I Tried 15 Eyeshadow Primers, These 6 Kept My Makeup in Place All Day (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Size: 0.29 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For a few reasons, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer came out on top for me in this experiment. First, the product was very easy to apply, and it spread evenly, making eyeshadow application seamless. It honestly feels like wearing nothing—the formula is so lightweight and leaves a smooth finish. As a bonus, this product has multiple uses; it can also prime the under-eye area before applying concealer.

I honestly couldn’t come up with anything about the product that I disliked—however, I have dry skin and wonder what those with oily skin might think about the silky, slick texture of this one.

Size: 0.64 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: No

The wet n wild MegaLast Eyeshadow Primer was definitely the most impressive drugstore option that I tested. I experienced zero creasing and the shadows I applied still looked just as good at the end of the day as when I first applied them. The formula is lightweight and creamy—it goes on smooth but dries with the tiniest bit of tackiness, which I think helped the shadows last well. My only qualm with this ones is that the tube doesn’t have a doe foot applicator, so at first I was just guessing how much product I needed. But after a few tries, I figured out the perfect amount.

Size: 0.27 oz | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This primer will elevate the look of shadows in your lids and make them last so much longer than they would otherwise. I gave it top marks for longevity; my eyeshadows looked just as pristine and vibrant after several hours of wear as they did when I first applied them. Many of the primers I tested were only available in a clear or single-shade tint, but Nyx has four options to choose from (I wore the shade medium.)

Be forewarned, this formula is more tacky than smooth—but that’s a big reason as to why the eyeshadows I applied stayed in place so well.

Size: 0.1 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Rare Beauty Weightless Eyeshadow Primer creates a concealer-like base to layer shadows on seamlessly. Not only does it color correct and conceal your eyelids just as a concealer would your under eyes and blemishes, but this primer made my eyeshadows appear more vibrant thanks to the tinted base. This is a product that I feel would last me several months since a little goes a really long way. All I needed was a few tiny dots of product dispensed from the doe foot applicator, and I blended them out with my ring finger to cover my entire eyelid. It is currently only available in one shade, so we hope Rare Beauty introduces more soon.

Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: No

There is so much to love about the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadows. First, they can be worn alone or layered with other eyeshadows. (I used the shade Painterly, a beige shade that felt similar to a concealer on my lids, so I chose to layer more shadows on top!) Mignano says that the Paint Pots are also a favorite of hers, so you can feel confident knowing they are makeup artist-approved. Be patient while blending to ensure that you aren’t tugging too much on your lids so you can achieve your perfect level of coverage.

Size: 0.33 oz | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Urban Decay has created so many colorful eyeliners and shadows; it’s no wonder they created a fantastic primer to help those vibrant products last all day. If you’ve struggled with creasing, this primer will be your best friend; it truly helped my shadows stay in place. The formula is very silky, lightweight, and dries smooth, so it feels like you’re barely wearing a primer at all. Simply apply the primer using the doe foot applicator and blend it out with your fingers or a brush. The formula is slightly tinted and has a bit of a shimmer to it.

FAQ

• What's the best way to apply an eyeshadow primer?

  There are several ways to apply eyeshadow primers. Most of the formulas I tried came with a doe-foot applicator, which I would use to distribute the product. I would then gently tap the product with my ring finger to warm it into my skin and blend any excess product left behind from the applicator.

  Mignano prefers using a small, dense brush—like the Fenty Beauty Precision Concealer Brush 180—because it allows for more control over the amount of product applied. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different application methods and find the one that’s best for you.

• How long should you let eyeshadow primer dry before applying eyeshadow?

  “This depends on the primer's formula,” says Mignano. “Usually, I like to set the primer with a bit of pressed powder, as I find it helps my eyeshadow blend more smoothly and prevents it from looking patchy.”

• Are there any alternatives to eyeshadow primers that also help shadows last?

  Mignano says, “Most of the time, I opt for a cream concealer or base for my eyeshadows, as I find it has a similar effect to a primer.” You’re less likely to find a tacky concealer formula, but if you’re looking to get even coverage all over your face and add a bit of pigmentation to increase the vibrancy of the eyeshadow, a concealer can be a great substitute for an eyeshadow primer when you’re in a pinch.