The Best Makeup Primers for Mature Skin, According to Editors and Makeup Artists

While you can go straight from skincare to foundation application, applying one of the best primers in between is typically worthwhile. Their powers are seemingly endless, with the ability to blur pores, grip onto makeup, or even color-correct with tinted pigments. But as we age, finding—and using—the best primers for mature skin is even more important; they can make all the difference. With hydrating ingredients and smoothing agents, these typically glow-boosting products can prevent makeup from settling into fine lines, plump the skin, and provide a subtle, healthy glow that highlights and brightens the complexion.

Thankfully, primers are not in short supply. New launches have delivered some of the most effective plumping formulas to date. NARS just released a new light-reflecting primer that instantly moisturizes dry skin, while REFY created a primer that’s both de-puffing and radiance-boosting. Some primers have a long-standing cult-favorite status among those with mature skin, too. Valentino, Bobbi Brown, and MAC are all makeup artist staples.

To get the full breakdown on the makeup primers I swear by (I've tested well over 80), and discover those loved by makeup artists, read ahead.

The Best Primers for Mature Skin

Valentino V-Lighter Illuminating Face Primer and Highlighter With Hyaluronic Acid

Makeup artist Natalie Dresher swears by this primer for anyone over the age of 45. “It’s infused with skincare to hydrate the skin and allows for the foundation to glide on smoothly,” she shares. “It really gives the finished product a skin-like feel even if that foundation on top is full coverage.” It’s multi-use too, so you can use it as a primer or add a few drops to the cheekbones for an instant highlight.

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; multi-purpose; hydrating

Cons: None

NARS Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer

NARS has a handful of high-performing products in its arsenal, but its latest launch is the best suited for mature skin types. Formulated with the trifecta of hydrating ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalane, and peptides—this silky textured product delivers instant moisture the second it touches the skin. Every time I layer this under my foundation, I notice that my foundation stays on longer and doesn’t sink into fine lines. It also provides a slight cooling effect, which is a welcome sensation in the summer heat.

Pros: Deeply hydrating; cooling sensation; silky texture

Cons: Smells a little funky

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

You don’t want to lather a mattifying primer all over your face, as it can “really bring out fine lines, wrinkles, and even expression lines," says Dresher. But a controlled application might be necessary in certain areas if you have an oily T-Zone. Ordinary is the brand best equipped to handle the job. Not only is the product insanely affordable (it’s under $7!!!), but it also has a grippy texture that blurs over pores and holds onto makeup all day long.

Pros: Affordable; holds onto makeup

Cons: Can look cakey if overused

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer

J-Beauty products are known for excelling at product elegance, which is precisely why this Tatcha primer lands at the top of our list. I can’t get over how soft and smooth this glides onto my skin—it floats over fine lines. The best part about this formula, though, is how effectively it brightens the skin. Formulated with pink and gold pearls, it gives the skin a subtle radiance and shimmer.

Pros: Great texture; brightens with pearls; provides environmental protection

Cons: Expensive

Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer With Niacinamide

Chances are, you’ve seen this roller bar primer across your TikTok page—it went viral as soon as it launched. It’s easy to see why. Not only does it help depuff your face and your under-eyes, but it also leaves behind a hydrating and slightly grippy primer that allows for flawless makeup application. I like to start in the center of my face and roll outward, but you can use the product however feels best to you.

Pros: Depuffing action with roller ball; hydrating formula

Cons: A little too tacky for some

Also Recommended

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer

Makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran names this as her preferred primer for mature skin, thanks to it’s luxe formula—and shade range. “It’s incredibly lightweight and contains hydrating ingredients that help to smooth and plump the skin,” she explains. “What sets it apart is that Its silicone-free and comes in two shades, which most primers don't offer. The texture is a lightweight gel that does not feel heavy, which is a major factor for me as I prefer a weightless finish.”

Pros: Makeup artist-recommended; available in two shades; silicone-free

Cons: Has a scent

Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Illuminating Priming Serum With Niacinamide

Alicia Keys' popular beauty brand, Keys Soulcare, crafted this serum to be suitable for oily, dry, and combination skin. It contains niacinamide, which minimizes the appearance of pores without causing irritation. The serum also brightens skin, thanks to natural, hydrating ingredients such as rosewater and squalane. Finally, it has a fast-absorbing, matte finish that makes makeup application a breeze.

Pros: Suitable for all skin types; Black-owned brand; Natural ingredients

Cons: Small container

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base Primer & Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid

If you feel like your complexion looks a little dull or sunken, allow me to turn you onto this Bobbi Brown creation. It’s been around for decades and maintains its cult-favorite status for a very good reason. A small, dime-sized application of this vitamin-C-enriched cream will perk up your skin’s color and firmness almost instantaneously. It has a slight fruity scent that will wake up your entire being, too.

Pros: Refreshing scent; brightens skin; provides antioxidant protection

Cons: Feels heavy

Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum

Sensitive skin can occur at any age. The number one dermatologist suggestion to avoid irritation: Steer clear of fragrance. That’s where Ilia’s gentle face primer comes into play. With non-irritating ingredients (no silicones, fragrances, or oils), this maintains a high-quality texture that glides onto the skin. Plus, its star ingredient, beta-glucan, actively helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros: Good for sensitive skin; fragrance-free

Cons: A little watery so it doesn't grip makeup

Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer

Luminous Silk Foundation is perhaps one the most well-known products in the beauty world. But the foundation’s little sister (and right hand!) is key to getting the best Luminous Silk result. Glycerin and shea butter are the product’s star ingredients. They work to hydrate the skin, but, more importantly, create a soft-to-the-touch texture. I swear my redness disappears when I use this, so much so that I occasionally skip foundation altogether.

