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I might be a makeup artist (and a beauty editor), but up until a few years ago, I could never get my eyeshadow to last longer than one hour, tops. I put it down to my oily eyelids (those of you with oilier complexions will relate) and assumed I had to say goodbye to eyeshadow altogether.
It’s not that I hadn’t heard of primers before (specifically, eyeshadow primers), it was that I was yet to come across one that actually worked. Whether I used a powder formula or eyeshadow stick over the top, my eye makeup still creased almost straight away.
However, when my friend wouldn’t stop raving about the Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, I thought, maybe I should give this product another go. So, when we were getting ready for a night out, I applied a generous helping of her go-to eyeshadow primer, and lo and behold, my eye makeup stayed in place after hours of bar hopping around Soho.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was a pivotal moment in my life, but it did feel good to know that I could actually wear eyeshadow again. So much so that over the past month, I’ve made it my mission to test more of the most popular eyeshadow primer formulas, and have created a concise edit of products that truly work. Intrigued to know more? Just keep on scrolling.
The Best Eyeshadow Primers, Tried & Tested
1. Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Nars
Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Formula: Liquid
Clear: Yes
Pros
- Keeps eyeshadow in place all day
- Easy to apply
- Clear formula
Cons
- I find that I can go through a tube quite quickly
I mean, I had to start with Nars, didn’t I? This is, hands down, the best eyeshadow primer I have ever used. The doe-foot applicator makes it easy to swipe straight onto the lid, and although the product comes out white, it dries down to a clear matte finish, perfect for prepping your eyes for any number of colourful eyeshadow looks. If I’m doing a heavier makeup look or plan to be out all day (or night), this is the product I reach for, as it really keeps my eyeshadow in place. If you have oily eyelids, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
2. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer
Milk Makeup
Hydro Grip Eye Primer
Formula: Liquid
Clear: Yes
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- As someone with oily eyelids, I didn’t find this as long-lasting as other primers in this roundup
If your eyelids are on the drier side, but you still want to use a primer, I recommend this one from Milk Makeup. A blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and aloe water, this formula is hydrating and creates a smooth, long-lasting base for eyeshadow. The clear formula and doe-foot applicator make it a dream to use, and if you’ve tried Milk Makeup primers before, then you’ll know just how effective this is.
3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay
Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Formula: Liquid
Clear: Yes (once dry)
Pros
- Tube is great for travelling
- Easy to apply
- Formula dries down clear
- Prevents creasing
This primer is somewhat of an icon in the makeup world, but as someone who had never tried it before, I was skeptical about whether it would actually work. As it turns out, it really does. The packaging is a little smaller than others in this roundup, so it’s a great one for travelling (there is also a smaller travel-size tube available). It also comes with a doe-foot applicator so you can swipe it straight onto the lid, and the formula is a light beige colour, but undetectable once dry. I loved testing this primer because it was great at minimising creasing throughout the day. I applied a nude powder eyeshadow on top, and it had barely creased by the time I got home from work. Very impressive considering my eyeshadow has normally creased by the time I walk through the office door in the morning.
4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Too Faced
Shadow Insurance
Formula: Liquid
Clear: Yes
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Smooth, creamy texture
Cons
- Packaging is a little more bulky
If you’re looking for a creamy yet lightweight option, Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance has got you covered. It has this gorgeous, velvety texture that glides onto the skin, creating a smooth, long-lasting base for your eyeshadow. Plus, it smells incredible, like a summer holiday in a bottle. I’ll definitely be reaching for it this season when the hot weather threatens to ruin my makeup.
5. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Nars
Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Formula: Cream
Clear: No
This isn’t technically a primer, but Who What Wear UK’s beauty editor Eleanor Vousden swears by this Nars concealer as an eyeshadow base. “It’s not strictly an eyeshadow primer, but I’ve found using a tiny amount of the Nars Soft Matte Concealer works as a great alternative. The matte texture creates a smooth and even base that clings to eyeshadow and helps prevent creasing. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and pat it onto the lids to help give your eyeshadow extra grip. The bonus is that you can choose a shade to match your skin tone, too.”
Pros
- Evens out your skin tone
- Prevents creasing
Cons
- Some people may prefer a clear formula
6. Makeup by Mario Master Mattes LW Cream Eyeshadow
Makeup By Mario
Master Mattes LW Cream Eyeshadow
Pros
- A great eyeshadow/primer hybrid
- Matte finish
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some may prefer a clear formula
Again, not technically an eyeshadow primer, but an incredible product to help your eye makeup last. I first started using this Makeup By Mario product as intended, a liquid eyeshadow, but quickly realised it also made a great base for powder eyeshadow products. It has a matte finish and a long-lasting formula, and comes in a range of neutral shades.
What Is an Eyeshadow Primer?
An eyeshadow primer is similar to a normal makeup primer, helping that gorgeous, glowy makeup look you’ve spent ages on last longer. However, as the name suggests, these primers are specifically designed for the eyelid area. “Eyeshadow primers are a necessary part of my makeup prep on set because they keep eye shadows in place,” explains Sara Wren, director of artistry at Milk Makeup. “Eyeshadows often don’t show up, fade or can crease over the course of the day, but a good primer will prevent that from happening.”
As Wren explained to me, most primers come in liquid or cream form, and some contain pigment to help even out the eyelid area. “My favourite eyeshadow primers are colourless—they won’t change the payoff of the product that I apply on top.”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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