Many of us probably like to dedicate most of our beauty budgets to high-quality foundations or primers. These products indeed cover most of the flaws in our skin. Also, the high costs of those products are justified since high-quality ingredients equal fewer skin problems. While brands like Estee Lauder, Urban Decay, and Smashbox may offer high-end cosmetics worth the splurge, not all of us have a ton of cash left over to get the extras like an eyeshadow primer. However, do you know that there are lots of of products that might be your best drugstore eyeshadow primer, from a drugstore nearby?
There are plenty of affordable products available, and today, we will share a list of the best drugstore eyeshadow primer brands with you, so you can achieve the look you want without emptying your piggy bank.
Contents
Primer – How Important Is It?
Primer is essential, especially for those who spend a lot of time creating a distinct look on the eyelids. Applying those products to bare skin is like painting on an unprepared canvas, so it’s always a prime.
If you happen to be a beauty enthusiast, then you may already be familiar with some of the beauty gurus such as Nikkie Tutorials. Nikkie is known for her glamorous and bold eye makeup looks. And as the queen herself always say, no prime is a crime, so you better prime your makeup especially if you expect a flawless eye makeup look with no creasing.
Color
Drugstore formulas are often tinted, which can be a problem for those with darker skin tones.
There is only one colorless product that we found (and liked), which is the Milani Eyeshadow Primer.
The LA Girl Pro Primer is also unique since it goes on white and is designed like a pencil. However, once you blend it and apply shadow over the top, the colors will come out pretty vivid and vibrant as well. Therefore, we recommend it, especially if you have fair skin and want your shadows to stand out more.
However, tinted primer shouldn’t be a big problem here since we will cover it with tons of eyeshadow pigments anyway.
What to Expect from Drugstore Primers
If you are willing to use a budget-friendly eyeshadow primer, then there are a few things that you should understand when using it:
- They may not use the highest quality of ingredients since they can be quite expensive.
- It might not show great results as high-end brands, but some products may actually surprise you.
Of course, results may vary from person to person, but the drugstore primers aren’t known for working miracles. They are usually more affordable because the cost of the ingredients is usually lower, which results in lower product quality. However, that isn’t to say that they don’t work, because some end up working just as well as – or even better than – some of the high-end brands, which is why we highlight only the top products for you.
Top 15 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primer to Try
1. NYX Ultimate Shadow & Liner Vegan Eye Primer
A vegan eye primer infused with vitamin E that is available in 4 skin-adapting shades. The skin-adapting feature makes it suitable for all skin shades starting from light, medium, to deep. It increases the vibrancy of shades as well as extends wear of eyeshadow and eyeliner. Not only that it has a creamy formula with a soft blurring effect, because it is also lightweight, which can help you prepare a smooth canvas for a crease-free and long wearing eye makeup look. In terms of price, it is very affordable and it also has a vegan formula.
Pros:
- Vegan formula
- Lightweight
- Can be used alone for natural look
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily lids
2. CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer
Prep your eyelids to maximize the color intensity of your eyeshadow with this eye primer from CoverGirl. It has a quick-to-dry formula, which helps you to save some time doing your makeup routine. It has a thin consistency and you may have some doubt when you first try it. But once you let it dry, it will perform so well in holding the eyeshadow pigments. Plus, it’s also very affordable and can be used daily.
Pros:
- Quick to dry
- Helps the eyeshadow to last all day
Cons:
- A little bit tacky
3. ColourPop Party Proof Long-Wearing Eye Primer
This eye primer is infused with caffeine to keep your eyes fresh day and night. It smoothed very well on the eyelid, which will create a smooth skin surface to work with. It also increases the color intensity for a vibrant eye makeup look. However, it doesn’t last for 24 hours, and by the end of the day you may see some creasing. Moreover, the formula is also a little bit thick and you will immediately notice that you’re wearing a primer on your eyelids. All in all, it’s very affordable and worth trying.
