Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (2024)

Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (1)

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An eyeshadow primer's importance gets a bit lost in the shuffle when you're busy eyeing colorful eyeshadow palettes, fail-proof eyeliner and top-rated mascaras. But, just picture going the whole day with eyeshadow that doesn't budge. It'd certainly make those tedious minutes spent perfecting an eyeshadow look or fussing with winged eyeliner worthwhile. What's more, like a great primer for face makeup, the best shadow primers can extend your look from day to night, putting quick-fading eyeshadow in the rearview.

In finding the best eyeshadow primers, we rounded up favorites from our product pros across Good Housekeeping, must-haves from makeup artists and ones with top-rated online reviews. Ahead are the best eyeshadow primers that'll make all the difference in you wearing your makeup on your eyelids and having it smeared across your temples. (Pro tip: For an even more foolproof measure, combine eyeshadow primer with a setting spray to lock it in.)

Our top picks:

Read on for Los Angeles-based makeup artist Kymberli Williams's expert tips on how to shop for an eyeshadow primer. Looking for more flawless bases? Check out our guides to the best primers out there for dry skin to oily skin.

1

BEST OVERALL EYESHADOW PRIMER

Urban Decay Cosmetics Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (8)

Pros
  • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (9)Non-drying formula
  • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (10)Extends eyeshadow looks for hours
  • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (11)Suitable for all skin types
Cons

    Nix eye shadow creasing and budging with Urban Decay's Primer Potion. A GH editor go-to, it lays a flawless base for smooth eye makeup application. Boasting 24-hour wear, one beauty pro attests to its formula: "This was the first ever eyeshadow primer I tried, and I've never looked back," she said. "It's a must for increasing the longevity of your look." What's more, several of our product experts who have dry to oily to sensitive skin stash it in their makeup bags. Available in four different shades, plus an anti-aging option, the translucent matte is for everyday wear while the shimmery base boosts colorful looks. "Other primers I've tried have been cakey, emphasized creases around my eyes or turned the shadow or liner I layered over it a strange color," another added.

    Shades4
    Size0.33 oz

    2

    BEST VALUE EYESHADOW PRIMER

    NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Vegan Eye Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (12)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (13)Budget-friendly
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (14)Formulated to be non-drying on eyelids
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (15)Some online reviews said it was too tacky

    At the budget price of $10, the NYX eye primer comes in four versatile shades, which is more than most eyeshadow primers out there. Our pros appreciate that it's formulated with vitamin E, which aims to nourish and can make it non-drying on eyelids. The stick applicator layers the product with an easy swipe, too. While some online reviewers said it made eyeshadow look smooth on skin, others complained of its tackiness.

    Shades4
    Value0.27 oz

    3

    BEST LONG-LASTING EYESHADOW PRIMER

    Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eye Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (16)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (17)Easy makeup removal
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (18)A little bit goes a long way
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (19)Not as much product included

    Add a subtle gorgeous shimmer to eye makeup with this Too Faced eyeshadow primer. "Just a few small dabs will keep everything in place for the entire day, no matter what," attests Senior Editor Kayla Keegan. Formulated with occlusives like silicones and oils, it's made to feel smooth to the touch, which can make it easier to layer powders over. The lightweight primer boasts a 24-hour staying formula. Rest assured, when it comes time for winding down, it comes off with ease — no harsh scrubbing required, according to Keegan. While a little bit goes a long way, just note that there's not as much product in this tube.

    Shades1
    Size0.093 oz

    4

    BEST SMOOTHING EYESHADOW PRIMER

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Amplifying Eye Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (20)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (21)Budge-proof formula
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (22)Natural finish
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (23)Some online reviewers noted it was a bit difficult to blend

    A makeup artist favorite, the Fenty Beauty eyeshadow primer makes eyeshadows brighter and smoother, plus a tacky texture that'll prevent eyeshadow from budging or creasing. Williams raves about its long-lasting staying power and says, "It looks beautiful on any skin tone." Though hyping a crease-proof formula, some online reviews found it took more effort to blend.

    Shades1
    Size0.27 oz

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    5

    BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER FOR MATURE SKIN

    MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (24)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (25)Made with skin-smoothing niacinamide
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (26)Invisible finish
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (27)Took more time to dry, according to online reviews

    While we haven't tried this pick, GH beauty editors rate the brand's sister setting spray for turning makeup looks budge-proof. The eyeshadow primer uses hydrating hyaluronic acid and smoothing niacinamide, as some Sephora reviewers said it smoothed out the appearance of fine lines for their concealer and eyeshadow. Other customers said it took ample time to dry down to its invisible finish.

