Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you have oily eyelids, chances are you struggle with eyeshadow creasing. Don’t worry! You can easily solve this problem by getting the best eye primer for oily lids. It is the holy grail for all people who have oily eyelids or tend to sweat a lot. These primers are formulated to prevent creasing and allow the eyeshadow to glide on smoothly. There are dozens of eyeshadow primers available with different textures, but we recommend you read the label first and determine which one would work great for your skin type.
We have compiled a list of some of the best primers for oily eyelids in the market to help you find one that would suit your requirements and keep your makeup smudge-free for long hours. All of them are specially formulated for oily eyelids and help you get through the day without having to touch up continuously. These primers will prevent your eyeshadow from smudging and help you rock the perfect eye-makeup, even on hot and sweaty days.
Top Picks
15 Best Eye Primers For Oily Lids
1. Best Illuminating: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,384 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
This unique and illuminating eye primer for oily lids is a must-have makeup essential that keeps your eye makeup in place for hours. It provides a smooth canvas for your makeup while offering a natural glow. It is made from hydrating ingredients like pearl powder and castor oil for oily eyelids that don’t smudge, making it one of the best eye primers for oily skin. You don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups with this eye makeup primer because its long-lasting texture will last you all day. The lightweight formula is also cruelty-free, non-greasy, and helps even out skin tone and keep oiliness at bay. Check out this product testing video to learn about a tester’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Locks eye makeup in place
- Suitable for all skin types
- Conceals discoloration
- Crease-resistant
- Paraben-free formula
- Product dries clear
Cons
- Might pill when dry
- May block the eyeshadow pigment
Review:
A tester says, “I got this eyeshadow primer after checking the reviews. Well, it does work well in hot and humid weather, but I can’t say much about its longevity. I can see creasing after a long day.”
2. Best Non-Toxic: e.l.f. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer
The e.l.f Shadow Lock eyelid primer is an ideal addition to your makeup bag. Its lightweight, creamy texture prevents creasing and keeps eyeshadow in place throughout the day. This professional-grade transparent eyeshadow primer creates a smooth and even base to help you blend eyeshadows more evenly and keep them from flaking and fading. Moreover, it is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals, making it a suitable option for all skin types.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Sheer formula
- Free from triclosan and triclocarban
- Hydroquinone-free
Cons
- Quantity might be lesser than expected
- Some might find it oily
Review:
A reviewer who tested the product, says, “After trying various brands, I returned to e.l.f. This primer keeps my eye makeup intact all day. It’s worth the price. Blends well, though the tube seems underfilled.”
Quick tip3. Best No-Smudging: Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer
If you want your eyeshadow pigment to stay on your lids without any creasing or smudging, this is a primer worth counting on. You don’t have to worry about any tacky residue or wait for it to dry because it goes on smoothly and dries off quickly. You can wear your makeup confidently with this primer, as this product does a great job of not setting into fine lines. The formula contains castor oil and is hypoallergenic, making it a suitable base for eyeshadow. The silky formula of this eye primer base also smooths skin, and hides dark circles, veins, and dark spots so that you get a clean canvas for creating mesmerizing eye looks.
Pros
- Feels light on the skin
- Contains pure and natural minerals
- Anti-inflammatory
- Free of alcohol, bismuth, and talc
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not paraben-free
- May feel dry on some skin types
Review:
A reviewer states, “I’m really happy with this primer. It is way better than the other brands I’ve tried and lasts all day without looking greasy. Buildable, pigmented, and versatile. My only complaint is that the cap was awfully fragile and cracked easily.”
Quick tipElizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer Best Illuminating | e.l.f. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer Best Non-Toxic | Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer Best No-Smudging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches | - | 2 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.35 Ounces | - | 0.32 Ounces |
| Color | - | - | clear |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,384 | - | 24 |
| Price | $13.99 | - | $19.99 |
4. Best Oil-Free: e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer
The e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer can help create a smooth and matte base for your makeup. Formulated with kaolin and white charcoal, this pore-minimizing eye primer absorbs excess oil and makes the pores look smaller, leaving your skin shine-free and smooth all day. The oil-free eyeshadow can be a great addition to your makeup collection as it helps prolong the wear of your makeup, giving you a natural finish that lasts. This primer is available at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Suitable for those with oily skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May have a thick, heavy consistency that can be difficult to spread evenly
- May not be suitable for heavy coverage
Review:
A user says, “While this one didn’t cause breakouts or oiliness, the gold flakes were a bit clumpy and made my skin look greasy at times. But it lasts long and I don’t need to touch up my makeup even after hours.”
