Achieving The Perfect Eye Makeup with These 14 Best Under-Eye Primers

Do you ever wonder why your eye makeup never looks smooth? Before applying further layers of makeup, it is crucial to use a foundation base to even out your skin tone. Wrinkles, creases, milia, and dark circles around the eyes are particularly well-known flaws that need to be smoothed out. Therefore, one needs to get the top wrinkle-reducing under-eye primers. The appropriate under-eye primer can significantly contribute to the reduction of wrinkle appearance and the creation of youthful, radiant skin around the eyes. We have put together a list of the top under-eye primers for wrinkles to make it easier for you to choose the perfect products. Scroll down to see our suggestions.

Best Overall: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer

The Thank Me Later Eye Primer is a fast-drying, animal-free primer that makes your eyeshadow pop and keeps it safe all day. It has sebum-controlling powder to prevent overproduction of oil as well as pearl powder for fairer skin. It enhances the color of your eyeshadow and is a dependable alternative for all-day wear.

The product’s lightweight formula makes it a user favorite. It dries swiftly after quick absorption. Some individuals, however, may get pimples around their eyes. Additionally, it is claimed that eyeliner and eyeshadow do not last as long as a primer. 

Best Drug Store: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer. 

The flexible L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer can be used alone or in conjunction with the Age Perfect radiant serum foundation, creamy powder foundation, and Y5. This primer rapidly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores by diffusing them with a natural-looking, soft-focus finish and is infused with a soothing serum. The rose formula helps to promote radiant, healthy-looking skin and gradually enhances the skin’s appearance. The skin gets smoother, softer, and more radiant with regular usage, making it a need for anybody seeking a flawless base.

Numerous consumers have commended the primer’s capacity to minimize blemishes, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and create an excellent canvas for applying makeup. The primer does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin, according to some reviews. Unfortunately, some reviewers have also mentioned that the primer has an overpowering aroma, which can be intimidating. 

Best Value: Revlon Photoready Eye Primer

This Revlon under-eye primer has a built-in brush that makes the application quick and clean. Additionally, thanks to photo-chromatic pigments, the gel-based product radiates the under-eye area while preparing it for makeup, preventing your eyes from appearing drowsy and sad. The product’s thick nature fills in the creases and wrinkles around your eyes, making it simple for you to conceal these aging symptoms. Revlon Photoready Eye Primer is paraben-free, talc-free, fragrance-free and oil-free, suitable for those who are with sensitive skin.

Because it successfully mixes with every skin tone, customers adore this primer. They learn that it has a soft-focus finish and a smooth base. In any case, as was to be expected, it may be a little overpriced when taking into account the lack of any outstanding benefits. 

Best for Dark Circles: Milani Conceal and Perfect Under Eye Brightener

With just one application, Milani Conceal and Perfect beneath Eye Treatment lightens dark circles and hydrates the area beneath the eyes. A rested appearance is produced by the ultra-nourishing combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine, together with micro-fine pearls and color-correcting pigments. It is simple to use alone or under concealer thanks to the targeted cushion applicator. It is completely cruelty-free and vegan.

Some customers said it was too sheer and the applicator was sloppy and inefficient. Additionally, others have reported problems with the package leaking and wasting product. However, a few customers have praised the soft pink tint for brightening the under-eye region and for blending well with the skin, without creasing, or appearing cakey.

Best Soothing: Becca Anti-Fatigue Under-Eye Primer

For days when you’ve had little sleep, have spent a lot of time in front of screens, or are simply tired, BECCA’s balm-like under-eye primer is a blessing. Cucumber is the highlighted ingredient, which helps to calm the under-eye area, along with matcha extract and caffeine. Additionally, the product has peptides and vitamins that hydrate the skin and lessen eye bags and puffiness. Its velvety texture melts into the skin to condition the eye area and make makeup last longer.

Among its numerous advantages, this product’s cooling feeling and lovely aroma are favorites among customers. The product also benefits greatly from the botanical components. The product is considered to be more like an eye cream than a primer, which may turn off certain customers. 

Best Brightening: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer

The caffeine and peptides in this Smashbox under-eye primer rejuvenate the area under your eyes and lessen puffiness. It has a silky texture that calms the sensitive skin around the eyes. The item keeps makeup from building up in the delicate lines and creases around your eyes. It is advised to use this primer before concealer for easier application. 

