The 21 Best Eye Primers For Mature Skin For 2023

Mature skin can be challenging to work with when it comes to makeup.

The skin is often drier and more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

This means that older skin requires a different approach to eye primers.

The best eye primers for mature skin need to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while creating a smooth base for eyeshadow.

In addition, the formula should not be too thick, making it difficult to blend eyeshadow on top.

After testing 31 eye primers for mature skin, here is the list of our 21 favorites that worked well.

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Best Eyeshadow Primer For Mature Skin

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Our top pick is The NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. This primer comes in two shades, but we’ve found that the original shade performs better than the ‘Medium’ one.

It has a light formula that blends easily into the skin and dries quickly into a satin finish.

In addition, it creates a smooth base for eyeshadow and keeps it for many hours without creasing or smudging.

Less is more with this eye primer, so you only need a small amount to cover the entire eyelids. Applying too much will make the eyeshadow difficult to blend, and it can accentuate any fine lines on the eyelids.

It leaves the eyelids white, so if you have a darker skin tone or don’t like the white cast, apply a powder with your skin tone color on top.

The only downside to this primer is that it comes in a small tube (0.25oz), and it’s not the most affordable option.

Pros: It blends easily and helps the eyeshadow stay in place for many hours without creasing or smudging.

Cons: The tube is small and can leave a white cast on the eyes.

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

The LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer is a good option for those with wrinkled and oily eyelids. It has a slight tint that helps camouflage any minor eyelid discolorations.

It dries down to a soft matte finish without leaving any greasy residue. It applies smoothly, and it helps the eyeshadow blend more easily.

We noticed that it creased after 4 hours, so it might not be as long-lasting as some of the other primers on this list.

It comes in a bigger tube than the NARS one (0.53oz), but it’s still more expensive than some drugstore options.

The only downside to this primer is that it has a sheer finish, so it might not be the best option for those with visible veins or discoloration.

Pros: It has a soft matte finish, and it helps the eyeshadow blend more easily.

Cons: The finish is sheer, so it might not be the best option for those with visible veins or very dark eyelids.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

This primer is also a good choice for aging skin and oily eyelids. It has a tinted formula that dries down to a matte finish.

It comes in a small tube (0.08oz), and it’s not the most affordable option, but it does last a long time.

You only need a small amount, as too much can prevent the eyeshadow from blending smoothly.

It’s pigmented and does an excellent job evening out the skin tone on the eyelids.

Pros: It’s good at evening out the skin tone on the eyelids.

Cons: It has a thick formula that might not work for dry eyelids.

Clinique Touch Base For Eyes Eyeshadow Primer

This creamy eyeshadow primer holds the eyeshadow in place all day. It blends easily into the skin and sets to a natural finish without emphasizing fine lines.

A little goes a long way with this primer, so we only need to use a small amount.

You can apply it as an eyeshadow or use it to help the shadows blend more easily.

It can prolong the wear of the eyeshadow while accentuating its color payoff.

Pros: It blends easily and can prolong the eyeshadow’s wear.

Cons: The formula can dry out quickly.

BARE MINERALS PRIME TIME EYELID PRIME

This primer is one of the best I’ve ever used. It works great for hooded eyes too!

It’s light, blends easily, and dries quickly without any sticky residue.

It makes the eyeshadow last much longer, and it also helps the eyeshadow to blend more evenly.

It also works well for oily eyelids and doesn’t crease or smudge.

The only downside is that it comes in a small tube (0.1oz), and it’s not the most affordable option.

Pros: It makes the eyeshadow blend easily and last longer.

Cons: The tube is small.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

This eye base is an excellent choice for oily eyelids or hooded eyes. It has a creamy but thick formula that holds the eyeshadow in place all day long.

It can also be used as an eyeshadow and has excellent pigmentation. The color is buildable, so you can use it to hide eyelid discoloration.

It has a matte finish and is long-wearing so that it won’t crease or move during the day.

It is available in many shades, but the Painterly shade is the most popular. It’s a nude beige that looks good on light to medium skin tones.

Pros: It’s long-wearing, and it has excellent pigmentation.

Cons: The formula is thick, so it might not work for dry eyelids.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Original

This eye primer has a transparent finish and a thin formula that blends easily into the skin.

It helps to prolong the wear of the eyeshadow, and it also makes the eyeshadow more vibrant.

There are also three other shades available: Sin (shimmery champagne), Eden (a matte beige), and an anti-aging one that’s supposed to be more hydrating.

The original shade performed the best as it helped to keep the eyeshadow in place for 6 hours without creasing.

Pros: It extends the wear of the eyeshadow, and it makes the eyeshadow more vibrant.

Cons: The formula is on the oily side.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer

This eye primer is light and has a hydrating formula containing glycerin. It is more suitable for dry eyelids.

It has a slight tint, which can help to even out and brighten the eyelids.

The key is to use a small amount, blend it in and give it a few minutes to dry before applying the eyeshadow.

