A good-quality eyeshadow primer lasts long and offers a creaseless canvas for your eyeshadow colors. Check out our top favorite drugstore eyeshadow primers that you can add to your vanity.

11 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers

1. Best Overall Eyeshadow Primer: NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer

The NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Eyeshadow Primer intensifies your eye looks. It glides effortlessly and smoothly over the eyelids before applying your favorite eyeshadow. It fixes the eye makeup in place without creasing or smudging. It makes eyeshadows sweat- and weather-resistant. This waterproof eyeshadow primer ensures maximum pigmentation and long-lasting wear. You may check this video for a better understanding of this product. Pros

Waterproof Smudge-proof Crease-proof Humidity-resistant Easy to apply Intensifies eyeshadow color Long-lasting Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

Dries out quickly

2. Best Lightweight Eyeshadow Primer: Milani Eyeshadow Primer

Intensify your eyeshadow color and make it last from day to night by applying the Milani Eyeshadow Primer. It is a lightweight, invisible primer that goes on nude and dries clear to create a smooth canvas on your eyelids for any eyeshadow. This eyeshadow primer works on all skin tones and glides smoothly for crease-free wear. It is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. This video review will help you learn more about the product. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Does not dry out instantly Blends easily Lightweight Crease-proof Easy to remove Value for money

Cons None

3. Best Eyeshadow Primer For Oily Eyelids: Wet N Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer

Oily eyelids can be a recipe for eyeshadow disaster as they can cause any formula, powder or cream, to cake and crease. The Wet N Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer has a mattifying formula that acts as a buffer between your eyelids and eyeshadow, ensuring the eyeshadow stays put without smudging. It preps and brightens your eyelids to make your eyeshadow last all day long. This primer offers smooth, effortless application. It also dries quickly with a clear finish. It is cruelty-free and PETA-certified. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Pros

Crease-proof Cruelty-free Vegan Smooth application

Cons

Leaves a residue

4. Best Quick-Drying Eyeshadow Primer: Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer

The Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer lets you rock a crease-free eyeshadow look all day long. It preps your eyelid to intensify the color of the eyeshadows. It has a quick-drying formula that binds with the eyeshadow and holds it in place to create a bold look and maximize the wear time. Pros

Crease-proof Dries quickly Suitable for oily skin Smooth formula

Cons

Sticky formula

5. Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Primer: Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Primer

If you want your eye makeup to last long without creasing or smudging for 24 hours, Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Primer is the best choice for you. This lightweight primer is formulated with the Shea Butter Care Complex that creates a smooth surface on your eyelids for eyeshadow application. The universal shade of this eye primer goes well with every skin tone. Its natural finish locks the eyeshadow color all day long. Pros

Crease-proof Long-lasting Lightweight formula Made with natural ingredients Blends easily Suitable for all skin tones Affordable

Cons

Thin consistency Oily formula

6. Best Multipurpose Eyeshadow Primer: L.A. Girl High Definition (HD) Pro Primer Eyeshadow Stick

The L.A. Girl HD Pro Primer is a lightweight, non-sticky eyeshadow primer stick that holds locks in your eye makeup and makes it last all day long. Its smooth formula glides easily over the eyelids and preps them for a flawless and even eyeshadow application. This multipurpose eyeshadow primer stick acts as a makeup base and is suitable for all skin types. Its natural color enhances the color of each eyeshadow to create a vibrant look. Pros

Multipurpose Lightweight Non-sticky Travel-friendly Glides effortlessly for smooth application Intensifies the eyeshadow color Suitable for all skin types

Cons None

7. Best Brightening Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline New York Master Prime Eyeshadow Primer

The Maybelline New York Master Prime Eyeshadow Base has a luminous glow and smooth formula that glides seamlessly on the eyelids to add instant brightness to tired eyes. It’s champagne pink hue is quite seductive and blends perfectly with all skin tones to offer a bold eye look. Its shimmery finish lends a gorgeous and fresh glow to any eyeshadow you wear on top of it. Pros

Shimmer finish Smooth application Can be used alone Long-lasting Suitable for oily eyelids Affordable

Cons

Thick formula Dries out quickly

8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer

If you want to crease-proof eye makeup and condition your upper eyelid, then the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer is the right one for you. It contains Vitamin E and silicone that keep your eyelid area hydrated and healthy while adhering the eyeshadow to your skin all day. Just take a drop of this primer and apply, blend it well to get a smooth and flawless canvas. It doesn’t fade, smudges, or let your makeup melt to keep its true color intact. Pros

