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The best eyeshadow primers for crease-free makeup and vibrant lids
Seriously, they are game changers
Eyeshadow primer is one of the make-up industry's best-kept secrets. It's a product you'll find in every MUA's kit, but something that most of us 'outsiders’ miss out on. So here's the million-dollar question on everyone's mind: do you really need an eyeshadow primer?
The answer is a resounding yes – and here's why. The best eye primers will create a smooth, oil-free base for intricate looks, stop loose shadows from slipping (essential if you’re into shimmer) and neutralise any pigmentation to ensure your handiwork looks flawless.
What's more, an eyeshadow primer is very easy to use: all you need to do is apply a small amount to your lids before your eyeshadow and blend it out.
Once applied, a good eye primer will lock down your makeup for as many hours as you need it to. A hydrating, conditioning formula is ideal for dry skin as it'll stop the shadow from creeping into fine lines. If you have oily skin, you'll will love the longevity of a matte, shine-absorbing formula.
So, whether you’re into the full glam or prefer a sweep of a simple shade, consider an eyeshadow primer the must-have product to ensure everything stays locked in place throughout the day.
From transparent serums to pigmented creams, these formulas are truly worthy of your hard-earned cashola.
The best eyeshadow primers that really won't budge
Meet your easiest morning routine ever. Merit's latest launch, the Solo Shadow, is the definition of a one-swipe wonder. The unique cream-to-powder base effortlessly glides over your lid, depositing a delicate wash of colour that completes your eye look (unless you want to dial it up with some powder eyeshadow). It takes little dexterity to apply and is virtually impossible to mess up.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer
If you're after something to make intricate looks really pop, this one is worth adding to your makeup bag. Not only does it help your shadow stick but it intensifies the colour too, making every shade much more vibrant and defined.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24+ Hour Eye Shadow Primer
If your shadow slips into the creases after an hour or so, this classic primer is perfect. The creamy texture never feels sticky, yet your shadow won't budge until you want it to (opt for a thorough oil-based makeup remover to clear any residue). It's a long-time favourite but one I never sway from.
Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion
A legendary eye primer for good reason, Urban Decay’s sheer formula is one to pack for sweaty scenarios (a.k.a the Central Line in rush hour) or a standard oily lid: it’ll grip the most shimmery of shadows in place all day long. The doe-foot applicator makes it a breeze to apply, too.
E.l.f's No Budge Cream Shadow is cute and compact but packs a serious punch when it comes to pigment. It doesn’t crease but perfectly primes your lids for any look you want to create – there are essential shades, like white and chocolate brown, or vivacious colours, like electric blue and orange, so you can match your mood to your makeup. Oh – and let's just appreciate that it will cost you less than an average Starbies order.
NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Eye Shadow Base
This eyeshadow base will be your new ride or die. It's very lightweight and doesn’t leave an overly sticky residue – so no patchy shadow. The soft peachy smell is a nice touch and, at under a tenner, it's an absolute bargain.
True makeup obsessives will know 3INA (pronounce ‘Mee-Nah’): the Spanish, colour-focused brand. The entire line-up is characterised by playful shades that encourage experimentation, rather than selling our soul to the barely-there look. If this sounds like your type on paper, give the brand’s eyeshadow singles a go. The powerful pigment can be used alone for an eye-turning look, or as a base to build your shadow on top of.
This is the most weightless primer my lids have had the pleasure of testing (honestly, it's undetectable). So, if your shadow usually disappears by midday, this serum-like base will soak up excess oil and in return, give your shadow lasting power.
Beauty Pie Flawless Eyeshadow Primer
Member's price: £9.50
I'm a sucker for a dramatic eye, but sometimes a flawless lid and winged liner is enough to keep me content. On those pared-back days, this is the one I reach for. Brightening pigments help to cover blemishes, redness and veins and the matte finish gives it that seamless effect. It's very old school Adele vibes and I'm so here for it.
Morphe Eyelid Primer Translucent
Morphe’s eyelid primer becomes sheer when it dries, so it won’t interfere with the most intricate of looks. It’s a stand-out when it comes to longevity – my shadow stays put from early morning meetings right through to home time.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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