Retailers or purchases made through certain product links may pay for this article. The best eye shadow primers can make your makeup look fresh all day or make it fade before lunch. A good primer makes eye shadow look brighter, blend better, and stay put without creasing or fading after just one use. Consider it like getting your eyelids ready for makeup. Today’s formulas do more than just hold. They help make skin smoother, even out skin tone, and give extra benefits like hydration or oil control. If you have fine lines around your eyes or want shimmer shades to look brighter and last longer, the right primer can make a big difference. Below are some options that both editors and artists agree on. They show that great eye makeup starts before the shadow goes on.
Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion
Editors and makeup artists have been using the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion for years and it has never let them down. Natalie Dresher, a makeup artist from Miami who has talked to Allure before, says that it makes eye shadow last longer without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy. The formula is light and has a texture that is almost like a serum. It goes on smoothly without clumps or patches. It feels a little sticky, which helps the shadow stay in place all day without getting sticky. The Original shade is a sheer see through beige, Eden is a matte beige, and Sin is a soft champagne shimmer. There is also an anti aging version for older skin that has brown algae and peptides that make skin look fuller. This primer is good for almost everyone who wants to make their eye makeup last longer.
Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer
Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer goes on clear and works like double sided tape for eye shadow, but it does not settle into fine lines. Patty Bell, a makeup artist from Pittsburgh, says that its thinner texture makes it easy to blend over the delicate area around the eyes. It keeps eye makeup in place for up to eight hours after you put it on. Hyaluronic acid is in the formula to add moisture and make the finish look soft and blurred. It also has blue agave in it to help it grip, as well as niacinamide and aloe to keep it moist. Bell even says to use it under the eyes to help keep concealer from creasing, which makes it a product that can be used in many ways.
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Milk Hydro Grip is great for older eyes because it makes them smooth.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer
The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of Bells favourite cheap options because it works much better than its price. The formula is light on the skin and spreads quickly, so anyone can use it. There are four natural looking colours, and on their own, they can be used as a subtle cream eyeshadow. These colours help cover up visible veins and uneven skin tone while making a smooth base. The primer has vitamin E in it, which keeps eyelids moist all day and helps stop them from getting dry or peeling.
NYX Primer is the best cheap option that gives professional level results.
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a must have for behind the scenes work that makes every eye look better. When you touch it, the sheer formula disappears, leaving behind a very thin layer. Nick Barose, a makeup artist in New York City, told Allure that he likes how it holds shadow without feeling heavy or changing the colour on top. He says it has been his go to for decades because it makes the colour really pop. The formula has rice extract and sea whip extract in it to help keep the delicate skin around the eyes hydrated and safe. It feels more like skin care than regular makeup, and it does not dry out while making it last longer and blend better.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer
The brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer helps the colours in a Too Faced palette look their best. Silica that absorbs oil is in the formula to control shine and keep lids smooth all day. It has a smooth colourless texture that works on all skin tones and makes a good base for shadow to stick to. This makes the colours brighter, makes it easier to blend, and makes it last longer. Even when it is humid or rainy, the waterproof formula will not fade or smudge. The brand says it lasts for 24 hours, but it can easily last through 12 hour days, which is still impressive.
Too Faced Primer with long lasting control is the best for oily lids.
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Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer
You can get the Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer in two colours, and it works great for making the colour of your eyelids even. The light blue colour helps cancel out purple and pink undertones, like redness and veins that are easy to see. The peach colour makes skin that looks dull look brighter and more awake. Both powder and cream formulas keep eye shadow in place all day, and eyelids look smooth and balanced after application. The formula also helps the skin by using aloe to calm and moisturise, lanolin acid to keep moisture in, and safflower seed oil to feed the skin.
