The foundation for eye shadow is your No. 1 item in the makeup bag. If you don't apply foundation under the shadows, then your makeup will last for a maximum of 2 hours and all the efforts you put into it will be wasted. With the base, the colors of the shadows will be brighter and much more stable. The NYX Eye Shadow Base is designed specifically to prepare your eyelids for applying makeup. The base smoothes the skin well and softens any wrinkles.