primer (£5.50, Boots). My first impressions of it very extremely positive; plus the fact that it is over ten pounds cheaper is definitely a bonus. Today, I will compare the two primers in a little more depth, and see whether this budget-friendly alternative can hold its own against Urban Decay's renowned Primer Potion. Hope you enjoy!

The main difference to note about these two primers is the consistency. With Urban Decay's Primer Potion, the application is completely effortless. It's very lightweight, and it only takes a few seconds to settle into a smooth, dry base. NYX's Proof It! primer is a lot more sticky, with a slightly more gel-like consistency. It takes a little while to dry, and it's not as smooth and easy to apply eyeshadow on top of it (and it's even more difficult to blend anything effectively). You can work around it by applying a skintone, base eyeshadow first, and then blending other shades on top of it. It's a little annoying to work with, however, it is my only major criticism of the Proof It! primer.

Both primers do an amazing job at bringing out the intensity of any eyeshadow. I love how much they can boost up the pigmentation, and they're equally as good at doing so. In terms of longevity, Urban Decay's Primer Potion makes your eyeshadow pretty much untouchable. After a full day of wear, your eye makeup will look exactly the same as it did when your first applied it. There is zero creasing or smudging - and that's saying a lot, considering that my hooded eyelids get very oily throughout the day. NYX's Proof It! is almost as good as the Primer Potion - it certainly offers great value for money. After about eight to ten hours, the eyeshadow slightly loses its intensity, and there is some visible creasing. It is still the best lasting power I've seen in a drugstore primer, and it certainly gives Urban Decay a good run for its money.

Primers tested with a high-end eyeshadow (Chanel's Les 4 Ombres). As you can see, it doesn't look too impressive on its own, but both primers do an equally brilliant job at boosting up the pigmentation. 

Tested with a drugstore eyeshadow (the azure shade from L'Oreal's La Palette Glam eyeshadow palette). Here you can see the slight patchiness I was talking about earlier, when using NYX's Proof It! The eyeshadow has almost no pigmentation on its own. 

Last, but not least, Urban Decay's Primer Potion offers a variety of shades, whereas NYX's Proof It! primer comes in only one version. Personally, I tend to stick to the original, but there are also Eden, Sin and Greed, which are tinted and offer both matte and shimmery finishes. Both Proof It! and Primer Potion come with a 'doe foot' applicator, and both are very efficient and will last you a long time, even if used on a daily basis.

Overall, I think that whilst Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a far superior product, NYX's Proof It! is still one of the best, budget-friendly alternatives I've ever come across. The only thing I dislike about Proof It! is the sticky consistency, which makes it difficult to evenly apply and blend the eyeshadows. It is still a brilliant primer, especially considering the low price. Going forward, I will most likely stick to purchasing the Primer Potion, but I would wholeheartedly recommend NYX's Proof It! as a budget-friendly alternative. Personally, I don't mind spending a little more on a top quality primer - it's a worthy investment, and one you'd only have to make once every few months. However, if you want something that's super affordable, or perhaps you're just starting out with makeup and don't want to spend too much money expensive products - I'd wholeheartedly recommend Proof It! as a worthy alternative.

Do you use eyeshadow primers? What is your favourite? 

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