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10 Best Eyeshadow Primers 2025 in the United States

Milani Eyeshadow Primer - Nude (0.3 Fl. Oz.)

Formula: Lightweight, crease-proof
Finish: Invisible
Tint: Nude
Longevity: Long-lasting
Ingredients: Vegan, cruelty-free
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Nude Eye Primer for Crease-Resistant & Long-Lasting Eye Makeup, Improves Look of Fine Lines & Texture, Smooths & Preps Eyelid Base, Vegan - 0.33 fl oz

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,300
Formula
Tint
Longevity

Most important from
4207 reviews

Formula
Smooths and dries fast, making it an essential part of my makeup routine.
Tint
The lightweight formula adds just a tiny cover, perfect for light makeup lovers.
Longevity
This eyelid primer is a game changer! Eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease-free all day.

The Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a nude eye primer that offers a smooth and even base for eyeshadow, making colors pop and stay crease-free throughout the day. The formula is cream-based and comes with a flocked wand applicator for precise application.

It includes Dermaxyl and Kalpariane, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and enhance skin elasticity and hydration, making it ideal for mature eyes. The optical blurring pigments in the primer minimize redness and improve tone and texture, providing a soft-focus effect that can be especially useful for tired or hooded eyes.

The product is vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, which is a significant advantage for those conscious about their beauty product choices. It works well with various eyeshadow finishes, from metallic to matte, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting color.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,300
Formula
Tint
Longevity

Most important from
4207 reviews

Formula
Smooths and dries fast, making it an essential part of my makeup routine.
Tint
The lightweight formula adds just a tiny cover, perfect for light makeup lovers.
Longevity
This eyelid primer is a game changer! Eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease-free all day.
#2

Urban Decay Shimmer Eyeshadow Primer Potion Sin - Champagne Shimmer Eye Primer for Crease-Resistant & Long-Lasting Eye Makeup, Smooths & Preps Eyelid Base, For Vibrant Color, All Skin Tones, Vegan

Rating
8.8
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
1028 reviews

Finish
Easy to apply and delivers a smooth, shimmery finish.
Longevity
This primer really works, keeping eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free all day.

The Urban Decay Shimmer Eyeshadow Primer Potion Sin is a well-regarded product in the eyeshadow primer category. One of its key strengths is its formula, which includes polymer technology that smooths eyelids and provides a robust base for eyeshadow and eyeliner. This helps to prevent creasing and fading, making it suitable for all-day wear. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it an ethical choice for consumers concerned about animal testing and byproducts in cosmetics.

It is designed for use on all skin types, including oily, combination, dry, and normal skin, and works well for a variety of eye shapes and skin tones. The creamy, pale nude tint of the primer gives a subtle shimmer, enhancing both bold and natural makeup looks. The finish is smooth and shimmery, adding a touch of glamour to any eyeshadow application. However, one potential drawback is that the shimmer may not be suitable for those looking for a completely matte base.

The longevity of the primer is impressive, with many users reporting that their eyeshadow remains vibrant and crease-free throughout the day. The product comes with a flocked wand applicator, which allows for precise and controlled application, ensuring that a little product goes a long way. To sum up, the Urban Decay Shimmer Eyeshadow Primer Potion Sin is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting, smooth, and shimmery base for their eyeshadow, though those preferring a matte finish may need to look elsewhere.

Rating
8.8
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
1028 reviews

Finish
Easy to apply and delivers a smooth, shimmery finish.
Longevity
This primer really works, keeping eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free all day.
#3

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer with Hyaluronic Acid – Clear Primer for Eyeshadow + Undereye Concealer – Grips Makeup, Hydrates + Smooths Skin for Crease-Free, Long-Lasting Wear – 0.29 oz

Rating
8.8
Formula
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
216 reviews

Formula
The formula feels lightweight and hydrating, making it comfortable for sensitive or dry skin around the eyes.
Finish
It creates a smooth base that prevents eyeshadow from creasing, even on oily eyelids.
Longevity
This primer significantly extends the wear time of eye makeup, preventing it from fading or disappearing throughout the day.

