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Why Our Best Eye Primer Deserves a Space in Your Makeup Stash

Hydro Grip Primer's little sister is a big deal.

Model wears a full face of Milk Makeup with blue graphic eyeshadow on a white background Model wears a full face of Milk Makeup with blue graphic eyeshadow on a white background

Have you ever taken a look at your eye makeupin the mirror and thought, “Dang, I should have put on eyeshadow primer?” We’ve all been there: The winged eyeliner you spent half an hour on is suddenly melting down your cheeks. And your under-eye concealer…wait, where did it go?

No one wants to find themselves in this predicament, especially when it’s one you can easily avoid with Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer, the partner-in-crime to our Hydro Grip Primer—a major bestseller for its longwear benefits on all skin tones and types. Here’s why you should have our trending eyeshadow primer in your makeup bag.

What does eye primer do? 

Similar to the way face primer works to make complexion makeup long-wearing and smudge-proof, eyeshadow primer creates a smooth, weightlessbasethat keeps eye makeup in place, so it doesn’t fade throughout the day and also becomes crease-proof.

The amazing benefit of Hydro Grip Eye Primer, though, is it can be used to lock in your under-eye concealer as well. “I use it all the way around my eye area to keep my shadow and eyeliner locked on, as well as smooth my under eyes before concealer,” says Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren.

How do I choose an eyeshadow primer?

Like face primers, eye primers can have different finishes. Some formulas are infused with mica to act as a first layer of shimmer shadow, while others have a matte finish. Hydro Grip Eye Primer, on the other hand, is totally clear and has an invisible, weightless finish that works well with any eye makeup look, as well as with every skin tone and skin type. All while being hydrating and brightening.

Also important to consider: How much of the area around your eyes do you want your eyeshadow primer to work for? Some eye primers are strictly for smudge-proof eye makeup, particularly eyeshadow and eyeliner.

If you’re hoping to use your eyelid primer with concealer, be sure to read its ingredient list carefully, as not all makeup primers are designed to be used for the under-eye area. Avoid parabens, sulfates, fragrances, and alcohol. Of course, Hydro Grip Eye Primer doesn’t feature any of those as it is specifically made to be used on the delicate skin of the under-eye area. “It’s the first 360 eye primer that has ever worked for me,” Sara shares. 

Product shot of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer with a smear of the product on a white background
Model applies a swipe of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer to her under eye area against a white background


Shop Hydro Grip Eye Primer

How does Hydro Grip Eye Primer work?

Like its sister face primer, Hydro Grip Eye Primer hydrates skin and blurs fine lines with the help of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich hemp seed extract, and natural optical-blurring powders, like silica. Our longwear eyelid primer is also spiked with niacinamide for added brightening benefits.

Of course, the cruelty-free, silicone-free, paraben-free formula also creates a smooth eye base for any eye makeuplook and secures shadows, eyeliners, and concealer all day long. It also helps pigments have as intense a color payoff as possible.

Hydro Grip Eye Primer has a doe-foot applicator, so you can have full accessibility to paint it onto the lid and under-eye area. Once it’s on, let the eyeshadow primer dry down for 60 seconds, then apply your eye makeup. Your eye lookmatte, shimmery, or whatever your heart desires—is sure to be smudge-proof, crease-proof, and free of fading for up to eight hours.

How do I apply eyeshadow primer?

Skin prep

Start off by doing your usual skincare routine, which should include moisturizer and eye cream. Make sure to let your skincare products absorb before you start your makeup, though. “Skin prep, especially around the eye area, can make or break your look,” Sara explains.

Here’s a bonus tip, especially for those with oily skin: Blot any excess oil away before starting yourlook to create a better grip for your eye makeup pigments, recommends Kelly Kossakoski, Milk Makeup Director of Global Education.

Applying your eyeshadow primer

Dab your eye primer on, and gently blend it in with your fingertips. “I love using a thin layer all the way around my clients’ or models’ eyes to keep their eyeshadows and eyeliners on lock and super vibrant,” Sara says. “You can also wear it under concealer for a smooth, crease-proof finish.” Wait 60 seconds to let the eye primer set.

Once you’ve let the eyeshadow primer dry down completely to activate its grip, you’re ready to apply your eye makeup, mascara and all. It's as simple as that. Now go ahead, and add it to checkout.

Meet the Experts:

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.

Kelly Kossakoski (she/her) is the Director of Global Education at Milk Makeup. In her role at Milk, she works with our retail partners and field teams to develop and deliver our educational content—from offline training programs to online videos and platforms—all over the world.


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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.