Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

There’s a new player on the primer playing field, and it’s a whopper; introducing Air Patrol from Benefit, the beauty world’s first BB Cream Eyelid Primer that is meant to ‘lock on eyeshadow, protect, hydrate, and colour-correct‘ the delicate skin of your peepers. Created with an exclusive EnviroDefend Complex which includes SPF 20 in the formula, Air Patrol is your first layer of protection to guard against environmental stressors while keeping your eye makeup locked down. As an added bonus, the Cushion Calm™ tip, inspired by gel foam mattresses & pillows, makes messy finger-applications a thing of the past and is said to be even ‘softer than your pinkie‘ (it is). All that, and in a slim portable tube … gives new meaning to the Mile High Club.

Then there’s the retro-kitchy packaging that Benefit has become synonymous for – how can anyone resist that? By the way, I have to say that this brand sends along some of the most unique and innovative press packages; just take a look at the military-inspired flap bag (and ridiculously cute button-pins) that Air Patrol came with!

Amelia Earhart, first female aviator (and total bad-ass) to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (credit)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (CAN $38.00) | The slim tube with its ‘winged’ cap (seriously, though – nice touch, Benefit) has a clicking mechanism at the bottom to force the contents up & out, bearing a transparent squishy pink Cushion Calm™ tip at the top for effortless application. Unscented, this comes in one shade only – a light apricot tint – which seems to be universally flattering, although I would be curious to know if darker complexions would be able to wear this as easily.

Breakdown: To get things started you’ll need to give the tube several clicks (I estimate about 8) before the appearance of any product, but after that, anywhere between 1-2 clicks will bring up more than enough to cover both eyelids. The formula leans on the thin, but not runny, side and spreads out effortlessly along the skin.

At first glance, I was a little thrown by the colour of Air Patrol, assuming it to be much too yellow/peach tinted for my skin tone, but the formula is thin enough to melt into the skin without leaving any visible traces behind — AND provides a smooth and even-toned look to eyelids. It’s sorcery, I tell you. Now for the learning curve part; once I had brought up a bead of product (to be honest, it may have been more than that after my slightly over-vigorous clicking), I went ahead and applied Air Patrol to both eyelids and attempted to spread it out using the applicator — which resulted in a bit of a hot mess, so I then went in and smoothed things out with my finger. I assumed that the tip was just a gimmick and left it at that; after all, it’s about the results of the product, right? Still, I needed to try the tip again and see if I could make it work. Perseverance pays, because the tip is NOT a gimmick and yes, it does feel softer than my pinkie. Even better? It works. The trick is to bring up one bead and work one eyelid at a time; I begin by spreading the product all over, then using light patting motions I dab/rub everything in until it has disappeared into my skin and the tip feels almost dry (free of visible product). Of course, this take a little longer than using a finger would, but it’s fun and the slanted tip makes getting into inner eye corners – or the arch of one’s brow — easy and more effective than fingers can.

There’s an initial slight cooling sensation felt along the skin upon first application, but that quickly dissipates. With regards to the claims of Air Patrol feeling ‘calming & soothing while relieving dryness‘, I couldn’t say as I don’t have dry eyelids to begin with. Just the opposite, in fact; my eyelids are oily and absolutely need primer for any eye makeup to last. I also tested Air Patrol out using both cream and powder eye shadow formulas, and I’m so happy to report that not only does it work beautifully in the long-lasting primer category, but it does so without causing any creasing, flaking, or fading of eye makeup applied on top. Another bonus is how easily it colour-corrects eyelid tone (such as any fine but visible veins) and when worn alone, gives a refreshed look to eyes, needing nothing more than a swipe of mascara for an effortless daytime (or anytime) look. Just to sweeten the deal even further, Benefit has added SPF 20 to the formula and let’s face it, we never apply sunscreen to our eyelids, even though that area probably needs it more than anywhere else, being so thin & delicate. Never fear, Benefit has us covered.

NOTE: make sure that the applicator is clean and free of product after use, as it may dry and curst upon the tip’s surface.

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (primer detail)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (ingredients list)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer swatches

The verdict? This is one AMAZING primer. The pros are many: disappears into the skin, but still manages to colour-correct and even out your tone, can work alone, act as a base to build colour on, or ensure eye makeup stays put, offers skincare benefits as well as SPF protection. The only con, is the slightly steep price tag (why are Benefit products marked up so high here in Canada, anyway?) but after looking at all that Air Patrol provides, I say it’s still worth investing in – anything that works this well to keep my makeup in place? Must have.

Available September 2015 at Sephora locations and sephora.com Find more information via www.benefitcosmetics.com