11 best primers for mature skin, according to makeup artists & tested by us
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There was a time when the best primers for mature skin might have been considered superfluous to your makeup regime; a ‘nice to have’, but not necessarily a must. Today, however, experts agree that even a sheer layer of a high-quality primer can create a smooth, radiant base for your makeup.
“Mature skin can be drier, so it has a tendency to drink the foundation, creating a patchier look,” says Jeanine Lobell, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Neen. Adding a primer for dry skin with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter can help. You also might want to pick one that addresses your skin care concerns, whether it’s redness, large pores, or fine lines (we have plenty of those below). For the latter, just remember that while no product can completely erase wrinkles (if that’s what you’re after), they can help to reduce their appearance by filling in crevices and smoothing out texture.
Ahead, we asked makeup artists what mature skin primers they use on folks over 50, and dermatologists to share their professional recommendations and application tips. We also polled Glamour reviewers for their personal tried-and-true favourites to curate our list below.
Meet the experts:
| Gregory Arlt | Emmy-nominated makeup artist. |
|---|---|
| Jeanine Lobell | Celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Neen. |
| Laura Pucker | Makeup artist. |
| Natalie Dresher | Makeup artist. |
How we tested
We’ve tested more primers than we care to admit (seriously, our in-house beauty team went full-on for this edit, swiping, blending, and checking for that glow factor. We also did our homework – reading hundreds of reviews and picking the brains of top makeup artists about the products they reach for on clients over 50. The result? A list of the best primers for mature skin that actually deliver: smoothing, brightening, and giving your makeup a flawless finish.
Why you should trust us
Our team is made up of seasoned beauty journalists who’ve spent years testing, reviewing, and obsessing over every product imaginable. We don’t just take marketing claims at face value, we put everything to the test ourselves, interview experts, and dig into real customer experiences. If a product has made it onto our whittled down edits, it’s because we’ve tried it, loved it, and know it’ll deliver what it promises.
READ MORE: The best tinted moisturiser for mature skin.
Ahead, the best primers for mature skin, according to makeup artists in 2026.
Laneige is a top Korean skincare brand, and its products often go viral on social media for their formulas’ superior ability to deliver moisture to the skin.
“It makes your skin appear smoother and is also great for dryness and dull skin,” says Wendy Long Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The special ceramide-rich hydration gel locks in moisture without making the skin feel oily.
Suitable for all skin types, it also helps even out texture and give your complexion a reflective glow. GLAMOUR US Senior Commerce Editor Jenifer Calle, who has combination skin, is also a fan and says a few drops go a long way.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides | Size: 1 fl. oz.
- What we love: Smooths skin texture; locks in moisture; contains. diamond mineral powder; great for layering under makeup.
- What to note: Droplet bottle makes it hard to get the product out.
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READ MORE: The best serum for mature skin.
Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
No one does makeup for mature skin quite like Armani Beauty. Their formulas have an unrivalled silky finish, and this primer is no different — it elevates the look of any foundation.
The lightweight texture contains a skin-nourishing combo of shea butter and glycerin, which is great for softening and hydrating the skin, says makeup artist Ehman. “The firming formula leaves skin feeling both smoother and softer all day long,” she says.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone | Size: 1 oz.
- What we love: Radiant finish; suitable for all skin types; breathable.
- What to note: Expensive.
Save when you shop for the best toners for mature skin and best eye creams for mature skin with these Sephora discount codes.
Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer Hydrate
For mature skin, it’s ideal to choose a makeup primer that can also help address any complexion concerns, says Arlt, who personally recommends the Laura Geller Spackle. “When worn over moisturiser and sunscreen, it adds extra hydration, while keeping makeup intact,” he says. With hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it makes skin soft, supple, and ready for foundation. He likes to apply a pea-size amount on the centre of the face, starting on the nose and then blending outwardly. Be sure to wait about a minute or so to let it sink in before applying makeup.
“My skin felt like silk,” says Glamour reviewer Felicia T.W. “I’ve tried a variety of primers and often feel that they just sit on top of skin. This one left my face feeling refreshed, clean, and provided an even palate for me to apply my makeup.”
Key ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba seed oil, camellia sinensis extract, centella asiatica, squalane, aloe vera | Size: 2 fl. oz.
- What we love: Won’t settle into fine lines; hydrating; larger 2 oz. size.