It made the eyeshadow last for about 6 hours without creasing or smudging.

Pros: It’s hydrating and has a slight tint.

Cons: Not the best choice for oily eyelids.

PRO TIP: Avoid using face primers as eye primers. They are not meant to be used on the eyes, and they might not provide enough grip for the eyeshadow.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer

This primer is available in four different shades and has a very thin formula that blends effortlessly into the skin.

It helps hide imperfections and dries down to a semi-matte finish.

It’s also water resistant, making it a good choice for oily eyelids.

The key to making it work is to use a minimal amount and let it dry for a few minutes before applying the eyeshadow.

Pros: It’s water resistant and helps to hide imperfections.

Cons: The formula is too thick for dry eyelids.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer

This eye primer has light coverage and a sheer finish.

It blends effortlessly into the skin and dries down to a tacky finish.

It helps to prolong the wear of the eyeshadow and makes the colors more vibrant.

The eyeshadow stayed put for 6-8 hours with this primer without creasing or smudging.

Pros: It’s very easy to blend, making the eyeshadow more vibrant.

Cons: It is not the best choice for dry eyelids as it might accentuate flakiness.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer

This primer has hyaluronic acid, which makes it a good choice for dry eyelids.

It is tinted and helps to even the skin tone on the eyelids.

The formula is very thin and dries down to a satin finish.

A little goes a long way with this primer, and it’s best to use it with your fingers to blend it into the skin.

It’s also long-wearing, so it helps the eyeshadow stay put for hours without creasing or smudging.

Pros: It’s hydrating.

Cons: The formula might not work for those with oily eyelids.

MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base

This eye primer is light beige color and provides sheer to medium coverage.

It’s long-wearing and helps the eyeshadow stay in place for hours without creasing or smudging.

It’s essential to use a small amount and set it for a minute or two before applying eyeshadow.

Otherwise, the eyeshadow might not apply smoothly on top.

Thanks to its lightweight formula, it works well for oily and dry eyelids.

Pros: It’s long-wearing and helps the eyeshadow to stay in place.

Cons: None.

Are you looking for a face primer? Check this list of the best face primers for aging skin.

Best Drugstore Eyelid Primers For Mature Skin

Milani Eyeshadow Primer

This primer has a very thin formula that blends effortlessly into the eyelids. It has a sheer tint, so it might not hide dark discoloration, but it does help to even out the eyelids.

It helps the eyeshadow to stay in place for many hours without creasing or smudging.

It doesn’t emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s an excellent primer for wrinkled eyelids. It’s very affordable too, which is always a bonus.

Pros: It’s very affordable and helps the eyeshadow stay in place.

Cons: It has a sheer finish, so it might not be the best option for those with visible veins or very dark eyelids.

TIP: Avoid using an eyeshadow primer for the under-eye area. Choose a primer specifically designed for the under eyes to hydrate and plump the skin.

about-face Shadow Fix Eye Primer

This eye primer has a thin consistency and dries to a matte finish.

It’s best suitable for oily eyelids and can keep the eyeshadow in place for many hours without smudging or creasing.

It also works great for hooded eyes and helps prevent the eyeshadow from transferring.

The key is to use a small amount and set it for a minute or two before applying the eyeshadow.

Pros: It’s very long-wearing and works very well for hooded eyes.

Cons: It is not the best choice for dry eyelids as it might accentuate flakiness.

Juvia’s Place I Prep, I Prime

This eye primer is available in three shades, and one of them is suitable for dark skin tones. It has a very light consistency that is easy to apply.

To get a smooth finish, you must shake the product well before applying it.

It helps to smooth the eyelids while covering any discoloration.

The eyeshadow applies easily on top, lasting many hours without creasing or smudging.

Pros: It’s easy to apply and has a light consistency.

Cons: Not the best choice for those with oily eyelids.

NYX Ultimate Shadow & Liner Vegan Eye Primer

This eye primer is available in four shades. It has a creamy formula that dries down to a tacky finish.

You can set it with powder for those who don’t like blending eyeshadow on top of a tacky primer.

It helps the eyeshadow stay in place and is very long-wearing.

It might not work well for dry eyelids as it can accentuate any flakiness.

Pros: It’s very long-wearing and helps the eyeshadow stay in place.

Cons: It might not work well for dry eyelids.

CoverGirl Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer

This eye primer has a white color, and it provides sheer coverage.

It’s very light and easy to apply, thanks to its creamy formula.

It helped the eyeshadow stay in place for 4 to 5 hours, so it’s not the most long-wearing primer, but it’s a good choice for a quick everyday look.

Pros: It’s easy to apply and has a light consistency.

Cons: Not the most long-wearing primer.

Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Primer

This primer has a creamy formula that blends effortlessly into the eyelids.

It comes in a pot and has a light beige color that helps to even out the eyelids.

Applying it using your fingers is best, as the warmth will help blend it better.

It has a very light consistency and dries down to a matte finish.

The trick is to dab it first and then blend it by tapping gently into the eyelids.