This primer works well with all ages, especially mature skin. Many individuals adore its simple formulation. Along with being extremely moisturizing, it aids in reducing inflammation. However, a few buyers have expressed concern that the product would be overly smudgy. Some users believe that it is ineffective for them. 

Best Vegan: E.l.f Hydrating Under Eye Primer

This e.l.f. rejuvenating under-eye primer hydrates and brightens the under-eye area while serving as a base for concealer. The product’s peach hue makes it ideal for those who commonly have bags, redness, or dark circles under their eyes. It contains nourishing nutrients including shea butter, aloe vera, green tea, and ginkgo biloba extract to calm, soothe, and condition the skin. 

The primer is said to efficiently hydrate the skin and stop makeup from fading, according to users. Others, yet say that it takes a while for the cream to dry after applying it to the skin. 

Best Waterproof: Mary Kay Eye Primer

The Mary Kay Eye Primer is a product made to prepare your eyelids for applying eyeshadow. Its light, creamy texture helps to balance out and smooth out the skin on your eyelids, providing the ideal backdrop for your eyeshadow. Additionally, it aids in bringing out the color of your eyeshadow and keeps it from settling into wrinkles and fine lines. The Mary Kay Eye Primer has been ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for use around the eyes and is appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

This primer, according to reviewers, helped keep the eyeshadow in place for at least 4 hours. Some consumers, though, discovered that the primer did not totally stop their eyeshadow from creasing. 

Best Anti-Aging: Beverly Hills Youth Restore Miracle Effects Serum & Primer

This is the perfect primer because it fights all indications of aging and dries in just 4 minutes. The Beverly Hills primer has the advantages of Centella Asiatica, which boosts collagen production for supple, young skin. Included are ingredients like argan oil and licorice root extract, which reduce inflammation and function as a barrier against free radicals. The pore-minimizing face-perfecting primer tightens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizes their size, and offers a faultless base for makeup. 

Customers prefer this product’s natural ingredients and light recipe among its many advantages. Comparatively speaking to other primers, the item can also go a little further. Some clients might not enjoy the product because it is thought of as more of an eye cream than a primer. 

Best for Oily Eyelids: ILIA Natural Brightening Eye Primer

The natural ingredient-based, lightweight eyeshadow primer from ILIA is non-slip and weightless. This primer contains botanicals including rosehip oil, arnica, and jojoba, which absorb excess oil and give a durable grip. A combination of mineral pigments that highlight the eye area while also controlling excess oil ensures that colors stand out and the solution adheres to the skin.

Many consumers found that the primer efficiently provides an all-day grip and absorbs extra oil. However, some people say the smell is unpleasant and don’t particularly like it. Others describe negative symptoms including puffy eyes, itching, and discomfort in the vicinity of the eyes. 

Best Waterproof: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer

For a flawless foundation for your eye makeup and to avoid creasing and smearing, use the full-coverage Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer. The multipurpose Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer provides an even foundation for eye makeup. It shields flaws, prolongs color wear, and reduces creases. The long-lasting, lightweight solution can be used alone to create a naked eye look or as a foundation for eye makeup to give eyes a beautiful finish.

Its dermatologist testing makes it a well-liked option among folks. Since the recipe is non-comedogenic, those with sensitive skin can use it. The primer is costly, though, as it is a luxury good.

Best Non-Comedogenic: Veil Cosmetics Sunset Light Primer Serum Mixing Base

This heavy-duty multipurpose primer, which also functions as an illuminating serum for lasting coverage, is the ideal choice for women who prefer to make things simple and quick. To fight aging, calm the skin, and hydrate it, its special recipe includes peptides, ubiquinone, antioxidants, cinnamon bark, sodium hyaluronate, and white water lily extract. It minimizes pores, minimizes wrinkles and fine lines, and prolongs the wear of makeup for all-day concealment. It can be used as a base for mixing, as a makeup base, or alone. With little effort, Veil’s weightless, breathable, and dermatologist-tested skin care products will help you enhance your natural radiance.

The eye primer’s capacity to brighten and moisturize has pleased a lot of clients. This can be used as an eye serum as well. Customers adore how long-lasting the makeup is on the skin. While this is going on, some customers are unhappy with the scent of the product, claiming that it is too overbearing for their liking. 

