Best Eyeshadow Bases & Primers of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Eyeshadow bases and primers are essential for achieving a flawless eye makeup look. These products act as a foundation for eyeshadow, creating a smooth and even base for the color to adhere to. They also help to prevent creasing and fading, making your eyeshadow last longer throughout the day. Bases and primers come in a variety of formulas, including cream, gel, and powder, and can be applied with a brush or your fingertips. Whether you're going for a bold and colorful look or a subtle and natural one, using an eyeshadow base or primer is a must-have step in your makeup routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. Lock It Down Primer Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. Lock It Down Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer Cover #TOP 2
Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Milani Eyeshadow Primer Cover #TOP 3
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Eyeshadow Bases & Primers

#TOP 1

e.l.f. Lock It Down Primer

81994
Universal Sheer
e.l.f. Lock It Down Primer Cover
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer, Smooth, Creamy Primer For Long-Lasting Eyeshadow, Intensifies Liquid & Powder Color, Vegan & Cruelty-free

The e.l.f. Eyeshadow Primer is designed to keep your eye makeup looking vibrant and fresh all day long. It creates a smooth base that intensifies the color of your eyeshadow, ensuring that your looks pop. This primer is non-greasy, making it easy to apply and helping to prevent smudging and creasing, so you can enjoy your makeup without constant touch-ups. With its sheer finish, it works well with a variety of colors, allowing you to experiment with endless eye looks. Simply pat it on your eyelids for a perfect canvas.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Smooth application
Prevents creasing
Works on oily skin
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Slight drying time
May cause mild irritation
#TOP 2

Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer

1115561
Beige
Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer Cover
wet n wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer, lightweight formula, inflused with Vitamin E

Get the most out of your eyeshadow with Wet n Wild Megalast Eyeshadow Primer. The weightless formula preps your lids for eyeshadow, making it easier to apply and wear for longer periods of time. The primer is enriched with vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. It dries clear, allowing your eyeshadow to shine. Plus, it's cruelty-free and never tested on animals.

What We Like
Long-lasting, all-day wear
Prevents creasing and fading
Enhances eyeshadow vibrancy
Lightweight, smooth texture
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
Slightly tacky if overapplied
#TOP 3

Milani Eyeshadow Primer

MESP-01
Single
Milani Eyeshadow Primer Cover
Milani Eyeshadow Primer - Nude (0.3 Fl. Oz.)

Milani Eyeshadow Primer is a lightweight and invisible primer that intensifies the color of your favorite eyeshadow and increases its wear from day into night. It works on all skin tones, goes on nude, and dries invisibly. The primer is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated to be the perfect base for your flawless style. You can swipe a small amount across each eyelid before applying eye makeup and choose your favorite eyeliner and eyeshadow shades to create a look that lasts all day.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Works well on oily lids
Easy blending and smooth texture
Budget-friendly price
Minimizes smudging and creasing
What We Don't Like
Occasional slight tube separation
Feels tacky before setting
#TOP 4

Smashbox Photo Finish Eye Shadow Primer

C71X010000
Clear
Smashbox Photo Finish Eye Shadow Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Intensify 24 Hour EyeShadow Primer | Nourishing, Long Lasting + Vitamin E for Eyeshadow Makeup, 0.34 Fl Oz

The Smashbox Eye Shadow Primer is designed to create the perfect foundation for your eye makeup. It effortlessly blends into your eyelids, smoothing out any texture for a flawless base. This primer not only enhances the vibrancy of your eye shadow but also keeps it looking fresh for up to 24 hours. You can say goodbye to fading and creasing, as this product helps make your eye shadow resistant to smudging. Additionally, it nourishes your eyelids while providing protection against sweat and humidity, ensuring your look stays intact all day long.

