The 12 Best Primers for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists

Taking the extra step to prep your makeup with one of the best primers for mature skin can make a big, hydrating difference. And if you're not already a self-identified primer lover, keep in mind these worth-it formulas do way more than help your makeup last all day. The primers promote plumper skin, soften fine lines, and boost radiance, sweetening the package deal. Get the low-down on the best primers for mature skin, plus, insight from cosmetic chemists and makeup artists.

Our Top Picks

• Best Primer for Mature Skin Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer, $42
• Illumination Nation: Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base, $54
• Best Primer for Combination Skin: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer, $54
• Best Primer for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, $38
• Best Primer for Oily Skin: Nyx Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer, $15
• Filter in a Tube: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer, $55
• A Tried-and-True Moisturizing-Primer Hybrid: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer, $69
• Glassy Skin Ahead: Laneige Primer Serum, $32
• SPF-Boosted Favorite: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, $38

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of primers for mature skin?
• How should I choose a primer for mature skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Primer for Mature Skin Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer

Why it's worth it: Smashbox was one of the first brands to introduce primers, defining the category with its Photo Finish line in 2000, and with time, they've only gotten better. This formula boasts all the goodness of a skin-loving serum (hi, antioxidants, probiotic extract, vitamins, and algae), all with the staying power of a primer. The Photo Finish Primerizer+ Super Hydrating Primer has not one, not two, but three forms of hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide, to brighten and plump skin while keeping your makeup locked in. It's also silicone-free, which lends a lightweight, breathable feel.

As for the science bit? "[This primer] contains trehalose, a sugar molecule known for its ability to protect proteins and other biomolecules under various stress conditions like extreme temperatures and dehydration," cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos elaborates.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, probiotic extract | Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with dry skin | Longevity: hydration for up to 72 hours | Fragrance-free: yes

Illumination Nation: Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base

Why it's worth it: We all have those days when our complexion looks lackluster, even after a million-step skin-care routine. But don't sweat it—at least according to makeup artist Molly Stern. She loves Chanel's Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base for its brightening abilities and staying power. As for the formula, witch hazel reduces the appearance of pores while licorice extract steps in to even out skin tone. For more (but still subtle) coverage, you can mix a few drops of foundation into the primer.

Key ingredients: witch hazel, licorice extract, glycerin | Who it's for: those with dull skin | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no

Best Primer for Combination Skin: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer

Why it's worth it: Makeup artist Emily Gray sings the praises of Tatcha's The Liquid Silk Canvas, calling it "the most lightweight primer" she's ever used. Infused with silk extract, it hydrates the skin and helps blur the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. This stuff also contains pink and gold pearl powder that works wonders to even out and brighten the skin. But the coolest part? This primer is inspired by traditional Japanese beauty processes, namely bintsuke, a thin layer of soft wax geisha use under their makeup to create a smooth, grippy canvas.

Key ingredients: silk extract, green tea, algae extract | Who it's for: those with combination skin types or people targeting pores | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no

Best Primer for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Why it's worth it: Makeup artist Nydia Figueroa swears by the 2020 Reader's Choice Award-winning Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, which she calls a staple in her kit. Because of its hyaluronic acid and niacinamide content, this formula nourishes the skin while creating a no-budge base. "This primer is ideal for mature skin because it delivers instant results and keeps makeup in place for up to 12 hours," Figueroa explains. Its silky gel formula glides on smoothly, and it only takes a little bit of product to create an all-over, seamless base. Rub on one to two pumps, letting the primer dry for 60 seconds before moving on to the glam portion of your routine.

Key ingredients: blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Who it's for: everyone, but especially those prone to dryness | Longevity: up to 12 hours | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Primer for Oily Skin: Nyx Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer

Why it's worth it: Toss your blotting paper and slather on a layer of Nyx's Professional Makeup's Pore Filler Primer instead. A drugstore favorite, this vegan, tinted, and water-based formula is a game-changer—helping crepey skin look blurred, shiny skin look matte, fine lines appear softer, and pores look smaller. It's so popular Nyx came out with a stick version of the primer for more targeted application. If you have combination skin, layer it over moisturizer on particularly dryness-prone areas.

Key ingredients: dimethicone, glycerin, vitamin E | Who it's for: people prone to oil or large pores | Longevity: up to 12 hours | Fragrance-free: yes

Filter in a Tube: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer

Why it's worth it: What's in a name? Actually, no—what's in a primer? Charlotte Tilbury's Wonderglow Face Primer is designed to give you the ultimate glow, thanks to light-diffusing particles, peptides, wild pansy, and hyaluronic acid. This serum-like formula blurs fine lines and provides up to 24 hours of hydration, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. It doubles as a highlighter in a pinch; tap the primer onto your brow bones and cheekbone for a sweet little glow.

Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil | Who it's for: anyone seeking a dewy or glowing finish | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no

A Tried-and-True Moisturizing-Primer Hybrid: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer

Why it's worth it: Vitamin-rich, dreamy, creamy, and so hydrating, Bobbi Brown’s Face Base Moisturizer and Primer check all our boxes. Its cushiony, skin-loving formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and shea butter to nourish and keep your makeup in place all day. It smells terrific, too, with no synthetics necessary, thanks to natural grapefruit extract.

Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Who it's for: everyone | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: yes

Glassy Skin Ahead: Laneige Primer Serum

Why it's worth it: If you don’t love the stickiness factor of gel primers, Laneige’s Primer Serum is a lovely alternative. This lightweight formula keeps your makeup locked in all day, but also can be used as the last step of your skin-care routine as a straight-up serum. The diamond mineral powder and ceramides work together to add glassiness to crepey skin, balance oil, and, of course, prime your glam.

Key ingredients: diamond mineral powder, ceramides, olive oil | Who it's for: people who want a very skin-care-forward formula | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: yes

SPF-Boosted Favorite: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Why it's worth it: Dobos explains that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen benefits don't stop at UV protection. "It's my daily broad-spectrum SPF and primer because it contains the same type of elastomer in primers," she says. Like a gel primer, the non-greasy formula—enriched with nourishing meadowfoam seed oil—is invisible under makeup. UV protection is essential at every age, so even if you already have some sun damage (we get it—sunscreen guidelines have changed a lot over the years!), it's best to prevent any more harm.

Key ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4%, meadowfoam seed oil | Who it's for: people who want UV protection | Longevity: not specified; two hours or so (SPF) | Fragrance-free: yes

For a Bronzy Goddess Finish: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Glow Serum

Why it's worth it: The Yummy Skin Glow Priming Serum by Danessa Myricks is a must-try for anyone looking to amp up the radiance of their makeup. "This serum is especially great for mature skin as it minimizes pores and adds hydration," explains Figueroa. Plus, it features the holy trinity of skin-care ingredients, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which provide a powerful one-two punch against dark spots and discoloration.

Start your base routine with the brand's Yummy Skin Serum Foundation for a match made in makeup heaven. "This foundation is the very definition of luminous," former associate news editor Gabi Thorne said in her review. "My skin looked extremely glowy without an ounce of highlighter on my face."

KeyiIngredients: squalane, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people with discoloration | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no

Coconut-Scented Goodness: Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer

Why it's worth it: Tarte's Base Tape Hydrating Primer is too good to miss. Infused with moisturizing jojoba, coconut, and vitamin E, this hydrating makeup primer replenishes thirsty skin and leaves it baby-soft. Figueroa says, "It's like applying a moisturizer, but it also helps your makeup stay put all day." Heads up—it has the faint scent of coconut, so if you're fragrance-sensitive, this might not be the one for you.

Key ingredients: coconut, jojoba, centella asiatica | Who it's for: those with dry skin | Longevity: up to 12 hours | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Blurring Large Pores: Caliray So Blown Blurring Collagen Primer

Why it's worth it: The formula behind Caliray's Blurring Collagen Peptide Primer always does the trick, smoothing out roughness and dryness, making quick work of large-looking pores with finely milled powders (a combination of silica, polymers, and adipic acid). Then niacinamide, vitamin E, and camellia oil step in to replenish moisture. What sets it apart most, however, is the addition of a peptide that boosts collagen production, creating firmer skin and promoting elasticity over time.

Key Ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, camellia oil | Who it's for: people who want a versatile option | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Primers for mature skin are formulated with ingredients that cater to the needs of your beautifully aging visage. "More mature skin is often in need of a hydration boost, so humectants like glycerin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid are beneficial," Dobos explains. Along with nourishing your skin, a quality primer also helps extend the effectiveness of your other skincare products. "Think of primer as double-sided tape for the face," says Figueroa. "It locks in skincare, keeps your makeup in place, and prevents it from settling into fine lines or wrinkles."

"The primary ingredients in most primers are silicone elastomers," says Dobos. "Elastomers are flexible polymers that can be pulled and stretched without breaking. They also have good adhesion to the skin and are responsible for the grip primers have on pigments." She explains that these polymers also scatter light, which is responsible for that beloved blurring effect of primers.

Makeup artist Emily Gray recommends focusing on skin-forward ingredients that hydrate and smooth. "Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients because it has numerous well-studied and proven benefits, including antioxidant activity, skin tone evening, and the ability to strengthen the skin barrier," Dobos adds. If your skin has gotten oilier with age, Dobos suggests looking for primers with mattifying ingredients. "Many primers contain highly absorptive powder like silica or non-pearlescent mica to maintain a more matte appearance."

You'll also want to read the back of the bottle to avoid a few pesky ingredients that can exacerbate aging-related skin concerns. "Avoid formulations that contain stripping ingredients and unnecessary oils," Gray warns, as these can emphasize signs of mature skin. Opt for a lightweight primer that won't settle into fine lines or wrinkles, creating a smooth canvas for foundation and concealer.

• Nydia Figueroa, a makeup artist
• Emily Gray, a makeup artist
• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist
• Molly Stern, a makeup artist

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best primers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

All the hydrating skin care and makeup you could ever need for a flawless base, regardless of age:

• These Indulgent Creams Work Extra Hard for Mature Skin
• These Foundations Won't Accentuate Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• The Best Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists

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