Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers

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What's the best drugstore eyeshadow primer? In this post, I reveal the best and worst eye primers for mature skin from the drugstore. Click to read.

Hello, friends! Today, I want to talk about eyeshadow primers for mature skin. I went on a mission to find the best drugstore eyeshadow primers, and I ended up testing 17 different drugstore primers! I picked up every one that I could find at my local drugstore and in the drugstore section of Ulta and tested them all.

My Testing Method

I spent about a week (and in some cases less, since three of the primers irritated my eyes, ugh) using each primer in combination with various eyeshadows (both drugstore and high-end). I applied each primer in the morning and judged them on three criteria, because to me there are three things that make an eyeshadow primer top notch:

1. It must apply smoothly and easily, without a lot of rubbing involved.
2. It must completely prevent eyeshadow creasing all day.
3. It must not add texture or cause my eyeshadow to look patchy.

Note that my method for eyeshadow priming involves three steps: Cleaning my eyelids, applying eyeshadow primer, and applying a layer of a nude-colored shadow on top of the primer before applying my regular eyeshadow (for more on that, see this post on how to prime your eyes like a pro). I used this process when testing all the eyeshadow primers discussed in this post.

My Skin/Eyelid Type

I have moderately oily and sensitive eyelids. I'm 47, so I battle creasing and my eyelids are starting to hood and crepe a little.

The Top Drugstore Eyeshadow Primers

These are the best drugstore primers out of the 17 that I tested. They met all three of my criteria, and I recommend each of them.

Catrice Prime and Fine Eyeshadow Base - I've found myself wanting to reach for this primer often - it is incredibly smoothing and glides over the eyelid evenly. It comes with a doefoot wand/applicator, which isn't my preferred method of applying primer, but it worked so well that I ultimately didn't mind the applicator.

Physicians Formula Matte Eye Primer - This is another standout that comes with a doefoot applicator (although you might not expect it given the packaging). It is sold in a 2-pack that includes a shimmery primer. See below for info on the shimmery primer.

COL-LAB The Fundamental Eyeshadow Primer - A while back, I stumbled upon this primer that is sold exclusively at Sally Beauty. It's well worth the trip there to get it. You apply it with your fingers (there is no applicator).

Honorable Mentions

There are two honorable mentions that are very good, but not the cream of the crop. They are...

Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Primer - This met my three criteria but isn't a top pick because of its consistency - it tends to separate and gets runny. You need to shake it up well before use.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Eye Primer - This primer also met my three criteria, but I gave it an honorable mention instead of a top pick because of the shimmer and the texture, which wasn't quite as smooth as the matte version of this primer. Also, I don't find much of a use for a shimmer primer, but if you like a shimmer primer, then you will probably love this one.

Didn't Crease But Added Texture/Was Patchy

The following primers didn't work for me because they added texture to my eyelids and caused my eyeshadow to look patchy. However, as far as creasing goes, they were fine.

Milani Eyeshadow Primer - This is definitely a thicker primer than my top picks, and this caused it to add and cling to texture on my lids. I did find, though, that this effect was reduced significantly if I warmed the primer up between my fingers before applying.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer - This is also a thicker primer than my top picks although it was a bit smoother than the Milani primer. Still, it added texture to my lids.

Creased and Just Didn't Work

This group of primers didn't work for me because they made my eyeshadows crease within or at 8 hours of wear.

I can't recommend any of these, given that there are other options that don't result in any creasing at all.

Caused Eyelid Irritation

This final group of primers were very problematic for me in that they caused my eyelids to react and break out in scaly red patches...

...and they were all by NYX. Something about me and NYX primers don't react well together. I don't recommend these.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has been helpful and can point you in the right direction when you're looking for a drugstore eyeshadow primer. There are great products out there, but as we've seen, there are plenty of products that didn't work so well for me with my 47-year-old, moderately oily, and sensitive eyelids. The three top pics - the Catrice Prime and Fine Eyeshadow Base, the Physicians Formula Matte Eye Primer, and the COL-LAB The Fundamental Eyeshadow Primer - I can recommend without reservation and I hope they work for you if you try them!

What's your favorite drugstore eyeshadow primer? Let me know in the comments below!

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