Lunasol Eyelid Base (N) in 02 Light

Version 1.0 of Lunasol's eyelid base was my very first introduction to eyelid bases. Back then, the idea of a separate primer for the eyelids was a foreign concept. I didn't know eye bases make such difference to the finish of eye makeup until the popular Lunasol Eyelid Base (which held the top three spot in cosme.net's annual ranking for consecutive years), and there was no turning back. Would you know that the first review on the original Lunasol Eyelid Base on Makeupalley in early 2008 (has it been almost 4 years already?) was by me? : ) I've tried a few brands in between (Urban Decay; I Nuovi), but neither came close to Lunasol. I loved it then and still do so today.

The description from the brand website says:

A makeup base for eyelids that removes dullness and enhances the coloration and durability of eye shadow.
A brighter color has been added to the existing basic colors. Choose a color depending on the skin tones and the daily makeup. Contains beauty essence ingredients.

The newly revamped Lunasol Eyelid Base (N) is a tiny 2.5 g package but it packs a punch. It comes in Lunasol's signature bronze packaging. The original version contained 2.2 g of product and was available in only one shade. Now, the website shows two new shades in 01 Neutral and 02 Light. In Rustan's Kanebo counter, they also had a darker shade in 03 Dark. They are still selling the original eyelid base which comes in only one color, called simply Lunasol Eyelid Base. Note that 01 Neutral shade of the new version is not similar to sole shade available to the old version.

Product details on the back carton.

The Japanese' attention to detail: product names printed on many sides of the packaging.

Open up! The packaging has a smooth, mirror-like surface. If I remember correctly, the old version had Lunasol's ribbon detailing with a matte finish. This tiny little pan fits into my palm with a lot of space left.

The mirror installed in the pan is a very nice touch. 02 Light looks like a peachy beige.

A different angle shows the eyelid base in a brighter shade.

Above is a light swatch -- the amount I would use on one eyelid. Here the "lightness" of the shade is more apparent. It is definitely lighter and less neutral than the original version in my memory.

It blends in seamlessly with a natural highlighting effect. My eyelids look brighter and more refreshed. The trick is to use just a dab of product, because it is extremely emollient and pigmented. A little more would result to creasing, which is the opposite of what this product aims to do. With the right amount of product applied, eye shadows stay put for long and apply more vibrant and true to their colors. The best part is I truly feel the nourishing effects of this base. It is a gentle product for the delicate eye area. There is a certain moisture and slip to it which make the eyelids feel protected. This can also be used on its own just to even out skin discolorations around the eye area. I've noticed my eyelids getting darker when stressed out, and while the neutral shade of the original version worked fine with me when life was less hectic, I find shade 02 Light to suit the tired skin tone I have around the eyes now. 

As expected with Lunasol, the same shiny bronze feature extends even to the bottom part of the pan. 

The ingredients list is found above. Fans of Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faces Shadow Insurance, Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base probably wouldn't like the creamy consistency of Lunasol Eyelid Base. Similarly, I wouldn't go for the texture of the above three, which I would classify in a similar category. Simply put, Kanebo Lunasol's eyelid bases are by far the best eyeshadow base/primer I've tried.