15 Best Eyeshadow Primers To Prevent Creasing & Fading – 2024

Experience flawless, well-blended eye makeup every time with these primers.

Reviewed by Kerrin Jackson, Makeup Artist
Written by Shalini Roy, MA (English Literature)
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Asmita De, MA (English)  • 

If you’re fed up with the eyeshadows that crease and look uneven by the end of the day, you can try prepping your eyes with the best eyeshadow primers we have listed out today. These primers prevent the secretion of excess oils near the eye area, enhance the hue of the eyeshadow, and therefore you don’t require frequent touch ups. Scroll below and check our list of the best eyeshadow primers available in the cosmetics market and find the perfect one for yourself.

Top Picks
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Best For Oily Skin:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Waterproof:NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight Formula:Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Crease-Proof Formula:Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Price on Amazon
Best Nourishing Formula: Burt's Bees Eye Shadow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Budget-Friendly:CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best For Dry Skin: Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Primer
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Best Smudge-Proof: Ulta Beauty Matte Eye Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Blendable: Burt's Bees Eye Shadow Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free: theBalm Priming Is Everything Neutral Eyeshadow Primer
Price on Amazon

15 Best Eyeshadow Primers

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

4.3
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer Image: Elizabeth Mott

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 eye makeup 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 along with the reviewer’s experience of using it.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 0.35 Ounces

Pros

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

Cons

  • May not work well in humid environments.

My Personal Experience

"I like how well this primer holds on my oily lids. It's particularly good for hot, humid climates and on hooded eyes. It blends smoothly and enhances eyeshadow vibrancy without any creasing."


protip_icon Quick tip
Put on your eye makeup after absorbing and drying the primer for 20 seconds. The eyelid should feel flat, and the shadow should go on easily. If it appears cakey or clumpy, reduce the amount of primer used.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 31,252 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

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. This product is not tested on animals, making it a wonderful option for people looking for cruelty-free formulas. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product along with a tester’s experience of using it.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.19 x 1.32 x 4.02 inches | Weight: 0.7 Ounces

Pros

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

Cons

  • Takes a while to dry

protip_icon Quick tip
Don’t tug at the skin near your eyes, as it can cause wrinkles. Thoroughly blend primer into the eyelid creases; it will fill in the fine lines so that your makeup does not settle into them.

3) Best Lightweight Formula: Milani Eyeshadow Primer

4.2
8.--Milani-Eyeshadow-Primer Image: 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. through a tester’s experience of using it.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.81 x 0.8 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 0.31 Ounces

Pros

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

Cons

  • May dry the eyelids

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 6,119 reviews claiming its efficacy.

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

4.5
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Image: Urban Decay

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 vegan and free of animal testing, making it an ideal choice if you are looking for cruelty-free formula. 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.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | | Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.98 x 4.13 x 0.98 inches; 0.71 Ounces

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

protip_icon Pro Tip
The simplest way to use eyeshadow primer is solo. It can also serve as a cream eyeshadow, instantly giving a soft, lasting tint.

5) Best Nourishing Formula: Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer

3.8
Burt's Bees Eye Shadow Primer Image: Burt's Bees

The Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer can lock in just about any eye shadow color in place. It helps to create a smooth eyeshadow base and thus extends the longevity of eye shadow. It gives a good color payoff. Its super-lightweight, creamy formula melts onto the lids without weighing them down or leaving any residue. It is formulated with vitamin E and berry fruit wax. It is more than a flawless eyeshadow finish! The gentle eye care formula is suitable for all skin types. Adding this primer to your daily makeup essentials kit can work wonders for your eye health and look. Several reviews on Amazon state that this primer is easy to apply and locks eyeshadow in place for long hours.

Skin Type: All | | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.83 x 1.77 x 1.73 inches; 0.25 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Works on all skin tones
  • Formulated with natural ingredients
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Petrolatum-free

Cons

  • Might need to layer it on to get more coverage

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

4.2
COVERGIRL Image: 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.

Skin Type: All,Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 0.75 x 5.65 inches | Weight: 0.96 Ounces

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

4.2
REVLON Image: 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.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.94 x 0.94 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces.

Pros

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

Cons

  • May cause redness in sensitive skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 5,460 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

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

4.5

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 and offers exceptional results. 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.

