15 Best Eyeshadow Primers To Prevent Creasing Fading 2022

15 Best Eyeshadow Primers

1) Best For Oily Skin: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer

The Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer by Elizabeth Mott is a light, whitish, almost transparent primer. It locks in and enhances the eyeshadow color for a flawless look. The pearl powder in the eye primer evens out and brightens the skin tone. The primer also has oil combating properties and is perfect for oily skin. This non-greasy primer sets in a semi-matte finish, eliminates creases, and dries within seconds. It is weightless and helps your eye makeup stay put for a very long time. The eyeshadow primer is also cruelty-free and is a part of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. It comes with a money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the product. Here’s an honest review of the product. Pros

Long-lasting Quick-drying Brightening Cruelty-free No artificial fragrance Non-greasy Money-back guarantee

Cons

May not work well in humid environments.

2) Best Waterproof: NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer

This waterproof eyeshadow primer by NYX makes sure your eyeshadow stays on your eyelids, no matter what the weather is. It has a white tint during application but dries clear. The cosmetic is durable, glides smoothly, and ensures your eyeshadow stays in place throughout the day. This waterproof eyeshadow primer is best for humid days, lounging at the beach, or even a long night out. The unique formula ensures maximum pigmentation while making your eyeshadow waterproof. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Pros

Waterproof Durable Cruelty-free Oil-free formula Enhances color pigmentation

Cons

Takes a while to dry

3) Best Lightweight Formula: Milani Eyeshadow Primer

The Milani Eyeshadow Primer has a lightweight formula that helps intensify your favorite eyeshadow and increase its wear from day to night. It is crease-proof and acts as the perfect base to make your eyeshadow palette pop. The cruelty-free primer goes on nude, dries invisibly, and is suitable for all skin tones. This video will help you understand the product better. Pros

Lightweight Invisible Works on all skin tones Vegan Cruelty-free Dries invisible Long-lasting Affordable

Cons

May dry the eyelids

4) Best Crease-Proof Formula: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

The Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay is an award-winning, shimmery, pale nude eye primer that dries to a matte finish. It offers a vibrant and creaseless eyeshadow look that lasts all day long. The eyeshadow primer is extremely smooth on your eyelids and helps in even distribution of color. It leaves behind a subtle shimmer as a base for perfect bold and natural skin tones. This creamy eyeshadow primer works for all skin types and eye shapes. The long-lasting formula aids in pigmented eyeshadow application and intensifies the look of metallic, shimmer, matte, or glitter eyeshadows. The super creamy texture ensures there are no cracks in your eye makeup. This eye primer is formulated with polymer technology that prevents your eyeshadow from fading. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. The wand applicator ensures precise and controlled application every time. The primer is also free of harmful chemicals like parabens, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. Pros

Anti-crease formula Suits all skin tones Paraben-free Vegan Cruelty-free Subtle shimmer Does not fade Long-lasting formula

Cons

Sticky Not waterproof

5) Best Fragrance-Free: Wet & Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer

This eyeshadow primer by Wet N Wild locks your eyeshadow color all day. Its unique, long-lasting formula preps your eyelids for a smooth finish. The smooth and effortless application brightens your eyelids to give a pop of color. This eyeshadow primer dries to a clear finish and is suitable for all skin tones. It is cruelty-free and certified by PETA. Pros

Fragrance-free Cruelty-free Brightening Long-lasting formula Suitable for all skin tones Dries clear

Cons

May not work for mature skin

6) Best Budget-Friendly: CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer

The CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer pairs perfectly with the TruNaked Eyeshadow palettes. It makes your eyeshadow crease-proof and long-lasting. The unique formula intensifies the pigments in your eyeshadow, making it vibrant. This eyeshadow primer dries quickly and has a hassle-free application. The sticky formula acts as glitter glue and makes metallic and shimmer eyeshadows pop. Pros

Affordable Shadow security Long-lasting Dries quickly Best for oily skin

Cons

May cause clumping

7) Best For Dry Skin: Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Primer

The Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Primer uses ColorStay technology to make your eyeshadow last all day without creasing. The shea butter care complex in the formula provides a smooth surface for eyeshadow application. This eyeshadow primer is lightweight and non-greasy and makes your eyeshadow look fresh throughout the day. Its universal shade works well for all skin tones. The ColorStay Primer does not dry out easily, making it a go-to primer for people with dry skin. Pros