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer is a clear gel primer designed to keep your eyeshadow and under-eye concealer in place for up to 8 hours without creasing or smudging. Its formula is silicone-free and made with mostly natural ingredients, including hydrating agents like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Aloe Water, which help smooth and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. This makes it a great choice if you want to avoid dryness or irritation. The primer has a natural, invisible finish with no tint, so it won't change the color of your makeup. It also contains Blue Agave Extract to help hold makeup firmly on the skin.

Users appreciate how it creates a smooth base that works well with powders, creams, or liquids. One downside is that while it offers an 8-hour grip, those with oily eyelids might find they need to reapply after longer days. Also, its gel texture means it takes about a minute to dry before you should apply eyeshadow or concealer, which may require a little extra time in your routine.

The clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile option for many. If you want a primer that hydrates and extends wear without feeling heavy or silicone-heavy, this product fits well. For those seeking a primer with a longer-lasting hold beyond 8 hours or a matte finish, exploring other options might be beneficial.

Rating
8.8
Formula
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
216 reviews

Formula
The formula feels lightweight and hydrating, making it comfortable for sensitive or dry skin around the eyes.
Finish
It creates a smooth base that prevents eyeshadow from creasing, even on oily eyelids.
Longevity
This primer significantly extends the wear time of eye makeup, preventing it from fading or disappearing throughout the day.

Buying Guide for the Best Eyeshadow Primers

Choosing the right eyeshadow primer can make a significant difference in the longevity and vibrancy of your eyeshadow. An eyeshadow primer is a base applied to the eyelids before eyeshadow to help it adhere better, prevent creasing, and enhance color payoff. When selecting an eyeshadow primer, consider your skin type, the type of eyeshadow you use, and the look you want to achieve. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing an eyeshadow primer.
FormulaThe formula of an eyeshadow primer is crucial because it determines how well the product will perform on your eyelids. There are different types of formulas, including cream, gel, and liquid. Cream formulas are great for dry skin as they provide extra moisture. Gel formulas are lightweight and suitable for oily skin as they help control excess oil. Liquid formulas are versatile and work well for most skin types. Choose a formula that complements your skin type to ensure the primer stays put and enhances your eyeshadow.
FinishThe finish of an eyeshadow primer can affect the final look of your eyeshadow. Primers come in various finishes such as matte, satin, and shimmer. A matte finish is ideal for those who want a natural look or have oily eyelids, as it helps control shine. A satin finish provides a subtle sheen and is suitable for normal to dry skin types. A shimmer finish adds a touch of sparkle and is perfect for creating glamorous or festive looks. Consider the type of eyeshadow looks you prefer and choose a primer with a finish that complements them.
TintEyeshadow primers can be tinted or clear. Tinted primers can help even out the skin tone on your eyelids, cover discoloration, and enhance the color of your eyeshadow. Clear primers are more versatile and can be used with any eyeshadow color without altering its shade. If you have visible veins or discoloration on your eyelids, a tinted primer can provide a smooth, even base. If you prefer a more natural look or use a variety of eyeshadow colors, a clear primer might be the best choice.
LongevityThe longevity of an eyeshadow primer refers to how long it can keep your eyeshadow in place without fading or creasing. Some primers are designed to provide long-lasting wear for up to 24 hours, while others may offer moderate wear for 8-12 hours. If you need your eyeshadow to last all day or through a special event, opt for a primer with long-lasting claims. For everyday use, a primer with moderate longevity may be sufficient. Consider your daily routine and how long you need your eyeshadow to stay put when choosing a primer.
IngredientsThe ingredients in an eyeshadow primer can affect its performance and suitability for your skin. Look for primers that are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. If you have sensitive skin, choose a primer with gentle, hypoallergenic ingredients. Some primers also contain beneficial ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants that can nourish and protect the delicate skin on your eyelids. Always check the ingredient list to ensure the primer is safe and suitable for your skin type.

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