What We Like
Long-lasting eye makeup
Prevents creasing
Enhances eyeshadow color
Makes application smoother
Suitable for oily skin
What We Don't Like
Slightly drying for some
May cause sensitivity
#TOP 5

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer

1704451
Anti-Aging
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer Cover
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion Travel Mini - Nude Eye Primer for Crease-Resistant & Long-Lasting Makeup, Improves Look of Fine Lines & Texture, Smooths & Preps Eyelid Base - 0.16 fl oz

The Urban Decay Primer is a nude eyelid base that helps balance your skin tone and texture, ensuring your eye makeup stays bold and crease-free all day. It features ingredients like Dermaxyl, which smooths the appearance of wrinkles, and Kalpariane, which hydrates and firms the skin for a youthful look. Additionally, optical blurring pigments provide a soft-focus effect, helping to reduce redness and enhance the overall appearance of your eyes. This primer also intensifies the vibrancy of various eyeshadow finishes, making your eye looks pop while keeping them fresh throughout the day.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Prevents creasing
Hydrating and moisturizing formula
Enhances eyeshadow vibrancy
A little goes a long way
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Anti-aging formula less effective
#TOP 6

Elizabeth Mott Eye Primer

TMLEP
Eye Primer 10g
Elizabeth Mott Eye Primer Cover
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer - Long-Lasting, Eyeshadow Primer Base for Oily Lids & Crease-Free Wear - Smudge-Proof, Lightweight, Cruelty-Free - 10g

Enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow and keep your look long-lasting with Elizabeth Mott Eye Primer. Crafted with high-quality ingredients, this paraben-free and cruelty-free primer provides a flawless base for your eye makeup. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula ensures that you won't need constant touch-ups and won't feel heaviness around the eyes. In addition to evening your skin tone, this primer combats oily lids and creasing, conceals discoloration, and balances your complexion. With Elizabeth Mott Eye Primer, you can achieve bold and vibrant eyeshadow looks without the fear of fallout or fading. Say goodbye to smudged makeup and hello to long-lasting perfection.

What We Like
Long-lasting makeup hold
Enhances color vibrancy
Works with oily skin
Small amount needed
Keeps brows in place
What We Don't Like
High price
Can highlight dry patches
#TOP 7

NYX Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer - Light

K0597000
01 Light
0.27 Fl Oz (Single)
NYX Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer - Light Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer, Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Primer - Light

NYX Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer is a vegan eye primer that extends makeup wear and provides vibrant, saturated color with no-smudge, no-crease, longwearing eye looks. The lightweight formula is creamy with a soft blurring effect and has a unique doe foot applicator for easy, smooth application. This cruelty-free brand is acknowledged by PETA and offers a full range of eye makeup products from eyeshadow palettes to eyebrow makeup and more.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Enhances color intensity
Works well for sensitive eyes
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Mild irritation for some users
Can feel sticky or heavy
#TOP 8

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Nude

1704402
Original
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Nude Cover
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Nude Eyelid Base Primer, for Smooth & Crease-Resistant Eye Makeup, Waterproof & Long-Lasting, Translucent Shade, Universal for All Skin Tones - 0.33 fl oz

The Urban Decay Nude Primer is a smooth, nude base that helps prevent creasing, dryness, and cracking on your eyelids, so your eye makeup stays vibrant and fresh all day. This vegan primer uses advanced polymer technology to even out imperfections, making it great for oily lids and textured skin. Its creamy formula dries clear, giving you the flexibility to create either bold or natural looks that suit any skin tone or eye shape. Plus, the precise flocked wand applicator allows for controlled and easy application every time, making your makeup routine more convenient and flawless.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Prevents creasing and smudging
Works well for oily eyelids
Lightweight, smooth formula
Minimizes staining from pigments
What We Don't Like
Small tube size
Price is a bit high
#TOP 9

ARTDECO All In One Eye Primer

4052136084948
Neutral
ARTDECO All In One Eye Primer Cover
ARTDECO All In One Eye Primer - Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base, Neutralizing & Concealing - Makeup Primer for Vibrant, Crease-Free Eye Makeup – 0.17 Fl. Oz

The ARTDECO Eye Primer is your ideal companion for perfect eye makeup. This all-in-one solution helps to balance and conceal your eyelids while ensuring your eyeshadow lasts all day. With its lightweight formula, it enhances the color of your eyeshadow, making it more vibrant and preventing any creasing. It’s suitable for all skin tones and is dermatologically tested, so you can trust that it’s gentle on your skin. Plus, applying it is easy—just use your finger or a brush to achieve a smooth, even base that keeps your eye makeup looking fresh and flawless.

