If you’re like me, learning how to properly apply makeup that lasts has been an ongoing process. I won’t deny that the average 20-year-old who’s active on TikTok could teach me a thing or two about proper technique.
However, even I know that a good eyeshadow primer is a fundamental part of your makeup secret that can withstand weather, sweat, and work.
In its simplest form, eyeshadow primer is a product that helps to fix your eyeshadow in place, reducing fallout and preventing creasing or smudging.
When getting down to the business of rating primers, I considered a few key things: how easy it is to apply, how it feels on the skin, how well it maintains pigmentation, and how long the finished look lasts.
- My 10 Favourite Eyeshadow Primers
- 1. NARS – Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
- 2. Urban Decay – Eyeshadow Primer Potion
- 3. Laura Mercier – Eye Basics Primer
- 4. Milani – Eyeshadow Primer
- 5. NYX – Ultimate Shadow &Liner Eye Primer
- 6. Fenty Beauty – Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer
- 7. Bobbi Brown – Vitamin Enriched Eye Base
- 8. MAC – Prep + Prime 24 – Hour Extended Eye Base
- 9. Too Faced – Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer
- 10. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Mini Eye Primer
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
My 10 Favourite Eyeshadow Primers
Want to look as effortlessly well-put-together at 2 a.m. as you do in the morning? A decent eyeshadow primer is a fine place to start.
1. NARS – Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Review
NARS is a big name in beauty for very good reasons; they provide great quality products at affordable prices.
Their Smudge Proof Eyeshadow base is my top pick for those who love to wear bold, bright colours but struggle with their eyeshadow migrating or smearing.
How To Apply
To get the best from this primer, apply it directly to clean, dry lids. Don’t draw it on with the wand, but rather paint it on with a brush and then tap it lightly into the skin.
Simply apply your shadow on top of this base; build colour slowly to ensure a smooth finish.
Benefits
One stand out benefit of this primer is the colour; this is a white base that will grab and hold bright shadows while ensuring they stay true to their intended colour.
An added benefit is the antioxidant enriched formula which cares for your skin and protects it while gripping the eyeshadow.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Urban Decay – Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Review
Urban Decay is one of my all-time favourite brands; their eyeshadows and lipsticks are some of the most highly pigmented I’ve tried at this price point.
With that in mind, I went into this expecting great results from their Eyeshadow Primer Potion, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s an absolute powerhouse that is absolutely stellar for party-proof looks.
How To Apply
You really don’t need a lot of this primer to get the best results; in fact, it would be best to apply it sparingly. I found the best way is to use your finger to apply a thin layer to clean lids. Let it sit for a second, and then apply your base shade by pressing it onto the lid before blending it out.
Benefits
There are many benefits of this primer, but I’ll give you the most notable: it’s lightweight and creamy, PETA-certified as cruelty-free, and really locks down shadows to prevent fallout, creasing, and fading.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Laura Mercier – Eye Basics Primer
Review
Mature skin has different needs than young skin, there’s no denying that. Laura Mercier is a well-loved brand, and their products are perfect for mature or sensitive skin.
The Eye Basics Primer is versatile, lightweight, and nourishing; it provides a smooth, creamy base that feels like a second skin and keeps everything exactly where it’s supposed to be.
How To Apply
Apply to dry, clean lids in a single swipe, then blend out the primer with a clean brush or your fingers before adding eyeshadow directly to the top of the primer. Brush away fallout before applying your foundation to ensure a clean finish.
Benefits
My favourite thing about this primer is the shade range; there’s a peachy shade to brighten the lids and correct sallow-looking skin.
This shade can actually be used as a kind of foundation for the eyes, making “no makeup” look a little easier to achieve. There’s also a mid-tone blue primer that corrects redness, making it perfect for neutral eyeshadow looks.
Also Read: 6 Radiance-Boosting Decleor Skincare Products
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Milani – Eyeshadow Primer
Review
Milani may be the Queen of soft glam looks, so it’s no surprise that one of their products is on this list.
Their Eyeshadow Primer may be basic, but it’s effective; the formula is creamy and has a soft, matte, nude finish that ensures the shadow stays put without creasing or smudging.
How To Apply
I find it best to apply two thin layers of this primer with a clean finger, pressing it in gently; the only downside is that it’s not as robust as the other options on this list (which is reflected in the price) so two layers are needed. Let these layers dry for twenty seconds or so then apply your eyeshadow.
Benefits
The fact that this primer dries down to a nude, invisible finish makes it a real powerhouse of a product; it doesn’t mess with the colour of any pigment you apply, and it keeps it right where you want it to be.
