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 settling into fine lines or feeling too heavy on the skin. The formula is light and has a texture that is almost like a serum. It goes on smoothly without any bumps or uneven patches. The texture is a little sticky, but not too sticky, which helps keep eye shadow in place all day. The Original colour is a sheer, see-through beige. Eden has a matte beige finish, and Sin has a pale champagne shimmer. There is also an anti-aging version for older skin that has brown algae and plumping peptides in it. This primer is great for almost anyone who wants to make their eye makeup last longer.
Urban Decay Primer That Locks Colour All Day: Best Overall Performance
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 easy to blend on the delicate eyelid area. It will lock your eye makeup into place for eight hours and contains hyaluronic acid to add moisture & create a blurred effect on the lid. It also has blue agave in it for a better grip, and niacinamide and aloe for extra moisture. Bell even says to use it under your eyes to keep concealer from creasing. This item really does have a lot of uses.
Ideal for Mature Lids: Milk Hydro Grip for Smooth, Crease-Free Wear
Why it’s worth it: This Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of Bell’s top picks & delivers quality that exceeds its affordable price. The formula feels light on your skin and spreads easily within seconds so anyone can apply it without trouble. You can pick from four natural-looking colours that work so well that you could use them as cream eyeshadow on their own. These shades help hide visible veins & uneven skin tone while creating a smooth surface on your eyelids. The primer contains vitamin E which keeps your eyelids moisturized throughout the day and prevents that unpleasant dry and flaky appearance.
Daily Collagen Broth Rituals That Gradually Improve Skin Hydration Firmness and Elasticity Naturally
Top Budget-Friendly Choice: NYX Primer That Delivers Pro Results
Why it’s worth it: Nars’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a behind-the-scenes product that improves every eye look. The sheer formula vanishes on contact and creates a light layer that you barely notice. New York City makeup artist Nick Barose told Allure that he loves how it grips without feeling heavy or interfering with any shadow he applies on top. He added that it has been his favorite for decades because it just lets the color shine. The formula contains rice extract and sea whip extract that help hydrate and protect the delicate eye area. It wears more like skin care than traditional makeup and does not cause dryness. This primer quietly does all the work if you want longer wear and cleaner blending with shadow that truly pops.
Perfect for Dry Eyelids: NARS Base That Prevents Flaking and Fading
Why it’s worth it: If you own a Too Faced palette then you probably need the brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer to make those eyeshadows perform better. The formula contains oil-absorbing silica that reduces shine and keeps your eyelids smooth throughout the day. The silky texture has no color & works with any skin tone while creating a base that helps eyeshadow stick properly. This means you get brighter colors that blend more easily & stay on longer. The waterproof formula resists fading and smudging even when it’s humid or raining outside. The brand claims it lasts 24 hours but we found it worked well for 12-hour days which is still impressive.
Go-To for Oily Lids: Too Faced Primer with 24-Hour Oil Control
Why it’s worth it: The Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer comes in two shades and works great for evening out skin tone on your eyelids. The light blue version helps hide purple and pink tones that show up as redness or visible veins. The peach version brightens dull skin and makes it look more awake. After you put it on your eyelids look smooth and even. It also helps your eyeshadow stay in place all day whether you use powder or cream formulas. This primer also takes care of your skin while you wear it. It has aloe to calm & add moisture. Lanolin acid keeps that moisture locked in. Safflower seed oil feeds your skin with nutrients but feels lightweight and comfortable.
