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Face & Eye Primers That Extend Makeup Wear

17 items

Amanda Vitale

Over the years I've tested hundreds of products. I don't make the claim that a product extends makeup wear time lightly! These are all of my holy-grail face and eyeshadow primers that I trust to get the job done. They are all owned and tested by me. ...

Sections

Face Primer

Eyeshadow Primer

Face Primer

These primers layer well with all makeup and skincare. They will extend your wear time and I trust them for long days and special occasions.

I'm not sure if we can buy this primer in the US anymore but it's magic. It smooths you out and gives you that slight blur. It says matte but won't dry you out.

Primary Pro Matte

This is the OG for a reason! It somehow smooths the pores and gives you a soft blur while gripping makeup all day. It's not greasy.

The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

I've tried many gripping primers and elf has the best formula. They found the sweet spot of not being too thick or too runny. You can actually blend it on the skin and have enough tackiness for your makeup to last. I approve their limited-edition sti...

Power Grip Primer

It doesn't matter if you buy the original or the niacinamide version. They both wear and perform the same.

Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide

This primer stick is voodoo magic that makes your makeup last forever but it's so light on the skin. It has a cool and wet feeling as you rub it on yet the product is not wet.

Stay Cool Gel Primer Stick

I don't get any depuffing from this stick but it makes an amazing long wear primer, basically the same as elf! It also gives a wet and cool sensation.

Cooling Hydra De-Puffer For Eyes + Face

This primer combines SPF and makeup primer all in one. There's no greasy feeling or a bad scent. Not a lot of blur but it does extend wear time.

BLURSCREEN: PRIMER WITH SPF | NYX Professional Makeup

I have huge pores and this is hands down THE best primer to fill them and get a nice primed base for lasting makeup. Sometimes you need to go with the high price tag.

The Silk Canvas - Protective Primer Balm

Eyeshadow Primer

These primers will prevent fading, creasing, cracking, flaking, and movement of any and all eye makeup.

This eyeshadow primer has a sheer nude tint but it locks those pigments down.

Stay Put Eyeshadow Primer

This drugstore classic is still good! Don't sleep on it. It features a doefoot applicator.

Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer

I've been using this eyeshadow primer for more years than I can remember, even through a rename/reformulation. It's a dupe for the Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Megalast Eyeshadow Primer

If you do want to go high end, Urban Decay's Primer Potion will never let you down. You can squeeze it or use the doe foot applicator. They have other formulas too if you want a tinted base, glowy, etc.

Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Waterproof Eye Makeup

I don't hear much about Lorac anymore but their eyeshadow primer is a classic that stands the test of time.

Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

This is a dependable drugstore option that I've been using daily in 2025 ever since I opened it. I didn't like any eye primer that elf came out with previously.

Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer

This eyeshadow primer has a white pigment to make your looks pop! Be warned - it comes out of the tube fast and you only need the tiniest drop. Applying too much will cause it to crease.

Mini Eye Primer

While this is for applying loose pigments and glitter to the eye, I LOVE using it with any metallic/shimmer/glitter eyeshadow to keep it in place. Nothing makes me more crazy than shimmers moving around 2 minutes after application.

Glitter Primer for Lasting Sparkle | NYX Professional Makeup

Don't sleep on Julep's eyeshadow sticks. They blend so well and dry down to last all day. The pigment is rich. I use the shade Desert as an eyeshadow primer. It makes your eyeshadows pop and they will last. Snowfall Matte is a good option too.

Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick