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!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: For ladies suffering from oily skin, reviewers say this primer (that works for face and eyes) not only locks in shadow, but even helps reduce grease. "This is the best primer I have ever used," says one reader. "I have oily skin and I only use a pea size on my whole face. It helps with oil control and my makeup, including eye shadow, stays on so much longer."
Readers love the smooth application and think "the stay[ing] power is amazing."
"I use it on myself everyday and for all my professional applications, especially for print and TV work," says a reader who says she works as a makeup artist. "I love it because it doesn't have any color in it. It's completely clear and has a perfect, solid consistency."
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.
