These pots are magic. Once you get used to the correct way to apply, you won't look back. I own about 7 of these and wear them most of the week. They stay on for all heavy exercise and don't fade, smear or bleed. Micellar water takes it off, or jojoba oil - my 2 make up removers of choice. Dramatic black is my new black eyeliner for eye lid. Barely beige is good for nude look. Bronze and Champagne are nice as is with some eyeliner, or under shadows as a primer. Taupe looks like a neutral grey on me, can be made dramatic for a darker eye.
There are 2 ways to apply: Using an ELF concealer brush I pat and poke it onto the brush making sure there are no crumbs. Then swipe it into the corners and keep filling over the lid. Most of the shades perform very well like this. Deep forest I chucked out as that went smeary and didn't stay still. It's a leather variety like the taupe and dramatic black but the formula isn't as good. Or you can pat your finger into the pot and then pat it on your eyelid, giving a more blended out look. This I don't prefer for the darker shades as I find it hard to get an even shade using finger tips.
You don't need primer with these, in fact I think it stops them sticking if you use it.
Oh I do enjoy eye shadows. I quite often prefer palettes to single pots but these little gems are winners for me.
The colours are gorgeous and super long lasting.
I do apply mine with brushes as my fingers are quite large and my nails are a bit too long not to use a brush. The formula is rich and creamy and so easy to apply and really stays in place all day. I havent tested the 24 hour claim, I am way too old for that game now, however it lasts all day and that is good enough for me.