Quick tip5. Best Long-Lasting: True + Luscious Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer/Base
If you’re a conscious beauty customer who believes in high quality makeup, you must look at this eye primer for oily lids. This eyeshadow is talc-free and infused with natural ingredients like rose extract that keep your delicate and vulnerable eyelids feeling soft. Worrying about faded eyeshadow shades and makeup looks will be a thing of the past with this one that has an emollient base to ensure the eyeshadow textures and colors pop! The makeup artist-approved primer will give you a great matte finish, and it’s available in three shades, so you can also cover any dark spots and correct discoloration. This review video offers a more detailed explanation of this long-lasting eyeshadow primer.
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Suitable for all skin types and tones
- Does not irritate sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May feel a bit sticky to some
- Some eyeshadows may crease
Review:
According to a reviewer, “This eyeshadow primer works great for my discoloration. It’s easy to apply and a little goes a long way. However, I wish it masked wrinkles and creases better. Overall, a good find.”
6. Best Crease-Free: BareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
The Bare Minerals Primer provides an excellent base for your eyeshadow, and you will notice vibrant results from the pigments even on your first try. This eyeshadow primer for oily lids keeps greasy lids at bay by absorbing any excess oil. This eye primer for oily skin is long-lasting, and you can go from day to night without having to redo your entire look.
Pros
- Smooth and easy to apply
- Lightweight texture
- Safe to wear with contact lens
- Crease-resistant
Cons
- Dispenser may be difficult to use
- Might feel flaky on some skin types
7. Best Semi-Matte: L.A. Girl Pro HD High Definition Eyeshadow Primer
The L.A. Girl Pro HD High Definition eyeshadow primer helps smooth and even out the eyelid, providing a neat canvas for eyeshadow application. It helps extend the wear of your eyeshadow, ensuring that it stays vibrant and in place all day long. The lightweight formula of this smooth and silky eyeshadow primer is easy to apply and blends seamlessly into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. The high-definition finish gives your eyeshadow an extra pop of color, making it appropriate for special occasions or everyday wear.
Pros
- Semi-matte formula
- Portable design
- Prevents creasing
- Doesn’t budge in heat and humidity
Cons
- Some may find the primer sticky
- May not be suitable for dry skin
Review:
A reviewer writes, “It’s my first time using this brand, and it turned out great! This primer prevents creasing and helps my eyeshadow last most of the day. Wish it had more vibrant colors, though.”
8. Best Flexible: Glo Skin Beauty Shadow Primer
The Glo Skin Beauty shadow primer is a must-have product for any makeup lover. This primer helps keep your eyeshadow in place all day without smudging or giving it a crepe skin-like appearance. It creates a smooth, even canvas for your eyeshadow to adhere to, ensuring that your look stays vibrant and fresh. Whether you’re going for a natural, everyday look or a bold and dramatic evening look, this primer will help you achieve long-lasting results.
Pros
- Lightweight and silky formula
- Easy to apply
- Suitable for all skin types
- Helps intensify the colorsNot tested on animals
Cons
- Some users may not like the smell of the product
- May not be sweat-proof
Review:
A tester reviews, “I’m quite satisfied with this Glo primer. I only need a small amount to keep my eyeshadow vibrant throughout the day. Can’t say it flawlessly fixed the creasing issue I was having, but it did make the colors stay well.”
9. Best Quick-Drying: Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer
The Covergirl Lid Lock Up eyeshadow primer is a clear, lightweight primer that helps lock in your eyeshadow pigment, ensuring it stays in place all day. Whether you’re looking for a natural or bold eye look, this primer provides a smooth base for eyeshadow to adhere to. Plus, it helps prevent creasing, fading, and smudging, so you can enjoy long-lasting, beautiful eyeshadow all day. Whether heading to work or a night out on the town, this primer can ensure that your eyeshadow stays put.
