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The Best Eye Primer

Last updated on June 1, 2023

We looked at the top 10 Eye Primers and dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Eye Primers.

Our Review Process

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When you’re creating a makeup look, doing up your eyes is so important for imparting drama and capturing the attention of onlookers. Without expressive eye makeup, your face seems incomplete. You’ll definitely want to use eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner to help you don a smoky eye, vivid colors or something more neutral and natural.

But getting your look to last can be tough. The skin of the eyelid is thinner than the skin on other parts of the body and has no subcutaneous fat. The underside of the eyelid works to lubricate your eyes, creating a moist environment not ideal for powdered eye shadows. Additionally, your eyelids have creases that expand and contract as you blink and make expressions.

An eye primer is designed to create a smooth base for your eye makeup, ensuring it goes on evenly and lasts while you’re wearing it. But not all eye primers are the same, so it’s important to know the difference between each type. Most feature a cream base that soaks into the eyelid fairly quickly, absorbing any excess oil so your eye shadow doesn’t get smeared when you apply it.

Primers come in a variety of shades, and it’s important to understand which to use. For darker colors and smoky eyes, stick with darker primers like charcoal gray or black. Otherwise, look for one that matches your complexion or go a shade or two lighter. This will keep it from interfering with the color of your eye shadow, but will still enhance the pigments.

There are instances where a tinted primer can help. For neutralizing red tones in your skin, a primer with some green built in can make a big difference. You can also find eye shadows with a little shimmer that will add some glamour to your look. But it’s best to stick with a matte primer to avoid interfering with the work your eye shadow is doing.

Our Picks For The Top Eye Primers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Cruelty-Free Eye Primer

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Elizabeth Mott

Thank Me Later Cruelty-Free Eye Primer

Pearl powder in this eye primer brings out the pigments in your eye shadow while creating a smooth canvas for your looks. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy to ensure it lasts all day. You’ll need only a pea-sized drop each time, so the 0.3-ounce bottle goes a long way.

Overall Take

For Frequent TravelersThe small, easy-to-use tube makes this eye primer a great option for taking with you as you travel.

Pros
" A lightweight, quick drying cream that evens up color and texture for flawless eye makeup application."
Cons
"Not for dry skin type."
 Runner Up

REVLON ColorStay Non-Greasy 24-Hour Eye Primer

REVLON

ColorStay Non-Greasy 24-Hour Eye Primer

Get 0.33 ounces of eye primer designed to extend the wear of your makeup. The formula includes shea butter for a smooth base, reducing creases and bringing out the color in your eye shadow. The non-greasy formula dries in no time and works with all skin tones.

Overall Take

Endures Humid WeatherEnsure your eye makeup lasts all day, even in humid conditions, with this eye primer.

Pros
" Revlon’s ColorStay line is known for its high-performance and long-wearing formulas, and this creamy eye shadow primer is no exception. The primer helps to bring out the shadow’s pigment, helps extend the wear time, and reduced creasing."
Cons
"May cause redness in sensitive skin."
 Strong Contender

Milani Lightweight Cream Eye Primer

Milani

Lightweight Cream Eye Primer

Long days at school or work are not problem for this premium eye primer. It's nice and lightweight and designed to work well no matter what your skin color. Shoppers will appreciate the fact that this formula is vegan-friendly and never tested on animals.

Overall Take

Economical PickWhen sticking to a makeup budget, this affordable eye primer is the way to go.

 We Also Like

URBAN DECAY Crease-Free Vegan Eye Primer

URBAN DECAY

Crease-Free Vegan Eye Primer

Whether you have oily skin or dry, this creamy, nude-colored eye primer will help extend the life of your eye shadow and bring out the pigments in your makeup. The formula dries invisibly and uses polymer technology to help set your eye shadow and eyeliner.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionUse this primer potion with powdered eyeshadow or pencils for a versatile, everyday solution.

Pros
" Lightly tinted nude primer that is vegan and cruelty-free and serves its purpose for all-day wear."
Cons
"Kind of expensive. Wand applicator makes it potentially less sanitary than a squeeze tube. Some people reported that the product was runny."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the eye primers available to purchase.
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Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Byrdie, Glamour 'N Glow, InStyle, Mom Junction.

179,831

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Eye Primers and also dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Eye Primers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Milani Lightweight Cream Eye Primer

User Summarized Score

8.6
6,890 user reviews

Our Take

Long days at school or work are not problem for this premium eye primer. It's nice and lightweight and designed to work well no matter what your skin color. Shoppers will appreciate the fact that this formula is vegan-friendly and never tested on animals.

What to Look For

  • There are different ingredients that give primer its effectiveness in soaking up oils and provide a smooth base for applying powdered products. As a result, it can sometimes weigh down the eyelid or feel cakey. Look for a primer with a lightweight formula.
  • Since primers are designed to soak up oils, they can have a drying effect on the skin. Some companies add moisturizers to counterbalance that. Of course, you may instead choose to moisturize your lids after your makeup comes off. Make sure any hydrating products are safe for use around your eyes.
  • Although primers come in small containers, you’ll only need to use a small amount each day. One 0.3- to 0.5-ounce container will last quite a while.
  • Keep in mind that you’ll likely want to take your primer on the road with you. Look for a container that will easily fit into your makeup kit or a pocket in your luggage.
  • Extending the wear of your makeup is not the only goal of eye shadow primer. Primer can prevent clumping for a solid, uniform look, while also bringing out the pigments in your eyeshadow.
  • Humidity can shorten the life of your eye shadow even with certain primers. Try out your primer in humid conditions before relying on it for a special occasion or big day of meetings.
  • Not all skin tones are alike, even on the eyelid. Look closely to make sure your chosen primer is a fit for your skin tone.
  • Some eye shadow primers come in jars with screw-off lids. You might find it easier to use this at home, taking your tube primer with you when you’re traveling.

Eye Primer Rankings

1. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Cruelty-Free Eye Primer

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 6

2. REVLON ColorStay Non-Greasy 24-Hour Eye Primer

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

3. Milani Lightweight Cream Eye Primer

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

4. URBAN DECAY Crease-Free Vegan Eye Primer

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 7

5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Cruelty-Free Cream Eye Primer

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

6. Wet n Wild Photofocus Clear Finish Eye Primer

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

7. Ownest KYDA Assorted Shades Matte Eye Primer, 3-Count

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 2

8. bareMinerals Prime Time Lightweight Eye Primer

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 6

9. LORAC Behind the Scenes Paraben-Free Eye Primer

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 6

10. Smashbox Photo Finish Moisturizing Eye Primer

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

Decorating the eyelids with fanciful colors is not a modern innovation. Evidence dates the use of eye makeup all the way back to ancient Egypt. About 4,000 years ago, wealthy women used exfoliants and hydrating face masks to keep their skin healthy. Once they’d completed this routine, they’d have their servants apply eye shadow and lipstick. Egyptians also wore black makeup, known as kohl, to protect the eyes from the sun.

Of course, there weren’t cosmetics manufacturers in Ancient Egypt, so makeup had to be handmade. Kohl, which was made from a mineral known as galena, was used for eye protection, while Malachite powder, a green mineral, brought a pop of color while also making the eyes appear larger. These cosmetics were applied using ivory, wood or metal sticks.

More to explore