It helped the eyeshadow stay in place for 5 to 6 hours, accentuating the color payoff too.

Pros: It helps the eyeshadow stay longer.

Cons: It can be tricky to apply.

Nyx HD Eyeshadow Base

This eye primer is one of the best primers we’ve ever tried. It performed as well as high-end primers, yet it’s very affordable.

It comes in a tube, and it has a light beige color.

It’s very easy to apply, thanks to its creamy formula.

It dries down to a matte finish, and it helps the eyeshadow to stay in place for hours without creasing or smudging.

You only need a small amount for each eyelid, and it’s important to set it for a minute or two before applying eyeshadow.

Pros: It’s easy to apply and has a light consistency.

Cons: None.

e.l.f Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer

This eye primer is one of the most affordable primers on the market.

It comes in a tube, and it has a light beige color.

It’s very easy to apply, thanks to its creamy formula, and it helps the eyeshadow to stay in place for 5 to 6 hours.

It doesn’t accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it work very well for mature skin.

Pros: It’s affordable and helps the eyeshadow stay in place.

Cons: It doesn’t accentuate the color payoff too much.

Sigma Beauty Eyeshadow Base Primer – Persuade

This eye primer comes in pen packaging and has a creamy formula that is not too dry but not too oily.

It helps to even out the eyelids and makes the eyeshadows more vibrant.

It’s very easy to apply, but be careful not to use too much as it can settle into fine lines.

It’s long-wearing and helps the eyeshadow stay in place for hours without creasing or smudging.

Pros: It’s easy to apply, and it’s very long-wearing.

Cons: It might settle into wrinkles if you apply too much.

Answering Your Questions :

How To Choose The Best Eye Primer For Mature Skin?

An eye primer with a lightweight formula that doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles is essential for mature skin.

If you have dry and mature eyelids, opt for a hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to avoid accentuating any flakiness. Avoid very wet formulas as they can crease easily.

Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula with a matte finish for oily, mature eyelids.

Avoid primers with a thicker consistency, as it can be difficult to blend eyeshadow on top. They might also accentuate fine lines, which makes you look older.

If you have discoloration, choose a pigmented formula to help even the eyelids.

For very dark eyelids, you can use a peachy color corrector first to eliminate discoloration and then follow with a regular primer.

Colors that are opposite on the color wheel cancel each other out, so a peachy primer will neutralize any darkness on the eyelids.

how to choose eye primer for mature skin

How To Apply Eye Primer?

For best results, it’s important to apply eye primer correctly.

The trick is to use a minimal amount and blend it well into the eyelids.

Applying the primer with your fingers is best, as the warmth will help blend it better.

Start by dabbing a small amount of product on the eyelid, and then use gentle patting motions to pat it gently.

Wait for a minute or two for the primer to set before applying eyeshadow on top.

Does Eye Primer Help With Wrinkles?

An eye primer can help smooth out the eyelids and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

It provides a base for the eyeshadow and helps fill in fine lines, making it apply more evenly.

However, eye primers are not skincare products and can’t eliminate wrinkles.

Their use is more cosmetic and can help create the illusion of smoother eyelids.

Is Eye Primer Necessary?

Eye primer is not necessary for everyone, but if your eyeshadow tends to crease or fade quickly, an eye primer can help make it last longer.

People with oily eyelids might benefit from using a primer to help the eyeshadow stay in place.

It creates a barrier between your skin and the eyeshadow, which helps the color stay put for longer.

Primers can also help even out any discoloration, which creates a better base for your eye makeup. They also make the colors look more vibrant and intense.

For those with mature skin, primers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make eyeshadows look smoother.

Is Eye Primer Better Than Concealer?

Eye primer and concealer both have their advantages.

Primers help even out the eyelids, make eyeshadows last longer, and make the colors look more intense.

Concealers are better for hiding discoloration on the eyelids, but they don’t make the eyeshadows last longer.

Plus, some concealers have a thick formula that might not sit well under eyeshadow.

In conclusion, you can use a lightweight concealer as a base for your eyeshadow, but if you’re looking for something to make your eyeshadows last longer, a good eye primer is what you need.

Do You Put Eye Primer on Before or After Foundation?

Ideally, you should apply eye primer before the foundation.

Some eyeshadows can cause a lot of fallout, which can ruin your foundation.

Starting with your eye makeup first allows you to clean up any fallout before applying foundation.

Conclusion

When choosing an eye primer for mature skin, it is essential to opt for a formula that has a lightweight texture and doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.

It is also important to use a minimal amount and apply the primer correctly to get the best results.

If you have discoloration, opt for a pigmented formula to help even the eyelids.

Choose a hydrating formula like this eye primer with hyaluronic acid for dry eyelids.

Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula that doesn’t crease, like this matte primer for oily eyelids.

Avoid primers with a thick consistency, as they can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines.

I hope this article helped help you how to choose the best eye primer for mature skin! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

Best Eye Primers For Mature Skin