No. 11: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, $20, 15 Best Primers for Long-Lasting Eye Makeup

Makeup

15 Best Primers for Long-Lasting Eye Makeup

Liners, shadows, and mascaras can end up looking like a hot (smudged) mess at the end of the day if you don't use a good primer. Keep your eye makeup on with these reader faves

June 27, 2011 | by Sharon J. Yi, Stephanie Shum | 90 COMMENTS

No. 11: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, $20

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*
Why: One trusted reviewer says, "I used to think primers were an unnecessary step until I tried this. It seems to go on a little goopy but blends easily with a finger or makeup sponge and dries to a powdery finish. This makes even shadows that usually crease and fade on me last all day." Readers say it's "worth every penny," especially because "so much product comes in such a little container." This primer delivers "picture perfect makeup" every time.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 10: MAC Prep + Prime Lash, $14

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products mentioned

Paula Dorf Eye Primer

7.9

Lancome Aquatique

7.8

Clinique Touch Base for Eyes

8.0

Smashbox Layer Lash Primer

8.1

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

7.7

MAC Prep + Prime Lash

8.7

Blinc Lash Primer

9.0

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

8.7

Clinique Lash Building Primer

8.4

Mary Kay Eye Primer

8.9

E.L.F. Studio Eye Primer & Liner Sealer

9.0

Laura Mercier Eye Basics

9.2

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow...

9.2

Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

9.4

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines

9.7

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Some brands never heard of. Some good tips.

by Dee Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 05:40PM Report as inappropriate

Have to disagree with the "Maybelline New York Ultra-Liner." The old brush and formula were better, but it works very well, especially for the price.

by TheDivaRose Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 01:05PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know, I was hoping to see something that I use :)

by Monique3 Friday, March 1, 2013 at 07:50PM Report as inappropriate

I have recently just heard of eye primers. I have always used foundation on my eyelids and it seems to work just fine for me.

by lori_testy Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 01:55PM Report as inappropriate

I just started wearing eyeshadow primers, and this definitely helps me pick one. I have the oiliest eyelids. My eye makeup is gone is 2 hours. Think I'll try the Urban Decay!

by kimber314 Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 02:06PM Report as inappropriate

it's a crime not to prime

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11:05PM Report as inappropriate

Primers really help keep my make-up stay on longer than on its own.

by Sari Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 07:20PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree w/the opinion that primers are a waste unless one has oily eyelids. I have extremely dry skin and I have to use a primer for there to be no creases, no crepeyness, & for shadows to have staying power.

by moxie1956 Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

I might have to invest in one of these.

by tulipsarebetter Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 08:38PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

At the end of the day, if you don't have oily eyelids, primers are a waste of time.

by liquidlinernote Friday, December 7, 2012 at 06:47PM Report as inappropriate

I love the marykay primer eye&face! ! They work amazing and don't cost a arm&leg... great for times like these. I love how light weight it feels and how silky out feels on my skin. Highly recommend this product. Also smashbox white primer is AHHHHHMAZZZZING! This one is price tho but well worth it seeing that it lasts forever. Little goes a loooong way. ★★★★

by star_n_junior_flores Friday, November 30, 2012 at 09:29PM Report as inappropriate

I use MAC's paint pot in painterly every single day for my eye primer and am obsessed with it!

by Chris213 Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

i am going to try the ELF primer!

by danny54f Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 03:14PM Report as inappropriate

I like the ELF mineral eye primer that isn't mentioned here. At only $3, it helps my shadows stay on all day & costs so little. I want to try it below my lower lash line to keep my mascara from smudging like what is mentioned in one of the reviews. Great tip.

by Feline44mom Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:39AM Report as inappropriate

The Paula Dorf is very good; just as good as one made by Estee Lauder but I went back to Estee Lauder because it had more product for the money.

by Collielady Monday, October 8, 2012 at 09:43AM Report as inappropriate

I use the Smashbox primer now but I was planning on trying the Urban Decay next but now maybe I'll go for the Too Faced instead...

by frostfalcon Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

Nars has s good eye primer.

by shell1375 Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:15AM Report as inappropriate

I like the urban decay one.

by yadijane Monday, September 24, 2012 at 06:19PM Report as inappropriate

I found this to be informative and a well written fairly thorough article. I have used some of the products mentioned and they were effective. One that ids missing is Cover FX Eye Primer. It is the best in my opinion as it acts as both a priimer and an eye cream. It is great for those with some age around the eyes whereas some primers collect there ab=nd hust arent suitable. As I find it doesnt work very well to use eyecream before makeup application, this product does just that and acts as a primer too. It is a bit costly but the size is larger than average and as I said is great for 40 plus women. I have just purchased my second one and have been using it 4-5x weekly for a year or so. Although it says you can use as a nighht

by mum21 Friday, September 14, 2012 at 10:18PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer to use the NYX eye primer. I believe it comes in two or three different base colors. I just use the white and it works so well. It's a thick cream base so it works almost like a glue for your eye color. I don't think I'm ready to try anything else right now. I've used the two faced shadow insurance that I am not sold on that one either. For now, I'll stick with the NYX brand - it works great!

