You’ve picked out your eyeshadow palette and gathered your brushes—just don’t forget to prime your lids before diving in. Though it’s often skipped to save time, using a good eyeshadow primer is key to keeping your look flawless all day.

“Eye primers stop shadow from settling into creases while making your makeup last longer,” says professional makeup artist Min Sandhu. “They contain silicones or polymers to create a smooth base and intensify pigment,” she adds. This means your eyeshadow won’t just stay put—it’ll also look more vibrant and fresh, even after hours of wear.

### **Vogue’s Top Eyeshadow Primers**
– **Best Lightweight:** Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Eye Primer, $30
– **Best for Sensitive Eyes:** Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer, $13
– **Best Waterproof:** Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $18
– **Best Long-Wearing:** NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, $26

### **Finding the Right Primer**
Whether you want a sheer formula for a natural finish, a color-correcting primer to even out skin tone, or a multitasking product with skincare benefits, there’s an option for you. Those with sensitive eyes can also find gentle, hypoallergenic primers that perform just as well without irritation.

### **Best for Sensitive Eyes: Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer**
**Price:** $13
**Why We Love It:** Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-approved, this primer is perfect for sensitive eyes. The creamy, light-toned base smooths lids and enhances any shadow—neutrals, shimmers, or bold colors. The vegan, water-resistant formula ensures long-lasting wear, and a little goes a long way—just use a pea-sized amount per lid.

**Details:** Cruelty-free, vegan, noncomedogenic, free of parabens, oil, and alcohol.
**Key Ingredients:** Dimethicone, panthenol, vitamin E, allantoin.
**Shades:** 1
**Size:** 0.5 oz

### **Best Waterproof: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion**
**Price:** $18
**Why We Love It:** A cult favorite, this primer holds up against humidity, sweat, and even tears (perfect for weddings or summer festivals). The polymer-rich formula fills in fine lines and creates a flawless base for any eyeshadow look.

**Details:** Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free.
**Key Ingredients:** Isododecane, talc, dimethicone, synthetic beeswax.
**Shades:** 3
**Size:** 0.33 oz

### **Best Lightweight: Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Eye Primer**
**Price:** $30
**Why We Love It:** So lightweight you’ll forget it’s there, yet it still prevents creasing and smooths lids. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamins C and E, it brightens and hydrates while reducing signs of sun damage.

**Details:** Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, and fragrances.
**Key Ingredients:** Viamerine, vitamin C, vitamin E.
**Size:** 0.32 oz

### **Best Multi-Purpose: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow**
*(Details to be continued…)***MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow**
*$28 at Nordstrom*

**Why We Love It:** MAC’s Paint Pot is a versatile cream eyeshadow and primer in one. The highly pigmented, water-resistant formula works as both a base and a standalone shadow. It’s buildable without looking cakey, and you can wear it alone or layer it with powder shadows. Available in 14 shades.

**More to Know:** Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, and formaldehyde. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

**Key Ingredients:** Isododecane, dimethicone, silica, tocopheryl acetate, carnauba wax.

**Shades:** 14
**Size:** 0.17 oz

—

**Best Translucent: Pat McGrath Labs IntensifEyes Longwear Primer**
*$30 at BlueMercury*

**Why We Love It:** Pat McGrath delivers high-performance products, and this long-wear primer is no exception. It lasts up to 24 hours, resisting water, sweat, and humidity. A blend of ceramides, caffeine, and synthetic beeswax smooths creases and blurs imperfections. Unlike tinted primers, this one goes on translucent, making it ideal for all skin tones.

**More to Know:** Ophthalmologist-tested, water-resistant.

**Key Ingredients:** Isododecane, mica, talc, rice extract, dimethicone, polyethylene, caffeine, ceramides, camellia sinensis leaf powder, vitamin E, lactic acid, tocopherol, synthetic beeswax.

**Shades:** 1
**Size:** 0.16 oz

—

**Best Long-Wear: NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base**
*$26 at Nordstrom*

**Why We Love It:** TikTok can’t stop raving about this NARS primer—it’s known for its unbeatable long-wear formula. Some users even say their eye makeup survived a beach day (swimming included!). The formula combines deep-sea plant extracts and rice bran for antioxidants, plus polymers and mineral powders for lasting hold.

**More to Know:** Fragrance-free, ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.

**Key Ingredients:** Isododecane, tocopheryl acetate, beeswax, rice bran extract, sea whip extract.

**Shades:** 1
**Size:** 0.28 oz

—

### **Everything You Need to Know**

**How to Choose an Eyeshadow Primer**
According to makeup artist Min Sandhu, a good primer should extend eyeshadow wear and enhance pigment. Look for a blendable texture that isn’t thick, greasy, or sticky. Most primers have a slight tint to even out eyelid color. For oily lids, opt for oil-free or waterproof formulas.

**How to Apply an Eyeshadow Primer**
Less is more—a pea-sized amount is enough for both lids. Apply with a brush or fingertips, then let it set for about 30 seconds before adding shadow.

**Can Concealer Replace Eyeshadow Primer?**
Sandhu says no. While concealer neutralizes discoloration, its creamy texture can cause creasing and make shadow fade faster—especially on oily lids. For dry skin, a matte concealer might work if applied sparingly.

—

**Meet the Expert**
Min Sandhu is a beauty pro with 11 years of experience in makeup, hair, and nails. She’s worked with brands like Victoria Beckham Beauty, Hugo Boss, Rimmel London, and Avon.Her work has been featured in Elle, Vanity Fair, Wonderland, British Vogue, and GQ.