Best Primers For Mature Skin

Do you have trouble finding the right primer for your mature skin?

You’re Not Alone!

As we age, our skin changes. Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable, making it difficult to find the right primer.

We tested 37 primers and narrowed it down to the best 30 that help achieve a smooth, youthful complexion.

How To Choose The Best Primer For Mature Skin?

No matter what your skin type is, choose a lightweight primer that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Heavy formulas accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, making you look older.

If you have dry skin, use a hydrating primer with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin and give it a radiant glow.

For oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer that helps to control oil during the day.

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Best Smoothing Primers For Mature Skin With Pores And Wrinkles

StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Face Primer

StriVectin Line BlurFector

This primer is silicone based, and it has a lightweight creamy consistency that is easy to apply. It sets to a smooth matte finish, and it helps to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

A little bit of this product goes a long way, so you only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

It is a bit pricey but worth the investment because it does help to soften wrinkles and wears well under makeup.

It will not fully cover deep wrinkles, but it does help to blur their appearance. It can also allow makeup to look smoother and more polished.

You can also use it without makeup for a natural, smooth look.

To apply this primer, use a pea-sized amount to the face and gently press it into the skin. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before applying makeup.

This will help to smooth out any lines and give the skin a more polished look.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Sets to a smooth matte finish
  • It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

TIP: For better results, apply your smoothing primer by pressing it in instead of rubbing it into the skin.

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

tatcha the silk primer

This silicone-based primer has a silky smooth consistency that feels very lightweight on the skin. It also contains glycerin which helps to hydrate the skin.

It blurs pores, helps minimize deep wrinkles, and does not feel dry or heavy. It also helps makeup to look smoother and last longer.

This primer is a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. You only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

It is also available in a mini size that can last a long time. You don’t need to get the full size if you don’t use the primer often.

To use this primer, apply a minimal amount to the face and gently press it into the skin. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before applying makeup.

As with many silicone-based primers, this one glides easily into the skin and sets quickly into a smooth finish.

Pros:

  • Silky smooth texture
  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Blurs pores and fine lines

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

TIP: Warm thick primers between your fingers before application to help them spread more evenly.

Benefit CosmeticsThe POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer

For those with large pores, this primer can help to minimize their appearance. It has a silky consistency and a light beige color that goes on clear and gives the skin a velvet matte finish.

It gives a nice, even canvas and helps makeup go on smoothly and last longer.

This primer is more effective on big pores than deep wrinkles, but it does help to blur their appearance.

It is not suitable for dry skin as it can accentuate dryness. You can wear it with a powder foundation for mature skin to get an everyday natural look.

Pros:

  • Blurs large pores
  • It gives the skin a smooth, even canvas

Cons:

  • Not suitable for dry skin

Related: Best Eye Primers For Mature Skin

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer

This primer has a mousse texture that glides easily into the skin. It blends effortlessly, and it helps to make the pores look less noticeable.

It sets to a matte finish and helps makeup to look smoother and last longer.

It might accentuate dry patches if your skin is dry, making it more suitable for normal to oily skin.

Thanks to its light formula, it wears well under cream foundations, and doesn’t cause the makeup to ball up or separate.

Pros:

  • Glides easily into the skin
  • Sets to a matte finish
  • It makes pores less noticeable

Cons:

  • Might accentuate dry patches

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that extends the wear of makeup while smoothing the skin, this one from Hourglass is a great option.

It’s a lotion-type primer with a lightweight formula that helps to blur pores.

It is a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. You only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

To use this primer, apply a pea-sized amount to the face and gently press it into the skin. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before applying makeup.

It also contains SPF 15 to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but wear a separate sunscreen before the primer if you’re spending time outdoors.

Healthline says it’s better to choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 for optimal sun protection.

Pros:

  • Blurs pores
  • Extends the wear of makeup

Cons:

  • Not for deep wrinkles.

The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer

This one from The Ordinary is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable primer that blurs pores and fine lines.

It has a clear, serum-like consistency that goes smoothly and helps makeup apply evenly. It also extends the wear of makeup, and it doesn’t emphasize dry patches.

It dries to a smooth velvet finish and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. For better results, give it a couple of minutes to dry before going in with makeup.

The only downside is that it has a smell that some might find unpleasant.

Pros:

  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • Extends the wear of makeup

Cons:

  • It has an unpleasant smell

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Primer Pore Minimizer

This popular primer from Make Up For Ever has a lightweight consistency that’s easy to apply.

It has a light beige tint that dries to a soft matte finish. It blurs pores and fine lines while evening out the skin’s texture.

It also helps makeup last longer and doesn’t accentuate dryness.

I like to use this primer on special occasions because it’s long-lasting and doesn’t emphasize dryness.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • It helps makeup last longer

Cons:

  • None

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer

This primer from Hourglass is one of the best on the market. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it.

