I Could Never Keep My Eyeshadow On Until I Found These 6 Revolutionary Products

      I may be a makeup artist and a beauty editor, but just a few years ago, I struggled to keep my eyeshadow from fading within an hour at most. I attributed this to my oily eyelids (something those with oilier skin types will understand) and figured I had to give up on eyeshadow completely. I had heard of eyeshadow primers, but I hadn’t found one that actually worked for me. Regardless of whether I used a powder formula or eyeshadow stick, my eye makeup would crease almost immediately.

      However, after my friend wouldn't stop praising the Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, I decided to give it another shot. While getting ready for a night out, I applied a good amount of her favorite eyeshadow primer, and to my surprise, my eye makeup stayed put after hours of bar hopping in Soho. I wouldn’t say it was life-changing, but it felt great to know I could wear eyeshadow again. As a result, over the past month, I made it my goal to test out more of the most popular eyeshadow primers and created a concise list of products that genuinely work. Curious to know more? Just keep scrolling.

      The Best Eyeshadow Primers, Tried & Tested

      Best Overall: Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, £26

      Best Hydrating Formula: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer, £23

      Best for Creasing: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, £24

      Best Lightweight Formula: Too Faced Shadow Insurance, £21

      Best for an Even Skin Tone: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £30

      1. Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

      **Best overall**

      Nars

      Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

      Formula: Liquid

      Clear: Yes

      **Pros**: Keeps eyeshadow in place all day, easy to apply, clear formula

      **Cons**: I find that it runs out quickly

      I had to start with Nars, didn’t I? This is absolutely the best eyeshadow primer I've ever tried. The doe-foot applicator makes it simple to apply directly onto the lid, and although it comes out white, it dries to a clear matte finish, which is perfect for prepping the eyes for various colorful looks. If I’m going for a heavier makeup look or plan to be out for an extended period, this is my go-to product, as it really holds my eyeshadow in place. If you have oily eyelids, I highly recommend it.

      2. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer

      **Best hydrating primer**

      Milk Makeup

      Hydro Grip Eye Primer

      Formula: Liquid

      Clear: Yes

      **Pros**: Hydrating formula, easy to apply

      **Cons**: As someone with oily eyelids, I didn’t find this as long-lasting as other primers here

      If your eyelids are drier but you still want to use a primer, I suggest this one from Milk Makeup. With a blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe water, this formula hydrates and provides a smooth, long-lasting base for eyeshadow. The clear formula and doe-foot applicator make it incredibly easy to use, and if you've tried Milk Makeup primers before, you’ll know how effective this one is.

      3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

      **Best for creasing**

      Urban Decay

      Eyeshadow Primer Potion

      Formula: Liquid

      Clear: Yes (once dry)

      **Pros**: Great travel-friendly tube, easy to apply, dries clear, prevents creasing

      **Cons**: A bit pricier

      This primer is a bit of a legend in the makeup world, but as someone who hadn't tried it before, I was skeptical about its effectiveness. It turns out it really delivers. The packaging is smaller than others in this list, making it great for travel (there's also a smaller travel-size option available). It features a doe-foot applicator for easy application onto the lid, and while the formula is light beige, it's completely undetectable once dry. I found it excellent at reducing creasing throughout the day. I applied a nude powder eyeshadow over it, and it barely creased by the time I got home from work—very impressive, considering my eyeshadow usually creases before I even leave the office.

      4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance

      **Best lightweight primer**

      Too Faced

      Shadow Insurance

      Formula: Liquid

      Clear: Yes

      **Pros**: Amazing scent, smooth, creamy texture

      **Cons**: Bulkier packaging

      For a creamy yet lightweight option, Too Faced's Shadow Insurance is the answer. It boasts a lovely, velvety texture that glides on, creating a smooth, long-lasting base for your eyeshadow. Plus, it smells incredible, reminiscent of a summer getaway in a bottle. I’ll definitely reach for it this season when