Every step in the makeup application process matters, and primer is just as important as foundation when it comes to enhancing your skin complexion. As we age, wrinkles and fine lines can become more noticeable, and a primer — more specifically, a primer formulated for mature skin — can help blur out those imperfections.
Think of it as a filter for your face. "A hydrating primer can actually make a huge difference in how makeup enhances mature skin, in the best way. Layering makeup on top of mature, dry skin without a hydrating base can sometimes pronounce fine lines and creases rather than create a smooth canvas," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens.
Primers work great at smoothing out imperfections, and there are certain things to look for before choosing one. "Additionally, a good primer can blur the appearance of fine lines and provide a radiant finish, enhancing the overall makeup look," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins.
I asked a few experts to share their favorite formulas and proper primer applications. We also added some favorites from our more mature editors at Shop TODAY.
Award-winning editor favorite$19.70$36.00
Best primers for mature skin, according to experts
Compact primer: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
- Feels like silk
- Helps makeup last longer
- Has a fragrance
Size: 0.24 oz. | Key ingredients: Silk extracts and silk powder
For those looking for a silky texture, choose a formula that combines hydrating ingredients and a smooth consistency. "This primer offers a soft-focus effect, filling in fine lines and creating a silky-smooth surface. It contains silk extracts that help hydrate and protect the skin, which is perfect for mature skin," says Collins.
All the vitamins: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Feels hydrating
- Might be heavy for oily skin
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Lentil seed extract
Makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic recommends this primer for mature skin for the different ingredients it contains such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. "Ingredients to look out for would be hyaluronic acid, peptides or antioxidants to help plump the skin. I also love formulas that add a subtle radiance to bring back that natural glow, especially if the skin tends to look dull or dry," she adds.
The formula is beloved by consumers for the plumping effect when mixed with foundation. It preps your skin and upgrades its glow for a healthy-looking complexion.
Multitasking cream: Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen
- Doesn't feel sticky
- Feels silky
- Scent can be strong
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, Pro-vitamin B5
Yes, you can wear a multitasking cream as a primer. Stephens says this cream by Olay is lightweight and works well as a makeup primer because of its ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen peptide that hydrate the skin and lead to a more radiant glow over time.
"It’s a true multi-tasking, five-in-one product that combines the benefits of a highly effective moisturizer, SPF protection, and primer in one step — making it an easy choice for both skin care and makeup prep," she adds.
Hydrating gel formula: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- Tacky to grip onto makeup
- Hydrating
- Contains lots of skin care
- Some say it pills
- Some don't like the smell
Size: 1.52 oz. | Key ingredients: Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe water
Makeup artist Priscilla Ashley previously spoke with Shop TODAY and recommended this primer. While it wasn't specifically recommended for mature skin, its ultra-hydrating ingredients make it an ideal option.
Additionally, Ashley said, "It has a tacky consistency that helps the foundation stick. It smooths out the skin beautifully and [...] hydrates [it] without making you look oily."
Blur the lines: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer
- Long-lasting
- Hydrating
- Has a watry feel
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
For ultra hydration, opt for a formula with hyaluronic acid (like this one, which helps to add a glowy complexion). It's "a hydrating primer with a dual-action formula that primes and moisturizes at the same time," shares Collins. "It’s ideal for mature skin because it contains hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin and ensure makeup stays fresh throughout the day."
SPF protection: Shiseido RevitalEssence Skin Glow Primer
- Offers SPF protection
- Helps moisturize skin
- Some experienced irritation
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, fermented kefir, prebiotics
Dr. Brendan Camp, a double-board certified dermatologist, recommends this makeup primer, which is formulated with SPF-25 protection. Its notable ingredients help provide hydration, making it ideal for those with dry skin who hope to achieve a moisturized, glowing complexion.
For a "radiant" base: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating
- Feels hydrating
- Dewy finish
- Tube is small
Size: 1.01 oz. | Key ingredients: Mineral-enriched water, rose extracts, glycerin
If you're looking for an everyday base that works well under makeup, opt for this primer by Laura Mercier. "This primer provides lasting hydration, which is key for mature skin that may be prone to dryness. It smooths the skin’s texture and creates a radiant base, ensuring makeup blends beautifully," says Collins.
Extends makeup wear: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer
- Ideal for oily skin
- Flawless finish
- Not for dry skin
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Silk powder, silk extracts and yeast extract
Dominic opts for this silky formula because it provides extended wear to your makeup. According to many shoppers, this formula helps blur the appearance of pores while evening out the texture of skin for a flawless makeup finish. If you need something buildable and extra coverage, this primer offers a great barrier.
Shine bright: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blue Face Primer
- Smooth finish
- Feels lightweight with makeup
- Not ideal for oily skin
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil and rice bran oil
Dominic recommends this primer for a brighter complexion. It's formulated with rich oils to help make your complexion smoother (and for your makeup to blend more easily). Shoppers call this a "miracle" primer for how well it covers the pores, plus it offers a slight shimmer to your face.
Best primers for mature skin, according to editors
A "blurring" effect: Caliray So Blown Pore-Minimizing and Hydrating Collagen Peptide Primer
- Hydrating
- Makeup applies smoothly
- Has fragrance
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, niacinamide, camellia oil
Associate editor Shannon Garlin says, "I usually don't wear primers and this one has got me back into that makeup realm. It says it has a blurring effect and helps me get a smooth effect when applying my concealer and foundation — it really does look blurred. I love that it has niacinamide and peptides," says Garlin.