Pros: Hydrating ingredients; can be worn alone; reduces redness

Cons: Expensive

Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer

Typically blurring formulas are accompanied by matte finishes—the antithesis of what you want for mature skin. That’s what makes this Iconic London makeup-skincare hybrid so special. It has a glowy finish thanks to powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, but also includes blurring powders to provide a soft focus finish against fine lines and large pores. In my book, that’s a win-win.

Pros: Can be worn with foundation or alone; hydrating; blurs over fine lines

Cons: Bottle can be messy

Estee Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

As we age, our skin naturally becomes a little drier and rougher. That makes it all the more important to flood your face with hydration, which is exactly what this Estee Lauder primer set out to do. In fact, clinical studies have shown that the watery face primer boosts skin’s hydration three times over. Every time I apply this primer, I’m pleasantly surprised by the cooling gel texture that feels like a refreshing pick-me-up for my skin.

Pros: Moisture boosts lasts all day long; doesn’t pill under makeup

Cons: Small jar

Hourglass Nº 28™ Primer Serum

Despise the tacky texture that coincides with the majority of primers? Good news: you’ll love this Hourglass pick. It has more of an oil-like texture sinks into the skin and delivers 28 different skincare ingredients, including essential oils, plant oils, and vitamins. Because of its skin-first, deeply nourishing composition, you can use this product as a makeup primer, overnight serum, and even as a hair oil.

Pros: Versatile; uses botanical ingredients like essential oils; doubles as a hair serum

Cons: Expensive

Chanel La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer

With a thin layer of this superstar Chanel primer, rough patches, blemishes, skin crepiness, or little lines will instantly fade. How, you ask? It’s all due to an incredible ingredient makeup. Inside, you’ll find itty-bitty blurring powders, light-reflecting particles responsible for evening our skin texture, and hyaluronic acid, which provides an instant plumping effect.

Pros: Has antioxidant protection thanks to blue and red algae; good for uneven skin texture

Cons: Expensive

Revitalessence Skin Glow Hydrating Primer

Unprotected sun exposure isn’t just unsafe (it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer), it can also bring out age spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. While you should always use one of the best sunscreens, a makeup primer that contains SPF is an added bonus. I love this Shiseido formula, which is light, dewy, and leaves dryness-prone skin hydrated for well over eight hours, and is especially nice if you're over the age of 50.

Pros: Contains spf; light texture; blurring properties

Cons: Can leave a bit of a white cast

Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer

Your skin is in for a cool treat with this little guy. Not only will you experience a refreshing sensation upon application, but you’ll also get a tightening effect thanks to the brand’s cryo-firming complex. Natural marine extracts tighten up pores and smooth over fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin refreshed and renewed after just one use.

Pros: Cooling feeling; tightens and firms the skin

Cons: Some report pilling with the wrong skincare

What to Look for in a Face Primer for Mature Skin

• Glowy Finish

Matte finishes tend to not only further dry out mature skin, but also emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why Dresher does her best to avoid them, opting for glowy or dewy finishes instead. These provide a soft and youthful-looking finish to the skin.

• Ingredient Profile

“Hydrating smoothing primers are best suited for mature skin as they contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, and shea butter,” explains Jaikaran. “These are simply better suited as they help to plump the skin and give a more radiant, glowy finish.” You might also want to look for antioxidants like vitamin C and E, as they can offer additional protection from environmental damage.

When to Apply Primer on Mature Skin

Your primer goes between your skincare and makeup—but the timing of application is key to a flawless finish. “I like to apply primer five minutes after skin prep, and five minutes prior to makeup application,” says Dresher. “This allows the product to really soak into the skin and dry properly before adding more product on top.”

How to Apply Primer for Mature Skin

When applying product—be it primer, concealer or foundation—to mature skin, stick with a less is more motto. “Generally, it’s best to approach application using a moderate amount of product,” says Jaikaran. “Too little won’t allow a smooth finish, and too much may create a heavier look.” Just place a small amount of product onto clean fingertips and gently massage the primer into needed areas. “Focus on the areas where any fine lines or texture is more pronounced. With primer and all of your skincare, ensure you apply in an upward or circular motion so you’re not pulling the face down,” she adds.

Should I Apply Different Primers for Various Concerns?

Chances are, you’ll only need one hydrating primer for your skin. But, if you have certain concerns—like an oily T-Zone or rougher texture on the side of your face—you may consider cocktailing a few different options. “You can use a pore-filling primer in the nose area or a smoothing primer everywhere else,” explains Jaikaran. “It’s a targeted approach that can help address specific concerns more effectively.”

Meet the Experts

Natalie Dresher is a celebrity and bridal makeup artist in Miami and New York. With many years of experience in her field, Natalie has become a trusted name in the beauty community. Working with brands like Saie Beauty, Revlon, Maybelline and Dibs she has a lot of experience working with our favorites under her wing.

Jaleesa Jaikaran

Jaleesa Jaikaran works as a professional makeup artist in beauty, fashion and product development projects. She is also the host of the 'Life of a Makeup Artist' podcast and represents several brands for events and education purposes.

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