Pros:
- Smoothen the eyelids
- Increase eyeshadow color vibrancy
Cons:
- Thick formula
- Doesn’t last all day long
4. ULTA Matte Eye Primer
This one is a must-have product for a crease free look that lasts all day. It can prolong the eyeshadow wear and reduce creasing as well. The translucent flesh color shade features by this product will not affect the color of your eyeshadow, and it’s also vegan, so you can wear it with no worries for daily use. In short, you can definitely rock an amazing eyeshadow look during the day and night with this product, since this primer does hold all day and not even budge.
Pros:
- A little amount is enough to prep smooth eyelids
- Long lasting
- Vegan formula
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily and matured eyelids
5. Juvia’s Place I Prep, I Prime
I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primers helps in creating a weightless and seamless base for eyeshadow applications. The creamy formula creates a smooth base, so you’ll be ready to move on with your eyeshadow and makeup look. Moreover, it can also cancel out pigmentation or even discoloration. Even better, it also intensifies color with zero creases, and in terms of price, it’s fairly affordable and suitable for every skin tone.
Pros:
- Long wear
- Minimize creasing even on oily lids
- A tiny amount goes along the way
Cons:
- Shimmer eyeshadows may not work well with this base
6. Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Milani Eyeshadow Primer is the best drugstore eyeshadow primer that intensifies your favorite eyeshadow, while increasing your look from day to night with lightweight, crease-proof formula. The lightweight and non-sticky formula helps to create smooth canvas for your amazing yet stunning eyeshadow looks. It prevents shadows from smudging, and it also helps your eye makeup to look fresh all day long. Moreover, it also dries down clear, making it suitable for all skin tones. From price point-of-view, it is very affordable, and it can definitely be your go-to primer.
Pros:
- Dries down clear
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not tacky enough to hold shimmers
7. SEPHORA COLLECTION Beauty Amplifier Eye Shadow Primer
The Beauty Amplifier Eye Shadow Primer is a great primer for all matte, shimmer and metallic shadows. It will help with the longevity of your eyeshadow as well as stop it from creasing. However, if you are using a loose glitter, you may find that it doesn’t have enough tackiness to keep the product in place. On the plus side, it is not heavy, making it able to help your eyeshadow and liner to stay on point for up to 10 hours. Plus, it’s also very affordable and can be a great product to keep on your makeup bag.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Long-wear
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with glitters
- Not suitable for oily lids
8. Ownest Eyeshadow Makeup Primer
This eyeshadow primer is so good that so many people rave it as a fantastic dupe for the P Louise primer only a lot cheaper. As the best drugstore eyeshadow primer to pick, it contains moisturizing ingredients that help you in balancing your skin tone, as well as reducing pores and fine lines. The creamy formula can be dried in a few seconds, too! Moreover, it has a perfect pre-makeup effect without creases, and it also affordable, making it a primer that is light and can be evenly applied for the smoothest base that you can get.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Make the eyeshadow color pop
Cons:
- Can be cakey so use a just a tiny amount for the whole lid
9. L.A. Girl Pro HD High Definition Eyeshadow Primer
Stick eyeshadow primers are a lot easier to use, which can be a great option for travel purposes. This HD eyeshadow primer locks eyeshadow pigments and provides a long lasting look that you’ve been dreaming of. It has a lightweight and non-sticky formula that sets for a long-lasting eye makeup application. Plus, it also has a smooth texture that glides over your eyelids to prep your eyes for a flawless and even application. Without a doubt, this one is the best drugstore eyeshadow primer to one, not to mention it is also one of the most affordable eyeshadow primers that you can get, Plus, it is suitable for all skin types, too!
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Provides long lasting look
Cons:
- It comes in nude shade and may reduce color vibrancy in some eyeshadow color
10. Maybelline New York Master Prime
Matte primer enhances color payoff for extended wear, and this one is an example of that. This eyeshadow primer can be used as a stand alone for a natural no-makeup makeup look. The soft sponge applicator also glides smoothly over the eyelid for an even and precise application. This primer makes your shadows go on smoother, stay on longer and wash off easier. Furthermore, it is also fairly affordable and can help to prevent crease even on oily lids.
