10 Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers 2025 in the United States

The Elizabeth Mott - Thank Me Later Eye Primer is designed to offer a reliable base for eyeshadow, enhancing its color and extending wear time. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula includes pearl powder, making it suitable for all skin types, including mature and oily skin.

This primer excels in shine and oil control, helping to prevent creasing and hiding fine lines, which is particularly beneficial for those with mature skin. The product's formula is crafted with high-quality Korean ingredients and is cruelty-free, adding an ethical touch to its appeal.

Its ease of use is a significant advantage; applying a small amount and waiting for it to dry ensures the best results. While the primer provides benefits like smoothening and evening out skin tone, some users might find the 10g size relatively small, especially if they use it daily. Additionally, although it minimizes pores and hides wrinkles effectively, it might not completely eliminate these issues for everyone. This eye primer is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their eye makeup's longevity and vibrancy, with additional skin benefits and ethical manufacturing practices.

The Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a nude cream primer designed to smooth and prep the eyelid for vibrant and crease-free eyeshadow application. It features a formula enriched with Dermaxyl and Kalpariane, which help to smooth fine lines, plump, firm, and hydrate the skin. This makes it particularly suitable for mature skin. The optical blurring pigments create a soft-focus effect, minimizing redness and improving the texture and tone of the eyelids, making it a good option for those with tired or hooded eyes.

The primer enhances the intensity and longevity of various eyeshadow finishes, including metallic, shimmer, matte, and glitter, ensuring that the eyeshadow remains vibrant throughout the day. It is vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, which is a plus for those conscious of ethical beauty choices. However, the buildable coverage and a precise wand applicator might require a bit of practice for beginners to achieve the desired effect without applying too much product. This primer is suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, dry, and normal. While it is highly effective in maintaining eye makeup, some users might find the 0.33 fl oz size a bit small for the price point.

Additionally, those with extremely sensitive skin should carefully review the ingredients to avoid potential irritation. This primer is a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their eye makeup's appearance and longevity, especially for those with aging concerns.

The e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option to enhance their eyeshadow's longevity and color intensity.

Its creamy formula is designed to be smooth and non-greasy, creating a perfect base that helps eyeshadow stay vibrant and in place throughout the day. This primer is particularly effective in preventing smudging and creasing, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting wear.

The sheer finish allows it to work well with a variety of eyeshadow colors, whether they are liquid or powder-based. Additionally, the product stands out for being vegan and cruelty-free, which is a great feature for those who are conscious about ethical beauty products. The ingredients are skin-friendly, which means fewer worries about irritation. However, while the product offers full coverage and a smooth canvas for makeup application, some users might find it lacking if they prefer more specialized ingredients or higher-end formulations. For those with very oily eyelids, it might require additional setting powder to maintain its effectiveness.