TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7*
Why it's great: "Simply put, my eye shadows do not budge when I use this product," says one reader, and other readers agree. "I put it to the ultimate test on vacation last summer," shares another user. "My shadow didn't budge through hot, humid weather, ocean air, waves, or very long days on the beach."
Other readers say you won't see shadow spillage. "If you have a problem with your shadow creeping around and showing up in places where you don't want it, just try this primer once and you won't be without it," gushes one user. "It definitely stays on until you take it off."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.8*
Why it's great: "A little goes a long way," say readers. According to users, a pea size amount suffices to create long-lasting eye shadow looks.
"I have tried many eye primers and I have found that Mary Kay eye primer is at the top of the list in this category," shares one veteran. "I can say that it does help the longevity of my eye shadows and the vibrancy of their colors. You only have to put very little on and it will make your eye makeup last all day or night — it's great!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7*
Why it's great: Readers say, "this is the best primer they've ever used." The easy application, smooth feel and strong shadow hold have captured users' hearts.
"It makes colors really stand out and blends like a dream," gushes one reader. "My eye shadow is as vibrant in the late evening as it was in the early morning. Even after intense activity, my eye shadow doesn't crease or run down my face. It's amazing!"
Readers are so impressed with this product that they're willing to overlook the hefty price. "I never realized how much I wasn't getting out of my eye shadows until I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion beforehand," confesses on reviewer. "It also makes the colors look more vibrant when applied, and though I wish it wasn't such a high price, I'll continue to buy it because of its high quality."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this primer is "one of the few beauty products they'd buy again." Impressed with how long their eye shadow lasts and looks combined with the primer, they've officially begged the company "not to discontinue it."
"This primer keeps my eyeliner and shadow in place, crease-less, and looking fresh all day (and night) long," gushes one reader. Other users say they love the color correcting effect the primer has on their delicate eye era, and find it even brightens the eyes. "I also like to use it alone as my eye shadow when I want to go for a natural look," shares one user. "It evens out my skin color."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: When you hunt for primers, often the number one thing you're looking for is a strong hold for long-lasting eye shadow. With close to 200 reviews, the general consensus is: this product doesn't disappoint.
"Too Faced has proven time and again a longer, stronger ability to stand up to long hours, heat, humidity, and the elements," one reader says. Another reviewer explains that due to its silicone base, the primer "virtually applies itself and locks to a finish that basically nothing can ruin."
Readers' only complaint? It holds so well that blending your eye shadow may take a few extra minutes. On the plus side, that smoky eye isn't going anywhere.
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.
