We get it: Prepping and priming every inch of your face for a makeup application is a bit tedious. However, using an eyeshadow primer can be a game changer—especially during those sweltering summer days when your makeup is prone to melt right off your face.
Eyeshadow primers are designed to prepare your lids for a flawless eye makeup application. By creating a smooth base for your shadow to adhere to, eyeshadow primer locks in that just-applied look for hours, and in many cases, increases the vibrancy of your shadow’s pigment. They prevent smudging, fading, caking, and creasing, and they’re usually sweat-, humidity-, and water-resistant. Plus, the best eyeshadow primers are made with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients that provide a dose of hydration to the delicate skin around your eyes.
TL;DR: Eyeshadow primers are an important product to add to your starting lineup, whether your everyday makeup routine consists of a full-face look or just a few sweeps of shadow. To help you find your favorite, we rounded up a list of the Top 10 eyeshadow primers on the market. From pigmentation-neutralizing formulas to options that take care of oily lids, there's an eyeshadow primer on the list for every skin concern, budget, and beauty routine.
Our Method For Finding The Best Eyeshadow Primers
To make sure your eyeshadow sticks with you throughout even the most sweltering days, we're bringing you 10 reviewer-approved primers with serious staying power. Whether you're in search of a drugstore pick or something for sensitive skin, we've got you covered. With the help of our data-driven algorithm, we searched the web to find the 10 best eyeshadow primers with proven efficacy. Backed by best-seller lists, real user reviews, and social media buzz, the picks ahead will keep your eyeshadow looking its best all summer long. Keep scrolling to shop the top-rated eyeshadow primers our algorithm turned up.
June 24, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer
Overall Score
4.35
10
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer
4.23
2464 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Water-Resistant Eyeshadow Primer
THE SPECIFICS
Hit the pool without fear of smudges with this water-resistant, long-lasting eye primer from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Designed to provide a light-colored canvas, this primer is ideal for use before applying a matte or shimmer eye shadow.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Anastasia Beverly Hills is a beloved beauty brand that specializes in vegan and cruelty-free products.
Cruelty Free
Hourglass Veil Eye Primer
Overall Score
4.4
09
Hourglass Veil Eye Primer
4.1
267 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Weightless Eyeshadow Primers
THE SPECIFICS
Hourglass's Veil Eye Primer can increase your eyeshadow's staying power for up to 24 hours. For the best application possible, gently pat to blend an even layer of this primer over your eyelids and up to the brow bone, then let it dry completely before applying your eyeshadow.
MORE TO KNOW
While this primer is approved for all skin types, those with dry skin will particularly love it due to its nourishing formula that contains vitamins E and C.
MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
Overall Score
4.45
08
MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
4.58
853 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Primer
THE SPECIFICS
Say goodbye to creases and smudges because MAC's Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base is an unbeatable, long-lasting eyeshadow primer. Ideal for use with vibrant eyeshadow palettes, this primer guarantees to keep your makeup in place for hours.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I am amazed. I have very oily skin and did not expect this to work, but it proved me wrong. This is a thick cream that you have to squeeze out of the tube. If you want to use a base for color over this you can, if not you can apply eyeshadow directly to your lids on top of this (no need to wait for it to dry). This stuff doesn't crease and it doesn't come off until you wash it over. I am a fan for life."
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer
Overall Score
4.55
07
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer
4.28
665 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Moisturizing Eyeshadow Primer
THE SPECIFICS
Who wouldn't want to swipe a light layer of moisturization onto their lids? Rare Beauty's Weightless Eyeshadow Primer provides instant hydration that lasts all day. Plus, its peachy hue helps eyeshadows pop, and the doe applicator makes it easy to use on the go.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Rare Beauty is Selena Gomez's makeup brand. The company's mission is to celebrate the beauty of imperfections and help individuals feel like the best version of themselves.
Cruelty Free
Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer
Overall Score
4.55
06
Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer
3.93
2326 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eyeshadow Primer With Blue Light Protection
THE SPECIFICS
The Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer is more than just a primer; it's a layer of defense against blue light damage and environmental stressors. Blend a pea-sized amount into the skin of your eyelids before applying eyeshadow for a locked-down, highly-pigmented look.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I've been looking for an eyeshadow primer that wasn't too oily or too dry. I remembered using the Too Faced primer years ago and liking it, so I thought I would try it again. It works perfectly, but I have to make sure I use only a thin coating so the color remains smooth."
Cruelty Free
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Overall Score
4.65
05
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
4.3
18053 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primer
THE SPECIFICS
Milani's Eyeshadow Primer is a clean, cruelty-free option that works on all skin tones. Just squeeze a small amount onto your fingertips and dab it onto your lids for up to eight hours of crease- and smudge-proof wear.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Milani makes affordable yet luxurious makeup products. The brand's Baked Blush recently made our list of the best drugstore cult beauty products .
Cruelty Free
Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials
Overall Score
4.75
04
Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials
4.61
1511 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Color-Correcting Eyeshadow Primer
THE SPECIFICS
More than just a simple eyeshadow primer, the Eye Base Essentials from Trish McEvoy is a color-correcting, dark circle-brightening miracle product. It's available in five neutral hues from deep to bare to appeal to various skin colors.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I have been buying this product for years and find it very dependable. I have very fair skin and use "Demure" when I want to look a little more made up (on me it is lighter than my skin color and a bit sparkly) and "Bare" for a natural look. I am terrible at applying eyeshadow so I usually use these by themselves. They do not cake or crinkle and are easy to apply."
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow And Concealer Primer
Overall Score
4.75
03
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow And Concealer Primer
4.02
1552 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eyeshadow Primer For Sensitive Eyes
THE SPECIFICS
A few standout ingredients are included in the Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer including hyaluronic acid, blue agave extract, niacinamide, and aloe water. Together, these ingredients give the delicate skin around your eyes a moisturizing boost of antioxidants while prepping for a flawless eyeshadow application.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Milk Makeup was born out of Milk Studios, a creative hub in downtown New York City. The brand only uses the best ingredients to create vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that help its customers look and feel their best.
Cruelty Free
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Overall Score
4.8
02
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
4.6
3857 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eyeshadow Primers For Cream Eyeshadows
THE SPECIFICS
NARS' Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base works with both powder and cream eyeshadows. As an ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested product, you can trust that this primer will be gentle on your lids while still creating a long-lasting, fade-resisting canvas for your favorite shadows.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I have very oily eyelids and this is the only eyeshadow primer I have found that effectively keeps my eye makeup locked into place without smudging! I also like how the color disappears once you blend it out onto your lid (i.e., it doesn't leave a white cast)."
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Overall Score
4.9
01
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
4.54
32993 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Eyeshadow Primers Overall
THE SPECIFICS
Our algorithm's top pick for the best eyeshadow primer is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. With a vegan formula powered by polymer technology, this primer intensifies the look of eyeshadow and eyeliner by filling in surface imperfections and prepping the lids for all-day wear. It's particularly great when paired with metallic, shimmer, matte, and glitter eyeshadows.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Since 1996, Urban Decay has been creating bold, beloved makeup products for both professionals and amateur beauty enthusiasts. The company is known for its fearless use of color and fan-favorite Naked Eyeshadow Palette.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
The Latest