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Taking the extra step to prep with one of the best primers for mature skin before getting glam can make a big, hydrating difference. If you're not already a self-identified primer lover, these formulas do way more than help your makeup last all day—they also promote plumper skin, soften fine lines, and boost glow.
Especially as aging faces undergo the hormonal changes of menopause, primers with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can deliver plenty of benefits, helping base makeup apply more evenly on top while keeping skin radiant. Get the low-down on the best primers for mature skin here, plus insight from cosmetic chemists and makeup artists to achieve your longest-lasting looks yet.
Our Top Primers for Mature Skin
- Best Overall: Hourglass Illusion Priming Moisturizer, $58
- Best for Dull Skin: Chanel La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer, $56
- Best for Oily Skin: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, $39
- Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer, $11
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of a primer for mature skin?
- How should I choose a primer for mature skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Hourglass Illusion Priming Moisturizer
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Hourglass
Illusion Priming Moisturizer
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: For mature skin, the best face primer isn’t just about helping makeup last (though this one does)—it’s about creating a smoother, more hydrated base that won’t call attention to fine lines or dryness. Hourglass’s Illusion Priming Moisturizer has a silky, lightweight formula that “creates a diffusing effect on mature skin,” says New York City-based makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo.
Squalane, ceramides, and sweet almond oil replenish moisture and support the barrier, while multiple forms of hyaluronic acid plump and soften the look of wrinkles. Niacinamide and adenosine also work together to brighten, smooth, and improve overall texture.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, ceramides, sweet almond oil, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, adenosine
- Who it's for: people with dry skin and fine lines
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
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Bobbi Brown
Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Vitamin-rich, creamy, and so hydrating, Bobbi Brown's Face Base Moisturizer and Primer checks all of our boxes. This Best of Beauty Award-winning formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and shea butter to nourish your skin and keep your makeup in place all day. It smells terrific, too, with no synthetics necessary, thanks to natural grapefruit extract.
"This is a must-have in my kit for mature skin; it acts as a moisturizer and a primer in one," says New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard. “It's essential that you're hydrating and plumping aging skin to give it a fresh, dewy glow.”
Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“This takes hydrating primers to a different level. It's an absolute powerhouse of a base product, packed with vitamins and nutrients. With a gentle scent and creamy, soft texture, it glides over my skin and absorbs instantly. My skin is breakout-prone and can be irritated by oily primers, but this hydrates and holds without sparking a breakout. It keeps my makeup in place all day and prevents foundation from drying out my skin.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Who it's for: people with normal or oily skin
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Chanel La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer
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Chanel
La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer
Chanel
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For some of us, we’ll admit it doesn’t take more than the word Chanel to make us ooh and aah. But La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer backs up the buzz. Designed to smooth, hydrate, and subtly illuminate, it’s especially flattering for mature skin with ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich microalgae, and pearlescent blurring powders.
If you’re worried about too much shimmer, rest assured: “It has gentle light-reflecting pigment that’s super fine—not too sparkly—so it looks natural, gives your skin, and your foundation that inner radiance, youthful glow-from-within look,” says New York City-based makeup artist Nick Barose.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, blue micro-algae, red algae
- Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with dry or dull skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Skin: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
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Danessa Myricks
Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: People often assume mature skin automatically equals dry skin, but that’s not always the case. While oil production can slow with age, hormones, dehydration, and genetics mean many people still deal with shine. For those in that camp, “I love that Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder doesn’t highlight pores or wrinkles but still leaves the skin looking polished and ready for foundation,” says Kayla Shantal, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas. The balm-to-powder formula uses upsalite and kaolin clay to control excess oil while creating a smooth, matte base.
That's not all: Hyaluronic acid adds lightweight hydration, while olive-derived squalane locks it in so your skin doesn’t fall flat. Every swipe of this 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner gets you a blurred finish that doesn’t cling to texture, and with a versatile shade range—including a universal/clear option—it’s easy to find your match.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: upsalite, squalane, hyaluronic acid, kaolin clay
- Who it's for: people with oily skin
- Shades: 22
- Longevity: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Embryolisse Mattifying Moisturizer
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Embryolisse
Mattifying Moisturizer
Amazon
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: Just because it’s not labeled as a primer doesn’t mean it can’t do the job well. Embryolisse’s Mattifying Moisturizer pulls double duty as a texture-refining base, evening things out while also keeping skin comfortably hydrated. “It softens rough patches without feeling tight, and it keeps everything looking natural instead of shiny,” says Shantal.
Fine plant-based powders further blur rough or uneven areas while absorbing excess oil, creating a smoother surface for makeup. At the same time, glycerin and squalane replenish moisture so makeup won’t cling to dry spots, and turmeric extract improves the look of uneven tone.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: plant-based powder, glycerin, squalane, turmeric extract
- Who it's for: people with uneven texture or tone
- Longevity: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
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E.L.F. Cosmetics
Power Grip Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: It used to feel like primers sucked the life out of your skin—after all, how can makeup really stay put on a dewy base? The trick to e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Power Grip Primer is letting the lightweight gel set for about 30 seconds before applying makeup. From there, it creates that signature tacky (but not sticky) grip that locks everything in place without flattening your glow.
