The 11 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers Of 2023
Smoothen your eyelids to hold the eyeshadow in place with the help of these primers.
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The best drugstore eyeshadow primers can help you get the perfect eye makeup look without exhausting your budget. An eyeshadow primer plays an important role in your eye makeup. It smooths the skin of your lids and ensures that your eyeshadow stays in place all day. It also makes the eyeshadow colors pop.
A good-quality eyeshadow primer lasts long and offers a creaseless canvas for your eyeshadow colors. Check out our top favorite drugstore eyeshadow primers that you can add to your vanity.
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers
1. Best Overall Eyeshadow Primer:Laura Geller New York Spackle Waterproof Eye Primer
Image: Laura Geller The Laura Geller New York Spackle Waterproof Eye Primer is the ultimate solution for long-lasting and flawless-looking eye makeup. The primer is easy to use, provides a smooth finish, and intensifies your eye looks. It improves the longevity of eyeshadows and sets the right base for the colors to glide on smoothly. The product also works as a concealer to hide darkness and discoloration under the eyes. With its waterproof formula, it fixes the eye makeup in place and makes your eyeshadow sweat- and weather-resistant. You can even wear it without any eyeshadow for a subtle nude eye look. This waterproof eyeshadow primer ensures maximum pigmentation and long-lasting wear.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Crease-proof
- Smudge-proof
- Enhances eyeshadow colors
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can be used by mature skin
Cons
None
Pro Tip2. Best Lightweight Eyeshadow Primer: Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Milani Eyeshadow Primer Intensify your eyeshadow color and make it last from day to night by applying the Milani Eyeshadow Primer. It is a lightweight, invisible primer that goes on nude and dries clear to create a smooth canvas on your eyelids for any eyeshadow. This eyeshadow primer works on all skin tones and glides smoothly for crease-free wear. It is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. This video review will help you learn more about the product.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Does not dry out instantly
- Blends easily
- Lightweight
- Crease-proof
- Easy to remove
- Value for money
Cons
None
3. Best Eyeshadow Primer For Oily Eyelids: Wet N Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Wet N Wild Beauty Oily eyelids can be a recipe for eyeshadow disaster as they can cause any formula, powder or cream, to cake and crease. The Wet N Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer has a mattifying formula that acts as a buffer between your eyelids and eyeshadow, ensuring the eyeshadow stays put without smudging. It preps and brightens your eyelids to make your eyeshadow last all day long. This primer offers smooth, effortless application. It glides on effortlessly and smoothly over the eyelids before applying your favorite eyeshadow. It also dries quickly with a clear finish. It is cruelty-free and PETA-certified. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Crease-proof
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Smooth application
Cons
- Leaves a residue
Quick Tip4. Best Quick-Drying Eyeshadow Primer: Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer The Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer lets you rock a crease-free eyeshadow look all day long. It preps your eyelid to intensify the color of the eyeshadows. It has a quick-drying formula that binds with the eyeshadow and holds it in place to create a bold look and maximize the wear time.
Pros
- Crease-proof
- Dries quickly
- Suitable for oily skin
- Smooth formula
Cons
- Sticky formula
5. Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Primer: Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Primer If you want your eye makeup to last long without creasing or smudging for 24 hours, Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Primer is the best choice for you. This lightweight primer is formulated with the Shea Butter Care Complex that creates a smooth surface on your eyelids for eyeshadow application. The universal shade of this eye primer goes well with every skin tone. Its natural finish locks the eyeshadow color all day long.