Best Gluten-Free: Catrice Liquid Camouflage Under Eye Primer

To reduce fine lines and wrinkles beneath the eyes, use the Catrice Liquid Camouflage beneath Eye Primer. Since it is formed of pure ingredients, its liquid and translucent consistency guarantees a flawless application. The delicate skin around the eyes is protected by the fragrance- and oil-free product.

This recipe is ideal for oily skin because it is oil- and perfume-free. It has a light feel and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It is also claimed that the application is transparent. Nevertheless, a lot of individuals might be worried about the product’s alcohol content because it can upset those who are allergic to it. 

Best Long-Lasting Results: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This Urban Decay eyeshadow primer comes in a stylish tube package. With its polymer technology, eyeshadow and eyeliner can be applied with the ideal base that dries virtually invisible. The primer’s optical-blurring pigments and neutral tint even out flaws, while Dermaxyl reduces the appearance of wrinkles and kalpariane makes the skin more soft. It is offered in a convenient travel-size tube container.

Customers adore how well it boosts brightness while hydrating eyelids. Enthusiasts who are into skincare and makeup frequently choose it because it is paraben-free and cruelty-free. Nonetheless, this product might be too expensive for those on a budget. It was also claimed that the applicator was ineffective.

Anyone can benefit from using under-eye primers, but they are especially beneficial if you have problems with dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. They provide your concealer with a smooth surface to stick to and might extend its wear time throughout the day. Consider your unique issues and hunt for a formula that addresses them when selecting an under-eye primer. In general, an under-eye primer can be precisely what you need to achieve a perfect and long-lasting makeup look if you’re looking to brighten and smooth the skin beneath your eyes.

DANCE MAKEUP

There’s nothing quite like watching your child light up the stage at an eisteddfod or dance concert. Hair and makeup play just as big a role as the costume, ensuring each dancer looks their best under the stage lights.

For many parents—and even dancers applying their own makeup—creating the perfect stage look can feel overwhelming, especially if makeup isn’t your strong suit.

To help, we’ve put together some essential tips for achieving dance makeup that truly stands out.

First, let’s take a look at a before-and-after photo of the lovely Isabella. Her makeup highlights her features, making them pop beautifully on stage!

Great makeup starts with the right tools! Investing in a good-quality yet affordable brush set can make all the difference in achieving a polished look. Priceline offers budget-friendly options, including Manicare and Models Prefer brushes. For a reliable choice, Real Techniques brushes are among my personal favorites!

Step 1 – Primer

Dancers often wear their makeup for an entire day, so choosing the right products to enhance longevity is essential. Primer plays a crucial role in keeping foundation in place and creating a smooth base for application.

One of my favorite primers is the Laura Mercier Primer, available at David Jones, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Face of Australia Primer from Priceline is a great choice for under $12.

For teenagers with oily skin, a mattifying primer helps control shine, especially in the T-zone. I highly recommend the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying Primer for this.

Don’t forget to prep your lips! Apply a nourishing lip balm like Lanolips or Paw Paw Ointment to keep them soft. Regularly exfoliating with a toothbrush is a simple trick to remove dead skin and keep your lips smooth.

Step 2 – Eyes

I always start with the eyes first, especially for stage makeup, as eyeshadow fallout can get messy. Doing this before foundation allows for easy cleanup and gives the primer more time to settle into the skin.

Prepping the Eyes

  • Apply your foundation over the eyelid and under the eyes to create an even base.
  • Use an eye primer to ensure eyeshadow adheres properly and stays in place. This also prevents smudging and creasing throughout the day.
    • Top picks: Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Mecca Maxima) or Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
    • Budget-friendly option: Face of Australia Eye Primer (Priceline, under $9).
  • If you don’t have an eye primer, concealer can work as an alternative.

