We Examined 29 Eye Shadow Guides– These 10 Are the most effective

When you think about eye shadow guide, probably you do not really feel the very same degree of exhilaration as you would certainly around an amazing mascara, a divine grail fluid structure, or the ideal naked lipstick. Yet the worth of an excellent eye shadow guide can not be overemphasized. It’s usually the secret to a smooth, lively, lasting eye make-up appearance, and if you ask us, it’s a make-up bag staple.

Yet similar to various other make-up groups, the very best eye shadow guide for you depends upon your desires and requires. So, we placed virtually 30 to the examination in The Laboratory, and in advance, we’re sharing which ones carried out the very best. From light-weight solutions and economical alternatives to color-correcting guides and even more, we have actually obtained you covered.

Maintain scrolling to find the very best eye shadow guides evaluated by Byrdie.

Our Leading Picks.

Finest Total:.

Best for Oily Covers:.

Best for Color-Correcting:.

Best for Whitening:.

Finest Protection:.

Finest Lightweight:.

Finest Lasting:.

Finest Water-proof:.

Finest Budget-Friendly:.

Finest Tidy Formula:.

In This Post.

Finest Total.

NARS Eye Shadow Base.

Sephora

$ 26.

$ 30.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Light-weight appearance
Smoothing feeling
Budge-proof

What We Do not Like.

Take care of applicator is a little bit lengthy that makes accurate application challenging

The brand name is perhaps most understood for its acclaimed skin tone items, however our team believe this eye shadow guide from NARS should have even more focus. The slim, light-weight uniformity mixes onto the eyelids effortlessly to produce a smooth, soft canvas for eye shadow. While the initial color is totally clear making it an exceptional option for all complexion, the color Light has a minor off-white shade to it which can assist obscure the look of capillaries on the eyelids.

Eye shadows use easily on the top, and it assists to avoid creasing and fading throughout the day. Our tester shared that as a result of its clear surface, it really did not influence the shade honesty of her eye shadows which she valued.

If we might alter something concerning it, it would certainly be the size of the stick. While our tester enjoyed the doe foot applicator, she described that since the stick is as long, it makes regulated application a little bit challenging. Nonetheless, as a result of the clarity, this isn’t a large worry.

Tones: 2| Transparent: Yes| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No.

Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers State

” The guide was really simple to assimilate and really felt insubstantial on my eyelid.” — Katherine Moran, Item Tester

Best for Oily Covers.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Eye Guide.

Ulta

$ 10.

What We Like.

Smooth appearance
Has a great deal of item
Extremely blendable

What We Do not Like.

Does not included an applicator

If you’re believing that this is a face guide, you’re right. Yet we do not constantly play by the policies, and you do not need to either. It was developed to be a matte guide for the face, however the brand name asserts that it makes an excellent eye shadow guide– and we concur.

Our tester shared that the smooth, luscious appearance mixed over her eyelids quickly and dried out down swiftly to a comfy matte surface. As a result of the matte surface and not excessively emollient appearance, it’s an excellent alternative for individuals with oily eyelids. It assists to deal with oil, act as a base for eye shadow, and assist maintain the make-up undamaged. We likewise enjoy that it can be utilized on the face and eyes, assisting to lower the quantity of items you’ll require in your make-up collection.

Our one disadvantage with this item is that it does not included an applicator, so you’ll need to dip your fingers or a brush right into the formula. Yet if you make use of tidy fingers and you on a regular basis clean your brushes, you should not be excessively worried concerning this.

Tones: 1| Transparent: Yes| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

Best for Color-Correcting.

Uncommon Charm Weightless Eye Guide.

Sephora

$ 21.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Gives also protection
Peachy tone lightens up the location
Comfy dry-down

What We Do not Like.

Not one of the most longwearing

Staining on the eyelids is incredibly typical, however it can be incredibly irritating when developing an eye shadow appearance. That’s why colored eye shadow guides, similar to this one, are terrific for individuals that have capillaries or hyperpigmentation in the location.

Apart from the luscious uniformity and the creamy, comfy dry-down, our tester went crazy concerning the shade of this guide. She described that the peachy tone functioned to illuminate the location while concurrently supplying sufficient protection to efficiently level her eyelids. She likewise kept in mind just how much she valued the product packaging layout. Since television has one level side, it will not roll about on your vanity and possibly break.

