Achieving flawless eyeshadow primer can be a challenge. From precise placement and layering to expert blending, each step requires care—and nothing is more frustrating than watching your hard work fade or crease just hours later. A quality eyeshadow primer is one of the most effective tools to enhance both the appearance and longevity of your eye makeup.
“Eyeshadow primer helps pigment adhere to the lid by creating a tacky base, which improves wear time and intensifies color payoff,” explains professional makeup artist Cat Mignano. Just as skincare prep is essential before foundation, Mignano emphasizes that prepping the eyelids is equally important for optimal makeup results.
To determine which primers truly deliver, I tested 15 different products over the course of four weeks. I evaluated each one based on price, formulation, performance, and their ability to extend the wear of my eyeshadow primer. The following six stood out as the best performers.
Top Pick: Best Overall
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer
Size: 0.29 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Among all the primers I tested, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow primer and Concealer Primer emerged as the top performer. Its lightweight texture applies effortlessly, leaving a smooth base that makes eyeshadow primer application feel seamless. Remarkably, it feels weightless on the skin while still providing excellent grip and staying power.
Another advantage is its versatility—the formula also works effectively as an under-eye primer before concealer application. While I found little to critique, those with oily skin may want to consider how the product’s silky finish performs throughout the day, as my testing was conducted on dry skin.
Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer
Best Budget Option
Size: 0.64 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: No
The Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer proved to be the most impressive budget-friendly option among the drugstore products I tested. It effectively prevented creasing, and my eyeshadow primer remained vibrant and intact throughout the entire day. The formula is lightweight and creamy, applying smoothly and drying down with a slight tackiness that enhances eyeshadow primer adherence and longevity. One minor drawback is the absence of a doe-foot applicator, which initially made it difficult to gauge the right amount of product. However, with a few uses, I was able to determine the optimal amount for consistent results.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer
Best Long-Wearing Formula
Size: 0.27 oz | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer significantly enhances the vibrancy and wear-time of eyeshadow primer. It received top marks for longevity, as my eye makeup remained just as vivid and crease-free after several hours of wear. Unlike many primers that offer only one shade, this product is available in four options, providing greater versatility (I used the Medium shade).
It’s worth noting that the formula has a tackier texture than some alternatives, but this feature contributes to its excellent staying power and helps keep eyeshadows in place throughout the day.
Rare Beauty Weightless Eye Primer
Best for Brightening
Size: 0.1 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Rare Beauty Weightless Eyeshadow Primer offers a smooth, concealer-like base that enhances the vibrancy and longevity of eyeshadow primer application. Its tinted formula not only color-corrects and conceals the eyelids but also amplifies the intensity of eyeshadow pigments. A small amount of product goes a long way—just a few dots from the doe foot applicator blended with a fingertip are sufficient for full eyelid coverage. While the product is currently available in a single shade, we hope to see more options introduced in the future.
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot
Best Multi-Use
Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: No
The MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot serves as both a standalone cream eyeshadow and a reliable base for layering other shadows. The versatile shade range includes Painterly—a beige hue that resembles a concealer—making it ideal for neutralizing the eyelid before additional application. Recommended by professional makeup artists, including Mignano, this long-wearing formula ensures buildable coverage with a smooth, blendable finish. For best results, apply gently to avoid tugging on the delicate eye area.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Best for Crease Resistance
Size: 0.33 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Renowned for its vibrant eye products, Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an essential base for long-lasting, crease-free wear. The silky, lightweight formula glides on effortlessly and dries down to a smooth finish, making it feel virtually weightless. Its slightly tinted, subtly shimmering texture enhances the performance of eyeshadows, helping them stay in place throughout the day. Use the doe foot applicator for precise application and blend with fingers or a brush for an even result.
Best Eye Primers for Mature Skin
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging – $28
- Smooths fine lines and crepey skin
- 24-hour wear
- Hydrating & firming (with ceramide-peptide complex + algae extract)
Best Shade Range
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Nudes – $20
- 12 inclusive nude shades
- Can be worn alone or under shadows
- Fade-proof, crease-resistant, matte finish
Best for Powder Eye Shadows:
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeshadow Base – $28
- 15-hour wear
- Kaolin clay for oily lids + coco-glycerides for hydration
- Satin finish, great for dry or combo skin
Best Longwear:
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly – $28
- Doubles as a cream shadow
- Matte pink-beige base for vibrant color payoff
- 24-hour wear, crease-free
Best for Color Payoff:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer (Mini) – $13
- Brightens shadows, makes colors pop
- Water-resistant
- Travel-friendly, satin finish
Best for Face + Eye (Luxury Pick):
Sisley Paris Double Tenseur Instant & Long-Term Primer – $240
- Lifts + firms skin instantly
- Hydrating with oat, lemon, and rhatany extracts
- Can be used all over the face
Top Eye Primers for Oily Eyelids
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Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later – Best Illuminating
Lightweight, crease-resistant, and long-lasting with a natural glow.
💲 $13.99 | ⭐ 4.3/5 -
e.l.f. Shadow Lock Primer – Best Non-Toxic
Affordable, vegan, and free from harsh chemicals.
💲 Budget-friendly | ⭐ 4/5 -
Bella Terra Eyeshadow Primer – Best No-Smudging
Smooth application, hides discoloration, hypoallergenic.
💲 $19.99 | ⭐ 4/5 -
e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer – Best Oil-Free
Controls shine, blurs pores, ideal for oily skin.
💲 $9 | ⭐ 4.2/5 -
True + Luscious Angel Eyes – Best Long-Lasting
Infused with rose extract, enhances color, matte finish.
💲 $22 | ⭐ 3.8/5 -
BareMinerals Prime Time – Best Crease-Free
Lightweight, absorbs oil, vibrant pigment payoff.
💲 $14.42 | ⭐ 4.5/5 -
L.A. Girl Pro HD Primer – Best Semi-Matte
Blends smoothly, prevents creasing, budget option.
💲 $3.99 | ⭐ 4.1/5 -
Glo Skin Beauty Primer – Best Flexible
Silky texture, enhances color, lightweight wear.
💲 $16.5 | ⭐ 4.2/5 -
Covergirl Lid Lock Up – Best Quick-Drying
Clear, fast-drying, long wear in heat & humidity.
💲 $8.7 | ⭐ 4.2/5 -
Pretty Vulgar Uncaged Primer – Best Lightweight
Velvety, oil-absorbing, crease-free finish.
💲 $22 | ⭐ 4.5/5
