Eye shadow primers are crucial for ensuring your makeup stays flawless all day. A good primer enhances your eye shadow’s vibrancy, helps it blend seamlessly, and prevents creasing or fading. Think of it as prepping your eyelids for makeup application. Modern formulations do more than just lock in color—they also smooth texture, balance skin tone, and offer added benefits like moisture and shine control. For those with fine lines or a desire for longer-lasting shimmer, the right primer can make all the difference. Continue reading for our top recommendations, curated by Allure editors and makeup artists, proving that great eye makeup starts with the perfect base.
6 Best Eye Shadow Primers
Editor’s Picks: Top Eye Shadow Primers That Deliver
Why it’s worth it: Urban Decay’s Eye Primer Potion has long been a favorite among both editors and makeup artists. According to Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher, its enduring popularity is due to its ability to make eye shadow last longer without settling into fine lines. The lightweight formula, which feels almost like a serum, spreads smoothly and evenly without clumping. It has a slight tackiness that keeps eye shadow in place throughout the day. The Original shade is a translucent beige, while Eden offers a matte beige finish, and Sin provides a pale champagne shimmer. There’s also an anti-aging version with plumping peptides and brown algae, perfect for mature skin. This primer is a go-to for anyone looking to enhance the longevity of their eye makeup.
Best Overall Performance: Urban Decay Primer for All-Day Color
Why it’s worth it: Milk’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer is a totally invisible formula that works like double-sided tape for your eye shadow. Pittsburgh makeup artist Patty Bell explains that its lightweight, thin texture blends effortlessly on the delicate eyelid area, making it ideal for long-lasting wear. The primer locks makeup in place for up to eight hours, with hyaluronic acid providing moisture and a blurred effect. Additionally, blue agave helps create a great grip, while niacinamide and aloe offer extra hydration. Bell even recommends using it under the eyes to prevent concealer from creasing. This multi-purpose primer truly excels.
Perfect for Mature Lids: Milk Hydro Grip for Smooth, Crease-Free Application
Why it’s worth it: The Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is a standout pick from Patty Bell. Despite its affordable price, it outperforms many higher-end products. The lightweight formula spreads quickly and easily, making it simple to apply. Choose from four natural-looking shades that not only serve as a primer but also work as cream eyeshadows. These shades help conceal veins and uneven skin tone while creating a smooth base for your eye makeup. Enriched with vitamin E, it keeps your eyelids moisturized all day, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Top Budget-Friendly Pick: NYX Primer That Outperforms Expectations
Why it’s worth it: Nars’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a behind-the-scenes staple that elevates any eye look. The sheer formula blends seamlessly, creating an almost invisible layer that’s perfect for long-lasting wear. New York City makeup artist Nick Barose told Allure that this primer has been his favorite for decades because it lets the color shine without feeling heavy. The formula contains rice extract and sea whip extract to hydrate and protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Unlike traditional makeup primers, this product feels more like skincare, ensuring a smooth, clean finish that enhances the wear of your eye shadow.
Ideal for Dry Eyelids: NARS Primer That Prevents Fading and Flaking
Why it’s worth it: If you own a Too Faced eyeshadow palette, you’ll want to pair it with their Shadow Insurance Eye Primer. The formula contains oil-absorbing silica that reduces shine, keeping your eyelids smooth and dry throughout the day. The silky texture is universally flattering and creates a perfect base for any eye shadow. It helps colors appear brighter, blend more easily, and last longer. The waterproof formula resists fading and smudging, even in humid or rainy conditions. While Too Faced claims it lasts 24 hours, our testing shows it performs exceptionally well for 12-hour days.
Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Primer with 24-Hour Oil Control
Why it’s worth it: Laura Mercier’s Eye Basics Primer comes in two shades and is perfect for evening out your eyelid’s skin tone. The light blue version neutralizes purple and pink tones, while the peach version brightens dull skin and gives a more awake appearance. This primer not only smooths your eyelids, but it also ensures that your eye shadow stays in place all day, whether you’re using powder or cream formulas. Plus, it has skin-loving ingredients like aloe to calm and hydrate, lanolin acid to lock in moisture, and safflower seed oil to nourish your skin without feeling heavy.