by flirtygirl214 Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 05:21PM Report as inappropriate

All great choices. UD eye primer works best for me.

by michellefuentes Monday, August 20, 2012 at 01:36PM Report as inappropriate

I NEED to try that ELF stuff. Oh my god how haven't I seen it before? I personally think the UD Primer Potion should be higher up on the list though.

by GingerDrink Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

Great article. I always leave the house with eyeliner on, only to return home and nothing is there. Will try my Too Faced on bottom to see if liner is there when I get home.

by Ydabney Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 10:11AM Report as inappropriate

I love the MK eye primer. I'm going to try the makeup primer. I'd like to try ELF products.

by asiagirl4ever Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 09:17AM Report as inappropriate

I love this primer better than that Urban Decay's shadow primer because the consistency of the primer stays creamy over time, but UD's starts thickening.

by illuminatedsoul Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate

I like they included the ELF studio primer but their mineral primer and regular primer work just as great. Also, NYX has a great eye primer too!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:10AM Report as inappropriate

i really wanted to try the elf studio primer for a while but have not got a chance to...

by ruby_chang Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:53PM Report as inappropriate

I think that I am going to try either Smashbox or Urban Decay...I've heard so much about the both of them.

by jbynum Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 12:13PM Report as inappropriate

I have wanted to try the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines so thank you for this story! I think I can try this without any hesitation!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 05:08PM Report as inappropriate

Awesome

by Katiekat Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 04:25PM Report as inappropriate

I use the too face primer and it is really worth the money because it truly keeps your eyeshadow on all day long.

by Mysterylady Monday, February 27, 2012 at 01:44PM Report as inappropriate

I actually have the e l f eye primer, the liner liquid is the best and does what its suppose to. I've also used the face primer and have their mineral face brushes which are so soft, don't shed and at $5 a brush I think is a great deal for a girl on a budget.

by katt2697 Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 06:08AM Report as inappropriate

I really like how there are always a mix of products for every budget. Even if I can't spend a lot of money I still know I can get a good product for a low price.

by mrselliott08 Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 09:05AM Report as inappropriate

good suggestions, I can't wait to try the elf!

by slvandas Monday, February 13, 2012 at 04:51PM Report as inappropriate

As I have posted before, eye shadow primer if you use a good, highly pigmented eye shadow, like Urban Decay or Too Faced. Big waste of money

by CaroleVonAllten Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

Do not need it if you use Urban Decay shadows. This is a HUGE waste of money.

by CaroleVonAllten Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 12:34PM Report as inappropriate

Yayyy too faced shadow insurance, I loveee it!!

by pink_love Monday, January 23, 2012 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

Too Faced Shadow Insurance is a absolute favorite of mine! After I swiched from using the Urban Decay Primer Potion, this has been my holy grail primer of all time.

by FabDiva20 Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 09:52PM Report as inappropriate

i would like to try the Laura Mercier eye basic.

by 4getu123 Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 01:03AM Report as inappropriate

The Urban Decay is good stuff. Not sure about the rest. I like cream eyeshadows most of the time. Lid Smoothies by Clinique work well without primer.

by krycekov Monday, January 9, 2012 at 12:56PM Report as inappropriate

for me this is a classic. I absolutely love it, and right now, I'm waiting for my new urban decay primer I ordered via their page and it's called COMPLEXION PRIMER POTION! Can't wait!

by linche0starligh Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 06:00AM Report as inappropriate

I have too faced, urban decay and smashbox, and can't decide which one I like best. Everytime you recommend something I go out and get it, lol

by patty_marthconnell Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate

i have too faced and urban decay...i review products like this all the time too and I just thought this article was great :) (janellelora.blogspot.com)

by janellelora Monday, December 26, 2011 at 10:01PM Report as inappropriate

I thougt. It was a good article it help me a lot never new this thank you

by cbrown.brown17 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 09:01PM Report as inappropriate

brilliant article, I am currently looking for a good eye-shadow primer, heard the Urban Decay Potion one is amazing! Will have to invest! :)

by RaraGiggles89 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 05:32AM Report as inappropriate

Nice roundup! But I was surprised not to see the Dior lash primer among the products featured.

by Jewelrydesigner Friday, December 16, 2011 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

I've been looking for a good primer. Thanks!

by attagirl Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 06:33PM Report as inappropriate

cool thanks

by andie Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate

Good products!!

by Jiana Monday, November 28, 2011 at 09:06PM Report as inappropriate

Good options

by kmb1129 Monday, November 28, 2011 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

Primers definitely make makeup last longer, really want to try the urban decay sometime!

by MissXu Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 08:34AM Report as inappropriate

Where is the Bare Escentuals Lid Primer? Great primer - cannot believe it didn't make the list!

by Crystalleigh Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

hmm good products

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 01:22PM Report as inappropriate

What no Laura Geller Eye Spackle or BE's Lid Primer? WTH?

by alayton Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 03:06AM Report as inappropriate

I love primer for my eyeshadow. The Too Faced is by far the best that I've tried. I also like that after listening to consumers, Urban Decay has finally changed their packaging. (The old bottle would leave a lot in the package even if the wand wasn't picking up any product.)

by sweettpea29 Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 07:57PM Report as inappropriate

There are so many to choose from!

by Vnessa Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 09:57AM Report as inappropriate

What about regular makeup primer, haven't found a good easy on the wallet one. Mary Kay's makes my face greasy.

