Best Under Eye Primers for Wrinkles

As you age, wrinkles and fine lines can become more visible around your eyes. While many anti-aging products on the market can help reduce signs of aging, an under-eye primer is a great option to create a smooth canvas for concealer instantly.

After testing 31 under-eye primers for wrinkles, here are our 13 favorites that worked well.

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Best Drugstore Under Eye Primers for Wrinkles

Makeup Revolution Rehab Line Fix Under Eye Primer

This primer from makeup revolution has a silicone-based formula that blends effortlessly into the skin.

It sets quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, so it wears well under concealer.

It helps fill fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area while extending makeup wear.

A little bit goes a long way with this primer, so you only need a small amount to create a smooth base for your liquid or cream concealer.

Dab it under the eye with your ring finger and blend it out using tapping motions for better results. Avoid any rubbing motion as it can’t distribute the product evenly.

This under-eye primer works better as a smoothing base, so it’s best for normal to oily skin. You might need to layer a hydrating eye cream underneath if you have dry under-eyes.

PRO TIP: Mix your concealer with moisturizer or eye cream to create a more hydrating formula.

Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Fragrance-Free Gel Eye Cream

This is an eye cream, but I included it in this list because it has a blend of ingredients that nourish the under eyes and prepares it for concealer.

It is a lightweight, hydrating gel formula for dry skin. It contains glycerin, sodium hyaluronate to keep the skin hydrated, and niacinamide to help soften wrinkles.

Thanks to its silicone-based formula, this eye cream glides on smoothly and blends easily into the skin.

Applying a small amount around your under-eye area before applying concealer is key. Avoid applying too much, as it prevents your makeup from blending smoothly on top.

TIP: If you have small eyes, avoid applying concealer too close to the lash line, as it might cause your eyes to look smaller.

Ulta Beauty Collection Under Eye Primer

This under-eye primer from ULTA Beauty has a silicone-based formula that blends effortlessly into the skin. It contains shea butter and vitamin E that helps to moisturize the skin and keep it soft.

The packaging differs from other primers as it has a doe-foot applicator similar to many concealers.

It doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles and gives a silky-smooth finish. A little product goes a long way, so you only need a tiny amount.

It looks tinted in the tube but dries down clear after blending it. It leaves a slightly tacky finish that goes away after a few minutes.

I tested it with many concealers, such as the Maybelline Fit me and the Revlon Colorstay, and found that it provides a nice base for them.

PRO TIP: Set your concealer with a finely milled translucent powder to prevent creasing.

Best Under Eye Primer for Dry Mature Skin

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer

This primer from Smashbox contains Shea Butter, known for its excellent hydrating properties.

It has a lightweight creamy consistency that glides easily into the skin. It absorbs quickly and provides a smooth base for your makeup.

Avoid applying too much, as it might cause your concealer to look cakey. You only need a small amount to cover the entire under-eye area.

The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, perfect for dry under-eyes. It gives a nice hydration boost and makes the skin look smooth and healthy.

PRO TIP: Give this primer one or two minutes to set before applying concealer.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base

This under-eye primer from Bobbi Brown works as a moisturizer and makeup base. It has a blend of nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane.

It’s best for those with dry under-eye, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated. You can use it as an eye cream during the night too.

The formula is lightweight, creamy, and blends easily. It feels silky-smooth on the skin and provides a nice base for concealer.

It helps to fill in fine lines and doesn’t settle into wrinkles.

Apply a small amount under the eye area and tap it gently with your fingers for the best results. Give it a few minutes to set, and then apply your concealer.

Avoid layering too much product, as it can prevent your concealer from blending smoothly on top.

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

I included this eye cream in this list because it’s great for prepping the under eyes.

It has a lightweight, creamy formula enriched with squalane to lock in moisture and marine algae extract to reduce fine lines.

It gives you a smooth canvas to apply your concealer or foundation and blends easily without leaving a greasy feel.

A small amount of this product is enough to get the job done, so use a very small amount and dab it under your eyes.

It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.

The only downside is that it’s expensive, so I usually grab it during the Sephora sale.

Strivectin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles PLUS

This eye concentrate is another great product for prepping the under-eye area. It has a lightweight, silky formula that absorbs quickly and provides hydration.

Plus, it’s enriched with anti-aging ingredients to hide the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

It comes in a 1oz tube, a great size for an eye cream.

I like that it blends easily and doesn’t leave a greasy feel on the skin.

Tap a small amount lightly under the eyes, wait for it to absorb, and then apply your concealer.

First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

I’ve used this eye cream from First Aid Beauty for a long time, and I love how moisturizing it is.

It has a lightweight, creamy formula which provides intense hydration to the under-eye area without leaving a greasy feel. Plus, it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and caffeine to reduce puffiness.

When I ran out of this cream, I used the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, a face moisturizer. It works well for my under eyes and helps prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines.

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream

This eye cream from LANEIGE is a great pick for dry skin. It has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine to hydrate, brighten and reduce puffiness.

The formula is thicker than most eye creams, so apply a small amount and give it time to absorb.

I like that it wears well under makeup and helps the concealer blend easily into the skin.

