The Best Eyeshadow Primers
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What to Consider
- Longevity: Waterproof? Twenty-four-hour staying power? Many products claim they can keep eye makeup budge-proof for the entire day, with some also touting water-resistant wear. Primers use polymers to create a film-like surface on the lids that resists moisture, which can be drying when formulated incorrectly. Conduct a patch test before use to ensure your eye primer has an adequate amount of slip — not sticky, slimy, or shiny, but with a silicone-like feel — and also that it doesn’t cause any allergies!
- Color: Some eyeshadow primers come in a blendable, yellow-tinted color that helps neutralize any ashiness or darkness in the eye area. Others are fully transparent. If you’re aiming to color-correct, a tinted primer is best; otherwise, clear options are virtually universal.
- Add-Ons: To combat any drying effect in their formulations, many primers now include a handful of moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, as well as antioxidants for anti-aging. Primers that have these are often marketed as one-stop solutions, i.e., an eye cream and primer in one, and can be handy if you’re looking for a product that multitasks.
