Lately, I have been on a mission to find more affordable products that perform similarly to the big name brands. Admittedly, I do not have the greatest luck with drugstore cosmetics, in my experience they do not perform as well as higher-end brands. However, when a spanking new 10 foot NYX Cosmetics display was unveiled at my local Bed, Bath and Beyond, my attention was immediately drawn to the NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer ($6.99 USD/7ml). This affordable little marvel has managed to kick my high-end primer to the curb. 🙂
The Pros to NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer:
- Small amount needed to create a smooth, clear waterproof canvas.
- Eyeshadows bond instantly to the primer.
- Eyeshadow colors are more vibrant without any fading throughout the day.
- Drier texture is ideal for oiler lids and hot/humid weather conditions.
- Skin does not feel dry or tight.
- Truly waterproof–eyeshadows remain intact even under extreme dampened conditions (see below).
- Removes easily at night with any eye makeup remover.
- Small container is compact and can be stored anywhere.
- Amount/price ratio is unbeatable for the quality.
- Outer packaging is well thought out with clearly displayed directions.
- Available from various online and local retailers.
- Formulated without parabens, mineral oil or fragrance.
- Made in Taiwan.
The Cons to NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer:
- Feels tacky and heavy if too much product is applied to the skin–less is more people!
- Eyeshadows can appear patchy and creasing will occur if the primer is not given sufficient time to dry.
- Due to the drier texture, matte eyeshadows are prone to “drag” if one is heavy-handed with their application.
- Dispensing the right amount of product is crucial with this primer. I prefer to utilize only the amount that comes out on the applicator head for each eye. Using my ring finger, I spread the product out in a thin layer across the entire eye area and under the lash line. IMHO, the end results are compromised if too much product is applied–this is a case of less is best.
- Another important point is to let the primer dry/set on the skin before eyeshadow application. Again, this is were the bad reviews come into play; the directions clearly state to let the product “dry for a bit”. Despite this ambiguous term, I found 1-2 minutes is more than sufficient for the primer to set. If you do not possesses the patience for this step, then this primer is not for you.
- Matte shadows are notoriously difficult to blend-out when paired with drier eyeshadow primers. To combat this issue, simply apply a flesh colored eyeshadow across the lid after the primer has set–this method significantly reduces eyeshadow drag. However, a light hand paired with a soft brush usually results in the smoothest outcome.
- For this look, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Vulcano was applied thickly along the lash line and blended upward. MUFE M-510 was applied on the rest of the mobile lid and brow bone with MAC Uninterrupted in the crease. The look lasted a full 12 hours in perfect condition.

NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer used with Kjaer Weis Magnetic and Divine natural/ organic formulated eyeshadows.
- If you are one to favor natural/organic eyeshadow brands, NYX Proof-It works beautifully with these formulas as well. For the above photo, Kjaer Weis Magnetic Eyeshadow was applied to the mobile lid and crease with Kjear Weis Divine Eyeshadow on the outer corner. The underlying golden pearl in Magnetic became evident over Proof-It–gorgeous!! This look stayed true for 10 hours (longer if I hadn’t remove it).
- If you are one to favor metallic/shimmery shadows, NYX Proof-It also worked beautifully with ColourPop’s So Quiche Eyeshadow (review coming soon). The insanely abundant pink shimmer in this shadow was out in full force (sadly my camera was unable to capture the pink shimmer). This look stayed true for a full 10 hours (longer if I hadn’t removed it). BTW, MAC Uninterrupted in the crease area never looked so good. 🙂
- Should you favor a minimal look, NYX Proof-It worked beautifully to create a smooth canvas for my Guerlain Powder Foundation on the mobile lid with MAC Uninterrupted mixed with Sweet As Cocoa in the crease.

Eyeshadow Swatches over NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer L-R:
Burberry Pale Barley, ColourPop So Quiche, Giorgio Armani Vulcano, Kjaer Weis Magnetic and Prestige Wicked.

Eyeshadow Swatches over NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer under warm running water L-R:
Burberry Pale Barley, ColourPop So Quiche, Giorgio Armani Vulcano, Kjaer Weis Magnetic and Prestige Wicked.

Eyeshadow Swatches over NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer under warm running water for 5 minutes L-R:
Burberry Pale Barley, ColourPop So Quiche, Giorgio Armani Vulcano, Kjaer Weis Magnetic and Prestige Wicked.
- A variety of eyeshadow textures and brands ranging from inexpensive to high-end, held up remarkably well over NYX Proof-It. In the above photos, all the eyeshadows were subjected to warm running water for 5 minutes; notice how vibrant and undisturbed all the colors remained. I believe the waterproof claim is totally justified!!
- Burberry Pale Barley ($29 USD): Rich satin golden taupe
- ColourPop So Quiche ($5 USD): Metallic taupe with pink shimmer
- Giorgio Armani Vulcano ($32 USD): Rich matte aubergine
- Kjaer Weis Magnetic ($27 USD refill): Natural/Organic brown with light golden pearl
- Prestige Wicked ($8.50 USD): Warm Brown with gold pearl
**NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer can be found at Amazon.com, Target, Ulta, and anywhere NYX Cosmetics are sold.**
THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?
Makeup would tell you NYX Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer has officially replaced my Nars Primer–$7 as opposed to $25–need I say more? Until next time, be well, stay safe and be happy.
-Maria
*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.