For smoother skin: Laura Geller New York Spackle Primer
- Super hydrating
- Absorbs quickly
- Takes a few minutes to dry
Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E
This two-in-one, award-winning product works as a primer and moisturizer, creating a soft base for foundation. According to editor Amanda Fama, this one feels like a moisturizer and adds enough hydration.
"I'm new to makeup primers — and after trying this one from Laura Geller, I don't think I can go back to not using one. It's called a 'spackle' primer, and it feels like it spackles my skin, smoothing everything out before I apply layers of makeup. After wearing this, I've gotten compliments on how even my skin looks," she adds.
Skin upgrade: Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer
- Smooth finish
- Silky texture
- Slips off with foundation
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Celery seed extract, linseed oil, vitamin E, meadowfoam seed oil
I've been using Thrive Causemetics for the past four months, and all products have been game-changers. The infusion of vitamin E and various oils in this primer helps lessen the appearance of wrinkles and provide a blurring effect to your makeup.
A hidden filter: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx No-Filter Primer
- Feels smooth
- Firmer skin
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Seaweed extract
"My mom is 53 and I gifted her this Peter Thomas Roth primer after she tried and loved the brand’s eye tightener. The products have similar effects to reduce the look of fine lines and pores and help your makeup apply flawlessly," says production associate Audrey Ekman.
Many shoppers say they have experienced instant firmness after applying this product. However, it's recommended to let your skin dry first before applying the primer.
A firm outlook: Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30
- Covers fine lines
- Doesn't irritate
- Small tube for price value
Size: 0.75 oz. | Key ingredients: Peptides
Dermalogica offers a line of dermatologist-tested products that I feel confident using. This formula offers SPF-30 coverage and an anti-aging treatment to protect and prep your skin before makeup.
What are the benefits of a primer?
According to Collins, when you start your makeup application with a primer that has hydrating ingredients, "you’re creating a canvas that will help to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores."
"It also provides an added layer of hydration, which is especially important as the skin tends to become drier with age. Additionally, a good primer can blur the appearance of fine lines and provide a radiant finish, enhancing the overall makeup look," shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens.
Aside from providing a smoother complexion, it helps the makeup application last longer.
Camp tells us, "Face primers are typically applied prior to makeup by preparing your skin for the application of cosmetics. They help makeup adhere to skin more effectively, increase the duration of makeup products while minimizing the likelihood that they will crease or crack."
What type of primer is best for mature skin?
For mature skin, Collins recommends a hydrating or illuminating primer.
"These types of primers provide extra moisture and create a smoother, more youthful-looking canvas. Look for primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides, which help to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A primer with light-reflecting properties can also enhance radiance and minimize the appearance of any imperfections," she adds.
"Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can help boost hydration and elasticity. Primers with a blurring effect are also ideal, as they help smooth the skin’s texture and blur the appearance of fine lines," says Collins.
Additionally, she suggests avoiding primers with a matte finish as they "can make your skin look drier or emphasize texture."
As for Dominic, she says, "Typically, a more hydrating, plumping, dewy or glowy primer is better for mature skin — although if you have oily skin, then matte and blurring would be the better option."
Camp agrees that hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are two key ingredients to look for. He says, "Primers are useful to address changes with mature skin that may affect how makeup appears and sits on the skin. Hydrating ingredients can lessen the appearance of fine lines and smooth out imperfections."
"It’s also a plus if your primer contains SPF, as it protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB, helping to slow the signs of aging over time," adds Stephens.
Frequently asked questions
According to Collins, "Face primer is formulated to smooth and prepare the skin for makeup application, ensuring that foundation and other products apply evenly and last longer. It is often hydrating or mattifying, depending on your skin type."
On the other hand, eye primers are specifically designed for the delicate skin around the eyes. "It [eye primer] helps to create a smooth surface for eyeshadow, prevent creasing and increase the longevity of eye makeup. Eye primers also typically have a more lightweight, often more creamy texture to cater to the sensitive eye area," adds Collins.
According to Dominic, less is more when it comes to using a primer. "In general, pump a pea-sized amount of primer to your finger, warm the product up between your fingertips, then press it into your skin, focusing it in the center of your face," says Dominic.
"To apply primer properly, start with clean, moisturized skin. Use a small amount of primer — about a pea-sized amount — and apply it evenly to your face using your fingers or a makeup brush," says Collins.
It is recommended to focus on areas that tend to show more signs of aging, such as the forehead, around the mouth and under the eyes.
"Patting the primer in (rather than rubbing) helps ensure a smooth, even layer. Allow the primer to set for a minute before applying foundation to ensure it fully absorbs into the skin," concludes Collins.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with dermatologists and asked for their top-recommended primers for mature skin. We even requested that editors on our team share their most coveted primers, along with those used by editors' parents who also have mature skin.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a Harvard-trained and board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Alexis Stephens is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lex Dermatology and Aesthetics.
- Priscilla Ashley is a makeup artist based in New York, New York.
- Caitlyn Dominic is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based makeup artist.
- Kim Paige is a professional makeup artist and beauty editor.