Skin Type: All | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.17 x 1.14 x 0.63 inches; 0.53 Ounces

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 Blendable: Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer

3.8
Burt's Bees Eye Shadow Primer Image: Burt's Bees

The Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer is a must-have for anyone who wants to ensure their eye makeup stays put all day long. The formula is made with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, which melts into your skin and blends the eyeshadow shades easily. It comes in one translucent beige color that works with all skin tones and is very lightweight on the skin. It has a good color payoff and extends the wear of eye-shadow without any patchiness or stickiness.

Skin Type: All | | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.83 x 1.77 x 1.73 inches; 0.25 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blends seamlessly
  • Long-lasting
  • Works for all skin tones
  • Moisturizing

Cons

None

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

4.2
theBalm Priming Is Everything Neutral Eyeshadow Primer Image: Thebalm

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.

Color: Black | Product Dimensions: 2.13 x 2.13 x 0.44 inches | Weight: 0.8 Ounces.

Pros

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

Cons

None

11) L.A. Girl Pro Primer

4.1
L.A. Girl Pro Primer Image: L.a. Girl

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 an eye makeup base that works for all skin types. The long-lasting formula of the primer also enhances the pigments in the eyeshadow. This eyelid primer addresses the appearance of redness and any signs of discoloration. It also balances your skin tone and brightens your eyelids.

Skin Type: All | | Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches; 0.32 Ounces

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) Best Crease-Proof: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Primer

4.5
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Primer Image: Too Faced

The featherlight Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer comes with unique binders that help to lock in the eye shadow pigments, so it acts more like a glue for eyeshadow. This waterproof formula ensures that your makeup doesn’t budge or crease a bit be it rain, sweat, or tears! It also helps to give an even tone to your skin by neutralizing discoloration around the eye area. This crease-proof formula also helps to intensify eyeshadow color, and its invisible, smooth finish allows you to create the perfect canvas for your eye makeup.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Invisible finish
  • Fade-proof
  • Waterproof
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Has a watery consistency

13) True + Luscious Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer/Base

3.9
True + Luscious Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer/Base Image: True Luscious

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 expertly crafted 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.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

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

My Personal Experience

"After trying various eyeshadow primers, I found this one's ability to conceal the bluish-red tint on my eyelids very good. It holds the eyeshadow beautifully without creasing or fading. It's good for everyday use and also caters to sensitive skin."


14) Trish Mcevoy Eye Base Essentials Eyeshadow Primer

4.4
Trish Mcevoy Eye Base Essentials Eyeshadow Primer Image: Trish Mcevoy

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.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 2.83 x 0.75 inches; 0.12 Ounces

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Gluten-free
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Too light for Asian skin tones

15) Bellaterra Cosmetics Eye Shadow Primer

3.6
Bellaterra Cosmetics Eye Shadow Primer Image: Bellaterra

The Bellaterra Cosmetics Eye Shadow Primer allows the eyeshadows to adhere to your eyes all day to last your makeup for a long time. This lightweight, silky-smooth primer glides easily and creates a perfect canvas for eye shadow application. It enhances the color payoff of your eyeshadows and prevents creasing and smudging. The primer absorbs excess oil and prevents eyeshadow from settling into wrinkles, making it ideal for those with oily skin and mature eyes.

Color: Clear | Product Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Glides smoothly
  • Intense color payoff
  • Long-lasting
  • Cruelty-free
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Some may find it drying on eyelids

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 addition, you can also pick dermatologist-tested products or expert-recommended formulas that are safe for your skin, especially if you have extremely sensitive skin.

In the next section, we have discussed how to apply an eye primer the right way.

How To Use Eye Primer Correctly

  1. Wash your face before you apply your foundation or concealer.
  2. Pat a tiny amount of eye primer to cover your eyelid with your fingertip or a brush.
  3. Wait for a few seconds for the primer to dry.
  4. Apply your eyeshadow and eyeliner as usual.

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.

The Bottom Line

Creasy eyeshadows smudge and spoil the eye makeup and may not last long. If you are going for an outing or on a date and want your eyes to look bright with long-lasting makeup that doesn’t need frequent touchups, you need non-creasy eyeshadow primers. The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer helps even out the skin tone and enhance the eyeshadow look with its quick-drying formula, the Milani Eyeshadow Primer offers a light and long-lasting base for all skin tones, and the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ensures a smooth, precise application with its safe and high-end formula. These primers prevent the skin from creating excess sebum. These products are non-greasy, vegan, waterproof, and hence durable. However, some products might not suit every skin type. Read the buying guide to choose the best eyeshadow primers that suit your skin tone.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 base 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.


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