Eye primer is a product that works exactly like face primer does, but it’s for your eyelids. It is applied to the eyelid before you put on your eyeshadow to help keep it in place. If you have a problem that makes your makeup more prone to smudgings, like oily eyelids or hooded eyelids, you need an eye primer. If not, you can probably get away with using a neutral base, but an eyeshadow primer can still benefit you.
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Why You Need An Eyeshadow Primer
Eyeshadow primer does much more than a base color of eyeshadow can do. It creates the perfect barrier to ensure that your makeup isn’t in direct contact with your skin. The unique formulas used in eyeshadow primer give you even more benefits.
Eye Primer Preps The Eyelid
When you use a priming product, it gives you a perfect canvas to work with. It helps smooth out areas that need it, so your eyeshadow glides on with little effort.
Eyeshadow Will Last Longer
One of the main reasons everyone has a good eyeshadow primer in their arsenal is the superior staying power. You won’t experience as much fading in general. During humid weather, the sweat and oil on your face can make your eyeshadow appear as though it’s magically gone by noon. If you have oily eyelids, you’ll notice this happens regardless of the weather. It won’t be a concern with a good primer.
Eye Makeup Will Stay In Place With Eye Primer
The only thing worse than realizing that your makeup is nowhere to be seen is walking into the bathroom and realizing it’s a mess. Eyeshadow can crease and run just like the rest of your makeup. That isn’t likely to happen with a good eyelid primer. If you have oily eyelids, you need a good primer.
Primer Makes Eyeshadow Appear More Pigmented
Consider using a primer if you have difficulty getting eyeshadow to show up on your skin tone. This provides a base that eyeshadow will cling to, instantly making the colors in your eyeshadow pop.
Eye Primer Covers Imperfections
Just like face primer can help hide blemishes, eyelid primer can help even out the skin tone on your eyelids. Discolored eyelids can be hereditary, so the primary way to get around that is to use a good primer. You can also use it to cover up veins on your eyelids.
Eyeshadow Primer Can Help Concealer Last Longer
Primer isn’t just for your eyelids. You can also use it underneath your eyes. This is necessary if you plan on putting a light dusting of shadow under your eyes. If you use concealer, it can help guarantee that your concealer doesn’t crease throughout the day.
How To Choose An Eye Primer
Eye primers all have the same benefits, to an extent. Almost every eyeshadow primer will make the colors of your eyeshadow more vibrant, giving it serious staying power. However, some formulas are a step above the rest. Antiaging formulas are designed to nourish the eyelids and help prevent premature aging. Others are infused with hydrating ingredients. With all the primers on the market, it can be hard to figure out how to choose an eye primer that meets your needs.
Consider Individual Concerns
Every person is unique, and we all have our unique concerns. That’s why it’s terrific that there are so many eye primers on the market! You’re bound to find one that meets your needs. Think about what concerns you have. For example, do you have dry eyelids that are prone to flaking? Are you concerned with wrinkles or premature aging? Think about these things to help you decide what you want in an eyeshadow primer.
Know Your Budget
There are budget-friendly eyeshadow primers on the market for $8 and impressive eyeshadow primers available for $50. Before you start shopping, know your budget, so you find a product that’s perfect for you.
Read Reviews
Customers are known for leaving reviews! When a customer picks up an eyeshadow primer that doesn’t live up to its expectations, they’re bound to want to warn fellow makeup mavens against wasting hard-earned money. A product with plenty of negative reviews is a bad sign. However, remember that one or two bad reviews don’t necessarily mean that it’s a shoddy product.
Our Recommended Eye Primers
There are a lot of eye primers and potions on the market, so it can be hard to find the perfect one for your needs, but we’ve compiled a list of all the favorites and a few new brands that you might want to try out! Keep reading to discover your perfect eye primer!
Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer ($26)
Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer by Benefit Cosmetics is specially designed to keep your look locked in place all day long. Why we love it:
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Doe foot applicator for easy application
- Packed with vitamins to nourish and hydrate your lids
- Makes eyeshadow colors seriously pigmented
- Doesn’t crease
Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer by e.l.f. Cosmetics ($4)
This affordable, vegan, cruelty-free eye primer glides seamlessly across your lids. The fast dry time means you don’t have to wait hours to apply the rest of your eye makeup. There are quite a few things to fall in love with aside from the price! Why we love it:
- It gives makeup maximum staying power
- Prevents creasing
- A little goes a long way
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pairs well with every type of eyeshadow, including cream and liquid shadows
Urban Decay Primer Potion ($14)
Urban Decay is known for creating one holy grail primer after another, so you know they created one of the best eye primers, too! You can pick up a travel size for $14 or a full-size version for $25. Eyeshadow primer potions are available in:
- The original formula for maximum staying power, fewer creases, and serious pigmentation
- Anti-aging primer potion that is packed with powerful ingredients to help minimize the signs of aging
Urban Decay carefully crafted its original primer potion to ensure it meets all your needs. Why we love it:
- Serious staying power
- It makes colors more vibrant
- Dries quickly
- A little goes a long way
- Easy application
Other Awesome Eyeshadow Primers
While those three are excellent, there are many good eyeshadow primers on the market. You can find something in every price range, so we’ve compiled this list of the best eyeshadow primers to choose from!
- MAC Prep + Prime Eye Primer ($27)
- HD Eyeshadow Primer by NYX Cosmetics ($7)
- Smashbox Photo Finish Intensify 24-hour Shadow Primer ($26)
- Lancome Prime It Boost It Eyeshadow Primer ($26)
- Stuck On You Eye Primer by The Beauty Crop ($16)
- Milani Eye Primer ($8)
- Elizabeth Mott Eye Primer for Oily Eyelids ($14)
- Wet & Wild Photo Focus Eye Primer ($10)
Final Thoughts
Eyeshadow primer isn’t a must for most people, but there are so many benefits to using it that it should be. It’s especially important if you want your makeup to look like you just applied it at the end of the day. Check this out for more quick makeup tips!
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