As you age, collagen (the protein responsible for helping your skin look plump and smooth) and elastin (credited for the skin’s snap-back quality) start to decrease. Wrinkles are more prominent, and the skin feels drier. But, a smooth, plump, radiant complexion is still made possible with one of the best foundations for mature skin—and one of the best primers for mature skin.
The latter glides over fine lines, blurs pores, and keeps makeup in place. Beyond their makeup-extending abilities, primers for mature skin are often formulated with hydrating ingredients and smoothing agents that impart a subtle, healthy glow.
There’s certainly no shortage of makeup primers available, and the multi-purpose options do more than keep your makeup from budging. Formulas like NARS Light-Reflecting Primer instantly moisturize dry skin, while the REFY Glow Sculpt Face Primer de-puffs skin and helps boost radiance. Mature skin can also still get shiny. A primer with mattifying properties like Milk’s Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer is a solid pick to keep skin balanced without looking oily or overly dry.
Once you’ve sorted the best primer for your skin type and level of makeup wear, round out your routine with one of the best concealers for mature skin. Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best makeup primers for mature skin according to Marie Claire’s editors and tested by women over 50.
Best Primers for Mature Skin
- Best Makeup Primer for Mature Skin Overall: Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Touche Éclat Blur Primer
- Best Brightening Makeup Primer for Mature Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer
- Best Primer for Enlarged Pores: Il Makiage No Filter Poreless
- Best Hydrating Makeup Primer for Mature Skin: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
- Best Tightening Makeup Primer for Mature Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx No-Filter Firming Primer
Other Primers for Mature Skin I Love
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 vitamins C and E, as they can offer additional protection from environmental damage.
When Do I Apply Primer on Mature Skin?
Your primer goes between your skincare and makeup—but the application timing 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 Do I 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.” Place a small amount of product onto clean fingertips and gently massage the primer onto needed areas. “Focus on the areas where fine lines or texture are 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.”
Why Trust Marie Claire
Nykia Spradley is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. She spoke with makeup artists and experts about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best primers for mature skin on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Women aged 40+ were tapped to go through a rigorous testing period where they reviewed dozens of primers. After determining the top picks alongside makeup experts, they tested each foundation for its blurring effects, ingredient profiles, finish, texture, and feel to determine this list of the 21 best primers for mature skin. They also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.
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 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.