Pros:
- Holds up to sweat and heat
- Suitable for oily lids
Cons:
- The bottle design may left you with quite a lot of product to waste
11. Revlon ColorStay 24 Hour Eye Primer
The color stay technology does help to keep vibrant eyeshadow color to last all day long. It creates a smooth base with a non-drying and non-greasy formula. If you are looking for the best drugstore eyeshadow primer, this one may come as the best choice for you. It is suitable for all skin type including the wrinkled mature skin. This drugstore eyeshadow primer dries down translucent, making it suitable for all skin tones. In terms of price, it is super affordable and it can help you to achieve an even and smooth eyeshadow application.
Pros:
- Dries down translucent
- Non-greasy
Cons:
- Since it is sheer and dries down transparent, it may not cover some red spots on discoloration on your lids
12. Wet & Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer
If you have troubles in making your eye makeup stays on all day, then you definitely need to give this eyeshadow primer a try. You only need a tiny bit for the whole lid and it will totally ensure that your shadow stays all day, even up until the morning if you have to party all night. It has the ability to stand heat, sweat and also humidity, plus it won’t budge as well. As for the packaging, it comes as an easy-to-squeeze tube and will not dull the eyeshadow color. Plus, it’s also very affordable and works well even on oily lids.
Pros:
- Easy-to -squeeze tube packaging
- A little amount goes along the way
- Suitable for oily lids
Cons:
- Not suitable for mature skin
13. e.l.f Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer
A super affordable eyeshadow primer with great staying power that won’t budge. It dries quite light making it more suitable for lighter complexion and may not work well for deeper skin tones. However, it does a good job in covering veins and discoloration. Once it sets, it will not crease, and it will create a smooth base for your eyeshadow to go along pretty well. For its price point, this product is awesome and works wonders even on oily lids.
Pros:
- Great coverage
- Suitable for oily lids
Cons:
- Not suitable for darker skin tones
- Tinted, so you need to wait until it is fully dry before applying your eyeshadows
14. Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer
Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer comes in a neutral ultra sheer/translucent beige color that works beautifully with all skin tones. This primer creates a smooth surface for enhanced color payoff and wear of powder eye shadow. It applies easily and locks your eyeshadow in place. It also has a lightweight and creamy formula that melts away on your eyelid upon blending, which blends smoothly with any makeup palette without any buildup or patchiness. Very affordable for a product that contains nourishing ingredients.
Pros:
- Nourishing ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- Natural formula
- Ultra sheer/translucent making it suitable for all skin tones
Cons:
- Doesn’t holds up well on hot weather
15. Physicians Formula #InstaReady Eye Primer Duo
A dynamic eyeshadow primer duo in a matte and a shimmer finish. The formula creates an invisible canvas for longwearing, crease-resistant eyeshadow. It has smudge-resistant formulas to keep eyeshadow in place. It is also hypoallergenic making it safe to use even for sensitive skin. Very affordable for a set of two primers with different finishes you can pick based on your makeup needs.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive eyes
- Fragrance free
- Glides on smoothly
Cons:
- If you don’t like something that is a little too sparkly, you may won’t like these products
What kind of primer do you use for eyeshadow?
You need an eyeshadow primer to use before eyeshadows because they’re usually formulated specifically to create smooth eyelids, allowing your eyeshadow application to go on nicely and blend effortlessly. Eyeshadow primers also help to increase the color vibrancy as well as the staying power of your eye makeup. Make sure you get the right primer that is suitable for your skin type and skin tone.
Do you need eyeshadow primer?
If you want to create a flawless eye makeup look that stays longer with no crease, then yes, you need an eyeshadow primer. It is not mandatory to use eyeshadow primer. Some people use foundation or concealer. But bear in mind that they don’t work the same way as eyeshadow primers. Eyeshadow primers help to hold the eyeshadow pigment stronger making it last longer. When you wear eyeshadow without an eyeshadow primer, it should come as no surprise when your makeup starts to budge or crease over time.
Is primer the same as eyeshadow primer?
No, face primer is not the same as eyeshadow primer. They are identical when it comes to their main purpose which is to create a smoother canvas before applying makeup, but the formula is different. Face primers often focus on pore filling while eyeshadow primers often focus more on covering discoloration as well as helping the eyeshadow to actually stick on the eyelids.