Pros
- Crease-proof
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight formula
- Made with natural ingredients
- Blends easily
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Affordable
Cons
- Thin consistency
- Oily formula
6. Best Multipurpose Eyeshadow Primer: L.A. Girl High Definition (HD) Pro Primer Eyeshadow Stick
Image: L.a. Girl High Definition (hd) Pro Primer Eyeshadow Stick The L.A. Girl HD Pro Primer is a lightweight, non-sticky eyeshadow primer stick that holds locks in your eye makeup and makes it last all day long. Its smooth formula glides easily over the eyelids and preps them for a flawless and even eyeshadow application. This formula coats the eyelids perfectly, providing full coverage to enhance the color of your eyeshadow. This multipurpose eyeshadow primer stick acts as a makeup base and is suitable for all skin types. Its natural color enhances the color of each eyeshadow to create a vibrant look.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Travel-friendly
- Glides effortlessly for smooth application
- Intensifies the eyeshadow color
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
7. Best Brightening Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline New York Master Prime Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Maybelline New York Master Prime Eyeshadow Primer The Maybelline New York Master Prime Eyeshadow Base has a luminous glow and smooth formula that glides seamlessly on the eyelids to add instant brightness to tired eyes. This iridescent eyeshadow primer’s champagne pink hue is quite seductive and blends perfectly with all skin tones to offer a bold eye look. Its shimmery finish lends a gorgeous and fresh glow to any eyeshadow you wear on top of it.
Pros
- Shimmer finish
- Smooth application
- Can be used alone
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for oily eyelids
- Affordable
Cons
- Thick formula
- Dries out quickly
8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Too Faced If you want to crease-proof eye makeup and condition your upper eyelid, then the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer is the right one for you. It contains Vitamin E and silicone that keep your eyelid area hydrated and healthy while adhering the eyeshadow to your skin all day. Just take a drop of this primer and apply, blend it well to get a smooth and flawless canvas. This blendable eyeshadow primer doesn’t fade, smudge, or let your makeup melt to keep its true color intact.
Pros
- No creasing
- No smudging
- No fading
- Suitable for all skin types
- Smooth application
Cons
- Not long-lasting
9. Best Clear Formula: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Wet N Wild Beauty Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer is one of the best primers that can give you long-lasting eyeshadow. This formula locks in the eyeshadow color all day long and prevents fading or shimmer fallouts. If you’re a beginner at eye makeup, this matte eyeshadow primer is for you.
The primer features a smooth and easy application that glides seamlessly and dries instantly with a clear finish. It preps your eyelids for eye makeup while brightening and extending the color of your eyeshadows. This drugstore eyeshadow primer also creates a smooth canvas without weighing down your eyelids or making them feel crunchy.
Pros
- Matte formula
- Smooth and effortless application
- Clear finish
- Easy-to-apply
- Long-lasting
- Brightens the eyelids
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for mature skin
- Leaves behind residue
10. Best Anti-Aging Primer: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Image: Urban Decay If you want a nude eye primer with anti-aging benefits, then Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is perfect for you. It evens out your skin tone and improves texture that keeps the eyeshadow crease-free and truly intact all day. It is infused with dermaxyl and kalpariane that improve signs of aging, smoothes wrinkles while hydrating and plumping the skin. It also improves skin elasticity and softness. The blurring pigments offer a soft-focus effect that reduces redness and awakens tired, fatigued eyes. It blurs the finest wrinkles, leaving a smooth base for smudge-proof eyeshadow application. It is available in 4 shades.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Suitable for oily lids
Cons
None
11. Best Antioxidant-Rich Eyeshadow Primer:Palladio Eyeshadow Primer
Image: Palladio Eyeshadow Primer Palladio Eyeshadow Primer is formulated with antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, D, and E, and essential botanicals nourish and moisturize the skin. It is a silicone-based primer that is sheer and glides on smoothly like silk. It also eliminates creasing, enhancing shadow vibrancy all day. Moreover, the soft, puff-tipped angled applicator is ideal for precise application. This universal shade is suitable for all skin tones.
Pros
• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Vitamin-infused
• Cruelty-free
• Silky smooth formula
• Dries quickly
Cons
None
These are the 11 best drugstore eyeshadow primers available online. If you are a beginner and do not know how to use an eyeshadow primer, check out the next section.
