When it comes to eyeshadow, a good eye primer is key. It can make shadows look more vibrant, can help them stay in place, and can help your look last for a long time without wearing off or creasing. I don’t go a day without using eye primer, even when I’m not wearing eyeshadow. I find that it balances the color of my eyelids to match the rest of my face and makes them look less oily. I’ve compiled a list of 8 of the best eye primers that will keep your eyeshadows in place and strong throughout the day.
UPDATE (Nov. 2024): Many of these products are no longer available. I have included info and links to replacements from the brands, if applicable. They are all still worth checking out for your eye primer needs!
8 Best Eye Primers that Keep Eyeshadow in Place
1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
One of the most talked about eye primers and one of the best (in my opinion)! With this primer, eyeshadows show up more vibrant and stay crease-free for up to 24 hours. It also comes in different formulas that can be used with various eyeshadow finishes. Since the packaging switched to a squeeze tube, there’s nothing to dislike about this product. Ok, maybe the price. Other than that, nothing! Find it here.
2. e.l.f. Eye Primer & Liner Sealer
The cheapest one of this list! This product is dual-ended and multipurpose. One side has an eye primer and the other side has an eyeliner brush with liquid that transforms your eyeshadows to become a waterproof liquid liner. It might sound too good to be true, especially at such a low price, but most people love this one!
Update: This product is no longer available. Instead, e.l.f. has the Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer now. It’s vegan and cruelty free and keeps your eyeshadow looking its best for a small price.
3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Another widely popular primer that intensifies color and ensures that shadows remain crease-free and fade-free for up to 24 hours. It’s offered at the same price as the Urban Decay one and pretty similar. It just doesn’t come in different formulas nor does it have an applicator like UD does, but it shouldn’t be overlooked because it’s still a great primer! Find it here.
4. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
This primer comes in a universal color that can go under shadow for a long-lasting look, or it can be applied to the eyelid alone for a nude look. It also contains ingredients for moisture and skin-smoothing benefits. Smashbox is always a reliable brand, so I don’t doubt that this is a good primer, especially considering the amount of positive reviews it has.
Update: Smashbox’s once popular primer has been upgraded to the Photo Finish Intensify 24 Hour Shadow Primer, which has 24 hour staying power and actually strengthens skin.
5. NYX HD Eyeshadow Base
Another inexpensive primer that people say is amazing for the price and apparently a great option for oily lids. Some even say it’s comparable to Urban Decay and Too Faced primers! Like the others, it prevents creasing and intensifies color vibrancy. It would be silly not to give this one a try!
Update: NYX now offers their Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer to give your lids the perfect base for both eyeshadow and liner. It comes in 4 skin-adapting shades.
6. Kat Von D Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer
This primer is unique in that it primes eyelids by skintone. There are 5 different shades to choose from. It neutralizes lids, targeting discoloration and smoothing imperfections. You get intense color payoff with no creasing or fading for 16 hours! This one might win the award for “most intriguing” of the bunch…… alongside the e.l.f. Primer & Liner Sealer of course.
Update: Kat Von D has been rebranded to KVD Beauty and doesn’t currently offer an eye primer.
7. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer
One more affordable primer to add to the list! This Wet n Wild primer dries clear and keeps eyelids matte while keeping shadows in place all day. People with oily lids adore this primer and can’t get enough of it!
Update: Wet n Wild has replaced this primer with the Megalast Eyeshadow Primer, which is a creamy primer that dries clear and provides up to 16 hours of wear.
8. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
A lightweight primer that keeps cream and powder colors looking great all day. It extends the wear of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and even eyebrow pencils! Colors will remain vibrant, smudge-free, and crease-free. Who could ever go wrong with NARS?! Find it here.
I hope you’ve added a few of these primers to your shopping list and learned what an eye primer can do for you. If you haven’t been using one, now is a great time to start! You’ll see what a difference they make. Bookmark this page so you can refer to it later when you’re shopping for a new primer!
Let’s discuss!
Do you use eye primer every time you create an eyeshadow look?
Comment below to join the discussion!
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