The Best Eyeshadow Primers on the Market

With the right products, a steady hand, and some blending, you can make easily make your eyes the focal point of your face (a must these days, since the lower halves of our visages are covered by masks). Ultimately, crafting a pretty, neutral eye look takes practice—but no matter how painstakingly you approach perfecting this skill, smudges, creases, and caking will happen if you do not begin with the correct base. And that is where eyeshadow primer comes in.

To preserve your eye makeup throughout the day, simply begin with a primer—a step that is more imperative than you've likely realized, especially if you have oilier skin. Still, it's not enough to select any old formula or use a wash of foundation as a base. Rather, you'll want to scoop up a product specifically designed to prepare this delicate area of skin for makeup, creating a subtle base for bold and neutral colors alike to build up on top. What's more, you'll want to use an option that promises long-lasting wear—otherwise, there's truly no point in using one at all.

If you're ready to work this essential step into your beauty routine, but don't know quite where to start, you're not alone. There are a myriad of options on the market today—and it is for this very reason that so many people skip over the product altogether. That's why we went ahead and did the work for you. To save you from having to cull through hundreds of formulas, we curated several of the best eye makeup primers available right now. Choose the one that best suits your needs but rest assured that you truly can't go wrong with any of these options.

With a decade-long cult following, it's safe to say this formula is the ultimate contender for your eye priming needs. The creamy formula creates a base for vibrant eye looks and promises up to 24 hours of wear.

Shop Now: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $24, sephora.com.

This ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested primer is a safe choice for all, but especially for those with sensitive eyes. The beloved formula delivers 24 hours of crease-free wear—even when layered with a glitter-based shadow.

Shop Now: MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, $24.50, maccosmetics.com.

Not only does this top-rated product work to make lid makeup last, but it'll also help keep your concealer in place since it can be applied under the eyes. Plus, it's infused with a form of hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins C and E, so it also hydrates and brightens with ever wear.

Shop Now: Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer, $26, nordstrom.com.

Here's a unique option: In addition to acting as a base for shadow, this formula from bareMinerals is pretty all on its own.

Shop Now: bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow + Primer, $20, ulta.com.

This creamy eyeshadow primer deserves a spot in your makeup bag, plain and simple. One dab blended into each lid and you can expect fade-proof, crease-free wear for up to one full day.

Shop Now: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer, $22, sephora.com.

Not all top-rated eyeshadow primers are expensive. This drugstore pick is forever commended for its invisibly smooth effect.

Shop Now: Milani Eyeshadow Primer, $4.99, amazon.com.

Blend this best-selling primer onto your lids and you can look forward to less fallout and longer wear. The coveted formula is even sweat- and humidity-proof, so it can stand up to just about anything.

Shop Now: Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer, $22, ulta.com.

This lightweight, color-boosting eye primer has earned endless accolades since it launched in 2018. The formula works to grip eyeshadow particles, which extends wear time.

Shop Now: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Amplifying Eye Primer, $22, sephora.com.

Infused with antioxidant-rich deep-sea extract, this eyeshadow primer does more than simply make your eye makeup look good—it makes your lids smoother and plumper with time.

Shop Now: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, $26, nordstrom.com.

This quick-dry eye primer is cruelty-free and a bargain, to boot. Layer it on before your favorite eyeshadow and you can expect long-lasting wear that doesn't feather, flake, smear.

Shop Now: Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer, $6.29, ulta.com.