It has a lightweight, silicone-based formula that goes smoothly and dries quickly.

It blurs pores and fine lines while evening out the skin’s texture. It also helps makeup last longer and doesn’t accentuate dryness.

If you are over 40, this primer can be a great option.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • It helps makeup last longer

Cons: 

  • A bit pricey

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer

This primer from Yves Saint Laurent is an excellent option if you like luxury makeup.

It has four nourishing oils that smooth the skin while blurring fine lines and wrinkles.

The formula is not too thin but not too thick, either. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or oily.

This primer can work great for mature skin because of its lightweight texture that doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. It also helps makeup last longer and doesn’t accentuate dryness.

Pros:

  • Nourishes the skin
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • It helps makeup last longer

Cons:

  • Expensive.

Best Mattifying Primers For Oily Mature Skin

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Oil control is everything regarding oily skin, and this primer does an excellent job of controlling shine.

It is silicone based and has a lightweight gel consistency that feels very smooth on the skin. It sets to a matte finish and helps makeup to look smoother and last longer.

It does not make the skin feel dry or cakey and helps to blur fine lines. It is also long-lasting and doesn’t cause the makeup to separate during the day.

It’s also available in a mini size that can last a long time. You don’t need to get the full size if you only use the primer occasionally.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight and easy to apply 
  • Controls oil and shine 
  • It helps makeup to look smoother and last longer 

Cons

  • Not for deep wrinkles.

TIP: If you have oily skin, using a setting powder and a primer will help make your makeup last all day.

For more suggestions, check out this guide on the best face powders for aging skin.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Pore Diffusing Primer – Always an Optimist Collection

This silicone-based primer has hyaluronic acid to soothe the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores.

It is vegan and cruelty-free, with a lightweight gel consistency that gives the skin a smooth, even texture.

A little bit goes a long way, so make sure to use only a little to avoid your makeup from looking patchy.

When applied incorrectly, a primer can make your makeup look worse, so it’s essential to use the right amount.

It can take a minute or so to dry down, but once it does, it gives the skin a nice matte finish that lasts all day.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • It gives the skin a smooth, even texture

Cons:

  • Not for deep wrinkles.

MILK MAKEUP Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

This primer is a lightweight, water-based cream that dries to a matte finish.

It instantly blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines while controlling oil and shine.

It’s very easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. You only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

Give it a couple of minutes to dry down before applying makeup so it doesn’t move around.

It dries to a slightly tacky finish, giving the skin a smooth matte appearance.

What I like the most about this primer is that it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin or make the face look cakey.

Since it’s water-based, it’s better to match this primer with a suitable foundation with a water-based formula.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Blurs the appearance of pores and fine.

Cons:

  • None.

TIP: You can layer face primers to target concerns like large pores, fine lines, and dryness. For example, apply a mattifying primer on your T-zone and then follow with a hydrating primer on your dry areas.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

Keeping your makeup shine-free is challenging when you have oily skin, but this primer from Fenty Beauty does an excellent job of controlling oil.

It has a lightweight, silicone-based formula that instantly blurs pores and fine lines. It feels like a lotion and blends easily into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.

A little goes a long way, so you only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

It dries down to a smooth matte finish and helps makeup to look smoother and last longer.

The only downside is that it can cling to dry patches if you have dry skin.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • It feels like a lotion and blends easily into the skin

Cons:

  • Can cling to dry patches.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Primer Shine Control

Apply this primer after foundation to control shine and oil throughout the day.

It has a lightweight formula that feels like lotion and blends quickly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.

A little goes a long way, so you only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

Tap it into the skin rather than rubbing it in so it doesn’t disturb your makeup.

It does an excellent job of controlling shine and keeping the face looking matte.

I tried using it before foundation, but it didn’t work as well because my foundation would start to look dry during the day.

Pros: 

  • Easy to apply
  • Dries down to a matte finish
  • Controls shine and keep the face looking matte

Cons: 

  • It might not work well if it’s applied before makeup.

Best Hydrating Primers For Mature Dry Skin

Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer: Hydrate

laura geller primer

This primer from Laura Geller is a hydrating primer perfect for mature skin.

It has a lightweight, lotion-like consistency that feels refreshing on the skin.

It’s infused with Shea Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil to hydrate the skin and give it a plump appearance.

It also contains antioxidants to soothe the skin.

Apply it by massaging the product into the skin like a regular moisturizer. I like to give it one to two minutes to set before applying makeup.

You can also mix this primer with your foundation to create a dewy finish.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and refreshing
  • Infused with Shea Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil to hydrate the skin
  • It contains antioxidants to soothe the skin

Cons:

  • None.

TIP: If you have dry skin, use a facial oil as a primer to help your makeup apply more smoothly.