It comes in a jar packaging, so it can be hard to control the amount of product you take out. It’s also not the most hygienic packaging. You can use a spatula to get the product out of the jar instead of using your fingers.

Best Under Eye Primer for Wrinkles and Dark Circles

Smashbox X Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

This under-eye corrector might be a good option if you have dark under eyes. It contains vitamin E to help nourish the skin and has a peach tint that reduces the appearance of dark circles.

It comes in four shades, so choose the one that works best for your skin tone.

The formula is thick and creamy, so it might be hard to blend at first, but it melts into the skin easily once you start blending. Warm up the product between your fingers before applying it for better results.

Once it sets, apply your concealer on top using tapping motions. Avoid rubbing, as it might remove the product.

PRO TIP: Use a beauty sponge to blend your concealer for a natural skin-like finish.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer

This eyeshadow primer from Benefit Cosmetics also works great as an under-eye primer. It has a lightweight formula that helps to keep the makeup in place.

Unlike other under-eye primers, this one is tinted and comes the shade light/medium. The color might not suit all skin tones, so test it before buying.

It provides light coverage and a smooth base for concealers. A little product goes a long way, so use a small amount.

It sets quickly and blends easily without emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles, which is great for mature skin.

Related: Should Concealer Be Lighter Than Foundation?

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Bright Fix Eye Brightener

This product is more like a brightener that you can use under your concealer as a corrector.

It’s best for people with dark circles or discoloration. The formula is lightweight and blends easily without leaving a greasy feel.

The coverage is light so that it can be used as a color-correcting base for your concealer.

Avoid applying too much, as it tends to look cakey. A small amount is enough to get the job done.

Best Under Eye Primer for Mature Oily Skin

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer

This eye primer from Elizabeth Mott is not just for the eyelids but also does a great job as an under-eye primer.

It has a lightweight formula that glides on easily and provides a smooth base for the concealer.

It’s not the best choice for dry skin as it gives a matte finish, so it’s more suitable for oily skin.

You only need a small amount of product, so apply a thin layer and tap it lightly with your fingers. Give it a minute to set, and then apply your concealer.

Letting your concealer sit for a few minutes before you blend it is also a good idea. It helps you get more coverage and prevents creasing.

How to Choose the Best Under Eye Primer for Mature Skin?

Avoid Heavy Formulas

Heavy formulas crease and settle into fine lines and wrinkles, so stick to lightweight primers. Rich eye creams, for example, don’t work very well as under-eye primers. You can use them as night eye creams but not as a primer. These creams might leave a greasy residue on the skin, preventing the concealer from blending smoothly on top.

Look for Hydrating Ingredients

The skin around the eyes is very delicate and prone to dryness, so look for a hydrating primer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients help to keep the skin hydrated, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines.

Choose a Primer with Anti-Aging Benefits

Look for products that contain anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide and vitamins. These ingredients help keep the skin around the eyes youthful and glowing. Some people with sensitive skin might want to avoid fragrant primers, which can irritate the eye area.

Pick a Formula that Blurs Imperfections

Look for a primer that blurs imperfections, and avoid using a shimmery formula. Shimmer can highlight wrinkles that you want to avoid. A good primer should fill in fine lines and wrinkles, which helps create a smoother canvas for the concealer.

Silicone-based primers are good for blurring fine lines and wrinkles. Choose a velvety finish and avoid matte formulas, which can dry the skin.

What Is the Best Way to Apply Primer Under the Eyes?

1. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansers as they irritate the skin, especially around the eyes.
2. Apply your regular eye cream to the eye area and blend it with your finger. This will help hydrate the under-eye area and prep it for the primer.
3. Take a small amount of the primer on your fingertip and gently tap it onto the under-eye area. Avoid rubbing the product in, which can prevent the primer from distributing evenly.
4. Allow the primer to set for a few minutes before applying your concealer. This will help create a smooth base for the concealer and make it easier to blend.
5. Apply your concealer and blend it with a damp beauty sponge or brush.
6. Set the concealer with a lightweight setting powder.

Can You Use Eyeshadow Primer as an Under-Eye Primer?

Eyeshadow primers are designed to be used on the eyelids; not all work well as under-eye primers.

Most of them contain film-forming agents that create a smooth base on the eyelids. They provide a matte or semi-matte finish and help the eyeshadows last longer.

However, these primers can be too drying for the under-eye area and cause your concealer to look cakey.

They also don’t provide enough hydration for the delicate under-eye skin, which can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

For example, the Milani eyeshadow primer is one of my favorite primers to use on my eyelids. However, it doesn’t work for my under-eye area because of its matte finish and its lack of moisturizing ingredients.

Your Questions, Answered

Is Under Eye Primer Different From Face Primer?

Yes, under-eye primers are specifically designed for the delicate skin around the eyes. Face primers have a thicker formula that can feel too heavy on the thin skin under the eyes. Under-eye primers are also formulated to keep the area hydrated and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Face primers, however, are designed to minimize large pores and create a smooth canvas for foundation.

Does Eye Primer Help With Wrinkles?

Yes, eye primers help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a smoother canvas for the concealer. They also help keep the concealer in place and minimize creasing. However, they don’t replace the need for applying a good eye cream to keep the skin hydrated and reduce wrinkles.

Best Primer for Under Eyes