- What to note: Unlike some other formulas that can be worn alone, the Blur and Brighten formula might be best worn under makeup to see its effects.
READ MORE: The best facial cleanser for ageing skin.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattifying Pro Filt’r Primer
This Fenty primer has a transparent, silky texture that glides onto the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast — something that can’t be said about many other primers. Maya Thosani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, specifically recommends this product for people with mature skin.
“With more fine lines to fill, make sure to choose a dimethicone-based primer like this one, since they tend to fill in the small lines, wrinkles, pores, and scars better,” she says. It’s also a top pick for those with oily skin, as the matte finish keeps shine under control, all day, without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry.
“I’m not typically a primer girl, as it can feel like extra work when I am in a rush,” says Glamour US contributor Holly Carter. “But I’m really into this formula — it’s super light and my skin looked more refreshed without any sort of ashy cast.”
Key ingredients: Blue algae extract, dimethicone | Size: 1 fl. oz.
- What we love: Matte finish; oil-free formula; no white cast.
- What to note: Some may prefer a dewy finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
This lightweight primer features unique ingredients like wild pansy, rose hip, and camellia extract, which all work together to revive dull-looking skin.
“The light-reflecting pigments reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and for those no-makeup makeup days, you can even use it as a tinted moisturiser,” says makeup artist Kenna Ehman, who calls this her favourite primer to use on mature skin. “The translucent formula also means it can be used on every skin tone to add luminosity.”
“I like the gold tint of this primer,” says Glamour US reviewer Krista Bennett DeMaio. “It instantly warmed up my skin tone and gave it a nice glow. And when I apply my foundation on top of the primer, it gives my skin a nice radiance without looking shiny or glittery.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, wild pansy, rose hip, and camellia extract | Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
- What we love: Soft-glow finish; contains collagen-supporting peptides.
- What to note: Expensive; doesn’t fill in pores like some others on our list.
Save when you shop for the best tinted moisturisers for mature skin with these Charlotte Tilbury discount codes at checkout.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum
If you are looking to give your skin a more luminous appearance without the use of shimmers or glitters that often settle into fine lines, then this is the primer to try. The lightweight serum contains a triple threat of niacinamide (which helps soothe redness), watermelon, and hyaluronic acid (which draws more water to the skin). It’s also entirely vegan and cruelty-free, plus great for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon, niacinamide | Size: 1.35 oz.
- What we love: Works for all skin types; gives skin a dewy look; reduces the appearance of pores.
- What to note: Some sizes sell out.
Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer
“Mature skin can be a bit more on the dry side, so it has a tendency to be thirsty and drink the foundation in certain areas, creating a patchier look,” explains makeup artist Lobell.
Her favourite primer to recommend is this ultra-moisturising formula with two different kinds of hyaluronic acid, one that’s more superficial and one that penetrates deeper into the skin. She’s also a fan of Nars Radiance Primer SPF 35, which smooths the skin’s surface while leaving it a little more luminous.
“It’s a winner as it also has [sun protection] along with dimethicone, which forms a protective layer over the skin that helps hold makeup in place, making it less likely to wear off during the day.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene | Size: 1.08 fl. oz.
- What we love: Super moisturising; leaves a glow.
- What to note: Better for dry skin.
Benefit the PoreFessional Face Primer
This silky, lightweight product is really versatile: You can use it under makeup as a primer, or over foundation to blur and to dull excess shine. “It fills fine lines and pores to make your skin look smoother, plus it contains a vitamin E derivative that adds an extra layer of protection against damaging free radicals,” says makeup artist Ehman. It also comes in a mini version if you want to try it out first before investing in the larger size.
“Smooth, airy, and soft — it goes on like butter,” says reviewer Sharmila N. of this mattifying primer. “I really like how weightless it is. It works great under my foundation with no pilling, and my skin looks even and polished.”
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, silica | Size: 0.25 oz., 0.75 oz., 1.5 oz.
- What we love: Reduces the appearance of pores; available in three sizes.
- What to note: Only comes in one shade; might be too heavy for oily skin.
Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better budget-friendly primer than this pick from Neutrogena, which works to even out your skin tone and give it a more radiant finish. “This silicone formula is packed with antioxidants, as well as vitamins C, A, and E, to nourish skin while acting as a lightweight concealer to smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections on all skin types,” says makeup expert Pucker. The addition of seaweed extract also helps to revitalize the appearance of dull skin.
