If you don't prime before applying eye makeup, you're committing a serious makeup crime. If you aren't convinced that you need (or have time for) this crucial step, maybe this will do it: Experts say that the No. 1 way to prevent makeup from melting and smudging is to prime. (Think about it this way: Taking an extra 10 seconds in the morning to apply eye primer is quicker than spending five minutes wiping eyeliner off your lower lids in the afternoon.)
To prevent these kinds of makeup mishaps, we've combed through hundreds of reviews of eye primers to bring you the 12 that work best. Readers say these primers do exactly what they're supposed to: Keep your eye makeup looking as fresh as it did the moment you applied it — all day.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 7.6*
Why it's great: "This primer makes shadows that usually crease and fade on me, last all day," gushes one reader. "This is a must-have for anyone who wants their eye shadow to last a long time." Impressed with the primer's ability to lock in their eye shadows and stay true to all their daring colors, users say this product is reliable and dries to a perfect matte finish.
"I was very skeptical at first about this product," confessed one reviewer. "But boy was I surprised by how amazing this primer really is! I had never even heard of primer until a year ago, and now I can't imagine applying makeup without it. It evens out your skin tone on your lids and keeps your eye shadow in place all day long. Great product and worth every penny!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 7.9*
Why it's great: Looking for a waterproof option? This one's got you covered for pool parties and beach days alike. It's a great all-around pick, too: One reader claims that it's "much better than any other eyeshadow primer I've ever used," also noting that it's "worth every penny." Another user enthusiastically calls this "the cure for creasing eyeshadows."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: For only $3, readers say this is one of the "most amazing products ever." Enchanted by its dual function of being both a primer and a sealer, users can't stop raving about their lasting and crease-less eye shadow.
"I use this to set my E.L.F. eye shadow, and this keeps it looking fresh and true all day long," claims one user. "I haven't had any issues with color fading or creasing, and the primer goes on very creamy."
Users also love that they can make their own lasting eyeliner by combining the primer with another powder eye shadow. Some even note, "it makes a great under eye concealer."
"It's really high quality, even for E.L.F. products," one reviewer says. "Everyone needs one of these in their makeup bag. "We're on it!
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: Readers claim they "love this product" for its smooth application and long-lasting hold on "slipping shadow."
"I squeezed a tiny bit on an eye shadow brush, rubbed and then patted it over my entire lid, and it seemed to dry instantly," one user gushes. "My eye shadow went on right over and it looks wonderful!"
Other users say even if you're not applying any eye shadow, it works great for brightening the eye area. "I've always had oily eyelids and this product is awesome," confesses one reader. "I have shifts that can last six to 10 hours and 9 out of ten times, my eye makeup is perfect! I'm still on my fist tube after half a year!"
If you don't prime before applying eye makeup, you're committing a serious makeup crime. If you aren't convinced that you need (or have time for) this crucial step, maybe this will do it: Experts say that the No. 1 way to prevent makeup from melting and smudging is to prime. (Think about it this way: Taking an extra 10 seconds in the morning to apply eye primer is quicker than spending five minutes wiping eyeliner off your lower lids in the afternoon.)
To prevent these kinds of makeup mishaps, we've combed through hundreds of reviews of eye primers to bring you the 12 that work best. Readers say these primers do exactly what they're supposed to: Keep your eye makeup looking as fresh as it did the moment you applied it — all day.