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 12:36PM Report as inappropriate

Nice! I am going to try some of these

by shell1375 Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 11:11AM Report as inappropriate

I can't believe the Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer isn't on here. It is my absolute favorite! I guess I'll have to try some of these, then.

by katiespeaking Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

It is so funny whatever I am looking to buy... there is a handy dandy member rating on products that I have been looking at!!! You all ROCK!!!!

by kelly_ahrman Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 09:39PM Report as inappropriate

I bought elf primer before i see the article....And I recommend it.

by angel_tu Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

I've heard a lot of great things on the Two Faced Shadow Insurance. My current primer is the MAC paint pot in Painterly, but i think as soon as im out of it, im going to buy this one instead.

by gaej19 Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 01:36PM Report as inappropriate

I've heard a lot about the Urban Decay Primer Potion and am definitely inclined to try it.

by vfalkow Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 01:15PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting. My go to is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance although I love the Urban Decay. Alas I have too many unopened of those to think of anything else, but nice to have some ideas to try, While I love the TFSI an UDPP I love to try new things cause something else might be better.

by Agrimony Friday, September 9, 2011 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

I use primer almost every time I wear makeup, so I am always on the look for a great primer. I will definitely take a look at these.

by stephgal Friday, September 9, 2011 at 01:02PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely fans of UD primer potion and Too Faced...have both products :)

by janellelora Monday, September 5, 2011 at 12:15AM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad to see the Mry Kay eye primer made the list. It is the best primer I have found so far. Urban Decay's isn't bad either.

by taryn.romero Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:43AM Report as inappropriate

I absolutely adore smashbox eyelid primer..!!

by gisellemarie Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 02:57PM Report as inappropriate

I'm so glad to see this. I've been searching for a good primer. Thx!

by DaneIM Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 05:35PM Report as inappropriate

i will try some of these

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Friday, August 19, 2011 at 05:55PM Report as inappropriate

love too faced!!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

I love Laura Mercier and Smashbox primers. They both made my eye shadow go on smoother and cleaner. No ugly creases.

by Aleya Monday, August 15, 2011 at 12:33PM Report as inappropriate

whatever...seems like a waste of money. I just use a bit of foundation before I apply eyeshadow.

by LittleBunny Monday, July 25, 2011 at 08:32AM Report as inappropriate

goodstuff my eyeshadow did stay on longer.

by sandyc Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 03:23PM Report as inappropriate

I noticed there were primers which did not look as liquid, and maybe that is what I need to check out. I bought an eyeshadow primer with a wand, and felt it was not quite a good consistency. Maybe, I should check out how better to use it. I may or may not use it in the future. I guess as I see it helps with creasing or certain types of eyeshadow, as I get older, maybe it will be more for me to attempt to use.

by evet Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 04:29PM Report as inappropriate

I don't use primers, but if I ever do I'll use this as a reference.

by littlebeauty408 Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

I also love the Clinique Touch Base for eyes and the Urban Decay primer potion. these are two items I definitely keep in my make up collection

by angie_beechan Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11:13AM Report as inappropriate

im currently using NYX eye shadow which works very well & is much more affordable than most of the products featured. Im a little surprised that the NYX primers didnt make the cut for this list.

by lindsey_m Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 03:14AM Report as inappropriate

I tried the Malley primer, it's just okay. Luckily it came in a kit so I wasn't so disappoited

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:15AM Report as inappropriate

looking foward to trying this out

by marlene30665 Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:21AM Report as inappropriate

Im thinking about using the mary kay one or ELF?

by riley_beach Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate

Urban Decay primer potion is my favorite.

by eatinglipstick Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 04:37PM Report as inappropriate

Everything above $5 is insane for an eye makeup primer!

by selma Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 01:30AM Report as inappropriate

I looooove Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I cannot go without those primers. Miracle workers, both of them :P

by LipglossandSpandex Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

I've heard really good things about the urban decay and also the two faced primers. I just might give them a try.

by gaej19 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

urban decay is my number 1 favourite

by red.louboutin Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:30AM Report as inappropriate

my #1 is too faced shadow primer

by www.KeepMeBlushing.com Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:13AM Report as inappropriate

Great list! Missing the Urban Decay lash primer, but the MAC and Smashbox ones are great too. And my top eyeshadow primers in this article are Urban Decay, Smashbox, and Too Faced. Curious about the waterproof Lancome one!

by SunBunnyxxxooo Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

Handy list. I'll probably try the Clinique.

by krycekov Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 11:42AM Report as inappropriate

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