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The 10 Best Primers for Mature Skin
Wrinkles, dry spots, and fine lines don't stand a chance against these expert-loved makeup primers
If you've ever wondered, "Do I really need a primer?"—you're not alone. But primer actually makes a significant difference in the staying power of your makeup. For those with mature skin, primer can help smooth out your base, filling in fine lines and wrinkles before you apply foundation or tinted moisturizer.
"Folks with mature skin can definitely benefit from using a primer in their routine," agrees celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard, whose clients include Jenna Lyons and Summer House star Ciara Miller. "Primers can help boost hydration, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize pores."
The next question is, which one is right for you? Ahead, Spickard shares expert picks, along with our own editors' picks of the 10 best primers for mature skin.
The Best Primers for Mature Skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
- Some reviewers wished the size was larger for the price
"To minimize pores, I go to my classic," says Spickard of this primer from Smashbox (which, fun fact, happens to be the first primer on the market). "It fills in any large pores and helps blur the skin."
Finish: Natural
Key ingredients: Vitamins A and E
Customer Review:
"I keep trying different primers, but I always come back to Smashbox. My huge pores are definitely blurred, and my face looks smooth. It's fun to try new things, but I think Smashbox has them all beat." —kqua
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer
Pros
- Isn't too rich for oily skin
Cons
- Has a light fragrance
Spickard says this two-in-one is another favorite. "Marketed as a primer/skincare hybrid, this formula is perfect for mature skin," says the pro. "It gives the skin a beautiful, juicy plump look, creating a smooth base for makeup."
Finish: Natural and hydrated
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamins B, C, and E
Customer Review:
"I have extremely dry skin and have struggled to find any base/primer that has left my skin moisturized, supple and glowing all day long." —Galeforce
The key to this primer from Lancôme is the Elasto-Smooth™ technology, which leaves a satiny-smooth finish that's somehow both radiant and shine-free. Plus, it's suitable for all skin types.
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Elasto-Smooth™ technology
Customer Review:
"This primer is a must. I have tried tons of primer and this is by far my favorite. Makeup goes on smooth as a baby after applying this. Would highly recommend." —Steins35
COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Pros
- Blurring formula
Cons
- Might not be suitable for oily skin types
We love how this primer has vitamin C for added antioxidant protection, and it's packed with hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so you may even be able to skip moisturizer when you use it.
Finish: Dewy
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C
Customer Review:
"This is a really good face primer. I like how it feels on my face and it helps my foundation go on smooth and my skin look healthier." —melissa196
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer
As soon as you apply this primer from Elemis, you feel a cooling sensation that is designed to tighten the skin and reduce the look of pores. Superfans say it works wonders and that the formula creates an even canvas for foundation.
Finish: Natural
Key Ingredients: Padina Pavonica algae, glacial water, marine extracts
Customer Review:
"This is worth every penny and more! I've used every primer out there and this is so smoothing makes me have the skin of a 20 year old at 39 and my make up lasts perfectly 6am-10pm or 11pm without a single crease line anything even after eating and working outside all day with kids!" —Katie
Pros
- Has skin-barrier supporting ceramides
Cons
- Takes a minute to rub in
This blurring primer understands the assignment when it comes to visible pores and fine lines. The lotion-like texture may take a bit more effort to rub in (some reviewers said it was like sunscreen), but the results are worth it for a smooth canvas.
Finish: Semi-matte
Key ingredients: Ceramides
Customer Review:
"I liked this primer overall. It has a thicker and stickier consistency than the others, but that is likely what helps to blur those pores and lines! It helped my foundation last all day and I would even consider wearing it alone. It's a good choice to help smooth the look of your skin." —Melanie P
RMS Beauty ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer
Pros
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers said the packaging doesn't lock in correctly
The refreshing gel texture of this primer will have you at hello, but the makeup-gripping properties will have you reaching for it over and over. Plus, it doesn't get sticky like some other gel formulas.
Finish: Radiant
Key ingredients: Tightenyl™, vegetable squalane, hyaluronic acid, eggplant fruit extract
Customer Review:
"This is a perfect primer. It works well under make-up, but I also enjoy wearing it without make-up. It smooths out my skin and adds radiance. I love the clean ingredients too." —Rebecca B
Pros
- Has SPF 30
Cons
- Only available in one shade
If you can give or take foundation, this soft-focus primer is ideal to have on hand. It blends in seamlessly to lend a pretty, not-too-shimmery glow, and it helps even the look of skin tone too. The addition of SPF 30 is the cherry on top.
Finish: Radiant
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, spirulina maxima extract, and sodium hyaluronate
Customer Review:
"Thanks to this magic in a bottle, my glow is back. My skin truly feels healthier inside and out. I like the lightweight, easily absorbed formula. It doesn't irritate my eyes or skin (and I have super sensitive skin). I love that SPF is in it. I have found that I hardly ever reach for foundation any longer. I love it!" —Stephie R
Pros
- Helps with color correction
Cons
- The tint only works with lighter skin tones
This sunscreen-spiked primer not only keeps makeup in place for up to eight hours, but also boosts hydration for a full day. One thing to note: There's only one shade and it's on the fair side.
Finish: Radiant
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed silk, SPF
Customer Review:
"I have several dark spots on my face and this correcting cream worked great to really tone them down. It felt very light on my skin and didn't feel like it was caked on." —katec3
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Face™ Brightener Illuminating Primer
Pros
- Locks in makeup up to 16 hours
Cons
- Has a fragrance
If dullness is the issue at hand, try this primer with light-reflecting smart pigments that adjust across skin tones. Even better, it helps brighten skin over time.
Finish: Radiant
Key ingredients: Licorice root, edelweiss flower, African whitewood
Customer Review:
"Wonderful. My makeup doesn't buildup in the creases in my face. The product gives my face a lovely glow even with no makeup." —Ann B
What makes a good primer for mature skin?
Everyone's skin is different, of course, but generally, you'll want something that offers both skincare and makeup benefits. "My primary focus when working on mature skin is hydration and grip," explains Spickard. "Mature skin tends to be drier, and with fine lines and wrinkles, makeup tends to settle and crease, so I want something that will plump and hydrate the skin but also grab onto the makeup and keep it in place."
Meet the Expert
Looking for more makeup recommendations for mature skin?
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