Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty WriterUpdated on Feb 14, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processTo all those beginners, professionals, and makeup enthusiasts, hear us out! It is time to intensify the color payoff of your eyeshadows with the best drugstore eyeshadow primers in your hand. These primers prevent your efforts of blending and painting your eyelids from going in vain. Besides, they not only make your eyeshadow sit in place for longer but also prevent unnecessary budging of eye makeup. In the words of our contributor Ere Perez, Founder of the brand- Ere Perez, “A simple way to make your eyeshadow last is to prime your eyes and dust translucent powder over eyelids before applying your shadow. This will help absorb any excess oil, and give color longevity.”
Robert Welsh, a professional makeup artist says, “Eyeshadow primers tend to have a waxier finish that creates a barrier between your skin and your eye makeup almost like a face primer. But, don’t use a face primer on your eyes because they are two different things. Eye bases or primers set to a waxy, dry, or sometimes slippery finish. I actually use eyeshadow primers on extremely oily areas of skin around the nose and the middle forehead because I know it's going to be waxy and it's not going to let any oil through. So, if you want to take your eyeshadow to the next level and have incredible eye makeup, grab yourself an eyeshadow base or primer.” With these insights from Robert Welsh, we are sure you cannot resist bringing home an eyeshadow primer. So, here is a list of the top drugstore eyeshadow primers that you need to check out for rocking your favorite eye makeup look.
Our top picks
10 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers
With great power to prevent creasing, this Thank Me Later eye shadow primer crafted by Elizabeth Mott grabs all hearts. It is a cruelty-free primer that deserves to be awarded as the best drugstore eyeshadow primer for its ability to protect and enhance the look of your artfully done eyeshadows. It ensures that your eyeshadows stay locked throughout the day. In addition, its non-greasy formula brightens your eyelids, prevents oiliness, and dries quickly too.
Pros
- Parabean-Free
- Long Lasting
- Transparent
- Weightless Formula
- Evens out the skin tone of your lids
Cons
- Not ideal for very sensitive skin
2
Travel Friendly
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Eyeshadow Base - Skin Tone
To maximize the vibrancy and intensity of your eyeshadow, here is what you need to get your hands on — Nyx Professional Makeup’s skin tone shade eyeshadow base. It makes sure that your eyeshadow glides evenly on your lids. It is a primer that marvelously intensifies the color pigments of your eye shadow and helps it to adhere better. This base also prevents fallouts, or smearing of your overall eye makeup.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
- Travel-friendly
- Cream-based formula
- Available in 3 shades
Cons
- Available in 3 shades
- LIttle OIly
3
Most Affordable
REVLON COLORSTAY EYESHADOW PRIMER
Wave goodbye to creases on your eyelids with this eyeshadow primer from Revlon. This primer comes in a clear shade and prevents fading, smudging, or smearing of your eyeshadow. Since it is formulated with shea butter, it is super moisturizing and has the ability to lock your eye shadows for up to 24 hours. It also allows you to seamlessly blend different shades and types of eyeshadows. Plus, it is easy to apply and incredibly affordable.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Non-greasy
- Universal shade
- Gel-like texture
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Unsatisfactory quantity
4
Most effective
MILANI EYESHADOW PRIMER
This eyeshadow primer by Milani is not only one of the best drugstore eyeshadow primers for oily lids but also Amazon’s best-selling product. This primer increases the wear of your eye makeup with its crease-proof formula. Moreover, it features a weightless formula, dries invisibly, and maximizes the color payoff of your eyeshadows. It also suits all skin tones and is worth adding to your makeup kit. With this product in your kit, you need not worry about the budging, smearing, or creasing of your eye makeup.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to blend
- Cost-effective
- Little goes a long way
Cons
- Not ideal for mature skin
5
Most Long-lasting
wet n wild photofocus EYESHADOW PRIMER
This eyeshadow primer from Wet n Wild helps your eyeshadows pop through a full range of colors. It prepares your eyelids, brightens your skin, and locks your eyeshadow color throughout the day. With this primer in your makeup vanity, you can easily strike a flawless look and paint your eyelids like a pro. You just require a pea-sized amount of the primer to seal your makeup. Hence, one tube of primer also goes a long way.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Affordable
- 100% Cruelty-free
- Effortless application
- Dries to a clear finish
Cons
- Not meant for oily lids
6
COVERGIRL LID LOCK UP
Covergirl has introduced a must-have beauty product for those who love trying a variety of eyeshadow shades. Known as Lid Lock Up, this primer comes with a water-proof and crease-free formula. With this one product in your hands, you can easily make your eyeshadow look as if newly applied. Moreover, it instantly takes the look of your eye makeup up a notch as it prevents smudging, smearing, and fading of your eyeshadow!