Suitable for all skin tones Non-drying formula Non-greasy Long-lasting

Cons

May cause redness in sensitive skin

8) Best Smudge-Proof: Ulta Beauty Matte Eye Primer

The Matte Eye Primer by Ulta Beauty ensures prolonged wear by eliminating creasing. It can be used with virtually any eyeshadow formula – powder, gel, mousse, and even loose pigments. The long-wear and smudge-proof formula ensures your eyeshadow lasts all day. This eyeshadow primer has a translucent flesh color and is suitable for all skin tones. It is free of oils, fragrance, and sulfates and is vegan, making it the best option for sensitive skin. Pros

Long-wearing Smudge-proof Suitable for all skin tones Fragrance-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

Less quantity for the price

9) Best Long-Lasting: Ruby Kisses 24 HR Eyeshadow Magic Primer

The 24 HR Eyeshadow Magic Primer by Ruby Kisses delivers the ultimate eye prep for smooth and vibrant eyeshadow color. It lasts all day long without creasing or fading. The eyeshadow primer comes with an easy-to-use sponge tip applicator and in a pack of three. It helps you create crease-free, smudge-free, and non-melting eye makeup looks. Pros

24-hour stay Non-melting Sponge tip applicator Suitable for all skin tones

Cons

Takes time to dry

10) Best Cruelty-Free: theBalm Priming Is Everything Neutral Eyeshadow Primer

theBalm Priming Is Everything Neutral Eyeshadow Primer acts as a base to keep your eyeshadow in place. It gives a bright and brilliant pop to your eyeshadow color. This neutral eyeshadow primer is suitable for all skin types and tones. The unique formula ensures no creasing or no fading. This versatile eyeshadow primer will keep your look fresh from day to night. It is also cruelty-free and does not contain harmful parabens. Pros

Cruelty-free Paraben-free Long-lasting Lightweight Suitable for all skin tones and types

Cons None

11) L.A. Girl Pro Primer

This HD eyeshadow primer is a multitasker. The lightweight, smooth, and non-sticky formula glides smoothly on your eyelids to prep your eyes for a flawless and even application. It serves as a base that works for all skin types. The long-lasting formula of the primer also enhances the pigments in the eyeshadow. This eye primer addresses the appearance of redness and any signs of discoloration. It also balances your skin tone and brightens your eyelids. Pros

Cruelty-free Good coverage Lightweight Smooth texture Works on all skin tones and types Long-lasting formula Brightens eyelids Addresses redness and discoloration

Cons

May irritate the eyes

12) BELLESKY Eyeshadow Primer

The BELLESKY Eyeshadow Primer is uniquely formulated with polymer technology to prevent creasing and make your eyeshadow last longer. This primer offers a matte finish and has a light texture. The smooth oil-free primer evens out skin tones and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. In addition, it blends well with your favorite eyeshadow to enhance your eye makeup Moreover, it is available in six different colors. Pros

Smudge-proof Water-proof Long-lasting Suitable for all skin types Light-weight Hypoallergenic Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons None

13) True + Luscious Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer/Base

The Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer/Base by True + Luscious is a talc-free formula that keeps oil in check and acts like a magnet for powder and cream eyeshadow pigments. This ensures your eyeshadow is applied more evenly and is vibrant. The eyeshadow primer dries in a matte finish that stays for up to 12 hours. It is non-drying and alcohol-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. This eyeshadow primer locks in makeup and creates a blank canvas for eye makeup by correcting any signs of discoloration. It glides smoothly over your skin without tugging your eyelids. This product is vegan and contains mostly plant-driven ingredients. It is available in three different shades. Pros

Talc-free formula Matte finish Vegan Cruelty-free Plant-derived ingredients Available in 3 different shades Non-drying Alcohol-free

Cons

May cause the eyeshadow to crease

14) Trish Mcevoy Eye Base Essentials Eyeshadow Primer

Trish McEvoy’s Eye Base Essentials brightens and corrects any signs of discoloration on your eyelids. This eyeshadow primer instantly creates a more bright-eyed and vibrant look while locking the eyeshadow in place. It is crease-proof, stays all day, and improves your eyeshadow’s longevity. Pros

Dermatologist-tested Gluten-free Long-lasting

Cons

Too light for Asian skin tones

15) Kat Von D Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer

The Kat Von D Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer primes your eyelids according to the skin tone. It comes in five different shades that neutralize the lids for supersaturated and true eyeshadow color payoff. The 16-hour long-lasting formula has multi-faceted color-correcting pigments that make your eye makeup crease-free and fade-proof. This eyeshadow primer is vegan and cruelty-free. Pros

Available in 5 different shades Suitable for all skin tones Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

Pulls on the lids Does not blend well

Kerrin Jackson, a makeup artist, says, “An eye primer has become an invaluable tool to have in your makeup collection. It can literally keep your eye makeup on all day, without it moving at all. But remember that you only need a tiny amount to cover the surface of your eyelid, and it should only be covering your lid in a very fine layer.” Before choosing an eyeshadow primer, it is important to know what to look for. Scroll down to the next section to find out.

