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.

DIY PILLOW SPRAY FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a DIY pillow spray might be just what you need. This simple homemade sleep spray features three soothing lavender essential oil blends designed to encourage relaxation and help you drift into a deep, restful slumber.

Winding down after a stressful day can feel impossible. Despite eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves, sleep is often the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

And in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to see why!

Creating a calming bedroom sanctuary is more important than ever for restful sleep. Along with healthy sleep habits, natural remedies like aromatherapy can help set the stage for a peaceful slumber.

This is where a soothing essential oil pillow spray for beauty sleep comes in. This DIY pillow spray recipe is a simple way to add a calming fragrance to your bedding, encouraging relaxation and helping you drift off into a deep sleep.

Whether you have essential oils or not, this recipe includes options for both, as well as an alcohol-free version. Whatever supplies you have on hand, you’ll be able to create your own pillow mist.

For the ultimate wind-down, try pairing this spray with a relaxing lavender shower steamer during your bedtime routine. To take it even further, apply a homemade magnesium lotion once you’re tucked into bed for extra relaxation!

How this pillow spray helps for sleep

As we explored in our post on DIY aromatherapy perfume, the scents of certain essential oils have the ability to soothe the mind and body. If sleep is a struggle for you, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your nighttime routine.

And what better place to experience their calming effects than right beside your head, on your pillow?

It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pillow, as they can be too concentrated. However, by making your own DIY sleep spray, you can safely dilute the oils for proper use.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without the need for a diffuser!

Lavender essential oil for sleep

Below, I’ve shared 3 calming essential oil blends for your pillow spray, each featuring Bulgarian lavender oil.

Why choose lavender for your sleep spray? Lavender is one of the most renowned and well-researched essential oils for promoting rest and reducing stress. Numerous studies have highlighted lavender oil’s powerful sedative, anxiety-relieving, and calming properties, making it a go-to choice for improving sleep through aromatherapy.

Lavender’s sleep-enhancing benefits are threefold. First, as a sedative, lavender oil can help you feel sleepy. Second, its anxiolytic properties can ease the anxiety that might be keeping you awake.

Not only can lavender essential oil help you fall asleep faster, but it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Research has shown that lavender’s soothing fragrance enhances sleep quality and promotes deeper rest.3,1

However, it’s important to note that this effect is even stronger when combined with good sleep hygiene. So, be sure to incorporate healthy habits into your nighttime routine, like limiting blue light exposure before bed.

Engaging in relaxing activities is also key. One calming ritual you can try? Gently massaging your face with a homemade lavender cleansing balm. While you’re at it, check out 5 tips to protect yourself from blue light!

DIY sleep spray ingredients

While there are plenty of store-bought pillow sprays available, there’s really no need to buy one when making your own at home is so simple.

To create your DIY pillow spray, all you need is a liquid base like vodka or witch hazel, a natural emulsifier (as shown below), and your favorite essential oils (or a hydrosol). You’ll also need a glass spray bottle to store and dispense your homemade spray.

VODKA, ALCOHOL, OR WITCH HAZEL

For the longest shelf life, I recommend using vodka or high-proof alcohol, as it helps prevent bacterial growth. However, if you prefer a version without alcohol, you can use witch hazel, as long as it contains a preservative to keep it fresh.

Tip: You can use any leftover alcohol or witch hazel to create your own DIY perfume.

NATURAL EMULSIFIER

A natural emulsifier is key for dispersing the essential oils in your pillow spray. Since essential oils don’t mix with water, the oils would simply float on top without an emulsifier. This is problematic because spray nozzles dispense from the bottom, not the top!

There are various natural emulsifiers and solubilizers you can use for this recipe. I used Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside from my Simply Earth essential oil box, which comes in a convenient dropper bottle for easy dispensing and measuring. If you don’t have this emulsifier, I’ve listed other options in the how-to section below.

If you’re hesitant to buy another ingredient, rest assured that emulsifiers are easy to use—just mix with your essential oils before adding the rest of the ingredients. Plus, any leftover emulsifier can be used in other DIY projects like essential oil deodorant or room sprays.

If you decide not to use an emulsifier, remember to shake your pillow spray well before each use. However, this can result in uneven distribution of the oils, which isn’t ideal.

ESSENTIAL OILS

It’s important to avoid using products with synthetic fragrances, especially in pillow sprays, as they often contain chemicals that can be irritating and lead to headaches—something you definitely don’t want when trying to fall asleep!

Unlike artificial fragrances, essential oils like lavender contain natural aromatic compounds that offer real benefits. Lavender, in particular, is known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties, making it an ideal choice for your DIY pillow spray.

While lavender is one of the best essential oils for relaxation, it’s far from the only option. This homemade pillow spray recipe includes three different essential oil blends to promote sleep, which you can customize based on your preferences.

HYDROSOL

If you’d prefer a pillow spray without essential oils, you can use lavender hydrosol, the floral water left over from the essential oil distillation process. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol directly onto your bedding—there’s no need to mix it with anything else!

While hydrosols are not as potent as essential oils, they retain many of their benefits. Their light fragrance makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to stronger scents or for use with children.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR PILLOW SPRAY

Here are three calming essential oil blends for your lavender sleep spray. Each blend has its own unique fragrance profile and benefits:

Sleepytime Lavender:

  • 12 drops Sleepy essential oil blend
  • OR 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops ho wood essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Vanilla:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops patchouli essential oil (or copaiba essential oil)

Lavender Chamomile:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops amyris essential oil

Feel free to experiment with these blends to find the perfect scent that helps you unwind and relax before bed!