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer – Hydrating

Dry skin can benefit from a hydrating primer to help plump the skin and give it a radiant glow.

This primer from Laura Mercier has a lightweight, water-based formula infused with Olive Extract to smooth the skin.

It’s an excellent primer for those over 50 and contains glycerin to help attract moisture so the skin looks hydrated and plump.

It’s very easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. You only need to use a small amount to cover the entire face.

Give it a couple of minutes to dry down before applying makeup so it doesn’t move around.

It dries down to a natural but glowy finish that makes makeup look smooth and lasts all day.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • It contains glycerin to help attract moisture

Cons:

  • None.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer

This primer from Charlotte Tilbury is similar to the Laura Mercier primer, but it has light-reflecting microspheres that give the skin a luminous glow.

It’s infused with hyaluronic acid, rosehip, and camelia to hydrate and plump the skin while smoothing fine lines.

You can wear it on its own for a glowy look or under makeup to give your foundation a dewy look.

It has a lightweight, silicone-based formula that’s easy to apply and dries down to a natural but luminous finish.

The only downside is that it has a rosy smell that lingers even after application.

Pros: 

  • It gives the skin a luminous glow
  • Lightweight and easy to apply

Cons: 

  • It has a rosy smell

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer

This primer from Bobbi Brown is a two-in-one product that can be used as a primer or a moisturizer.

It has a thick, creamy consistency that feels hydrating on the skin and helps the makeup grip onto the skin and last all day.

It contains vitamins C and E to brighten the skin while smoothing fine lines.

You can wear it under makeup or on its own for a natural, dewy look.

Pros:

  • It can be used as a primer or a moisturizer
  • It contains vitamins C and E to brighten the skin
  • Makes makeup last all-day

Cons:

  • Has a fragrance.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

This primer from Too Faced is infused with coconut water to hydrate and replenish the skin.

It has a lightweight, lotion-like consistency that’s easy to apply, which makes it an excellent choice for people over 40.

It dries down quickly, making the skin look healthy and glowy while smoothing fine lines.

It’s water-based, so it might not perform very well with a heavy silicone-based foundation. I like to pair it with a light water-based foundation or BB cream.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Infused with coconut water to hydrate and replenish the skin
  • Makes the skin look healthy and glowy

Cons:

  • Might not work well with a heavy silicone-based foundation.

Read More: Primer Vs CC Cream

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

This primer from Smashbox is a 2-in-1 product that can be used as a primer or moisturizer.

It has a lightweight formula that feels refreshing on the skin.

It’s infused with niacinamide to nourish the skin while smoothing fine lines.

You can wear it on its own or under makeup, and it dries down quickly to a natural finish.

If you have dry, mature skin, this primer will help to give you a healthy, hydrated glow.

Pros:

  • Can be used as a primer or moisturizer
  • Infused with niacinamide to nourish the skin
  • Gives the skin a healthy, hydrated glow

Cons:

  • None.

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

milk hydro grip primer

This gel-like primer from Milk makeup helps grip makeup while hydrating the skin.

It’s infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe water, and niacinamide to hydrate the skin while smoothing fine lines.

It has a refreshing cooling effect on the skin and sets to a sticky finish.

It can be tricky to apply because of its sticky consistency, but it’s worth the effort because it makes makeup last all day.

Press the foundation after applying the primer to make it stay in place. Avoid rubbing it in, as this will make the foundation and primer slide off.

Pros:

  • Infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe water, and niacinamide.
  • Has a cooling effect on the skin
  • Makes makeup last all-day

Cons:

  • Can be tricky to apply.

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

This primer from Estée Lauder is an excellent option for dry skin.

It has a blend of nourishing ingredients that help hydrate the skin while providing a smooth base for makeup.

It has a light lavender tint that brightens the complexion and dries to a dewy finish.

To use this primer, apply a pea-sized amount to the face and gently press it into the skin.

Pros:

  • Nourishes dry skin
  • Brightens the complexion
  • Creates a smooth base for makeup

Cons:

  • None

ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum

This primer from ILIA is an excellent option for those who want a hydrating but sticky makeup base.

It has a lightweight serum-like consistency that’s easy to apply.

It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines while evening out the skin’s texture.

It also helps makeup last longer and doesn’t accentuate dryness.

To use this primer, apply a pea-sized amount to the face and gently press it into the skin. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before applying makeup.

I like to use this primer on special occasions when I need my makeup to last all day. I find it uncomfortable to wear every day because of its sticky finish.

Pros:

  • Hydrates the skin
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Helps makeup last longer

Cons:

  • Sticky finish.

Best Drugstore Primers For Mature Skin

NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Electrolytes Plumping Primer Serum

nyx plump primer

This plumping primer from NYX is a great option for dry, mature skin. It contains electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium that help to hydrate and plump the skin.

