If you ask any makeup artist, they'll likely tell you primer is seriously key. Whether you're using it as a base for your foundation or on your lids, it can make all the difference in your look. Although it can be an amazing product that helps grip your makeup so it stays in place, it can also feel a tad unnecessary if you like to keep it simple.
If that sounds like you, I'll let you in on a little secret: Concealer can often work just as well and might even save you a few bucks. It's my go-to for everyday use and never lets me down, but I do still reach for the occasional eye primer when my lids are being extra uncooperative. Whichever method you prefer, I've gathered some intel for you about which formulas are worth buying. With a little help from a celebrity makeup artist, I'm sharing all the details below. Keep reading—there are plenty of good recs ahead.
Do Eye Shadow Primers Really Work?
Eye shadow primer is another makeup product that seems to spark heated debates among makeup artists. Some swear by it, while others say concealer works just as well. Personally, I've used and loved both but actually prefer using concealer. Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay, however, also makes a strong argument for the use of an eye shadow primer.
"Eye primers are necessary to create long-lasting shadow looks that can also help get the most color payoff out of your palettes," she says. "While some artists prefer straight-up concealer, I tend to opt for a primer instead. One of my favorite primers would have to be MAC's Paint Pot Cream in Soft Ochre. It's a pale-yellow eye base that is full coverage, helping to cover any discoloration or periorbital veins for an even canvas."
Do you absolutely need a primer? No, you don't. But it can be extremely useful if you have eyelids that tend to turn into an oil slick after a few hours or you struggle to achieve that high pigment payoff you're looking for when doing a vibrant eye shadow look. There are definitely formulas on the market that work well for this and keep your eye shadow in place all day. If you're looking for a solid one that won't totally break the bank and does what it says, keep scrolling for our top choice.
Best Overall Eye Shadow Primer: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Primer
Pros: Affordable, enhances eye shadow pigment, helps control excess oil production on the skinCons: NoneCustomer Review: "My eyelids are oily, and after a day of work, my eyes look like panda eyes with my eye shadow not staying in place. But using just a dab of this stuff on my eyelids, letting it dry, then brushing on my eyeshadow, it looks great!"
I have a confession to make. Once I discovered that concealer can also act as a fantastic primer, I stopped picking up most of my old priming potions and started using concealer instead. I also started using concealer because my lids can get extremely oily. It really just creates the best matte layer for eye shadow to sit on without being too heavy. Occasionally, though, I still opt for an eye shadow primer if I'm creating a brighter or more dramatic look. This primer from Elizabeth Mott happened to be a random Amazon find for me. With so many glowing reviews, I figured it was worth a shot.
First of all, it's pretty affordable compared to a lot of other eye shadow primers on the market. Second, it's definitely one of the best formulas I've tried that doesn't crease and helps immensely with lid oiliness. If you struggle with either of those things when it comes to eye shadow application, this one is definitely worth a shot. It also goes on and creates a weightless, non-greasy film and helps with any discoloration around the lid area.
I know it's hard to tell in my photos, but I wanted to show what my eye shadow looked like with primer and without it. The shadow tends to apply a bit patchier and looks less pigmented when you don't use a primer. With the primer, however, the colors adhere to the lid a lot easier and look so much more vibrant.
More of the Best Eye Shadow Primers
"An easy favorite is Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Eyeshadow Primer. Its totally invisible formula doesn't change the color of the eyelids but still hydrates skin while gripping on to pigment for all-day wear. It also doubles as a primer for concealer to prevent creasing and smudging!" — GabbayPros: Hydrates, smooths skin, prevents creasing and smudging, contains skincare ingredientsCons: Dries down slightly tackyCustomer Review: "I've been on the lookout since Sephora stopped making the cooling primer. (It was awesome.) It seems every time I really like a primer, it's only on the market for so long (Smashbox Smokey Eyes primer, Sephora Cooling…). This Milk Makeup primer is AMAZING! It's smooth, has great grip, no lines, dries fast, and lasts all day. I'm so happy. Please, please don't stop making it!"
"Another favorite would be Nars's eye primer. This formula is great for oily lids, as it's a formula that tends to be a little dry. … If you find that your primer reads ashy or too light on the lids, stipple some of your foundation over the top for a more natural finish and set with a finely milled powder." — GabbayPros: Matte finish, helps oily eyelids, maximizes color intensityCons: May not be best for dry skinCustomer Review: "As described. I have oily eyelids, and this did work. Goes on almost clear so does not leave behind any telltale signs you have applied it. Allow time to dry completely before putting on shadow and liner. Did a good job of prolonging the wear of eye makeup. No irritation. Highly recommend."
Fenty's eye primer is another great option because it helps enhance the color of your eye shadow and creates a really smooth surface for you to work on. It has some serious grip to it and, in my experience, doesn't crease.Pros: Weightless, smooths the lid for better blending and coverage, prevents creasingCons: NoneCustomer Review: "I've used many eye primers, and this one is the holy grail! I have mature skin, and without primer, I have creases in my eye shadow after a couple of hours. The key is to wash your face, apply your treatments and moisturizers, allow them to dry, and then apply this to your eyes. Allow it to completely dry and set. I usually wait a few minutes. Then, I apply a thin base coat of shadow and then do a full eye look. If you use quality products that aren’t past their prime, this works. I have zero creases, zero issues for over 16+ hours. I never have to reapply anything. I also have extremely sensitive skin, and this product works well for me with no irritation."
Milani's primer applies as a nude-colored base but dries totally invisible. It works equally as well as some of its more expensive counterparts too. Pros: Goes on nude, affordable, dries invisible, crease-proof, extends the wear of eye shadowCons: Works better on unmoisturized skinCustomer Review: "I always repurchase this primer (though a little goes a long way)! It keeps my eye shadow from creasing, keeps mascara from smudging, and never dries my eyelids out (I'm over 40). Love the sanitary squeeze tube packaging and the cute new lavender tube color. All-around a winner!"
Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a cult favorite among editors and makeup artists. Like Milani's, it goes on nude and dries to more of a translucent color. It enhances the pigment levels in your eye shadow and provides crease-free wear for up to 24 hours.Pros: Ensures vibrant, crease-free wear for up to 24 hours, makes eye shadow application smootherCons: May not work as well on oily eyelidsCustomer Review: "I have been using this product for years! My eyeshadow DOES NOT BUDGE with this! You need the tiniest amount so it lasts a long time!"
This option from Nyx is a really solid drugstore option. It's lightweight, makes the skin appear a bit smoother, and ensures no extra creasing.Pros: Affordable, works as a great primer for both eye shadow and eyeliner, available in four skin-adapting shadesCons: May not work as well on oily eyelidsCustomer Review: "This stuff works. Let it dry a bit first. Keeps my eye shadow on all day, even while I sweat. I work nights lifting heavy boxes and then go to the gym in the mornings when I get off. It holds up the entire day and night."
This Benefit formula can prep and prime for your concealer and eye shadow to help both stay fully in place.Pros: Helps to neutralize redness, can be worn alone or as an eye shadow primerCons: ExpensiveCustomer Review: "Great product! Works great as a primer. Also works great as a standalone, with no eyeshadow, just neutralizing red tones around the eye."
I know this is a concealer, but like I mentioned above, concealer really can be used in place of an eye shadow primer, and it works just as well in my experience. My go-to formula is Tarte's Shape Tape. I love being able to dot it on places I could use extra coverage on my face and then swiping it on my lids to blend out as a base for eye shadow. It's my favorite formula for both things, and it saves a bit of money if you're looking to do so.Pros: Matte formula works as a perfect eye shadow base, doesn't dry out skin, helps lock eye shadow into placeCons: Packaging is messyCustomer Review: "My friend introduced this product to me while doing my makeup and educating me on best practices. I kid you not, this is a game changer. I don't wear any foundation at all, and this concealer conceals/blends with my skin flawlessly. Highly recommend."
Rare Beauty's eye base is hydrating on the lids, so it may not be the best option for those with oilier eyelids but great for those with dry ones. The formula is creamy but dries down to a seamless, silky base.Pros: Hydrating formula, peach tint helps eye shadow color appear more vibrantCons: May not work as well on oily eyelidsCustomer Review: "New favorite. I've been a die-hard Urban Decay eye shadow primer user for years, but this is my new favorite. I'm in my late 30s, so my eyelids looking smooth/not crease-y is important. Also, I'm fair-skinned, so my lids sometimes look red. I like to use eye shadow primers both under eye shadow or instead of it just to give a natural but polished look, and this achieves it without showing any little fine lines. My eyeshadow does last all day on top of this, and my powder eyeshadows, which I had started to give up on due to eyelid texture, are back in the mix. Alone, it gives a smooth, bright eyed look. Love it!"
Thrive Causemetics may be known for the viral, extension-like mascara you've likely seen all over Instagram, but you definitely shouldn't sleep on this "age-defying" eye shadow primer which is also noted to be waterproof and resistant to annoying smudging and creasing.
Pros: boasts a unique Eye Revive Complex™ to help improve the skin's natural collagen production, it's waterproof and helps prevent creasing, and it's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and approved
Cons: could be drying
Customer review: "This primer brightens my eye lids to the extent that I don’t even need eye shadow most days! Tightens and smooths like no other primer for me ever!"
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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