Pros
- Portable
- Transparent
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Handy applicator tip
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
7
URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION
This is yet another water-proof primer that we have found for you at a great price. With this hassle-free eyeshadow primer from Urban Decay, you can kickstart your eye makeup in full swing without worrying about its longevity. It comes in the shade of “Eden” which is nothing but a nude matte shade. It lasts all day, prevents creases, and makes your eyeshadows look more vibrant. Without a doubt, it is the best drugstore eye primer that comes with a flocked wand for easy and quick application.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Parabean-free
- Lasts for up to 24 hours
- Visibly smoothens the lids
Cons
- Runny consistency
8
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK LONG-LASTING EYESHADOW BASE
If you are patrolling the internet for some good-quality affordable eyeshadow primers, then check out this long-lasting eyeshadow base from Maybelline New York. With this one product, you can create a smooth surface for your eye shadows to cling and enhance their color payoff. This primer is suitable for sensitive skin as well as those who wear lenses. So, go on, glide the soft sponge applicator onto your lids and prep up in the easiest way to rock your favorite eye makeup.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Shimmery finish
- Available in 3 shades
- Very long-lasting
- Best for luminous eyeshadow looks
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
9
CONCRETE MINERALS GLITTER EYE PRIMER
Enriched with the goodness of aloe vera, and arrowroot powder, this eye primer from Concrete Mineral leaves no stone unturned in helping you achieve the long-lasting eye makeup look of your dreams. This primer also contains antioxidants and vitamins to take good care of your delicate skin around the eyes. It features a smooth, jelly-like texture that appears white but dries out to transparent and glittery. For a smudge-free hold, apply this primer on your eyelids and paint them in your favorite color.
Pros
- Crease-proof
- Fade-proof
- Non-greasy
- Available in 3 shades
- Dries out evenly
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
10
L. A Girl HD PRO primer
This lightweight and non-sticky primer from L. A Girl is a high-definition eyeshadow stick that ticks off all boxes when it comes to applying and sealing your eyeshadow to perfection. So for a long-lasting eyeshadow hold, this is what you need to grab at the earliest. You also don’t require any brush, just glide the stick onto your eyelids and its smooth texture will prep them up to enhance the color payoff of your eyeshadows. On the other hand, it suits all skin types and addresses the appearance of discoloration and redness.
Pros
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to apply
- Provides better grip
Cons
- Might leave a residue if not applied properly
This was our comprehensive list of some top-notch drugstore eyeshadow primers. To help you pick the best one, we have also curated a useful buying guide and mentioned below some steps for using it in an appropriate manner. Scroll down to check it out!
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primer?
Here are the aspects that you should consider while choosing a really good drugstore eyeshadow primer for yourself.
Skin Type: One should always analyze their skin type before purchasing a primer for their eyes and check whether it suits their requirements or not. There are drugstore eyeshadow primers for mature skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, etc. Avoid purchasing primers that are not meant for your skin type as it may lead to adverse effects.
Ingredients: Make sure your primer contains moisturizing and skin-nourishing ingredients, antioxidants, and vitamins as they smoothen your eyelids and hydrate your skin for the eye makeup to last longer. Meanwhile, you should avoid using primers infused with toxins and harmful chemicals.
Formula: Pick a drugstore primer that features a lightweight, non-sticky, and easy-to-glide formula. This will help you predict their effectiveness in enhancing the look of your eyeshadow. In addition, choose a primer that prevents smearing, smudging, budging, and fading of the eye makeup.
Applicator: Check what kind of applicator the primer has. Primers come in the form of sticks, tubes, and containers. The primers which have a liquid consistency come with a brush. Cream-based primers come in the form of roll-ons and sticks and lastly, balm or jelly-like primers can be applied using your fingertips. Depending upon your likings and convenience, you may choose any of the above-mentioned types.
After taking note of the buying guide, snatch a glimpse of the steps to apply it in the right manner.
How to Apply an Eyeshadow Primer?
Following are the steps to apply an eyeshadow primer in an appropriate way.
Step 1: Cleanse your face with a face wash or cleanser, especially the eye area.
Step 2: Apply serum/toner and your daily moisturizer.
Step 3: Squeeze a pea-sized amount on your fingertip and take a flat eyeshadow brush to apply it evenly onto your lids. Please note this step may vary depending on the type of primer you own.
Step 4: Make sure the primer’s layer should be thin so that it gets absorbed easily. Dab gently for quick penetration. Once applied, let it dry. Please note primers with non-drying formula won’t dry easily.
Conclusion
This was all about the best drugstore eyeshadow primers that help in extending the wear of your eye makeup. These primers not only seal your look but also boost the color payoff of your eyeshadow. With just a thin layer of primer, you can easily bid adieu to smudges, smears, and creases. Primers definitely highlight the importance of a solid base just like a foundation. So, grab any of these inexpensive eyeshadow primers and intensify the beauty of your eyes effortlessly.
Contributor: Ere Perez, Founder of Beauty Brand - Ere Perez
FAQ's
Is there a difference between primer and eyeshadow primer?
Yes. An eyeshadow primer is meant to be applied on your eyelids for enhancing the color pigmentation of your eyeshadows whereas a primer is meant to be applied on your entire face.
Is a primer better than a concealer for eyeshadow application?
A primer and concealer both play different roles. A primer acts as a base for your eyeshadow to cling to whereas concealers hide discoloration.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Our makeup aficionado Sayantani believes that all your efforts of perfecting that elaborate eyeshadow look go in vain if you don’t use a good eye primer, to begin with! While protecting your eyelids, these eyeshadow primers smoothen out their texture, enhance the application of the product, intensify the color payoff, and make your makeup last for long. To enable you to reap these benefits, she curated this list of her eyeshadow primer recommendations. She reviewed these products based on their formula, weightlessness, texture, application and affordability.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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