This article may include compensation from retailers or from purchases made through selected product links. The best eye shadow primers often decide whether your makeup looks fresh all day or fades before lunchtime. With just one application, a quality primer helps eye shadow appear more vibrant, blend more smoothly, and stay put without creasing or fading. Think of it as properly prepping your eyelids before makeup. Today’s formulas go beyond hold alone. They help smooth texture, even out skin tone, and deliver added benefits like hydration or oil control. If you notice fine lines around your eyes or want shimmer shades to look brighter and last longer, the right primer can completely change the result. Below, you’ll find editor and artist-approved options showing that great eye makeup starts before the shadow goes on.
Editor Favorites: Eye Shadow Primers That Truly Deliver
Why Editors Love It
The Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion has remained a trusted staple among editors and makeup artists for years. Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher, who previously spoke with Allure, notes that it helps eye shadow last longer without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy. The lightweight formula has a nearly serum-like texture that glides on evenly without buildup or patchiness. It feels slightly tacky, which helps shadow stay in place throughout the day without becoming sticky. The Original shade appears as a sheer translucent beige, Eden offers a matte beige, and Sin delivers a soft champagne shimmer. There is also an anti-aging version made for mature skin that includes plumping peptides and brown algae. Overall, this primer suits nearly anyone looking to improve eye makeup wear.
Best All-Day Hold: Urban Decay Primer That Keeps Color Locked
Why It Stands Out
Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer goes on completely invisible and works almost like double-sided tape for eye shadow, without sinking into fine lines. Pittsburgh makeup artist Patty Bell explains that its thinner consistency makes it easy to blend over the delicate eyelid area. Once applied, it keeps eye makeup in place for up to eight hours. The formula contains hyaluronic acid to add moisture and create a softly blurred finish. It’s also made with blue agave for grip, plus niacinamide and aloe for extra hydration. Bell even suggests using it under the eyes to help reduce concealer creasing, making it a truly multi-use product.
Great for Aging Eyes: Milk Hydro Grip for Smooth Wear
Why It’s a Smart Pick
The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is one of Bell’s favorite affordable options and delivers performance well beyond its price point. The formula feels light on the skin and spreads quickly, making it easy for anyone to apply. It comes in four natural-looking shades that can double as a subtle cream eyeshadow on their own. These shades help cover visible veins and uneven tone while creating a smooth base. Infused with vitamin E, the primer keeps eyelids moisturized throughout the day and helps prevent dryness or flaking.
Best Affordable Option: NYX Primer with Pro-Level Results
Why Artists Trust It
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is a behind-the-scenes essential that quietly improves every eye look. The sheer formula disappears on contact, leaving behind a barely-there layer. New York City makeup artist Nick Barose has shared with Allure that he appreciates how it grips shadow without feeling heavy or altering the color applied on top. He notes it has been his go-to for decades because it allows the pigment to truly stand out. The formula includes rice extract and sea whip extract to help hydrate and protect the delicate eye area. It wears more like skincare than traditional makeup and avoids dryness while improving wear time and blending.
Best for Dry Lids: NARS Base That Stops Flaking
Why It Works So Well
If you use a Too Faced palette, the brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer helps those shades perform at their best. The formula features oil-absorbing silica to control shine and keep lids smooth all day. Its silky, colorless texture works across all skin tones and creates a reliable base that helps shadow adhere properly. This leads to brighter color payoff, easier blending, and longer wear. The waterproof formula resists fading and smudging, even in humid or rainy conditions. While the brand claims 24-hour wear, it comfortably holds up through 12-hour days, which is still impressive.
Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Primer with Long-Lasting Control
Why It’s Worth Using
The Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer is available in two shades and works especially well for evening out eyelid tone. The light blue shade helps neutralize purple and pink undertones, including redness and visible veins. The peach shade brightens dull-looking skin and creates a more awake appearance. Once applied, eyelids look smooth and balanced, and eye shadow stays in place throughout the day with both powder and cream formulas. The formula also provides skin benefits, featuring aloe to soothe and hydrate, lanolin acid to lock in moisture, and safflower seed oil to nourish the skin