Eyeshadow Application

  • Set the base – Apply a nude eyeshadow over the entire lid.
  • Define the crease – With a small fluffy brush, blend a soft brown shade into the crease and down toward the lash line.
  • Deepen the outer lid – Layer a medium brown/taupe shade on the outer lid, blending well. Gradually build intensity by adding darker brown, then black, ensuring the black remains closest to the lash line. Use a clean blending brush to seamlessly blend the shades together.
  • Brighten the inner lid – Apply a shimmery gold or bronze shade to the inner lid and inner corners to open up the eyes.
  • Highlight the brow bone – Use a pearl shimmer shade just below the eyebrows.
  • Lower lash line – With an angled brush, apply lighter shades toward the inner corner and darker shades on the outer lash line for added dimension.

For a great dance-friendly eyeshadow palette, try the CHI CHI Nudes Palette (Target, under $23) or Models Prefer Nude Palettes (Priceline).

Finishing Touches

  • Clean up fallout using micellar water and cotton buds or a makeup wipe.
  • Line the eyes:
    • Apply gel or liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line.
    • Line the lower lash line, stopping just short of the outer corner, then extend it horizontally for a lifted effect. A pencil liner works well here.
  • Mascara: Coat the top and bottom lashes for added volume.
  • False lashes:
    • Trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape.
    • Apply lash glue and wait about 20 seconds until tacky before placing them on the lid.
    • To create a lifted effect, position the outer corner slightly above the lash line.
    • Press the false lashes into your natural lashes using tweezers or fingers.

For stage-perfect lashes, I recommend Modelrock’s Pick and Mix lashes—affordable at under $2 per pair. Styles 212, 259, and 236 are great for stage performances.


Step 3 – Base

With the eyes complete and the skin prepped, it’s time to perfect the base.

Foundation

  • Use a buffing brush to blend a waterproof foundation into the skin.
  • For stage makeup, choose a shade one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone to ensure your features stand out under bright lights.
  • I used the Atelier Paris Waterproof Foundation on Isabella, but a great alternative is Revlon ColorStay Foundation.
  • Investing in a high-quality foundation is worthwhile, as it lasts longer and eliminates the need for frequent touch-ups.

(For local dance mums and students, I offer color-matching if you’re interested in ordering Atelier Paris foundations.)

Concealer

  • Apply concealer in a V shape under the eyes, down the nose bridge, and on the center of the forehead and chin for a brightened, even complexion.
  • I used MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, but Maybelline offers great budget-friendly options as well.

Blending is key—use a smaller buffing brush or a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish.

Step 4 – Contour, Blush & Highlight

Once your base is perfectly blended, set everything in place with a translucent powder. A colorless powder is best to avoid altering the foundation shade. I recommend Ben Nye Translucent Powder, available from Scotty’s.

Contour

  • Using a contour powder, apply a line just below the cheekbones and blend upwards (making a “fish face” helps find the right placement).
  • Blend contour along the temples, jawline, and sides of the nose for added definition.
  • I used the Anastasia Contour Palette, but a great budget alternative is Models Prefer Contour Powder from Priceline for just $10.

Blush

  • Use a fluffy brush to apply a rosy pink blush to the cheekbones for a natural flush.
  • On Isabella, I used NARS Deep Throat, but any soft pink blush works well.

Highlight

  • Apply a highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones for a radiant glow.
  • My favorite is The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, available at David Jones and Sephora for under $30.
  • A great budget-friendly option is the Models Prefer Highlighter, available at Priceline for under $11.

Blending is key—make sure all the products transition smoothly for a flawless, stage-ready finish!

Step 5 – Brows & Lips

Brows

  • Fill in the eyebrows using a brow pencil or an eyeshadow that is one shade lighter than your natural brow color.
  • Apply with an angled brush for precision and blend well for a natural yet defined look.
  • Remember, eyebrows frame the eyes, so shaping them correctly enhances the overall makeup!

Lips

  • Outline the lips with a red lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering.
  • Fill in the lips with a long-lasting red lipstick for a bold, stage-ready look.
  • Revlon ColorStay is a fantastic option for a vibrant, long-wearing red.

Step 6 – Setting Spray

To lock in the makeup and ensure it lasts under the bright stage lights, finish with a makeup setting spray.

  • Skindinavia Setting Spray is my go-to for long-lasting wear.
  • For a budget-friendly option, the Models Prefer Setting Spray from Priceline (under $15) works well to keep everything in place.

A few spritzes will help prevent smudging, fading, or melting—so your dancer’s look stays flawless from the first step to the final bow!

Let the show begin!!!!!