Best Cruelty Free Makeup Primers

ByCordelia

Best Cruelty Free Makeup Primers

It’s time for another Beauty Top 10! This time we’re talking about primers. I’m sharing my best cruelty free makeup primers. These are the primers that I recommend to people when they’re asking me what primer they should try out, as well as the primers that I use regularly.

PR + purchased by me.

Best Cruelty Free Makeup Primers

All products are cruelty free. Vegan products are noted.

1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
TFSI has consistently been the best eyeshadow primer for me. It always works well. I love the different colors offered now, but I still reach for the original more than anything else. The original has a light beige tint. See my review.

2. Cover FX Anti-Age Smoothing Eye Primer
I’m testing this primer out right now and I really like it for several reasons. First, it’s white in color when you apply it. Eyeshadow is nice and vibrant on top of it. Second, it claims to smooth out the eyelids, and I do feel like it has been smoothing on my lids. Vegan.

3. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Skin Primer
This is a dual purpose primer, as it can be used for the eye or the face. I love it for the face. It’s colorless. Vegan.

4. Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Another light beige eyeshadow primer, this is a really great budget friendly option that’s pretty easy to find. They’re carried at CVS, Publix, and Walgreens.

5. Jesse’s Girl Eyeshadow Primer
This is a great eyeshadow primer that is very similar to TFSI. It’s available at the Jesse’s Girl website or at Rite Aid.  It’s another budget friendly option. It’s pale beige in color. See my review.

6. Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion
I love this best of the UDPP line. My second favorite is Eden. Where I had trouble with the original UDPP creasing on me, this one doesn’t budge. It’s lasted 18 hours on me with no creasing or fading, which I thought was impressive. It’s a sheer nude shade. See my review. Vegan. (Leaping Bunny Certified)

7.  Too Faced Primed & Poreless Face Primer
I love all the dimethicone in this product as that helps to make it fill in pores and smooth out the face, leaving you with the perfect blank canvas for your foundation. I really need to do another review of this because I like it much better than when I initially tried it. I’ve repurchased it a few times. It’s a sheer light beige. See my review.

8. Cover FX Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment
I like this because I sometimes feel like I really really need to mattify my t-zone. The previous product that I liked to use for this was the Stila Stay All Day Prime & Anti Shine Balm, but since they’re not cruelty free, I won’t use them. I feel like this primer works really well to keep my oilies at bay and hold my foundation in place. If you have combination or oily skin, I recommend you check out this primer next time you’re at Sephora. They even sell a half size container, which is what I purchased to give it a try. Vegan.

9. Nyx HD Eye Shadow Base
One of the best budget friendly options, the Nyx HD Eyeshadow Base is also easy to find since you can get it at Ulta. It is a light peachy eyeshadow base. It’s good for everyone except the oiliest of lids. See my review.

10. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (no longer cruelty free. They decided to sell in China)
This is another white, nearly see through eyeshadow base. The texture is nice and it has extra skin nourishing benefits. See my review.

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Cordelia Frost is the creative force behind Phyrra, a treasure trove for cruelty-free indie and goth makeup enthusiasts. She's the author of the game-changing 'Hooded Eyes Makeup Manual' a must-read for hooded eyes makeup.

Cordelia's world is a kaleidoscope of alternative beauty, gothic fashion, and life-enhancing tips, making every visit to Phyrra a journey into a more colorful and inspired self.

16 Comments

  1. HEY since like this is an old post I figured a lot of people might try the nars one without knowing that it is no longer cruelty free so I figured I let everyone know before they buy it

  2. Hi Phyrra, I know some women, who as they become aware of the animal and insect-derived and sourced ingredients in makeup, are confused about what to do with their ‘old stock;’ they don’t know whether to throw it out, give it away, or wear it until it’s outlived its usefulness. Do you have any advice that I can pass along to them? Thanks!

  6. I love that you have so many eye primers on here. I’m obsessed with eyeshadow primers. I’m surprised you don’t have Fyrannie though (I know I spelled that wrong) since I think of you when I pick up Pixie Epoxy.

  7. I really wish I had more Milani here. There is only one small 2′ section at one grocery store! Don’t you feel sorry for me???

    1. I can’t often find the full range of Milani, so I have to resort to CherryCulture or Milani’s website. BUT, my CVS carries some of the core items 🙂

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