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.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: Users agree that this primer is an absolute "steal for the money." For beauty junkies predisposed to higher end primers, reviewers say you should save those extra bucks, as this primer "keeps eye shadow on as long as the lavish brands, if not longer."
"I never used to use an eye shadow base but because of this one, I will never go a day without it," says one user. "Even when I don't wear shadow or liner, I put it on because it keeps my lids from getting oily. Forget all the expensive primers, this is the best one out there!"
Besides holding shadow in place, reviewers say the primer also gives great coverage if you have any discoloration on or around your eyes. If you're looking to upgrade your smoky eye, reviewers say the darker color of the primer is "great for smoky shadows and makes nudes pop."
"This is my holy grail shadow primer," confesses one reader. "The shadow that I applied 10 hours earlier and took a nap in, is still crease-less and going strong!"
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.