Pros
- Quick-drying formula
- Easy to apply and blends smoothly
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May be hard to remove
Review:
A user writes, “This primer is great for fixing creases! However, I think it works better for oily skin types. It’s been a real savior for my oily eyelids, but people with different skin types may get different results.”
10. Best Lightweight: Pretty Vulgar Uncaged Eye Shadow Primer
The Pretty Vulgar Uncaged Eye Shadow Primer is formulated with a velvety smooth texture that glides onto the skin effortlessly, providing a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow. This anti-creasing eyeshadow primer helps prevent cracking and fading, ensuring your eyeshadow stays vibrant and true to color. This velvety eyeshadow primer dries translucent and is suitable for all skin types as it helps absorb excess oil for a crease-free, no-fade makeup look.
Pros
- Made with high-quality ingredients to nourish and protect your skin
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to blend and apply
Cons
- May have a thin consistency
- May melt in humid conditions
Review:
According to a user, “This eye primer is now a staple in my routine. It is lightweight, dries translucent, and improves eyeshadow longevity. But it lacks coverage for veiny lids and can become runny in the tube.”
11. Best For All Skin Types:Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye Primer
The lightweight, creamy formula glides on smoothly, creating a smooth, even base for your eyeshadow to adhere to. It helps prevent creasing, fading, and smudging, ensuring a long-lasting finish. This professional-grade hydrating eyeshadow primer is formulated with premium ingredients for effective results and blends clear for optimal vibrancy when applying pigmented eyeshadows.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy to remove
- Prevents fall-outs
- Formulated without fragrance and parabens
Cons
- May not work well in humid conditions
- May look greasy for some
Review: A reviewer writes, “I’m quite impressed with this eye primer. As someone with oily skin, my eyeshadow would crease within hours. However, this one solved it quickly. The only downside is that it feels sticky after drying.”
12. Best Non-Greasy:Revlon Eyeshadow Primer
Create crease-proof makeup with the Revlon eyeshadow primer which comes in the list of best eye primers for oily skin. Its universal shade works on every skin tone, and the formula is powered by Colorstay technology that helps the eyeshadow stay up to 24 hours. With the shea butter care complex, the crease-proof eyeshadow primer offers a smooth base for your eyeshadow and makes the colors look vibrant.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Prevents smudging of the eyeshadow
- Blends smoothly
- non-greasy and non-drying
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
- May feel dry on some skin types
Review: A user says, “I’m on my second tube, and this is what I have to say: This eye primer dries quickly, holds up in heat, and prevents creasing. Just be cautious with the tube, it’s easy to squeeze out too much. One tube lasts a long time.”
13. Best Silicone-Free:Unicorn Glow Hydrating Primer
The Unicorn Glow hydrating primer is formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, and E, and other skin-loving ingredients to plump, moisturize, and smoothen skin, leaving it healthy and radiant. Its lightweight, silicone-free formula glides onto the skin effortlessly and provides a natural, luminous finish. The matte eyeshadow primer helps control excess oil for a smooth, shine-free look.
Pros
- Free from harsh chemicals such as parabens and phthalates
- Anti-aging eye primer
- Grips and holds your makeup for a long-lasting finish
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Scent of this primer may be strong for some
- May not add glow
Review: A tester says, “This primer locks makeup in place and minimizes pores. However, I expected a little more glow. It can be a little oily and create a film on the face, but it perfectly suits me even though I have sensitive skin.”
14. Best For Oily Skin:Milani Eyeshadow Primer
The nude liquid eyeshadow primer dries invisible, making it lightweight, oily skin-friendly, easy to blend, and crease-free. The best part about this invisible eyeshadow primer is that it is suitable for diverse skin tones. It also provides constant hydration without allowing the eyeshadow to smudge. This color-intensifying eye primer’s rich formulation allows the hues to pop for a dramatic and colorful makeup look.
Pros
- Vegan formula
- Cruelty-free
- Exfoliating
- Smudge-free
- Smooth and even coverage
- Moisturizing and long-lasting
Cons
- May contain talc
- May not suit mature skin
Review: According to a tester, “This primer works wonders for my eyeshadow and keeps it vibrant all day. It’s a pretty budget-friendly option. However, it’s mostly clear, so if you’re looking for a tinted one, this won’t cut it. Personally, I highly recommend it!”