What We Like
Silky, smooth texture
Long-lasting eye makeup hold
Evens out lid discoloration
No irritation for sensitive skin
Works for mature skin
What We Don't Like
Not full coverage for all
Some shadows may crease
#TOP 10

Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow Primer Potion Eden

S1880707
Eden
Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow Primer Potion Eden Cover
Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow Primer Potion Eden - Matte Eye Primer for Crease-Resistant & Long Lasting Eye Makeup, Smooths & Preps Eyelid Base, For More Vibrant Eyeshadow, All Skin Tones - 0.33 fl oz

The Urban Decay Matte Primer is designed to give you smooth, crease-free eyelids, making your eyeshadow look vibrant and last all day. It works well on all skin tones and types, including oily lids and delicate skin around the eyes. This primer uses advanced technology to keep your eyeshadow and eyeliner from fading or creasing, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups. Plus, its creamy nude matte finish prepares your eyelids perfectly for any look, whether bold or natural. It’s also cruelty-free and free of parabens, making it a great choice for conscious beauty lovers.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow hold
Conceals discoloration and veins
No creasing or caking
Easy, seamless application
Works well on oily lids
What We Don't Like
Color may be too fair
Slightly dry texture for some
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you use eyeshadow primer and base?

It is not recommended to use both eyeshadow primer and base together, as different formulas may not work well when layered. If you choose to experiment, apply the primer first and use thin layers of each product.

2. What is the difference between eyeshadow primer and eyeshadow base?

The main difference is that an eyeshadow base enhances the color of your shadow, while a primer not only enhances color but also helps prevent creasing and extends the longevity of your eyeshadow.

3. What should you use as a base for eyeshadow?

Eyeshadow primer is the recommended base for eyeshadow. It is specifically formulated to act as a grip for eyeshadow, providing better pigment payoff. However, if you need a quick alternative, concealer can also be used as a base.

4. Is it necessary to use eyeshadow base?

Eyeshadow primer is necessary if you want your eye makeup to last for more than a few hours. It helps your eyeshadow stay in place and prevents creasing. Skipping eyeshadow primer may result in shorter wear time and less vibrant eyeshadow.

5. Do you really need eyeshadow primer?

Eyeshadow primer is necessary if you want your eye makeup to last for more than a few hours. It helps your eyeshadow stay in place, prevents creasing, and extends the longevity of your eye look.

Editor's Notes

During our eyeshadow bases & primer research, we found 48 eyeshadow bases & primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 213,734 customer reviews through our big data system to write the eyeshadow bases & primers list. We found that most customers choose eyeshadow bases & primers with an average price of $14.86.

The eyeshadow bases & primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of eyeshadow bases & primers, including e.l.f., wet n wild, Milani, Smashbox, URBAN DECAY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Eyeshadow Bases & Primers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand e.l.f. wet n wild Milani Smashbox URBAN DECAY Elizabeth Mott NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP URBAN DECAY ARTDECO URBAN DECAY
Product Benefits Intensifies eyeshadow color, increases wear time, prevents smudging and creasing, and creates a smooth canvas for makeup; made from skin-loving ingredients and is 100% cruelty-free and vegan Conditioning, Extending, Nourishing, Prepping, Smoothening Enhances eyeshadow color and wear, prevents fallout Smooths + strengthens eyeshadow makeup. Longwearing, this primer is sweat and humidity resistant. Optical blurring pigments create a soft-focus effect that minimizes redness and smooths texture. Crease Proof, Smoothening Smoothening, Long-lasting With polymer technology, this primer dries invisibly & creates the perfect base for eyeshadow & eyeliner. Intensifies the look of metallic, shimmer, matte, and glitter eyeshadows. Enhances eyeshadow longevity, color intensity, and application precision; offers dermatologically-approved formula; and promotes aesthetic appeal With polymer technology, this primer visibly smooths lids & creates the perfect base for eyeshadow & eyeliner.
Item Form Cream Cream Cream Lotion Cream Cream Cream Cream Cream Cream
Skin Type All All, Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily All All Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily All All Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily All Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
Package Information Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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