compensation from retailers or from purchases of products through these links. The best eye shadow primers can determine whether your makeup stays perfect or disappears before lunch. A single application helps your eye shadow show more vibrant color & blend more smoothly without creasing or fading. Consider it as preparing your eyelids for makeup application. Modern formulas do more than keep color in place. They smooth out texture & balance skin tone while providing benefits like moisture or shine control. If you have fine lines near your eyes or want your shimmer to look brighter and last through the day the right primer makes a difference. Continue reading for recommendations from Allure editors and makeup artists that show great eye makeup begins with what you apply before the shadow.
Editor’s Picks: Eye Shadow Primers That Truly Perform
Why it’s worth it: The Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion has been a favorite among editors and makeup artists for years. The reason is simple according to Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher who previously spoke to Allure. It makes eye shadow last longer without gathering in fine lines or feeling too heavy on the skin. The formula is lightweight with an almost serum-like texture that spreads smoothly without any buildup or uneven patches. The texture is slightly tacky but not overly sticky which helps keep eye shadow in place throughout the day. The Original shade is a sheer translucent beige while Eden offers a matte beige finish and Sin provides a pale champagne shimmer. There is also an anti-aging version designed for mature skin that includes plumping peptides & brown algae. This primer works well for just about anyone looking to improve their eye makeup wear.
Best Overall Performance: Urban Decay Primer That Locks Color All Day
Why it’s worth it: Milk’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer is completely invisible and works like double-sided tape for eye shadow without settling into fine lines. Pittsburgh makeup artist Patty Bell explains 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. The primer is also made with blue agave for great grip and includes niacinamide and aloe for extra hydration. Bell even recommends using it under the eyes to help prevent concealer from creasing. This product truly serves multiple purposes.
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 choose from four natural-looking shades that work so well you could wear them alone as cream eyeshadow. 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.
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.