Something to note is that lots of on the internet customers state this guide starts to fold after a couple of hours– so if you have oily covers, maintain this in mind.

Tones: 1| Transparent: No| Lasting: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Tamara Staples
Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers State

” I can not overcome just how much I enjoyed the shade of this eye shadow guide. It is a colored peach shade that promptly cheered up my eye location. It smoothed quickly and supplied regular protection throughout my whole eyelid.” — Caitlyn Martyn, Item Tester

Best for Whitening.

ILIA Eye Guide.

Amazon

$ 24.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

4/5.

What We Like.

Light-weight formula and really feel on the skin
Fast-absorbing
Lightening up surface

What We Do not Like.

Some customers state it triggers a minor burning experience upon preliminary application

Sure, eye shadow guides are implied to act as a base for make-up and aid to boost the durability of your appearance, however why not toss various other advantages in there also? This guide has a refined pearlescence to it which offers the eyelids a brighter, much more light-reflective appearance. It also looks rather alone on the covers. Yet do not stress, you can still use matte darkness on the top and attain your wanted surface.

The light-weight appearance and rapid absorption were what stuck out most to our tester, and she likewise kept in mind that when completely dry, she could not feel it resting on her eyelids.

It deserves discussing that while our tester really did not experience this, some on the internet customers shared that this guide triggered a minor burning experience upon application. Like with any kind of make-up, it’s constantly a good idea to patch-test initially.

Color Array: 1| Transparent: Yes| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

ILIA Natural Brightening Eye Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

Finest Protection.

bareMinerals Eyelid Guide.

Amazon

Our Scores.

Application.

4.5/ 5.
Feeling.

4.5/ 5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Easy to mix
Conceals staining
Budge-proof

What We Do not Like.

Restricted color array

Along with assisting boost the durability of your appearance, eye shadow guides are terrific for working as a base for darkness. Yet the latter can indicate lots of points. Transparent guides can be terrific for supplying a smooth appearance for eye shadows to uniformly mix over, or a gaudy appearance for even more beefy darkness to comply with. Yet colored guides can assist to attend to staining while likewise supplying an added layer of shade that can improve the vibrancy of the darkness you use on the top. This colored guide has a velvety off-white shade that functions to counteract staining along with make eye shadows show up even more dazzling. While it can definitely be utilized on all complexion to up the strength of whatever eye shadow is used on the top, we would certainly enjoy to see the brand name launch much more tones to ensure that individuals can much more very closely match their complexion if they want.

Apart from the also protection it offers, our tester enjoyed the smooth appearance and the quick-drying formula.

Tones: 1| Transparent: No| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer — Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

Finest Lightweight.

Fenty Charm Pro Filt’ r Amplifying Eye Guide.

Sephora

$ 22.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Insubstantial feeling on the skin
Doe foot applicator makes application very easy

What We Do not Like.

Some customers state it dries out down also matte

The sensation of hefty item resting on the skin is a make-up pet dog peeve for lots of, however with this ultra-lightweight item, you will not need to bother with that. The formula is soft and ventilated to the touch, and it mixes throughout the eyelids with virtually no initiative needed.

Our tester shared that the doe foot applicator produced a mess-free application, and when used, she could not inform that there was item on her eyelids. She likewise kept in mind that while the guide has a milklike, beige shade out of television, it dries out to an anemic surface on the covers.

If you have oily eyelids, this is an excellent alternative for you. Yet if you have completely dry covers, make sure to hydrate prior to using it as some customers located it to be a little bit also matte and completely dry when used.

Tones: 1| Transparent: Semi| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filtâr Amplifying Eye Primer — Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

Finest Lasting.

Advantage Cosmetics Eye Shadow Guide.

Ulta

$ 44.

$ 26.

Our Scores.

Application.

4.5/ 5.
Feeling.

4.5/ 5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Not excessively pigmented
Budge-proof
Easy to use

What We Do not Like.

Just is available in one color

Nobody suches as to place effort and time right into a lovely eye shadow appearance– specifically for an occasion– just to have it discolor and wrinkle simply a couple of hours later on. So, locating an eye shadow guide that supplies on its long-wearing cases is important.