SLEEPTIME LAVENDER

The Sleepy blend is a relaxing mix of lavender, ho wood, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils that I received in my Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. I was curious about the choice of citrus oils in this blend, since citrus scents are typically invigorating. I often use them in energizing products like “wake me up” shower steamers and roll-ons.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. The citrus notes mellow out the lavender, which can sometimes be overpowering or too floral. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of lavender essential oil for sleep but find its scent too strong or intense.

Ho wood adds a grounding, earthy tone to the blend, while also acting as a fixative oil, which helps the fragrance last longer on your pillow. Sleepy comes pre-bottled as a blend, so it’s easier and more affordable than buying each individual oil to recreate it on your own.

LAVENDER VANILLA

Lavender essential oil is already an effective natural sleep aid, but when paired with vanilla oleoresin, it creates a calming blend that smells like a sweet dessert. Vanilla is also known for its relaxing properties, making this combination a perfect bedtime scent. The warm, comforting aroma of lavender and vanilla together can help you unwind and drift off to sleep with ease. This blend not only promotes relaxation but also creates a cozy, indulgent experience.

LAVENDER VANILLA WITH PATCHOULI

I also added a couple of drops of patchouli to my lavender vanilla pillow mist. Patchouli is one of those scents that people either love or hate, but it has powerful aromatherapeutic properties that can help reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s the most well-known fixative essential oil, meaning it helps your pillow spray’s fragrance last throughout the night.

That said, I know not everyone is fond of patchouli’s distinct aroma. If you’re one of those who aren’t keen on it, you can easily swap it for copaiba oil, which also has calming properties. Copaiba has a sweet, slightly spicy scent that pairs beautifully with lavender and vanilla. Additionally, if you’re on a budget, you can choose a more affordable vanilla blend instead of pure vanilla essential oil.

LAVENDER CHAMOMILE

This Lavender Chamomile blend combines floral lavender, herbal chamomile, and sweet amyris for a pillow spray recipe that smells just like a calming cup of lavender chamomile tea. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, which is why chamomile tea is such a classic bedtime drink.

Chamomile essential oil also carries these sedative effects, which help promote relaxation and reduce insomnia.

The addition of amyris adds a rich, vanilla-like aroma to the blend. While amyris may not be as extensively studied as lavender oil for its sleep benefits, it’s certainly linked to relaxation. I personally find its fragrance to be deeply calming and peaceful.

If you prefer a sweeter-scented spray, especially for children, you can replace amyris with benzoin oil, which has a similar soothing effect and a lovely fragrance that’s more universally liked.

DIY Pillow Spray Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil blend (choose from the blends above)
  • 36 drops natural liquid emulsifier (options below)
  • 1/4 cup vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel

EQUIMENT

  • 2oz glass spray bottle
  • Small funnel
  • Glass pipette for measuring

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEP SPRAY

  • Sanitize: Start by cleaning and sanitizing your spray bottle and all equipment to ensure the spray stays fresh.
  • Add Essential Oils: Using a glass pipette, measure and add your chosen sleep essential oil blend to the glass spray bottle.
    • Add Emulsifier: Using a glass pipette, drop the liquid emulsifier into the bottle, one drop at a time. Pause occasionally to swirl the mixture gently, ensuring the emulsifier blends well with the essential oils.
    • Shake and Mix: Once you’ve added the emulsifier, securely replace the nozzle of your spray bottle and shake it gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.
    • Add Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Using a funnel, pour your chosen liquid base (vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel) into the bottle to fill the rest of the container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
      • Final Shake: Affix the spray nozzle to your bottle and shake well to ensure everything is fully combined. Your DIY sleep spray is now ready to use! Spritz it onto your pillow or bedding before bedtime for a calming, restful night’s sleep.

      Natural Emulsifiers for Essential Oil Sprays

      Here are some natural solubilizers and liquid emulsifiers you can use in your pillow spray recipe. Choose the one that’s most accessible to you, as availability may vary depending on location:

      • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
      • Emulsium (available in Canada only)
      • CreamMaker FLUID (available in Canada or USA)
      • Polyglyceryl Oleate
      • Poly Suga Mulse D9

      How to Use Your Pillow Mist for Sleep

      Here are a few ways you can incorporate your calming pillow mist into your bedtime routine:

      Spritz on Your Pillow: The most common way to use your spray is to dispense 1-3 sprays directly onto your pillow before you sleep. This will help infuse your bedding with a relaxing fragrance as you drift off.

      Spray on Your Sheets: You can also use your pillow spray as a homemade linen spray. Spritz it onto your sheets, duvet, or blankets to imbue your entire bed with the calming aroma.

      Room Spray: For a broader relaxing effect, use the spray as a calming room mist. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your space, even if you don’t have a diffuser. Simply spritz around the room for a peaceful atmosphere.

        Important Tip: Keep in mind that darker essential oils like vanilla and chamomile can stain light-colored fabrics. To avoid any potential damage, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using your pillow spray more widely.

        Additionally, be cautious when using your sleep spray on delicate fabrics like silk. While I personally use a 30 momme silk pillowcase with no issues, it’s always a good idea to test it first on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any staining or damage.

        Sweet dreams!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own DIY pillow spray is an easy and effective way to enhance your sleep routine with the calming power of essential oils. With just a few simple ingredients like essential oils, a natural emulsifier, and a liquid base, you can create a customized sleep spray that promotes relaxation and restful slumber. Whether you choose lavender, chamomile, or a blend of oils, the right fragrance can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.

        Remember, always perform a patch test to ensure your spray is safe for your fabrics, especially with delicate materials like silk. And, by incorporating your pillow spray into a calming bedtime routine, you’re setting yourself up for sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams, and enjoy your peaceful slumber!