Best Eyeshadow Bases of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Eyeshadow bases are a must-have for any makeup enthusiast looking to achieve a flawless eye makeup look. These products are designed to create a smooth and even surface on the eyelids, allowing eyeshadow to adhere better and stay in place for longer periods. Eyeshadow bases come in a variety of shades to match different skin tones and can also enhance the vibrancy of eyeshadow colours. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, using an eyeshadow base can help you achieve a professional-looking eye makeup that lasts all day.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original, 10ml Cover #TOP 1
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original, 10ml
ftb score rating icon 9.9
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer for Long-Lasting Colour Cover #TOP 2
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer for Long-Lasting Colour
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NYX Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer, Light Cover #TOP 3
NYX Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer, Light
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Eyeshadow Bases

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original, 10ml

S1880606
Original
10 ml (Pack of 1)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original, 10ml Cover
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Smooths Imperfections, Preps Lids for Vibrant, Crease-Free & 24-Hour Long-Lasting Makeup, Vegan Formula, Original Shade, 10Ml

The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer offers a creamy, vegan formula designed to keep your eyeshadow looking flawless. With its polymer technology, it ensures that your eyeshadow remains crease-free and vibrant throughout the day and night. Simply apply a small amount before your eyeshadow for a smooth application that lasts. This primer is perfect for creating a variety of eye looks that stand the test of time, giving you confidence in your makeup all day long.

What We Like
Crease-free all-day wear
Vibrant colour retention
Smooth application
Vegan formula
#TOP 2

e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer for Long-Lasting Colour

81994
Sheer
7 g (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer for Long-Lasting Colour Cover
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer, Smooth, Creamy Primer For Long-Lasting Eyeshadow, Intensifies Liquid & Powder Colour, Vegan & Cruelty-free

The e.l.f. Eyeshadow Primer is designed to lock down your eye look while enhancing the vibrancy of your eyeshadow. Its non-greasy formula creates a smooth base, helping to intensify the colour of both liquid and powder shadows. This primer also increases the wear time of your makeup, ensuring it lasts throughout the day without smudging or creasing. With a sheer finish, it accommodates a wide range of eye looks, making it a versatile addition to your makeup routine.

What We Like
Long-lasting eyeshadow wear
Enhances eyeshadow colour
Non-greasy formula
Suitable for various eye looks
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 3

NYX Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer, Light

K0597000
01 Light
1 Count (Pack of 1)
NYX Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer, Light Cover
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer, Vitamin E Infused, Vegan, Light

The NYX Shadow and Liner Primer is a versatile product designed to enhance your eye makeup. This ultimate primer can be used alone for a natural, blurred look or as a base to extend the wear of your eyeshadows and eyeliners. Its super creamy formula provides a soft blurring effect, ensuring a smooth finish. The convenient doe foot applicator hugs your eyelids, making application easy and efficient. Infused with vitamin E, this vegan and cruelty-free primer is perfect for those seeking a gentle yet effective makeup solution.

What We Like
Extends wear of makeup
Soft blurring effect
Easy applicator for smooth use
Vegan and cruelty-free
Can be worn alone
#TOP 4

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer

TMLEP
Clear Eye Primer
10 g (Pack of 1)
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer Cover
Elizabeth Mott Eyeshadow Primer - Thank Me Later - for Long-Lasting Power Grip - Eye Makeup Base to Control Oil & Prevent Creasing for All-Day - Eye Shadow Cream for Mature Skin - 10 g

The Elizabeth Mott Eyeshadow Primer is your go-to base for achieving stunning eye makeup. Infused with effective Korean ingredients, it enhances the pigment of your eyeshadow for a bold, vibrant look. Designed to control oil, it ensures that your makeup lasts throughout the day without any fallout. This primer is particularly beneficial for mature skin, as it helps conceal fine lines and provides a smoother application. With its lightweight and non-greasy formula, you can enjoy a comfortable wear without the need for constant touch-ups.

What We Like
Long-lasting eye makeup
Controls oil effectively
Suits mature skin
Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Enhances eyeshadow pigment
#TOP 5

KIKO Milano Pearly Eye Base for Eyeshadow

KM0031000100144
Pearly
10 ml (Pack of 1)
KIKO Milano Pearly Eye Base for Eyeshadow Cover
KIKO Milano Pearly Eye Base | Brightening eye base that improves the hold and enhances the colour of your eyeshadow

The KIKO Pearly Eye Base is designed to brighten your eyelids, enhancing the colour and hold of your eyeshadow. Its pearly finish adds a delicate sheen, making your eyes look illuminated and fresh. Enriched with wild rose extracts and pigments, it effectively neutralises the tone of your eyelids, providing a smooth canvas for application. Plus, the silky texture feels refreshingly cool, ensuring comfort as you apply your makeup.

