by There is no point in carefully applying layers of eyeshadow if everything is wiped off as soon as you leave the house. Or, if you’re opting for a vibrant look, you don’t want to waste all that precious time if you can’t see each of the colors at their full potential.
If you’ve given up when it comes to applying brighter eyeshadow after repeated episodes of blotchy or wrinkled eyes, it might be time to invest in one of the best eyeshadow primers.
An eyeshadow primer is your secret weapon when it comes to maintaining your magic makeup during a long day. These lightweight formulas set the tone – literally – for long-lasting looks that refuse to move.
Tackling makeup challenges from all angles – smudging, creasing, fading, or just fading into the skin – these miracle products will have you stepping up your game with confidence the next time you perform a full face.
The best eyeshadow primer really depends on the look you are looking for. If you’re opting for eyeshadow that just needs a little help to stay in place, you’ll need a light, easy-to-apply formula, probably one in a thin applicator format. If you’re going all out with heavier makeup, you might benefit from a slightly denser formula that offers a clean, matte base to really show off your efforts.
Some eyeshadow primers are also reinforced with eye-loving ingredients, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines or dark circles.
We’ve rounded up all the best eyeshadow primers.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer
If ever there is a brand that requires a hefty dose of protection before going all out with vibrant makeup, it’s Fenty Beauty. Fortunately, Fenty has made a product that does it all. Because the Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer does one thing that many other makeup products falter at: it works on all skin tones.
Its weightless “invisipink” formula melts into the skin, creating a super smooth surface for effortless blending while increasing color vibrancy. It’s also designed to help retain color for serious wrinkle-proof, fade-proof strength.
Buy Now £ 19.00, Harvey Nichols
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
There’s a good reason Urban Decay’s eyeshadow primer is called a potion and that’s because it’s basically magical in the form of makeup. Similar to the concealer, a quick swipe of this on the lids promises a neutral base for all types of colors on top without the underlying base shade coming out.
Something of a miracle product, this formula still packs a punch in every way: it lasts for a full 24 hours, offers wrinkle-free shadow and smoother application at the same time.
Buy Now £ 19.50, Boots
Stay Don’t Stray Concealer & Eyeshadow Primer advantage
Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Primer works effortlessly around the eyes to make sure that concealers and eyeshadows stay in place no matter how long you stay out.
An impressive formula that holds everything securely in place (no panda eyes of any kind in sight), this popular eyeshadow primer is lightweight and designed for impact. It blends evenly and evenly over the eye area for flawless, long-lasting results and is also available in a few different shades.
Buy now £ 23.50, lookfantastic
Stee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeshadow
While some eyeshadow primers come in stick or pen formats, Estee Lauder’s is more of a cream. Designed as an eye-specific variation of the popular Double Wear formula, this Stay-in-Place eyeshadow base is one of the best for heavy applications and stays in place for hours on end. If you are looking for a more intense base before you layer the colors, this formula is well equipped to let the magic of your makeup shine.
Buy Now £ 20.00, Selfridges
NYX professional makeup eyeshadow base
NYX makes some of the best budget makeup on the market, and the brand’s High Definition Makeup Eye Shadow Base is following suit. It is one of the most versatile products and has a low cost.
This primer does it all, with its ability to make your skin smoother, more even and equipped for long-lasting makeup application. He is also famous for his ability to minimize eye creases, making him a great hit for those with hooded lids.
Buy Now £ 5.40, Boots
MAC Prep + Prime Base Eyes 24 Hours
MAC’s vibrant eyeshadow range probably wouldn’t be half as successful if the brand didn’t have an equally impressive eyeshadow primer to match. Fortunately, Prep + Prime 24 Hour Eye Base does exactly that.
This high-potency formula takes no prisoners when it comes to getting the job done correctly, adding a matte, lightweight coating to your lids so they’re prepared and ready to perform. This universal formula dries quickly for an invisible finish and is resistant to both sweat and moisture – perfect for a night out.
Buy now £ 18.40, lookfantastic
Natasha Denona eyeshadow base
If you’re looking for more precision in an eyeshadow primer, look no further than Natasha Denona’s eyeshadow base. With its small applicator, it is perfect if you are looking to go all out with a unique eyeshadow and it applies perfectly to the skin.
This expert eye primer prolongs the wear of the eyeshadow, while also helping to fortify the skin underneath. It does this with two key ingredients: the spherical pigment, which ensures that the base glides easily, and the seaweed extract, which helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and strengthen the fragile and delicate skin around the eye area.
Buy now £ 22.00, lookfantastic
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Eye-Fix Primer
Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Eye-Fix Primer is an award-winning product and goes to great lengths to ensure your makeup looks just as good when you get home as it does before you leave the house.
Renowned for its ability to act as an invisible shield between eyelids and makeup, it ensures eyeshadows, pencils and powders stay fresh and true to color for longer. It also takes just 30 seconds to dry before you are free to go wild with the colors.
Buy Now £ 21.00, Elizabeth Arden
NARS Smudge-proof eyeshadow base
Nars’ smudge-proof eyeshadow base is something of a cult classic and is loved for its light, effortless application and ability to keep eyeshadow fresh for hours on end – and then for a while.
Made with a blend of polymers and mineral powder, this foolproof formula establishes a firm hold on the color, keeping everything where it should be with no fading or smudging in sight. It also helps nourish the eyelids at the same time, thanks to its deep-water extract and antioxidant-rich rice extract.
Buy Now £ 21.00, Worship Beauty
Makeup Revolution Ultimate Eye Base
Makeup Revolution is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good results and the Ultimate Eye Base is a great choice if you’re looking for a matte look. While it’s a bit thicker than other formulas out there, it’s ideal for nights when you’re hoping to layer your eyeshadow and don’t want any interference from your underlying skin tone. This vegan formula is the best choice to endure and banishes all wrinkles as well.
Buy Now £ 4.50, Amazon
Verdict
Just like everything Rihanna touches, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer it is a work of magic. Its versatility, mid-range price tag, and unfailing ability to keep eye makeup on trend make it our favorite eyeshadow primer of the bunch.
