I still remember the morning I looked in the mirror before work, tapped on my concealer, and thought, why does my under-eye makeup already look tired… and it’s only 8 a.m.? I had done everything “right,” yet my concealer creased, faded, and settled into fine lines by lunchtime. That’s when I finally gave under-eye primer a real chance—and honestly, it changed my routine in the best way.
You don’t need under-eye primer, but it helps smooth fine lines, hydrate the delicate under-eye area, reduce the look of dark circles, and keep concealer from creasing or fading throughout the day.
If you’ve ever struggled with under-eye creasing, makeup that disappears by noon, or dark circles that just won’t quit, keep reading—because this tiny step might be exactly what your routine is missing.
Why Under-Eye Primer Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
We all know how magical face primer and eye primer can be for making makeup last longer and look smoother. Under-eye primer works the same way—but it’s designed specifically for the delicate skin under your eyes, which needs more hydration and a gentler touch. Once I understood that, everything clicked.
What Is Under-Eye Primer?
Before deciding if you need under-eye primer, let me break down what it actually is. Under-eye primer is a makeup prep product made specifically for the under-eye area. Since this skin is thinner and drier, these primers are usually hydrating and lightweight, helping prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.
Just like other primers, under-eye primer creates a smooth, even base, helps makeup stay put, and blurs imperfections. One of my favorite benefits? Many formulas are designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, which means less color correcting—especially on days when sleep was optional.
3 Reasons To Use Under-Eye Primer
If you’re on the fence, let me give you the three biggest reasons I swear by under-eye primer.
Use an under-eye primer if…you’re prone to creasing under your eyes.
If your concealer loves to crease five minutes after application, under-eye primer is your girl. It helps keep makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles, so you’re not constantly tapping things back into place.
Use an under-eye primer if…you want your makeup to stay put.
We’ve all nailed our under-eye concealer in the morning only to look exhausted by mid-day. Under-eye primer helps prevent fading and keeps everything looking fresh from morning coffee to evening plans.
Use an under-eye primer if…you don’t feel like wearing makeup.
This one surprised me. Even on no-makeup days, under-eye primer alone helps hydrate my under-eye area and soften the look of dark circles. It’s an easy, low-effort way to look more awake.
How To Use Under-Eye Primer
If you’re ready to try under-eye primer, here’s exactly how I use it for the best results.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Every makeup routine starts with clean skin. I like saturating a cotton pad with L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types (available on Amazon) to remove oil, makeup, and impurities. Then I follow up with the rest of my morning skincare routine.
Step 2: Grab Your Under-Eye Primer
I use a pea-sized amount of under-eye primer and gently pat it onto my under-eye area with my ring finger. Pat—don’t rub—because this skin is super delicate. This is also the perfect time to apply eye primer to your lids if you use one.
Step 3: Apply Your Makeup
From here, apply your makeup however you like. Let the under-eye primer do its thing, then layer your favorite long-lasting concealer and setting powder on top for an under-eye look that truly won’t budge.
If you’ve been fighting creasing, fading, or tired-looking eyes, under-eye primer might just be the little secret your routine has been missing—trust me, your under-eyes will thank you.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that under-eye primer isn’t just an extra step for makeup lovers—it’s a smart, skin-loving upgrade that can make a noticeable difference. It helps hydrate the delicate under-eye area, smooth fine lines, minimize the look of dark circles, and keep concealer from creasing or fading throughout the day. Whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup or going completely bare, it works quietly in the background to help you look more refreshed and put together.
My advice? If under-eye creasing, dryness, or tired-looking eyes have ever frustrated you, give under-eye primer a try. Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks to our routine that bring the biggest confidence boost. Your under-eyes deserve a little extra love—and once you see the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever skipped this step.
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When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.