What Is An Eyeshadow Primer?
An eyeshadow primer is a liquid or cream-based product that is applied on the eyelids to make the eyeshadow you apply on top of it look vibrant and last long. It also helps in the smooth application and blending of eyeshadows and offers maximum pigmentation.
Check out the next section to know why you should pick a high-quality eyeshadow primer.
Benefits Of Using An Eyeshadow Primer
- Applying eyeshadow primer before eyeshadow makes the latter last longer. Wearing an eyeshadow without a primer underneath can make your eyelids look greasy and cause the eyeshadow to fade.
- Applying primer helps in applying eyeshadow smoothly and evenly like a pro.
- Those with dry eyelids tend to struggle with the smooth application of eyeshadow. It often results in the uneven blending of colors. A thin layer of eyeshadow primer helps in the even application of eyeshadow color. It also prevents the eyeshadow from settling in the fine lines.
- A primer holds the eyeshadow in place and makes it look more vibrant.
- It prevents the creasing, smudging, and fading of eyeshadows.
Now, let’s check out the step-by-step application of eyeshadow primer.
How To Apply An Eyeshadow Primer
- First, clean your face and eye area with a cleanser.
- Using a small eyeshadow brush, apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer onto your lids.
- Gently tap on the eyeshadow primer without tugging or pulling on your skin.
- Now, the blank canvas is ready to apply eyeshadow.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers
If you desire a crease-free, seamless eyeshadow look, prepping your lids with drugstore eyeshadow primers is very essential. They infuse essential nutrients into your lids and improve their texture. These formulas are enriched with potent ingredients that prepare your lids for effortless eyeshadow application. Check out the infographic below and learn which ingredients you must look for when buying an eyeshadow primer.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Eye makeup is quite difficult compared to other kinds of makeup. However, using the right set of makeup products can enhance the eyes! Perfect eye makeup is incomplete without a drugstore eyeshadow primer. These primers easily blend with eyeliners to give that flawless appearance. They are made of organic ingredients and are gentle on the skin. Try the Laura Geller New York Spackle Waterproof Eye Primer, as it glides smoothly and also acts as a concealer. For a long-lasting look that suits every skin color, the Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Primer is the best choice. If you want to conceal fine lines and create a flawless base for your makeup, use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. These drugstore eyeshadow primers offer you crease-free eye makeup and premium finishing. In addition, these products are vegan, smudge-proof, and long-lasting. Reading the buying guide will help you pick the best one.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, a certified makeup technique guide and image consultant, has compiled this list of the best drugstore eyeshadow primers to help you get a crease-free eye makeup look. She has carefully selected these primers after thorough research on their constituents, blending ability, and effect on the skin. She has also included a buying guide and the pros and cons of each product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best eye primer brands?
Some of the best eye primer brands are NYX Professional Makeup, Milani, Wet N Wild, and Covergirl.
Is it necessary to apply an eye primer?
Yes, eye primers keep your eye makeup from appearing creased and cakey. They also enhance the eyeshadow colors and make your eyes look flawless.
Can I use a face primer as an eyeshadow primer?
Yes, you can use a face primer as an eyeshadow primer, but it is not recommended to do so. Most face primers contain silicone which is not a good ingredient for your delicate eyes. If you do not have an eyeshadow primer, consider using a concealer in its place.
Is there a difference between a primer and an eyeshadow primer?
There are no major differences between a regular primer and an eyeshadow primer. The differences can lie in their formulas, as some ingredients used in face primers, like silicone, are not great for the delicate skin on your eyelids. Eyeshadow primers are mostly made of gentler formulas.
Is a concealer or a primer better for eyeshadow?
Both concealer and primer are equally important to make your eye makeup stand out. While concealers cover discolorations, eye primers offer a smooth base for your eyeshadow. However, some beauty enthusiasts skip the step of applying a primer as concealers can also do the job of offering a clear base for the rest of your eye makeup.
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