What makes it especially appealing for mature skin is its ability to balance hold with hydration. “It has hyaluronic acid, which helps the appearance of skin look smoother,” says Restrepo. “The gel also acts like a veil on the skin, so it doesn’t look heavy or settle into fine lines,” she adds. Glycerin and niacinamide add moisture and smooth texture, while rosemary and peppermint leaf waters lend a subtle toning effect and a fresh, cooling feel with each application.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide
- Who it's for: everyone, especially people with dry skin
- Longevity: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Large Pores: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
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Tatcha
The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Tatcha
Why it's worth it: Nashville-based makeup artist Emily Gray sings the praises of Tatcha's The Liquid Silk Canvas, calling it "the most lightweight primer" she's ever used. A blurring primer infused with silk extract, it hydrates while softening the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. "It locks down base makeup for hours of wear, does not alter your foundation pigment, and works with both water-based and cream foundations,” adds Daniel Martin, a New York City-based makeup artist and Tatcha’s global director of artistry. It also contains pink and gold pearl powders that even out and brighten the skin.
But the coolest part? This primer is inspired by traditional Japanese beauty routines, namely bintsuke, a thin layer of soft wax that geisha use under their makeup to create a smooth, grippy canvas.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: silk extract, green tea, algae extract
- Who it's for: everyone, especially those targeting texture, pores, or fine lines
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Lightweight: Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer
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Tarte
Base Tape Hydrating Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Launched on the heels of Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer's massive success, Base Tape Hydrating Primer was designed to deliver the same smooth, perfected finish to your prep step. Infused with moisturizing jojoba, coconut, and vitamin E, it replenishes thirsty skin and leaves it baby-soft. Meanwhile, soothing Centella asiatica (more commonly known as cica) helps tackle fine lines and boost skin’s elasticity.
In other words, skin-care lovers, this one's for you. It's like applying a moisturizer, but it also helps your makeup stay put all day," New York- and New Jersey-based makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says. " Heads-up: There’s a faint scent of coconut, so if you're fragrance-sensitive, this might not be the one for you.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut, jojoba, Centella asiatica
- Who it's for: those with dry skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best with SPF: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
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Charlotte Tilbury
Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: While we’re not exactly chasing “flawless” skin over here (we’re very much about embracing what makes you, you), we’re also not mad at anything that helps makeup look a little smoother and more even. We always suggest applying a separate layer of sunscreen underneath your makeup, but an SPF-infused primer can add some extra protection against UV rays (and we’d never say no to that).
Charlotte Tilbury’s Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 is also made with brightening vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. Plus, an extract from African mahogany tree bark helps shrink the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles for a super-smooth base.
Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein
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“My biggest beauty flaw is that I constantly forget to apply sunscreen (a total skin sin, I know), but I don't have to fret about that when I have Charlotte Tilbury's Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 in my makeup bag. Not only does it provide sun protection, but it also grips my complexion products in place all day long while feeling totally weightless on my skin.” —Jennifer Hussein, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamins C and E, shea butter, camellia seed oil
- Who it's for: all skin types
- Longevity: moisturizes for up to 24 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Lips: Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
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Sarah Creal
Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Sephora
Model Marnie Herald applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Marnie Herald
Why it’s worth it: It’s colorless, lightweight, and pocket-sized, but Sarah Creal’s Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment has major priming powers and creates the perfect base for any lip color, especially on mature lips. “This is a go-to for clients over 40 because it prevents feathering and keeps lip color in place with honey polymer, which grips onto color for longer wear,” Santa Paula, California-based makeup artist Lindsey Sanchez told Allure. “You can even use it around your mouth to soften the look of fine lines.”
As the name suggests, the formula includes peptides to support collagen and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, helping lipstick glide on effortlessly and look its absolute best.
Herald before applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Marnie Herald
Herald after applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Marine Herald
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, lactic acid
- Who it's for: those with dry lips and fine lines around the mouth
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Long-Lasting: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer
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Milk Makeup
Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For the right amount of glow (no harsh sparkles or glitter, we promise), there’s the Best of Beauty Award-winning Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer. Sister to the brand’s viral Hydro Grip primer, this version pairs hydrating hyaluronic acid and tone-evening niacinamide with light-reflecting pearls for a brightening boost that doesn’t cling to uneven texture in your skin. Blue agave extract helps lock makeup in place for up to 12 hours, while glycerin draws moisture into the skin to keep it looking plump and smooth, softening the appearance of fine lines.
Soothing aloe and cactus flower extracts add a layer of comfort, while hemp seed extract supports the skin barrier. The subtle tint pulls it all together, giving skin a soft radiance that pretty much doubles as a built-in highlighter.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“As a self-proclaimed professional concert-goer, I need something to make my makeup last. This slick goo goes on to feel weightless and—like the name says—grips makeup through dancing, sweating, and scream-singing. My foundation and heavy liner always look pristine after a three-to four-hour show.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: aloe leaf water, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, cactus flower, hemp seed
- Who it's for: dull, dry skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
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.
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