15. Best Oil Eliminator:Wet N’ Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer
Bring home this eye primer for oily lids for eye makeup looks that steal the spotlight no matter where you go. Its colorless formula does a great job in prepping and brightening eyelids to lock down eyeshadow color all day. It eliminates extra sebum products and oil from the eyelids, so you can add your makeup to a neat canvas. The brightening primer formula will quickly become your favorite product as it glides effortlessly and dries to a clear finish.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Enhances the eyeshadow color
- Prevents creasing
- Cruelty-free product
Cons
- May not suit mature skin
- May turn cakey upon using excess product
Review: A user states, “This primer is really helpful in keeping eyeshadow intact on my oily eyelids. It even helps lash extensions last longer without feeling sticky. However, I found it a bit heavy. Overall, effective for oil control.”
How To Choose The Right Eye Primer For Oily Lids?
Keep these factors in mind when choosing an eye primer for oily lids.
- Skin type: Even though the products listed above are specifically catered to oily eyelids, you need to check the primer and ensure that it will suit your skin type before purchasing it. Look for oil-control eye primers with mattifying ingredients. Keeping your skin type in mind when purchasing any primer is important.
- Ingredients: Ensuring that the ingredients suit oily skin is important, especially if you have sensitive oily skin. Your eyelids are delicate and vulnerable, you wouldn’t want to apply any harsh ingredients that can damage them. Hence, you need to look for clean eyeshadow products that are free from parabens or alcohol.
- Price and brand: As mentioned before, a market filled with various types of eyeshadow primers can make it overwhelming to decide on the best eye primer for oily lids. Hence, you need to do your research and look for the primer that will fit your budget and skin concerns. Always, ensure that the brand matches your needs and not just settle for it because it is affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my eyelids from getting oily?
Use an oil-free moisturizer, loose powder, or blotting paper to absorb excess oil from the eyelids throughout the day. If you prefer eye makeup, the best way to prevent oily eyelids is by using an eyeshadow primer.
2. What makeup is good for oily eyelids?
A long-lasting, oil-free, waterproof, and highly pigmented makeup is good for oily lids. Using a waterproof eyeshadow base and other makeup products with above features can prevent the makeup from smudging and creasing.
3. Should I put eye primer on before or after the foundation?
Any primer, including an eye primer, is intended to be applied before the foundation. Applying a radiance-enhancing eye primer followed by the foundation will create a beautiful canvas for your eyeshadow.
4. Should I apply eye primer before or after using a concealer?
Eye primer helps anything that is applied over it stay longer. Thus, using the eye primer followed by the concealer can mask the skin’s imperfections around your eyes and act as a base for eye makeup.
5. Should I use a primer under my eyes?
If you find your makeup creasing and settling into fine lines under your eyes, you may use an under-eye primer.
6. What is the difference between a face primer and an eye primer?
Face primers prepare your skin by creating a smooth canvas for the foundation. Eye primers, on the other hand, make your eye makeup stick better and last longer.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an experienced writer and reviewer of skincare and makeup products and loves experimenting with different brands and products. She incorporates thorough research to curate high-quality products for our readers. In this article, she reviews the best eyeshadow primers for oily lids to give you a smooth makeup base. The list includes a useful buying guide to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Eyeshadow primers allow your favorite eyeshadows and winged eyeliners to glide on flawlessly and help you achieve gorgeous looks without the worries of smudging and creasing. They also ensure your makeup lasts longer and stays on, making them a blessing for those with oily eyelids. We recommend the Pretty Vulgar Uncaged Eye Shadow Primer for its cruelty-free and skin-safe formulation, Glo Skin Beauty Shadow Primer for its intense color, staying power, and ultra-light texture, and Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye Primer for its crease-free and smudge-free finish. They offer a flawless look and help you stand out with a bang, irrespective of the weather conditions. Some of these are also suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, remember to avoid those with parabens, alcohol, and other harmful ingredients.
Infographic: How To Apply Eye Primer For Oily Eyelids
Do you want to create a smooth base for your eyeshadow and keep it fresh and crease-free throughout the day? Then, refer to the infographic below for a detailed guide on how to apply eye primer on oily lids. You can also share it with your friends too! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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