payment from stores or from buying things through these links. The right eye shadow primer can make your makeup last all day or make it fade before lunch. One careful application can make your eye shadow look brighter and more even, and it can also help it last longer and not crease. You could say that you’re getting your eyelids ready for smooth makeup application. Today’s formulas do more than just last longer; they also help smooth out skin texture, even out tone, and provide benefits like hydration or oil control. It’s important to choose the right primer if you want your shimmer to stay bold all day or if you’re worried about fine lines. Below are expert-backed tips that show how to get great eye makeup by starting with the right things.
Eye shadow primers that really work are the editor’s picks.
Why it stands out: Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion is still a favourite among makeup artists and editors for a good reason. Natalie Dresher, a makeup artist from Miami, told Allure before that it makes eye shadow last longer without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy. The light formula feels almost like a serum and goes on smoothly without clumping or patching. It has just the right amount of stickiness to keep shadow in place all day. The Original shade looks sheer and see-through, Eden gives a matte beige finish, and Sin adds a soft champagne glow. There is also an anti-aging version that has brown algae and plumping peptides. This primer is good for almost anyone who wants their eye makeup to last longer.
Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Colour Locked is the best for all-day hold.
What makes it stand out: Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer goes on without showing and keeps eye shadow in place without creasing. Patty Bell, a makeup artist in Pittsburgh, says that its thin, flexible texture makes it easy to blend on thin lids. It keeps makeup in place for up to eight hours and has hyaluronic acid in it to add moisture and make the finish look soft and blurred. Blue agave gives you grip, and niacinamide and aloe help keep your skin hydrated. Bell even says to use it under the eyes to keep concealer from creasing, which means this primer can do a lot of different things.
Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer is a good choice for older lids.
What makes it stand out: NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of Bell’s favourite cheap options that works better than you’d expect for the price. The formula is light on the skin and easy to spread, so putting it on is quick and easy. It comes in four natural colours and can also be used as a light cream shadow. These colours help hide veins and even skin discolouration, making the base smooth. It has vitamin E in it, which keeps your eyelids comfortable and hydrated all day and stops them from getting dry or flaky.
Best Cheap Choice: NYX Primer That Gives Professional-Level Results
What makes it special: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base works quietly behind the scenes to make any eye look better. The sheer formula disappears right away, leaving behind a very thin layer. Nick Barose, a makeup artist in New York City, told Allure that he likes how it holds colour without feeling heavy or changing the shadow that is put on top. He has depended on it for decades because it lets colours really shine. It has rice extract and sea whip extract in it, which helps keep delicate skin hydrated and safe. It feels more like skincare than makeup.
NARS Primer That Stops Flaking Is Best for Dry Lids
What makes it stand out: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer is great for making the brand’s eye shadow palettes work better. The formula has silica that absorbs oil to keep the lid smooth and reduce shine. It has a colourless, silky feel that works on all skin tones and helps shadows stick better. The result is brighter colours, easier blending, and longer wear. It is waterproof, so it won’t fade or smudge in wet or humid weather. The brand says it lasts for 24 hours, but it works well for 12-hour days.
Too Faced Primer With Long-Lasting Control is the best for oily eyelids.
What makes it stand out: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer comes in two colours that help even out the colour of your eyelids. The light blue shade cancels out purple and pink undertones, and the peach shade makes dull areas look brighter so you look more awake. When you put it on, the lids look smooth and even, which helps both powder and cream shadows stay in place. The formula also helps keep skin comfortable by using aloe to soothe and hydrate, lanolin acid to seal in moisture, and safflower seed oil to nourish without making skin feel heavy.
Originally posted 2026-02-16 01:36:00.