13 Best Primers for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists & Tested by Us

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 contributor Holly Carter. “But I’m really into this formula—it’s superlight 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

A favorite 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 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 moisturizer 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

Laneige is a top K-beauty 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 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

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. Aimee Carr, founder of Voodoo Makeup, says it’s a favorite, thanks to its intense hydration properties that leave skin looking gorgeously dewy. This lightweight gel 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

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

Not only does this formula minimize 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 nongreasy, 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

This primer came highly recommended by many of the experts we spoke to, due to its ability to extend the wear of makeup and smooth out the surface of the skin. “I use this on my clients before red carpets, and their makeup lasts all night long,” says professional makeup artist Elaina Badro, adding that “it helps to fill pores, lines, and blur imperfections.” Pro tip: Cosmetologist Anna Peterson suggests using it to illuminate the undereye area. Since it’s also oil-free, this primer is a good option for those with oily complexions.

Key ingredients: Triple hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Size: 1 fl. oz.

• What we love: Can be worn on its own; protects against blue light
• What to note: Not for those looking for a matte finish

No one does skin makeup quite like Armani Beauty. Their formulas have an unrivaled 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

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

“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 favorite primer to recommend is this ultra-moisturizing 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 moisturizing; leaves a glow
• What to note: Better for dry skin

Sometimes the right moisturizer can do double duty as both your hydrator and makeup primer. Such is the case with this new-to-the-market cream that makeup artists swear by. “There are several different types of primers, and I like many of them for different reasons, but I tend to skip primer altogether when I’m using the Yoé Ympossible Cream,” says celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt. “It leaves the complexion with a natural skin-like texture that is slightly mattifying and performs beautifully under makeup.”

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon seconds that sentiment. “It does it all—it’s super hydrating like a moisturizer but also grips makeup like a primer,” she says. “It’s lightweight but still really nourishing, which is why it’s always in my kit!”

Glamour contributor Carter notes that this primer is lightweight enough to wear every day, not just for special occasions. The cool architectural packaging also makes me smile—and it’s refillable!” she says.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Multipurpose; hydrating; lightweight; sustainable packaging
• What to note: On the pricey side