Have you ever found yourself spending what feels like hours applying the perfect eye shadow look, only for it to crease and smudge by lunchtime? You're not alone. As someone with very oily skin, I used to avoid eye makeup altogether, as no matter how much money I spent on high-end products, they would never just stay put. However, after sharing these woes with a friend, they introduced me to an eye shadow primer, and it's safe to say that I've never looked back.
These clever products work in the same way as a face primer, helping your makeup last all day long. Since adding one to my collection, I've been able to have so much fun with my eye makeup looks without worrying about them sliding off and disappearing. So, I thought that it was only right that I spoke to the experts to find out exactly how eye shadow primers work, and more importantly, how to choose the best one for you.
I've even rounded up my top picks for you to shop, so keep on scrolling for all the information you need.
What Do Eye Shadow Primers Do?
"Eyeshadow primers are a necessary part of my makeup prep on set because they keep eye shadows in place," explains Sara Wren, director of artistry at Milk Makeup. "Eye shadows often don’t show up, fade or can crease over the course of the day, but a good primer will prevent that from happening.
"Most primers come in the form of a liquid or a cream, and some contain pigment to help even out the lid colour before applying product. My favourite eye shadow primers are colourless—they won’t change the payoff of the product that I apply on top."
How To Choose An Eye Shadow Primer:
When choosing a primer, Wren says that it's important to figure out what you want from the product. If you experience dry eyelids, then you'll want to go for a hydrating option, however if you have oiler skin, you'll need something with a really long-lasting formula. "Once you know what you want, that will help you determine the best eye shadow primer for you," she says.
The Best Eye Shadow Primers To Shop Now:
1. Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
This is, hands down, the best eye shadow primer I have ever used. It's incredible at keeping your shadow in place, and works on even the oiliest of lids. The handy applicator makes it easy to apply, and the product gives a matte finish to the skin. It's worth noting that because of this, it might not be the best option for really dry eyelids, but keep on scrolling for some hydrating favourites.
2. Beauty Pie Flawless Eyeshadow Primer
Price shown is members' price.
Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden loves this eye shadow primer from Beauty Pie. Not only does it help your shadow last, it also works to cover any redness or discolouration on the eyelids, creating the perfect base for your makeup.
3. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer
If you're a fan of Milk Makeup, then you'll most likely have tried the brand's well-loved Hydro Grip Face Primer. The product is a best seller for a reason, so I was delighted to find out that it also comes in a version designed specifically for your eyes. This primer creates a really smooth base for your eye makeup, helping everything to blend into the skin.
"When prepping the eye area, I always apply Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer," says Wren. "I use it under and on top of the lid (yes, you can also use it under concealer), then I’ll apply a small amount of concealer to the eyelid to neutralise any redness before going in with eye shadow."
4. Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eye Shadow
This two-in-one product from Mac is really clever. The Pro Longwear Paint Pot works as both a cream eye shadow and a primer. It's available in a range of shades and can be worn alone or layered with other products. When applying eye shadow over the top, I find that the colour looks a lot more pigmented and lasts a lot longer. The only downside is that the application can be a bit messy because of the packaging, so I recommend investing in good brush.
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
This eye shadow primer has been around for years, and for good reason. Urban Decay is known for its products' ability to help your makeup last longer (its setting spray has been a staple in my collection for as long as I can remember), and this product is no exception. The lightweight formula fights creasing and also helps to stop my eyeliner from smudging all over my lids.
6. Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Weightless Eye Primer
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer and Always An Optimist Mist are two of my favourite base products of all time, so when I heard that there was also an eye primer as part of the line, I already knew that it would be good. It has more of a hydrating formula which is great for dry eyelids, and it comes in a peach tone that helps to make your eye shadow stand out more. I would note that if you do have oiler lids, this might not be the best option, but it's a beautiful product nonetheless.
7. Hourglass Veil Eye Primer
Hourglass is known for its brilliant base products. This eye primer is designed to both enhance your eye shadow look and help it to last all day. It also contains vitamins C and E to keep the skin hydrated, making it another great option for dry lids.
Next Up: How to Apply Eye Makeup for Your Eye Shape, According to the Experts
-
Frosty Silver, Baby Blue, and Cherry Red—Cool-Toned Makeup Is the (Unexpected) Star of the SummerMajor makeup inspo ahead.
-
I've Been Inspired By Maximalist MUAs for Years—3 Pros You Should Have Been Following YesterdayPutting the "art" in makeup artist.
-
I'm a Beauty Editor With a Fashion Degree—How I'm Translating the Fisherman Trend Into My Makeup RoutineThese looks are compliment bait.
-
8 Makeup Trends Poised to Dominate Summer 2025, From Saint-Tropez Skin to (Gasp!) Barely There Lip LinerTaking notes.
-
This Viral Makeup Artist Is Basically the Beauty World's Picasso—Here's Why We're ObsessedShe's taking TikTok by storm.
-
If You're a Brunette With Light Eyebrows Like Me, This MUA Tip Will Change Your Whole FaceSmall tweak, huge difference.
-
Taylor Russell Is the Epitome of Baby-Doll Beauty—6 of Her Best Moments I'm Copying RNShe's taking over my makeup and hair inspo boards.
-
Darling, Delicate, and Expensive-Looking—These "Rich Grandma" Beauty Staples Double as HeirloomsElegant antique jewelry, but make them beauty items.