It also has glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help to lock in moisture.

This primer has a lightweight serum-like consistency that is not 100% clear, but it’s not too thick or greasy.

A little bit goes a long way with this primer, so use a small amount to prevent your makeup from looking patchy.

It applies evenly and smoothly to the skin and dries to a tacky finish that helps the foundation to stick to the skin. For better results, let it set for a minute or so before applying the foundation.

It has a fragrance that is not too strong but might be too intense for sensitive skin.

Once it’s on, it doesn’t budge and does a great job of blurring pores and fine lines. It also helps makeup to stay in place and look fresh all day long.

This is a great budget-friendly option for those over 50 who have dry skin and want to add radiance and glow to their complexion. It will help the foundation look dewy and last longer.

Pros:

  • Contains electrolytes and hydrating ingredients
  • Lightweight and serum-like consistency
  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • Gives a Dewy Finish

Cons:

  • The fragrance might bother some people with sensitive skin.
  • Not the best choice for oily skin and deep wrinkles

Related: Primer Vs Concealer

L‘Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer 

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer

This blurring primer from L’Oreal is a great option for mature skin with large pores.

It contains dimethicone as a first ingredient, a silicone that helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.

It also has glycerin, a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.

This primer has a lightweight, creamy consistency that is easy to apply and blend into the skin.

It has a slightly rosy tone that helps to brighten the complexion without leaving any cast on the skin.

Once applied, it leaves the skin with a smooth, satin finish. It also has a blurring effect that can help to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.

I like to use this primer with a silicone-based foundation since it’s also silicone-based, and it helps the foundation to glide on smoothly and last all day long.

Pros:

  • Contains dimethicone to blur pores and fine lines
  • Lightweight and creamy
  • Brightens the complexion

Cons:

  • None

e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer

elf power grip primer

This primer from e.l.f. has a thick formula that blends easily into the skin and dries down to a tacky finish. It has a blue tint but dries to a clear and radiant finish. It helps grip the foundation, so it doesn’t slip or slide.

It also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and lock in moisture.

This primer works on different skin types, but it helps to give dry skin a dewy look. It prolongs the wear time of the foundation and prevents it from creasing into fine lines.

Less is more with this primer, so you should apply a small amount to the skin. It doesn’t emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent option for mature skin.

Pros:

  • It helps grip the foundation
  • It gives a radiant finish.

Cons:

  • There are better choices for very oily skin and deep wrinkles.

NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Face Primer

nyx pore filler

This primer from NYX is silicone-based and helps instantly blur large pores and fine lines.

It has a light mousse texture that blends easily into the skin and dries instantly into a matte finish.

Despite having a slight peach tint, it dries clear, leaving the skin feeling so soft.

The only thing we don’t like about it is the smell; it has a strong chemical scent that doesn’t linger.

Pros:

  • Blurs large pores and fine lines
  • Dries instantly to a matte finish

Cons:

  • The smell might bother some people.

Elf Powerless Putty Primer 

elf putty primer

This Elf primer is an excellent option for mature skin with large pores and wrinkles.

It has a thick consistency, but it blends easily into the skin. It helps to minimize the look of large pores and wrinkles while providing a smooth base for the makeup.

It doesn’t leave any greasy or oily residue on the skin and helps makeup stay in place all day long.

Once applied, it gives the skin a velvety smooth finish.

Pros:

  • Blends easily into the skin
  • Minimizes the look of large pores and wrinkles

Cons:

  • Doesn’t control oil or shine during the day.

Best Organic Face Primer For Mature Skin

100% pure Mattifying Primer

100% pure mattifying primer

This organic face primer from 100% pure is a great option for mature and oily skin.

It’s silicone-free and helps smooth the skin without leaving any greasy residue. It contains aloe to soothe and calm the skin.

The formula is very lightweight, and it blends easily into the skin.

Once applied, it helps makeup stay in place all day long without creasing or looking patchy.

Pros:

  • Silicone-free
  • Lightweight and blends easily
  • Helps makeup stay in place all day long

Cons:

  • None.

Best Primer For Mature Skin With Rosacea

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Primer Color Corrector – Redness Corrector

This primer from MAKEUP FOR EVER is an excellent option for mature skin with rosacea.

It’s green-tinted and helps to neutralize redness and give the skin an even tone.

It’s very lightweight and blends easily into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.

Once applied, it helps makeup stay in place all day long without creasing or looking patchy.

Pros:

  • Helps to neutralize redness
  • Lightweight and blends easily into the skin
  • Helps makeup stay in place all day long

Cons:

  • None.

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best primers for mature aging skin

Claire is a beauty enthusiast and lover of all things makeup. Her blog is a resource for makeup tips and tricks, product reviews and beauty tutorials.

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