No creasing No smudging No fading Suitable for all skin types Smooth application

Cons

Not long-lasting

9. Best Clear Formula: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer

The primer features a smooth and easy application that glides seamlessly and dries instantly with a clear finish. It preps your eyelids for eye makeup while brightening and extending the color of your eyeshadows. This drugstore eyeshadow primer also creates a smooth canvas without weighing down your eyelids or making them feel crunchy. Pros

Matte formula Smooth and effortless application Clear finish Long-lasting Brightens the eyelids Cruelty-free

Cons

Not suitable for mature skin Leaves behind residue

10. Best Anti-Aging Primer: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

If you want a nude eye primer with anti-aging benefits, then Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is perfect for you. It evens out your skin tone and improves texture that keeps the eyeshadow crease-free and truly intact all day. It is infused with dermaxyl and kalpariane that improve signs of aging, smoothes wrinkles while hydrating and plumping the skin. It also improves skin elasticity and softness. The blurring pigments offer a soft-focus effect that reduces redness and awakens tired, fatigued eyes. It is available in 4 shades. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free Long-lasting Easy to use Suitable for oily lids

Cons None

11. Best Antioxidant-Rich Eyeshadow Primer: Palladio Eyeshadow Primer

Palladio Eyeshadow Primer is formulated with antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, D, and E, and essential botanicals nourish and moisturize the skin. It is a silicone-based primer that is sheer and glides on smoothly like silk. It also eliminates creasing, enhancing shadow vibrancy all day. Moreover, the soft, puff-tipped angled applicator is ideal for precise application. This universal shade is suitable for all skin tones. Pros • Gluten-free • Paraben-free • Vitamin-infused • Cruelty-free • Silky smooth formula • Dries quickly Cons None These are the 11 best drugstore eyeshadow primers available online. If you are a beginner and do not know how to use an eyeshadow primer, check out the next section.

What Is An Eyeshadow Primer?

An eyeshadow primer is a liquid or cream-based product that is applied on the eyelids to make the eyeshadow you apply on top of it look vibrant and last long. It also helps in the smooth application and blending of eyeshadows. Check out the next section to know why you should pick a high-quality eyeshadow primer.

Benefits Of Using An Eyeshadow Primer

Applying eyeshadow primer before eyeshadow makes the latter last longer. Wearing an eyeshadow without a primer underneath can make your eyelids look greasy and cause the eyeshadow to fade.

Applying primer helps in applying eyeshadow smoothly and evenly like a pro.

Those with dry eyelids tend to struggle with the smooth application of eyeshadow. It often results in the uneven blending of colors. A thin layer of eyeshadow primer helps in the even application of eyeshadow color. It also prevents the eyeshadow from settling in the fine lines.

A primer holds the eyeshadow in place and makes it look more vibrant.

It prevents the creasing, smudging, and fading of eyeshadows.

Now, let’s check out the step-by-step application of eyeshadow primer.

How To Apply An Eyeshadow Primer

First, clean your face and eye area with a cleanser.

Using a small eyeshadow brush, apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer onto your lids.

Gently tap on the eyeshadow primer without tugging or pulling on your skin.

Now, the blank canvas is ready to apply eyeshadow.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya, a certified makeup technique guide and image consultant, has compiled this list of the best drugstore eyeshadow primers to help you get a crease-free eye makeup look. She has carefully selected these primers after thorough research on their constituents, blending ability, and effect on the skin. She has also included a buying guide and the pros and cons of each product. What are the best eye primer brands? Some of the best eye primer brands are NYX Professional Makeup, Milani, Wet N Wild, and Covergirl. Is it necessary to apply an eye primer? Yes, eye primers keep your eye makeup from appearing creased and cakey. They also enhance the eyeshadow colors and make your eyes look flawless. Can I use a face primer as an eyeshadow primer? Yes, you can use a face primer as an eyeshadow primer, but it is not recommended to do so. Most face primers contain silicone which is not a good ingredient for your delicate eyes. If you do not have an eyeshadow primer, consider using a concealer in its place. Is there a difference between a primer and an eyeshadow primer? There are no major differences between a regular primer and an eyeshadow primer. The differences can lie in their formulas, as some ingredients used in face primers, like silicone, are not great for the delicate skin on your eyelids. Eyeshadow primers are mostly made of gentler formulas. Is a concealer or a primer better for eyeshadow? Both concealer and primer are equally important to make your eye makeup stand out. While concealers cover discolorations, eye primers offer a smooth base for your eyeshadow. However, some beauty enthusiasts skip the step of applying a primer as concealers can also do the job of offering a clear base for the rest of your eye makeup.

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