Money from stores or from buying things through these links. The best eye shadow primers can make sure your makeup stays perfect all day or makes it disappear before lunch. A single application makes your eye shadow look brighter, blend better, and last longer without creasing or fading. Think of it as getting your eyelids ready for makeup. Modern formulas do more than just keep color in place. They even out skin tone and texture while giving benefits like controlling shine or moisture. 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. If you want to know how to do great eye makeup, keep reading for tips from Allure editors and makeup artists. They say that what you put on before the shadow is very important.
The 6 Best Eye Shadow Primers
Eye Shadow Primers That Really Work: Editor’s Picks
Best Overall Performance: Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Color All Day
Why it’s worth it: Editors and makeup artists have loved the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion for years. Natalie Dresher, a Miami-based makeup artist 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 like a serum that spreads easily without any bumps or uneven spots. The texture is a little sticky, but not too sticky, which helps the eye shadow stay in place all day. The Original shade 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 everyone who wants to make their eye makeup last longer.
Best Overall Performance: Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Color All Day
Best for Older Lids: Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer
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 in Pittsburgh, says that it has a thinner formula that makes it easy to blend on the sensitive eyelid area. It has hyaluronic acid in it to add moisture and make the lid look blurry. It will keep your eye makeup in place for eight hours. Blue agave gives the primer a good grip, and niacinamide and aloe add extra moisture. Bell even says to use it under the eyes to keep concealer from creasing. This product really does a lot of things.
Use simple lamination techniques at home to get fuller, thicker brows.
Use simple lamination methods at home to get fuller, thicker brows.
Best Budget Option: NYX Primer That Works Like a Pro
Why it’s worth it: Bell says that this Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of their top picks because it works better than its low price. The formula is light on your skin and spreads out quickly, so anyone can use it without any problems. You can pick from four natural-looking colors that work so well that you could use them as cream eyeshadow on their own. These colors help cover up veins and uneven skin tone while making your eyelids look smooth. The primer has vitamin E in it, which keeps your eyelids from getting dry and flaky all day.
Targeted yoga poses quickly ease hip stiffness from sitting.
Targeted yoga poses can quickly relieve hip stiffness from sitting.
Best for Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Why it’s worth it: Nars’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a product that makes every eye look better from behind the scenes. The sheer formula disappears as soon as it touches your skin, leaving a light layer that you can’t see. Nick Barose, a makeup artist in New York City, told Allure that he likes how it holds without feeling heavy or getting in the way of any shadow he puts on top. He said that it has been his favorite for decades because it lets the color shine. The formula has rice and sea whip extracts that 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 better with shadow that really pops, this primer does all the work for you.
Trainers Say the Right Form for Squatting After 40 Keeps You Safe and Builds Strength
How to Squat Safely After 40: Trainers Say the Right Form Keeps You Safe and Builds Strength
Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer
Why it’s worth it: You probably need the brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer if you have a Too Faced palette. It will help those eyeshadows work better. Silica in the formula absorbs oil, which makes your eyelids less shiny and keeps them smooth all day. The smooth texture has no color 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 humid or raining 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.
The Sheer Stockings Nail Trend Is Back, and It Gives You a Polished Look Like Old-Fashioned Hosiery
The Sheer Stockings Nail Trend Is Back, Giving You a Polished Look Like Classic Hosiery
Best for Evening Out the Skin Tone: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer
Why it’s worth it: The Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer comes in two colors and is great for making the skin on your eyelids look even. 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 will look smooth and even after you put it on. It also keeps your eyeshadow 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 soothe and add moisture. Lanolin acid keeps the moisture in. Safflower seed oil is good for your skin and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.