This colored guide functions to counteract staining on the eyelids while improving the vibrancy of your eye shadow, and most significantly, maintains your appearance secured. If you require your make-up to stay for an unique event, this is a strong option.

Our tester described that she valued the degree of coloring since while it does not totally empty out the eyelids, it does offer adequate protection to produce a rather also canvas. And because of the truth that it’s not complete protection, the color is adaptable and benefits a selection of complexion. Nonetheless, we do believe that including one lighter color and one much deeper color to the schedule would certainly be suitable.

Tones: 1| Transparent: No| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

What Our Testers State

” It really felt actually luscious to use, once it dried it was established. It really did not fold, spot, or step. It really felt incredibly light-weight on the eye also.” — Shannon Bauer, Tester

Finest Water-proof.

Laura Mercier Eye Fundamentals Guide.

Sephora

$ 29.

$ 28.

Our Scores.

Application.

4.5/ 5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Smooth, light-weight appearance
Dries out down swiftly

What We Do not Like.

Color dissipates on the covers

If you have oily covers or you reside in a wet, moist environment, possibilities are a waterproof eye shadow guide might conserve you from some make-up problems. Along with being waterproof and crease-proof, it has a light, luscious appearance that moves onto the covers effortlessly.

Our tester valued exactly how very easy it was to use and exactly how it dried out down swiftly to a comfy surface. She shared that she could not feel it resting on her covers, and her eye shadow used efficiently over it and remained in location.

While we value that the item is available in a selection of tones, our tester kept in mind that the color appeared to vanish when used, making the objective of having a number of tones puzzling.

Tones: 6| Transparent: Semi| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

What Our Testers State

” The guide really felt smooth and light-weight. The item dried out swiftly, and I seemed like I had not been using anything.”— Lauren Socia, Item Tester

Finest Budget-Friendly.

Ruby Kisses Eye Shadow Magic Guide.

Amazon

$ 8.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Lightweight, also appearance
Noticeably improved the vibrancy of eye shadow used on the top

What We Do not Like.

Some customers state the product packaging isn’t suitable

If you’re trying to find a budget-friendly item to maintain your eye shadow secured while escalating the shade benefit, you can not fail with this anemic guide. The slim, clear formula mixes throughout the eyelids efficiently prior to drying out to a soft matte surface.

Our tester valued the also uniformity and the truth that it dried out down swiftly, however what marketed her was that she saw an obvious distinction in the shade benefit of her eye shadow when used in addition to the guide.

Some on the internet evaluations state that the product packaging really feels a little bit low-cost and the applicator is more challenging than they would certainly choose, however it’s not a deal-breaker for us thinking about that it supplies on its cases and features a budget-friendly price.

Tones: 1| Transparent: Yes| Lasting: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No.

Ruby Kisses Eyeshadow Magic Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

What Our Testers State

” There were no folds or smudging and it was unseen on the cover under the eye shadow. It assisted the eye shadow shade attract attention and show up brighter and much more pigmented.” — Michelle Cabrera, Tester

Finest Tidy Formula.

Milk Make-up Eye Shadow and Concealer Guide.

Sephora

$ 21.

$ 25.

$ 17.

Our Scores.

Application.

5/5.
Feeling.

5/5.
Look.

5/5.

What We Like.

Tilted applicator makes accuracy very easy
Lightweight, luscious uniformity

What We Do not Like.

Some customers locate that it wrinkles after a couple of hours

Products that can be utilized in numerous means constantly make added factors in our publication, and this eye shadow and concealer guide is no exemption. It can be utilized to prep the eyelids for eye shadow along with stop your concealer from wrinkling under your eyes, which if you resemble us, is a significant make-up aggravation. The vegan formula includes hyaluronic acid to improve wetness, and the slim, clear appearance has a velvety appearance that really feels extremely ventilated on the skin.

Along with the insubstantial feeling on the eyelids, our tester shared that the tilted applicator made using the item in hard-to-reach locations basic.

While our tester really did not keep in mind any kind of creasing, some on the internet customers state that they experience wrinkling with this after a number of hours. So if you’re trying to find something to last you throughout the day and evening, maintain this in mind.

Tones: 1| Transparent: Yes| Lasting: Rather | Cruelty-Free: Yes.

