This article may include compensation from retailers or from purchases made through selected product links. The best eye shadow primers determine whether your makeup stays fresh all day or disappears before lunch. A quality primer makes eye shadow look more vibrant and helps it blend smoothly while preventing creasing & fading. It prepares your eyelids properly before you apply makeup. Modern formulas do more than just hold shadow in place. They smooth texture and even out skin tone while providing benefits like hydration or oil control. If you have fine lines around your eyes or want shimmer shades to appear brighter and last longer then the right primer makes a real difference. Below are editor and artist-approved options that prove great eye makeup begins before you apply any shadow.
Editor Favorites: Eye Shadow Primers That Truly Deliver
The Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion has been a reliable favorite among editors and makeup artists for many years. Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher previously told Allure that it makes eye shadow last longer without creasing or feeling heavy on the eyelids. The lightweight formula has a texture similar to a serum that spreads smoothly without creating buildup or uneven patches. It has a slightly tacky feel that keeps shadow in place all day without becoming uncomfortably sticky. The Original shade looks like a sheer translucent beige while Eden provides a matte beige option and Sin gives a soft champagne shimmer. There is also an anti-aging formula designed for mature skin that contains plumping peptides and brown algae. This primer works well for almost anyone who wants their eye makeup to last longer.
Best All-Day Hold: Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Color Locked
Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer applies clear on your skin and acts like a sticky base for eye shadow without settling into fine lines. Pittsburgh makeup artist Patty Bell says its thin texture makes it simple to spread across the sensitive eyelid skin. After you put it on it holds eye makeup steady for up to eight hours. The formula includes hyaluronic acid that adds moisture and gives a soft blurred look. It also contains blue agave for sticking power along with niacinamide and aloe for added hydration. Bell recommends applying it under your eyes too since it helps stop concealer from creasing which makes it useful in multiple ways.
Great for Aging Eyes: Milk Hydro Grip for Smooth Wear
The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of Bell’s favorite budget-friendly choices and works much better than its low price suggests. The formula feels lightweight on the skin and blends easily so anyone can use it without trouble. It is available in four natural shades that can work as a light cream eyeshadow by themselves. These shades help hide visible veins and uneven skin tone while making the eyelid smooth. The primer contains vitamin E to keep eyelids hydrated all day and stops them from becoming dry or flaky.
Best Affordable Option: NYX Primer with Pro-Level Results
Why Artists Trust It NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a backstage staple that quietly enhances every eye look. The sheer formula vanishes on contact and leaves behind a barely visible layer. New York City makeup artist Nick Barose told Allure that he values how it holds shadow without feeling heavy or changing the color applied over it. He mentioned it has been his favorite for decades because it lets the pigment really shine. The formula contains rice extract and sea whip extract to hydrate and protect the delicate eye area. It feels more like skincare than regular makeup and prevents dryness while extending wear time and improving blending.
Best for Dry Lids: NARS Base That Stops Flaking
If you own a Too Faced palette the brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer makes those colors work better. The formula contains oil-absorbing silica that controls shine and keeps eyelids smooth throughout the day. The silky and colorless texture suits all skin tones and provides a solid base that helps eyeshadow stick properly. This results in more vibrant colors that blend easier and last longer. The waterproof formula prevents fading and smudging even when the weather is humid or rainy. The brand advertises 24-hour wear but it reliably lasts through 12-hour days, which remains impressive.
Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Primer with Long-Lasting Control
The Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer comes in two shades that help even out the color of your eyelids. The light blue version reduces the appearance of purple and pink tones like redness & visible veins. The peach version makes tired-looking skin appear brighter and more refreshed. After you apply it your eyelids look smoother and more uniform while your eye shadow remains in place all day whether you use powder or cream products. The formula includes ingredients that benefit your skin such as aloe for soothing and hydration along with lanolin acid to retain moisture and safflower seed oil to nourish the delicate eyelid area.