What We Like
Brightens eyelids effectively
Enhances eyeshadow colour
Silky, cool texture
Pearly finish adds sheen
Neutralises eyelid tone
#TOP 6

PLouise Full Coverage Creamy Base Shade 1

Louise
5060715630027
15 ml (Pack of 1)
PLouise Full Coverage Creamy Base Shade 1 Cover
PLouise Base Shade 1

The PLouise Base Shade 1 is a creamy base designed to provide full coverage, helping you achieve a flawless look. This skin foundation concealer works well as an eyeshadow base, ensuring your eye makeup stays vibrant and long-lasting throughout the day. Its creamy texture makes application smooth and easy, giving you a comfortable feel on your skin. With this base, you can enjoy a polished and even complexion that enhances your makeup’s overall appearance.

What We Like
Full coverage formula
Creamy, smooth texture
Works as eyeshadow base
Skin foundation concealer
#TOP 7

Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer

2H901-2
beige
25 g (Pack of 1)
Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer Cover
Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer, Achieve Vibrant Looks with Pigment Boosting Primer and Lock in Color with Blendable Formula, Get Bold Colors and Glittery Shimmers, Neutral

The Profusion Pigment Base Primer offers a long-lasting formula that keeps your eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free all day. Its creamy texture improves colour vibrancy, ensuring your eyeshadow appears more intense and true to the pan. With versatile shade options, you can choose a base that complements any eyeshadow colour and finish. Application is made easy as the primer glides smoothly onto your eyelids, allowing for a flawless base with just your fingertips.

What We Like
Long-lasting wear
Enhances colour vibrancy
Versatile shade options
Easy application
Suitable for all skin tones
#TOP 8

Makeup Revolution Long Lasting Eye Primer

1285902
Light
15 ml (Pack of 1)
Makeup Revolution Long Lasting Eye Primer Cover
Makeup Revolution Ultimate Eye Base, Long Lasting Eye Primer For All Day Wear, Light, 15 ml

The Revolution Eye Base is essential for anyone looking to extend the wear of their eye makeup. With its long-lasting hold, you can enjoy vibrant looks that last all day without fading. The formula's super thick consistency ensures a crease-free application, giving you a smooth finish every time. Being vegan and cruelty-free, this primer aligns with ethical choices, allowing you to enhance your beauty without compromise. Simply prep your lids with this primer before applying your favourite shades for stunning results.

What We Like
Long lasting hold
Crease-free application
Vegan formula
Cruelty-free certified
#TOP 9

KIKO Milano Neutral Tone Eye Base for Eyeshadow

KM000000306001B
Beige
10 ml (Pack of 1)
KIKO Milano Neutral Tone Eye Base for Eyeshadow Cover
KIKO Milano Neutral Eye Base | Tone-Neutralizing Eye Base That Sets And Improves The Hold Of Your Eyeshadow

The KIKO Milano Eye Base is a tone-neutralising cream that helps set your eyeshadow perfectly. Its creamy texture makes applying your eyeshadow easier and ensures it stays put for longer, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. The light pigmentation neutralises the natural colour of your eyelids, making your eyeshadow shades appear more vivid and true to colour. With a delicate and natural finish, this base helps you achieve a professional and flawless eye make-up look every time.

What We Like
Neutralises eyelid colour
Extends eyeshadow wear
Creamy and easy application
Natural, professional finish
#TOP 10

Profusion Cosmetics Long Lasting Eyeshadow Primer

2H901-1
White
25 g (Pack of 1)
Profusion Cosmetics Long Lasting Eyeshadow Primer Cover
Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer, Long Lasting and Creamy White Base Primer for Bold Looks, Achieve Stunning and Eye Catching Makeup Looks With Premium Beauty Tool, White

The Profusion Eyeshadow Primer offers a long-lasting formula that keeps your eyeshadow vibrant and crease-free throughout the day. Its silky-smooth texture allows you to apply it easily, creating a flawless canvas for your makeup. This primer intensifies the colour vibrancy of your eyeshadows, ensuring that both bold and subtle shades stand out beautifully. Universally flattering, it complements a wide range of colours, making it an essential tool for achieving stunning looks.

What We Like
Long-lasting formula
Silky-smooth texture
Intensifies colour vibrancy
Suitable for all skin tones
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the base for eyeshadow?

Eyeshadow base is a cream-based product that boasts a thick, tacky texture. It bonds to the eyeshadow and intensifies the color for a more vibrant and radiant look. You can typically find eyeshadow bases in various shades that can be used to customize your beauty look.

2. What eyeshadow base is best?

These are the best eyeshadow primers you can buy:. Best Overall: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.Best Drugstore Option: CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer.Best Clear Option: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.Best For Vibrant Eye Makeup: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer.

3. Is eyeshadow base necessary?

EYESHADOW PRIMER CAN HELP EYE SHADOWS LAST LONGER. When you wear eye shadow without a primer underneath, it should come as no surprise when your makeup starts to move or fade over time. Throughout the day, your eyelids can start to look greasy, and the excess oils can cause your eye shadow to start fading.

Editor's Notes

During our eyeshadow base research, we found 61 eyeshadow base products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 179,881 customer reviews through our big data system to write the eyeshadow bases list. We found that most customers choose eyeshadow bases with an average price of £5.96.

The eyeshadow bases are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of eyeshadow bases, including Urban Decay, e.l.f., NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Elizabeth Mott, Kiko Milano.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.