Key ingredients: Seaweed extract | Size: 1 oz.
- What we love: Nongreasy feel; available in three different finishes.
- What to note: Needs some time to absorb.
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A favourite amongst all age groups, this hardworking water-based primer combines a cocktail of potent ingredients to keep the skin hydrated underneath makeup.
“It contains hemp-derived cannabis-seed extract, which is a powerful hydrator, plus aloe water to provide an added burst of moisture,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. It also contains niacinamide, an antioxidant that helps manage the signs of aging, seal in moisture, and give the skin a healthy, dewy finish. The standout ingredient is blue agave extract, which is known for its superior ability to grip to the skin, making this a top-performing primer.
“There’s so much to love about this jelly-like green-tinted primer, but I especially love how well my combo-to-oily skin drinks it up,” says Glamour US Commerce Writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It has a really silky, velvety finish that absorbs quickly, and the formula itself has a nice blend of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and even skin tone and texture. It’s quite plumping and softens out my fine lines, and plays well with all kinds of makeup products, whether you put a foundation or a tinted moisturiser on top. While I’m not quite in my mature-skin era yet, I can say I’ll be relying on this pick to help prep me for it.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue agave extract | Size: 45 ml
- What we love: Hydrating formula; cooling gel texture; also comes in mini size.
- What to note: Some may prefer a matte finish.
Yon-Ka Nude Perfect Fluide Face Primer
Not only does this formula minimise the appearance of pores, but it also shields skin from blue light and pollution, which can lead to visible signs of aging. “I love Yon-ka’s Nude Perfect Fluide for mature skin as a primer because it blurs imperfections with a very velvety texture,” says celebrity makeup artist Vasilios Tanis. “It’s silicone free and packed with ingredients that nourish the skin. The hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, which makes a more mature skin type more supple and radiant, and makeup is easier to apply.”
This primer goes on creamy, yet it’s lightweight and non-greasy, ideal for layering with other products without worry of pilling, says reviewer Bennett DeMaio. “I like that it contains hydrating and skin-protecting ingredients — it’s like a cream and primer in one.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, prickly pear, vitamin A, ashwagandha | Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
- What we love: Lightweight; redness reducing; protective.
- What we don’t like: Has a strong scent.
Primers for mature skin FAQs
Why should you use a mature skin primer?
“Primer is like Velcro for your makeup. It helps to blur fine lines and pores, keeps your makeup looking smooth, and adds a longer wear to your complexion products like foundation, concealer, and powder,” says Emmy-nominated makeup artist Gregory Arlt.
Think of your face as a blank canvas — a quality makeup primer helps smooth other layers of products and creates a nice base to work your magic, which can be helpful for all skin types, including mature skin. By combining the right primer with a mature skin foundation, you’ll have a flawless makeup look.
For those dealing with fine lines, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots), it’s important to look for products that are specially formulated to smooth, nourish, and brighten skin.
READ MORE: The best lipstick for older women.
Should those with mature skin use a primer?
Using makeup primer can be a great choice for people with mature skin. “The key is to look for hydrating ingredients, as well as pore- and line-filling silicones,” says makeup expert Laura Pucker.
“Silicone-based primers are great for filling in lines and pores; hydrating primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can plump up the skin; and primers with optical blurring powders can help diffuse the look of wrinkles.” This results in less creasing and a smoother surface for makeup. Just be aware that silicone can sometimes clog pores, so those with acne-prone skin may want to avoid a silicone-based primer. And don’t skip facial sunscreen — it’s nonnegotiable for protecting skin and mitigating signs of aging.
In addition to helping to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, primers can also help reduce the appearance of pores, redness, dark circles, and pigmentation. “If the person has a specific skin issue — such as lots of texture, deep pores, and expression lines — primers can be the ideal solution,” says makeup artist Natalie Dresher, especially if you prefer a natural look.
Does primer smooth the appearance of wrinkles?
While no product can claim to completely erase the appearance of wrinkles, primers may help to reduce their appearance. Instead of reaching for the concealer or a full-coverage base (which can lead to a cakey look), adding in a primer before your makeup can improve the texture of your skin and therefore achieve a better overall finish.
“The trick for me is to apply primer a bit after your moisturiser so it can get to work without the interference of too much moisture,” says Lobell. She suggests using your fingers and then applying foundation pretty quickly after so the primer can grab it to stay put. Shop the best moisturisers for mature skin here.
