Money from stores or from buying things through these links. The best eye shadow primers can make the difference between your makeup staying perfect all day and fading away before lunch. One application makes your eye shadow colors look brighter and helps them blend better without creasing or fading. Think of it as getting your eyelids ready for makeup. New formulas do more than just keep color in place. They help with things like shine control and moisture while also smoothing out texture and evening out skin tone. The right primer can make a big difference if you have fine lines around your eyes or want your shimmer to look brighter and last all day. Allure editors and makeup artists have some great tips for you. They say that the best eye makeup starts with what you put on before the shadow.
Eye Shadow Primers That Really Work: Editor’s Picks
Why it’s worth it: Editors and makeup artists have loved the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion for years. Natalie Dresher, a makeup artist from Miami who has talked to Allure before, says the reason is simple. It keeps eye shadow from fading or getting too heavy on the skin, and it doesn’t settle into fine lines. The formula is light and has a texture that feels like a serum. It spreads evenly and doesn’t leave any bumps or patches. The texture is a little sticky, but not too sticky, which helps keep eye shadow in place all day. The Original shade is a sheer, see-through beige, Eden is a matte beige, and Sin is a pale champagne shimmer. There is also an anti-aging version for older skin that has plumping peptides and brown algae in it. This primer is great for almost anyone who wants to make their eye makeup last longer.
Best Overall Performance: Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Color All Day
Why it’s worth it: Milk’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer is completely clear and works like double-sided tape for eye shadow without settling into fine lines. Patty Bell, a makeup artist from Pittsburgh, says that it has a thinner formula that makes it easier to blend on the delicate eyelid area. It will keep your eye makeup in place for eight hours and has hyaluronic acid in it to add moisture and make the lid look blurry. The primer has blue agave in it to help it stick and niacinamide and aloe to keep your skin hydrated. Bell even says to put it under your eyes to keep concealer from creasing. This item really does a lot of things.
Why it’s worth it:
Bell loves this Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer, and the quality is better than the low price. The formula is light on your skin and spreads quickly, so anyone can use it without any problems. You can pick from four natural-looking colors that work so well that you could wear them as cream eyeshadow on their own. These colors make your eyelids look smooth and hide veins and uneven skin tone. Vitamin E in the primer keeps your eyelids moist all day and stops them from looking dry and flaky.
Best Budget-Friendly Choice: NYX Primer That Gives Professional Results
Why it’s worth it: Nars’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a secret product that makes every eye look better. The sheer formula disappears as soon as you touch it and leaves a thin layer that you can barely see. Nick Barose, a makeup artist from New York City, told Allure that he loves how it holds without being heavy or getting in the way of any shadow he puts on top. He said that it has been his favorite for a long time because it lets the color shine. Rice extract and sea whip extract are in the formula. They help keep the delicate skin around the eyes hydrated and safe. It feels more like skin care than regular makeup and doesn’t make your skin dry. If you want your makeup to last longer and blend more smoothly with shadow that really stands out, this primer does all the work for you.
NARS Base That Stops Flaking and Fading: Great for Dry Eyelids
Why it’s worth it: You probably need Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer if you have a Too Faced palette. It will help the eyeshadows work better. The formula has silica that absorbs oil, which makes your eyelids less shiny and keeps them smooth all day. The smooth texture is clear and works with all skin tones. It also makes a base that helps eyeshadow stay on. This means that the colors are brighter, mix better, and last longer. Even when it’s wet or humid outside, the waterproof formula won’t fade or smudge. The brand says it lasts 24 hours, but we found that it worked well for 12-hour days, which is still impressive.
Too Faced Primer with 24-Hour Oil Control is the best for oily lids.
Why it’s worth it: There are two colors of the Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer, and it works well to even out the color of your eyelids. The light blue version helps cover up purple and pink tones that look like redness or veins. The peach version makes dull skin look brighter and more awake. Your eyelids look smooth and even after you put it on. It also helps your eyeshadow stay in place all day, no matter if you use powder or cream. While you wear this primer, it also takes care of your skin. It has aloe in it to calm and add moisture. Lanolin acid keeps the moisture from getting out. Safflower seed oil is light and comfortable on the skin, and it also gives it nutrients.
