10 Best Primers for Mature Skin That Don’t Settle, Slide, or Crease

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a primer for mature skin?

The best makeup primers for mature skin are made with gentle ingredients that support the unique beauty of aging skin. “More mature skin is often in need of a hydration boost, so humectants like glycerin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid are beneficial,” Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos explains. Along with nourishing your skin, a high-quality primer boosts the effectiveness of your other makeup products, creating a smooth, long-lasting base that locks in hydration and wears well. “Think of primer as double-sided tape for the face,” says Figueroa. “It locks in skin care, keeps your makeup in place, and prevents it from creasing or settling into fine lines and 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.

How should I choose a primer for mature skin?

Gray recommends focusing on hydrating and smoothing ingredients. “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.

Meet the experts

• Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
• Nydia Figueroa, a makeup artist based in New York City and New Jersey
• Emily Gray, a makeup artist based in Nashville
• Daniel Martin, a makeup artist and Tatcha’s global director of artistry based in New York City
• Rebecca Restrepo, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Lindsey Sanchez, a makeup artist based in Santa Paula, CA
• Kayla Shantal, a makeup artist and hair extension expert based in Las Vegas
• Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City

How we test and review products

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.

Our staff and testers

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.