Prime Time
Eye shadow primers
Laura Geller Lip & Eye Spackle
2 out of 5
Pros: Concealer-like coverage creates a smooth base for eye shadow, and the included lip primer is effective for matte color
Cons: Eyecolor showed signs of wear and tear by midday
Available at laurageller.com and Sephora, $23
Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol
5 out of 5
Pros: Eye shadow doesn't move an inch all day, plus the Firmitol is supposed to tighten eyelid skin over time
Cons: None
Available at Sephora and tartecosmetics.com, $20
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
4 out of 5
Pros: Keeps shadow locked to your lids; comes in both nude and a new shiny champagne color called "Sin"
Cons: Didn't hold up quite as well as Tarte's Lifted, although the difference was slight
Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com, $17
Mascara primers
Clinique Lash Building Primer
4 of 5
Pros: Adds length and creates separation, plus helps curled lashes keep their shape
Cons: It can weigh down lashes if you don't let it dry before curling or applying mascara
Available at Clinique counters and clinique.com, $13
Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus
3 of 5
Pros: Adds a bit of length, and helps lashes keep their shape when curled
Cons: Tends to cause clumpiness -- make sure you let it dry before curling or applying mascara
Available at Estee Lauder counters and esteelauder.com, $19
Shu Uemura Lash Repair
5 of 5
Pros: This thin, clear liquid helps make lashes stand out, and used twice-daily over time it'll protect and strengthen lashes
Cons: None
Available at Sephora and shuuemura-usa.com, $22
Foundation primers
Benefit "That Gal" Face-Brightening Primer
2 of 5
Pros: Pink in color and a bit lotion-y, which might explain that "brightening" claim
Cons: Brightening look doesn't last long, and foundation doesn't either
Available at Sephora and benefitcosmetics.com, $28
Sephora "Tricks of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer
1 of 5
Pros: This clear gel smoothes on fast, much like Smashbox's
Cons: Didn't give any noticeable longevity to foundation
Available at Sephora, $18