Eye Primer is a makeup base that helps extend the wear of your eyeshadow and prevent creasing or smudging. Many primers are tinted in a skin tone that matches your complexion or is a shade lighter, so they won’t interfere with the color of your eyeshadow. Some are loaded with hyaluronic acid and other skin care ingredients to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. You can also find formulas that help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles for a younger-looking appearance.
The best eye primers provide a clear, smooth canvas for your shadow and prevent the colors from bleeding or flaking throughout the day. A good primer can also transform the appearance of your eyeshadow by lightening or darkening it, enhancing its color payoff or shifting it into a more matte or shimmery finish.
A good eye primer is also important for mature skin because it can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even out your skin tone for a smoother base. However, finding a primer that works well for mature skin can be challenging. So we went out and tested 31 different options to find our top picks.
The first thing we looked for in a good eye primer was a formula that’s free of fragrances and other irritating ingredients. We also wanted something that would work on all skin types, including dry and sensitive eyes. And finally, we wanted something that wasn’t too expensive but still delivered excellent performance.
We loved this primer because it’s oil-free, fragrance-free and formulated without parabens. It’s a thin formula that feels weightless and creates a clear, non-greasy film. It’s easy to apply with a doe-foot applicator and doesn’t have any obvious odor or sting. It’s also a great option for mature skin because it doesn’t crease and helps keep eyeshadow in place all day long.
This primer is another one of our favorites because it’s lightweight, transparent and has a soft matte finish. It’s also easy to apply and blend. However, it can be too drying for some dry eyes. This primer has a light consistency and dries down to a translucent finish, so it’s important to blend quickly before it sets. It’s also not the best for those with very flaky eyelids because it might accentuate those areas.
Our testers also found this product to be effective at minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping eyeshadow stay in place all day long. It’s a light formula that comes in a handy pen packaging. It’s also available in a range of colors that can be used to shift or enhance the look of your eyeshadow. The only downside is that it doesn’t last as long as some of the other primers on this list.
This primer is a favorite among our testers because it’s so affordable and has fantastic performance. It’s a lightweight, liquid formula that’s easy to apply with the doe-foot applicator. It’s also available in a wide range of shades so you can match your makeup to your skin tone or go a little darker for a smoky look.