Also Read: 10 Best Sisley Anti-Ageing Skincare Products
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. NYX – Ultimate Shadow &Liner Eye Primer
Review
NYX needs no introduction; they’re the pinnacle of budget-friendly glam for most people, and their products are renowned for their versatility. Their Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer is a perfect example of this versatility.
How To Apply
Apply directly to clean lids and pat in gently before adding your chosen eyeshadow. I recommend gently patting a translucent powder onto the finished look to make it a little more robust, but this is optional.
Benefits
Why try this primer? Well, firstly, they have shades to suit different skin tones; granted, their range isn’t fantastic, but it is helpful as you can get a shade that’s closer to your skin tone than the average white or beige primer.
Infused with vitamin E, this is a nourishing primer that’s very good at preventing creasing, but it can start to smudge in the heat.
Also Read: 6 Best Elizabeth Arden Capsules Reviewed
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Fenty Beauty – Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer
Review
Everybody loves Fenty Beauty; they are, in fact, one of the real superstars of the beauty scene right now.
Rihanna is probably the poster girl for sexy glamour, and her brand embodies this, too.
The Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer should definitely be your number one choice for holiday looks that can stand up to the sun, sea air, and sweat.
How To Apply
Apply this primer with the cotton bud applicator to clean eyelids, then blend it in with your fingers or, ideally, a damp makeup sponge. Let it dry for thirty to forty seconds before you begin applying your eyeshadow.
Benefits
This primer excels at smoothing the appearance of the lids and gripping pigment tight. It’s smooth and creamy enough to make blending easier but robust enough to last all day (or night, depending on your plans).
Also Read: Top 10 Best Pore Minimising Masks
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Bobbi Brown – Vitamin Enriched Eye Base
Review
Heads up, luxury beauty lovers; Bobbi Brown has one of the best eye bases for mature skin that I’ve ever tried (even my mum agrees that it’s excellent!).
The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base is creamy, soothing, and packed with skin-kind ingredients that will leave your eyes feeling better than ever when you wash off your makeup at night.
How To Apply
This primer is best applied with your fingers; pat it gently into the skin, ensuring that it is completely absorbed before you apply foundation or eyeshadow.
Benefits
This primer is intensely hydrating, but it’s not greasy or slippery. It grips the pigment very well and prevents creasing or smudging.
I like to think of it as a mask of a kind; it protects the skin of your eyes from the elements and your makeup, infusing moisture and vitamins, so when you wash it off, your eyes feel brand new!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. MAC – Prep + Prime 24 – Hour Extended Eye Base
Review
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that MAC’s Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extended Eye Base is at the top of the list when it comes to staying powerful. This primer just won’t let go of pigment… in fact, getting it off was an ordeal, so I recommend an oil-based cleanser
How To Apply
Apply this primer all over dry, clean eyelids with a damp beauty sponge and let it dry for a full minute before applying your eyeshadow.
Benefits
This primer has a range of benefits: its dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist approved, and lightweight making it perfect for sensitive skin that has to stand up to extended makeup wear.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Too Faced – Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer
Review
One thing I really love about Too Faced is their commitment to the glamorous, insta-model vibe they have going on. There’s no denying their products work, but they’re also so extra when it comes to their presentation that I can’t help but love them a little more.
How To Apply
Apply this primer with the doe-foot applicator provided and blend it in with your finger or a flat shadow brush before applying your chosen shadow.
Benefits
Shadow Insurance 24-hour Eyeshadow Primer is one of those products that is perfectly named; this skin-loving formula will protect your lids from the elements and keep your eyeshadow exactly where you put it.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Retinol Eye Creams
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Mini Eye Primer
Review
Anastasia Beverly Hills may be a pricey brand, but the quality of its products more than lives up to that price tag. This Mini Eye Primer is the perfect choice for those who want a little luxury item that’s travel-sized.
How To Apply
You only need a small amount of this product, and it goes a long way; apply with a small concealer brush and pat in gently. Give the primer ten to fifteen seconds to rest, and then apply your chosen eyeshadow.
Benefits
I love the soft matte finish that this product gives; it’s perfect for a soft glam look or a brown smoky eye. The formula is water-resistant, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. Better still, it will keep your look firmly in place.
Also Read: Best Face Creams With Hyaluronic Acid
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Conclusion
These primers are some of the best I’ve personally tried; there are options for different price points and goals, but each will keep your eyeshadow looking good for longer than if you were to apply it to bare skin.
Also Read: 12 Makeup Secrets To Make Your Eyes Pop Like Crazy
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
