The Best Eye Primer

Buying Guide

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.

• 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.