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The 5 Best Eyeshadow Primers I’ve Tested for Gorgeous, Budge-Free Eye Makeup

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The 5 Best Eyeshadow Primers I’ve Tested for Gorgeous, Budge-Free Eye Makeup

So your eye makeup looks just as good at 6 p.m. as it did at 9 a.m.

By

Austen Tosone

Austen TosoneAusten Tosone
Austen Tosone
Austen Tosone is a longtime Byrdie contributor based in New York City—her work covers everything from skincare and makeup to fashion and lifestyle. She has 90K+ followers across her socials, as she’s a trusted resource for navigating trends and products worthy of a splurge.
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Updated on October 15, 2025 12:15PM
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In This Article

  • Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Look For
  • How I Tested
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Meet Our Expert
  • Why Trust Byrdie
A before and after view of applying eyeshadow primerA before and after view of applying eyeshadow primer

Byrdie

TL;DR

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer was my standout favorite of because of its lightweight, clear formula and how well shadows lasted when I wore it. The wet n wild MegaLast Eyeshadow Primer is an affordable drugstore option that was easy to apply and never creased.

Eyeshadow can be a tricky makeup product. You want to nail the placement, layering, and blending, and there’s always that fear you may do all of that work only for the shadows to fade or crease. Using a primer is one of the best ways to improve the look of your eyeshadow and keep it looking vibrant and fresh throughout the day. “Eyeshadow primer helps eyeshadow adhere to your lid by creating a tacky base, which improves longevity and makes the colors appear more vibrant,” says pro makeup artist Cat Mignano. Think of how you prepare your skin with a moisturizer or primer before applying foundation. Mignano shares, “Just as it’s important to prep and prime your skin for makeup, the same principle applies to your eyelids.”

To see if a good eyeshadow primer truly makes a difference, I tested 15 over four weeks. I considered price point, formula, performance, and how it lengthened the wear of my eye makeup. Here are the primers that stood out from the rest.

Top Picks

Best Overall:
SALE

Milk Makeup Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer at Amazon$25$20

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer at Amazon$6

Jump to Review

Best Long-Wearing :

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer at Amazon$11

Jump to Review

Best Multiuse:

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot at Amazon$28

Jump to Review

Best Crease-Resistant:
SALE

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion at Amazon$28$19

Jump to Review


Best Overall

Milk Makeup Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer PrimerMILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer
Credit: Sephora

$25

$20 at AmazonView on Milkmakeup.com$25 at Kohls.com

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 this eyelid primer 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.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer.


Best Budget

Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer

wet n wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primerwet n wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer
Credit: Amazon

$6

$5 at AmazonView on Fivebelow.comView on Walgreens

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 one 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.

Siteloop: Persons face after using wet n wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer


Best Long-Wearing

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye PrimerNYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer
Credit: Amazon

$11

$10 at Amazon$11 at UltaView on Walmart

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

This eyeshadow primer will elevate the look of shadows on 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 eyeshadow stayed in place so well.

Siteloop: Persons face after using NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Eye Primer


Best Multiuse

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot EyeshadowMAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow
Credit: Ulta
$28 at AmazonView on Ulta$28 at Target

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 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.

Siteloop: Persons face after using MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow


Best Crease-Resistant

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Eyeshadow Primer PotionEyeshadow Primer Potion
Credit: Sephora

$28

$19 at Amazon$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

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 eyelid 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.

  • A person's face before and after applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a swatchA person's face before and after applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a swatch
    Credit: Byrdie
  • A person applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to their eye lidA person applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to their eye lid
    Credit: Byrdie
  • A person's face before and after applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a swatchA person's face before and after applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a swatch
  • A person applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to their eye lidA person applying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to their eye lid

What to Look for When Buying an Eyeshadow Primer

  • Shade Range: Some eyeshadow primers have a clear or transparent formula, while others feature several different shades. If you want to increase your eyeshadows’ vibrancy, you may want a primer with more pigmentation to help the shadows stand out. If you’re into more muted shadow colors for every day and are looking for a longevity boost, a clear formula just might do the trick. 
  • Feel: People have different preferences in terms of what they want their eyeshadow primer to actually feel like on their lid—some may prefer a tacky finish to truly lock the products in place, while others may look for a smooth finish to evenly spread shadows. 
  • Usage: How many applications can you get from an eyeshadow primer? Consider the pot size or tube the primer comes in and how much product you’ll need to cover your lids. If you plan to wear an eyeshadow primer daily, look for a formula where a little goes a long way.
  • Finish: Depending on your goals for using an eyeshadow primer, you may find yourself drawn to different formulas. A tacky formula will act as a magnet and help your eyeshadows last longer throughout the day. A smooth formula will simplify the application and make it easy for any type of eyeshadow (powder, cream, or liquid) to glide across your lid with no tugging or sensitivity.

How I Tested Eyeshadow Primers

I evaluated 15 different primers over the course of four weeks, using them regularly to find my top recommendations featured in this article. Here are the factors I considered while testing:

  • Application: An eyeshadow primer should be easy to apply and spread without any discomfort or tugging. I also noted whether the formula was tinted and whether that impacted how the primer applied to my eyelids in any way. 
  • Look: Upon first application, I looked for signs of clumping or creasing. I also wanted to see if the eyeshadow primers would increase the vibrancy and look of the eyeshadows themselves.
  • Longevity: Eyeshadow primer is designed to help your shadows look their best from the time you apply makeup until you wash your face at the end of the night. I evaluated these primers based on how well my eye makeup lasted throughout the day and how they worked with different types of shadows (creams, powders, liquids).
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?

    “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,” says Mignano. 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.

Meet Our Expert

For this story, we consulted a professional makeup artist to find out if she had primer recommendations and to gain insight into the best ways to apply primer.

  • Cat Mignano is a professional makeup artist based in NYC. She has worked with influencers and celebrities like Liv Perez, Hannah Godwin, Campbell Puckett, and many more.

Why Trust Byrdie

Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in NYC. She has been writing about beauty online for almost a decade and samples dozens of products every month for work. Austen has interviewed beauty brand founders, celebrity ambassadors, and influencers about makeup, skincare, and hair.

She reviewed popular eyeshadow primers, testing 15 over four weeks and evaluating them for application, look, and longevity. Tosone took detailed notes about each one before finally narrowing her picks down to the very best ones featured in this story.

Edited by
Ally Hirschlag
Read more:
  • Makeup
  • Face
  • Foundations & Primers

Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-eyeshadow-primers-4582754

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