These Eyeshadow Primers Promise Pigmented, Long-Lasting Eye Makeup

October 03, 2023

By: Alyssa Kaplan | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Unless you’re an experienced beauty enthusiast, you might not be convinced of how important makeup primer is to your look. When it comes to eyeshadow primer specifically, it can make all the difference in the outcome and wear of your eye makeup. “To me, a good primer makes your life easier,” says Wende Zomnir, founder of Urban Decay and Caliray. “You spend all that time doing your makeup, why not keep it on throughout the day?”

In addition to increasing the longevity of your eyeshadow, primers can also make the colors you apply appear more vibrant and make the application more smooth. If you’re looking to give eye primer a try, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite formulas, below.

The Best Eyeshadow Primers to Try

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

A cult-favorite eyeshadow primer, this pick has withstood the test of time. The lightweight formula glides onto the eyelids with ease, helping to prolong the wear of eyeshadow for hours. It also has a transparent finish, meaning that it works beautifully on all skin tones.

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer

In addition to enhancing the wear time of your shadows and liners, this under-$15 primer comes in multiple shades that blend seamlessly with your skin. On days you skip eye makeup, it’s also a good option for evening out any discoloration on your eyelids.

Valentino Beauty Stick With Me Glitter Primer

If you’re working with glittery eyeshadows, your best bet is to use a primer that’s specifically formulated to be used with sparkles. This primer has just enough tackiness to it that it adheres glitter formulas to the skin without feeling heavy or overly sticky.

NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer

If you’re searching for a more affordable glitter primer you can pick up at the drugstore, this option is also well worth your coin. The lightweight formula locks in glitter and helps prevent fallout throughout the day.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow

OK, technically this is a liquid eyeshadow and not a primer, but hear us out — with 16-hour wear and an array of shade options, from neutrals to jewel tones, it makes the perfect base under power shadows. It comes in three finishes (shimmer, chrome and matte), making it perfect for every eye look you might create.

Treslúce Beauty Se Preparó Eyelid Primer

For bold color that lasts without fading or creasing, reach for this silky, waterproof eye primer. Available in three shades, it helps smooth and prep the lids for natural and graphic looks alike.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer

This transparent eye primer works to enhance the pigmentation and lifespan of your eyeshadows while helping to prevent creasing. It can also be swiped on under your eyes to help prevent your concealer from creasing and fading.

Makeup By Mario Master Eye Prep & Set

Full glam looks are made even better with the right base, and this one is perfect. It’s an eyeshadow primer palette that comes in three colorways — each containing two shades of a creamy primer and one setting powder. When applied, the formulas create an even base, prolong the wear of your makeup, and combat excess oil on the eyelids.

Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Weightless Eyeshadow Primer

This primer has a sheer, peachy tint that will help neutralize discoloration on your lids and boost the vibrancy of your eye makeup. The formula is silky and hydrating, with a doe-foot wand that makes it a breeze to apply.

about-face Shadow Fix Eye Primer

Get bold, long-wearing and crease-proof eye makeup with the help of this vegan eyeshadow primer — one of our editors calls it “super glue” for her eyelids. For best results, the brand recommends allowing the primer to set for 20 to 30 seconds before applying makeup on top.