Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $26

THE SKINNY: I have tried primers for almost everything, but none made my under-eye area look as good as Benefit's Stay Don't Stray Primer for concealers and shadows. The formula is designed for use on your eyelids under shadow and under your eyes to help hide circles and darkness.

While it did help my shadow stick and hold all day, I experienced an odd side effect that I have not had with other primers -- my two-tone eyeshadow effect merged into one single shade. It did not necessarily smudge but after only and hour or so, I had a totally new makeup look.

But it worked fantastically under my eyes. I have not tried another product that worked so well. I tend to have light circles and they vanished. And stayed gone all day long.

The Benefit formula goes on incredibly smooth and will last forever. You only need a dab to do the trick. It is a little thicker than other primers but does not cake or flake. I did not actually see any reason to use another concealer while testing Benefit's Stay Don't Stray.

The formula only comes in one color, which is a little worrisome. My test packet worked just fine on my somewhat fair skin, but I might be a little concerned about using it on darker skin tones.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I loved the under-eye coverage. I might just use another product on my lids before applying shadow.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out application tips and a video all-day test of the Benefit product on the company website.

-- Tested by Carrie