    6

    BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER FOR OILY LIDS

    NARS Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (28)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (29)Mattifies eyelids
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (30)Easy-to-blend creamy formula
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (31)Frequently sold out

    Beloved by the beauty community, this high-end eye makeup primer is constantly sold out. Flaunting a seamless canvas for eyeshadow, Nars claims that its formula will prevent smudging, creasing and caking. While we haven't tried this pick, one GH editor loves the brand's creamy concealer that offers a fuss-free formula. Nars says its eye base offers a blendable primer that mattifies once dry. Available in a light, neutral shade, it should boost natural makeup looks, while its white shade can make colored shadows pop.

    Shades4
    Size0.28 oz

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    7

    BEST DRUGSTORE EYESHADOW PRIMER

    e.l.f. Luminous Putty Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (32)

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (33)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (34)Blurs the appearance of pores
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (35)Feels creamy and hydrating
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (36)May be slightly oily to some skin types

    Doubling as an all-over face primer, e.l.f.'s Putty Primer makes eyeshadow glow. Its balm formula — uniquely made with marshmallow extract — feels creamy and hydrating on skin. One GH product expert enjoys the drugstore primer's lightweight texture on her sensitive skin. "It lays a smooth base for makeup without making my eyelids feel oily," she says. However, oily skin types may find the moisturizing formula on the greasy side.

    Shades1
    Size0.74 oz

    8

    BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER AND CONCEALER

    Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (37)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (38)Won't settle into fine lines
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (39)Wide range of shades
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (40)Longer drying time

    Want to skip the extra step of a separate primer? With an impressive full-coverage finish, Tarte's concealer doubles as an eyeshadow base. One GH editor finds it primes and preps eyelids with a mere swipe, thanks to its jumbo applicator. Its shea butter formula feels creamy and hydrating, while it dries down to a smooth finish. As a concealer, it touts 16 hours of wear with 12 of those hours working against creasing into fine lines and wrinkles. "I often get redness on my eyelids and love how this covers that up with ease," says one pro. It takes a tad longer to set than a traditional eyeshadow primer.

    Shades35
    Size0.33 oz

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    9

    BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER SHADES

    P.Louise Eyeshadow Base

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (41)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (42)Easy to blend
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (43)Versatile shades for different makeup looks
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (44)More difficult to ship from the UK

    Williams attests to this eyeshadow base's blendable formula for beginners. "It’s user-friendly for everyone, so you don’t have to be a makeup artist to use them," she says. "They’re based in the UK but they deliver so fast." With 12 shades available on the brand's official UK site, you can be a bit of a chameleon with makeup looks.

    Shades12
    Size0.5 oz

    10

    BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION

    Benefit Cosmetics Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (45)

    Pros
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (46)Vitamins C and E can even out complexions
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (47)Easy wand applicator
    Cons
    • Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (48)Not as long lasting as other primers

    We appreciate that Benefit Cosmetic's eyeshadow primer is formulated with vitamins C and E, which are skincare ingredients known for anti-aging and evening out hyperpigmentation. Some online reviewers noted it helped reduced the appearance of redness and dark circles around their eyelids. It also comes with a wand applicator that makes it much easier to swipe on. A few Ulta users noted, however, that it didn't make eyeshadow last quite as long as other primers they'd tried.

    Shades1
    Size0.33 oz

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    What to consider when shopping for an eyeshadow primer

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (49)

    ✔️ Shades: Depending on your makeup look, you can pick from different base colors to boost your eyeshadow. Williams recommends skin-like primers for more subdued makeup looks that let your natural eyelid color peek through. For a more dramatic look, use a white base to make the colors look vibrant. A base with the same skin tone or a few shades lighter than the skin gives a glamorous look as it subtly brightens the eye area, she says.

    ✔️ Texture: Primers with a tacky base mean that eyeshadow pigment will stick on easier and blend smoothly. "It also prevents eyeshadows from creasing, creating a long-lasting look," Williams adds. "Some primers also help eyeshadows stay waterproof."

    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (50)

    Jacqueline Saguin is an associate product and reviews editor who covers all things beauty, including skincare, makeup and hair. Consulting both a professional makeup artist and GH's team of product experts, she scoured recommendations from industry experts to round up the best picks out there. She's personally tried a few of our above picks — including Urban Decay and e.l.f. — and has a keen eye for identifying favorable skincare ingredients thanks to frequent collaborations with our Beauty Lab chemists and scientists and their rigorous research on product claims and ingredient lists.

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (51)

    Jacqueline Saguin

    Senior Commerce Editor

    Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

    Makeup Artists Swear By This $22 Eyeshadow Primer for Vibrant, Long-Lasting Makeup (2024)

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