e.l.f.'s Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer is a sheer, creamy, non-greasy primer meant to make eyeshadow look more vivid and last longer without smudging or creasing. It launched in May 2024 at $7, and it is $8 on e.l.f.'s site today, with a middling 3.9 star rating from 134 reviews.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | e.l.f. Cosmetics |
| Product | Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer |
| Release date | May 2024 |
| Price | $7 at launch (USD, 2024); $8 on e.l.f.'s product page as of September 21, 2026 |
| Availability | elfcosmetics.com |
| Finish | Sheer |
| Works with | Liquid and powder eyeshadows |
| Claims | 100% vegan, cruelty-free, Fair Trade |
What Does an Eyeshadow Primer Actually Do?
An eyeshadow primer is a base for the eyelid. e.l.f. says this one makes a smooth canvas for eye makeup, intensifies the color of your shadow, extends wear time, and reduces smudging and creasing. It calls the formula non-greasy, with a sheer finish that works as a base for endless eye looks.
How Do Shoppers Rate It?
On e.l.f.'s product page, the primer shows 3.9 out of 5 stars from 134 reviews. That is a good deal lower than the 4.6 to 4.8 ratings on the other e.l.f. product pages we checked today, so it is worth reading recent reviews on your own skin concern before buying.
Our take: primers depend heavily on lid type. Oily lids and hooded eyes are the usual trouble spots, and a sheer, creamy primer may be less effective there than a tackier one. We haven't tested this one ourselves.
Should You Buy It?
Buy it if you want an inexpensive primer to make shadow look bolder, and your lids don't crease badly.
Skip it if you need heavy-duty, all-day hold for oily lids, or you want a primer that tints out redness. e.l.f. describes this one as sheer.
What Is Confirmed, and What Is Not?
Confirmed: the price, rating, claims and "works with liquid and powder eyeshadows" statement are from e.l.f.'s current product page.
Not confirmed: the page we read didn't list a size. A search snippet of e.l.f.'s page mentions compact packaging with a larger fill (.25 oz versus .11 oz), but we couldn't confirm that on the page itself.
September 21, 2026 update: we re-checked the price and rating. The primer costs $1 more than at launch.
Quick Answers
How do I apply it? e.l.f.'s guidance for its eye primers is to pat a small amount onto the lid with a fingertip or a flat brush, then apply shadow on top.
Does it come in shades? No. It is a single, sheer-finish primer.
Does it keep your eyeshadow in place? Tell us in the comments.