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

Last Judgment

Many thanks to its light-weight appearance and major durability, our victor is the NARS Pro-Prime Spot Evidence Eye Shadow Base. Yet if you get on the quest for a guide that counteracts staining creating an also base, we advise the Bare Minerals Prime-time Television Eyelid Guide.

Just How We Examined

Byrdie editors thoroughly looked into prominent eye shadow guides, taking professional referrals and customer evaluations right into account prior to choosing 29 to test. The application, appearance, and really feel of every one was evaluated by our testers, that used the items on tidy eyelids prior to sharing eye shadow.

After using the eye shadow guide, they examined the look prior to using eye shadow and reviewing once again. All examinations were done in The Laboratory, our Manhattan item screening center.

Covergirl Lid Lock-Up Primer — Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

Various Other Choices We Examined

Urban Degeneration Eye Shadow Guide Remedy

This examination would not be total without the addition of the OG eye shadow guide. While our tester shared that the stick and smooth appearance made using the item very easy, she kept in mind that when she used eye shadow on the top it looked a little bit uneven. To reduce this, we advise establishing the guide with clear powder initially.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion — Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

Milani Eye Shadow Guide

This cost effective guide finished the job in regards to developing a great canvas for eye shadow, however our tester located the uniformity to be a little bit also thick, making it very easy to use means excessive.

Milani Eyeshadow Primer — Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

Shapely Shroud Eye Guide

While this luxe eye shadow guide done well in mix with the eye shadows used over it, our tester shared that the thick, ugly uniformity made it a little bit hefty sensation on her eyelids.

Hourglass Veil Eye Primer — Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

What To Search For When Getting An Eye Shadow Guide

Insurance Coverage

Now you’re most likely mindful that some eye shadow guides are totally clear while others are somewhat tinted or perhaps fairly pigmented. The ideal one for you depends upon your objectives. If you have staining on your eyelids that you’re intending to cover, select a guide with protection, like the Uncommon Charm Always An Optimist Weightless Eye Guide. Pigmented guides are likewise terrific if you’re intending to produce a full-glam appearance since they can assist to improve the vibrancy of the eye shadows you use on the top. Yet if you do not have staining that you’re attempting to cover, and you’re merely trying to find a guide to serve as a smooth canvas for darkness and maintain it secured location, an anemic alternative, like the NARS Pro-Prime Spot Evidence Eye Shadow Base is an excellent option.

Structure

Do not ignore the value of appearance when you’re looking for the ideal eye shadow guide for you. If you have completely dry eyelids, choosing a velvety guide, like the MILK Make-up Hydro Hold Eye Shadow and Concealer Guide is your best choice. Yet if you have oily covers, one with an extra matte appearance, like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Guide, will certainly fit your requirements much more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION.

What does eye shadow guide do?

Eye shadow guide offers 2 primary features. It develops an also canvas for eye shadow to be used on the top– both in regards to appearance and shade– and it assists to boost the durability of your eye shadow appearance. That indicates that it must function to smooth appearance, counteract staining (if you’re utilizing a colored alternative), and avoid eye shadow from wrinkling and fading.

Just how do you use eye shadow guide?

Like with a lot of make-up items, the application technique depends on you. You can mix eye shadow guide throughout your eyelids with your fingertips or a brush, simply make sure to mix it uniformly and cover every one of the locations where eye shadow will certainly be used.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you observe the Byrdie Verified seal of authorization on top of this tale? This seal indicates that our group has actually looked into and evaluated every item on this listing utilizing a special technique that’s developed to concentrate on what our viewers actually wish to know– and to supply understandings that you can not locate anywhere else. Sometimes, charm brand names and public relations firms will certainly send us examples for protection factor to consider, however our ideas and viewpoints are totally our very own. If you see web links within our material, we might get compensations from your acquisitions, however we never ever get any kind of settlement or factor to consider for the material of our referrals. In other words, the Byrdie Verified seal represents item referrals you can rely on.

Why Depend On Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is a seasoned author in the charm sector and item tester concentrating on cosmetics. She has actually evaluated lots of eye shadow guides for many years– consisting of a number of on this listing. Alyssa has actually been a business author at Byrdie because 2022, where she covers all points charm.