How To Choose The Right Eyeshadow Primer

There are multiple options for eyeshadow primers, and you can pick one that will work best for you, depending on how you do your makeup and the type of skin over your eyes.

Best Eyeshadow Primers For Oily Eyelids

If your eye region appears too oily, look for a mattifying eyeshadow primer. Liquid formulas work best, as they tend to mattify rapidly and absorb the oils around the eyes. This makes sure your eyeshadows don’t smudge or wrinkle.

Best Eyeshadow Primers For Sensitive Eyelids

For sensitive skin, look for primers that are creamy and won’t dry down as fast. The quick-drying and mattifying primers can pull on the eyelids and cause irritation. Also, go for creamy eyeshadow bases. Stay away from primers with scents or irritating oils.

Best Eye Primers For Dry And Mature Eyelids

If your skin is on the drier side or you have pigmentation and wrinkles around the eyes, opt for a hydrating eyeshadow primer. Many eye primers incorporate anti-aging and skin moisturizing ingredients, including aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, and peptides.

Best Eye Primers For Correcting Discoloration And Dark Circles

Some eye primers can double as concealers to help hide pigmentation around the eyes. Pick eye primers in a shade that matches your skin tone for discoloration. Go for an eye primer with peachy or pink tints to correct dark circles. Opt for a green-toned primer for correcting redness.

Best Eye Primers For Boosting Eyeshadow Color

If your eyeshadow often looks dull, you can use primers to boost the color’s brightness. The key is to discover an eyelid primer that is a lighter shade than your skin tone. Use white eye primers to boost pigmentation in eyeshadows, black primers for dark eyeshadows, and luminous primers for shimmery eyeshadows. In the next section, we have discussed how to apply an eye primer the right way.

How To Use Eye Primer Correctly

It is also important to use the right kind of primer for different eyeshadow looks. Scroll down for more information

Types Of Eye Primers

Neutral Eye Primer: The formula goes on clear or colored to match your skin tone, leaving a neutral base for you to finish applying your eyeshadow. Neutral eyeshadow primers make sure your eyeshadow and eyeliner last the entire day and are wrinkle- and smear-free.

Tinted Eye Primer: Tinted eyeshadow primers are available in a wide assortment of shades and can enhance and brighten the eyeshadow color. If you use liquid liners, a tinted eye primer can create a smudge-free layer underneath.

Glitter Eye Primer: If you are an eye makeup professional, you will realize that there is one area where most eye primers miss the mark – glitter. Glitter eyeshadows mostly contain bigger particles than the average eyeshadow, and glitter primers work to keep the sparkles from getting all over your face.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shalini Roy, is a makeup enthusiast who loves trying out different products and reviewing them for users. She has come up with the above list of the best eyeshadow primers following extensive research of a wide range of products and an in-depth evaluation of customer feedback. These primers prevent the secretion of excess oils near the eye area and highlight the eyeshadow. What’s the difference between an eyeshadow base and a primer? A primer is always the first step. It creates a smooth surface, helps avoid creasing, and keeps natural oils from smudging your eyeshadow. A base also goes on before your eyeshadow, but it offers a different benefit. While it doesn’t stop creasing or oils, it enhances the eyeshadow’s color and makes it more vibrant. It does not make your shadow last as long as a primer would, but it offers more holding power than a bare lid due to its sticky nature. Should I apply my eyeshadow primer beneath my lid? Yes. When applied underneath the eyes, eyeshadow primers can help prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and make it last longer. Does eyeshadow primer work for eyeliner? Yes, it does. Applying eye makeup primer below your eyeliner can make it smudge-free and long-lasting. Do you let my eyeshadow primer dry? Yes, let your eyeshadow primer dry and settle well into your skin before applying other eye makeup products. Is there a difference between a primer and an eye primer? There are no major differences except that most eye primers have gentler formulas devoid of silicones. Eye primer formulas offer a better finish than face primers and last longer on your skin. Should you set your eyeshadow primer with powder? No, it is not necessary to set your eyeshadow primer with powder. Instead, opt for powder eyeshadows and directly apply them to your semi-damp eye primer.