This article may be sponsored by retailers or purchases made via specific product links. The best primers for eye shadow can either make your makeup look fresh all day or fade before lunch. Eye shadow looks brighter, blends better, and doesn’t crease or fade after just one application when a good primer is used. Think of it as preparing your eyelids for makeup. The formulas of today do more than just hold. They add benefits like hydration or oil control, smooth out the skin, and balance out skin tone. The appearance of fine lines and shimmering shades around your eyes can be totally altered with the correct primer. These choices have been accepted by both artists and editors. They demonstrate that applying eye makeup properly begins before applying shadow.

Some of the editor’s favourite eye shadow primers are those that actually work.
For many years, editors and makeup artists have depended on the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion. It helps eye shadow last longer without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy, according to Miami makeup artist Natalie Dresher, who has previously spoken with Allure. The light formula applies smoothly without clumping or patchiness and has a texture that is similar to a serum. Because of its slightly sticky texture, the shadow remains in place throughout the day without becoming sticky. Eden is a matte beige, Sin is a delicate champagne shimmer, and the Original shade is a sheer, see-through beige. Additionally, there is an anti-aging version designed for older skin that contains plumping peptides and brown algae. Almost anyone who wants to extend the wear of their eye makeup can benefit from this primer.
Why It Stands Out: The Greatest All-Day Hold Urban Decay Primer That Preserves Colour
Without settling into fine lines, the Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer applies clear and functions similarly to double-sided tape for eye shadow. Its thinner consistency makes it easy to blend over the sensitive area around the eyes, according to Pittsburgh makeup artist Patty Bell. Up to eight hours after application, it maintains eye makeup in place. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, which adds moisture and gives the finish a soft, blurry appearance. Additionally, it contains aloe and niacinamide for added moisture and blue agave for grip. It’s a very helpful product; Bell even claims that you can use it under your eyes to help prevent concealer from creasing.
The Best Low-Cost Option: NYX Primer That Performs Like a Pro
Because it’s affordable and performs better than you might anticipate for the price, Bell adores the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer. Anyone can use the formula because it is quick to spread and gentle on the skin. There are four natural-looking shades that can be worn alone as a light cream eyeshadow. These hues help conceal visible veins and balance out your skin tone. Because of the vitamin E in the primer, eyelids stay hydrated throughout the day and are less likely to become flaky or dry.
In addition to being easy to use, some of these eye shadow primers also cater to specific needs.
An essential component of any eye look that is applied behind the scenes is the NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. As soon as the sheer formula comes into contact with the skin, it vanishes, leaving only a thin layer. “I like how it holds shadow without feeling heavy or changing the colour that is put on top,” New York City makeup artist Nick Barose told Allure. He claims that because it really brings out the colour, it has been his favourite for decades. Sea whip and rice extracts are included in the formula to help protect and moisturise the sensitive skin around the eyes. In addition to making your makeup last longer and blend better, it doesn’t dry out your skin and feels more like skincare than traditional makeup.
| Brand | Primer Type | Best For | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Decay | Eye Primer Potion | Long-lasting hold | Plumping peptides, brown algae |
| Milk | Hydro Grip Eye Primer | Hydration & grip | Hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide |
| NYX | Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer | Affordable & hydrating | Vitamin E |
| NARS | Pro-Prime Smudge Proof | Colour boost & longevity | Sea whip, rice extracts |
