15 BEST PRIMERS FOR OILY SKIN THAT GIVE A LONG-LASTING BASE

Struggling with oily skin and makeup meltdown? Fear not! Primers are your secret weapon for a flawless, long-lasting base. These mattifying, oil-free wonders act as a barrier between your skin and makeup, controlling shine, minimizing pores, and keeping your makeup looking fresh for hours. Get ready to ditch the midday touch-ups and embrace a shine-free, picture-perfect complexion!

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

Dr. Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that oily skin stems from an overproduction of sebum, a natural oil our skin glands produce. While some sebum is essential for healthy, moisturized skin, too much can lead to problems. Without enough sebum, our skin barrier weakens, causing dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. But an overproduction can cause a greasy T-zone and makeup meltdowns – foundation that pills or slides right off. In short, finding the sebum sweet spot is key for healthy, balanced skin.

IS SILICONE OR WATER-BASED PRIMER BETTER FOR OILY SKIN?

When it comes to primers, water-based and silicone-based options each have their strengths, so the “best” choice depends on your skin type and desired finish.

Water-based primers, as Dr. Idriss explains, feel lighter and absorb quickly, offering a natural look. They’re a good choice for those who prefer a weightless feel.

Silicone-based primers, on the other hand, excel at blurring imperfections and creating a smooth canvas. They’re especially effective for oily skin, thanks to ingredients like dimethicone that control shine and minimize pores. However, Dr. Idriss warns that silicone primers can pill if not applied correctly or layered with too many products.

To avoid pilling, aim to match the base of your primer to your foundation. Silicone with silicone, water with water, for a seamless application.

For oily skin, Dr. Idriss suggests skipping liquid foundations, which can contribute to shine. Opt for a powder foundation instead, as it helps absorb oil while providing coverage.

WHEN DO YOU APPLY PRIMER?

You should apply primer after your skincare routine and before your foundation.

Here’s a breakdown of the order:

Cleanse and Moisturize: Wash your face with a cleanser suitable for your skin type. Then, apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Allow the moisturizer a few minutes to fully absorb before moving on to primer.

Primer: Apply a thin layer of primer evenly to your entire face, focusing on areas where you tend to get oily or where your pores are more noticeable. You can use your fingers, a brush, or a damp sponge to apply primer.

Foundation and Makeup: Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with your foundation and the rest of your makeup routine.

Remember, primer creates a smooth canvas for your makeup and helps it last longer, so it’s an important step for those who want a flawless, long-lasting look.

CONCLUSION 

With so many primers on the market, finding the perfect one for your oily skin can feel overwhelming. But fear not! This guide has explored a range of options, from mattifying powerhouses to hydrating heroes, all formulated to combat shine and keep your makeup looking fresh for hours. Consider your skin’s specific needs and desired finish to choose your champion primer. With the right primer in your beauty arsenal, you can say goodbye to midday meltdowns and hello to a shine-free, flawless complexion that lasts all day long.

OUR TOP PICKS

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER

A cult-favorite for many, the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a great option for oily skin. This lightweight, velvety primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your skin feeling smooth and prepped for flawless makeup application. The oil-free formula helps control shine throughout the day, extending the wear of your foundation and keeping you looking photo-ready. Enriched with vitamins A and E, it even offers a touch of nourishment for your skin.

HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER

If you’re looking for a luxurious primer that goes beyond just mattifying, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a strong contender. Its silky, cloud-like texture glides onto the skin, blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. This primer boasts more than just a smooth canvas though – it also offers SPF 15 protection and subtle color correction to even out redness. The oil-absorbing formula helps control shine, ensuring your makeup stays put for long-lasting wear.

BOBBI BROWN VITAMIN ENRICHED FACE BASE MOISTURIZER & PRIMER WITH VITAMIN C + HYALURONIC ACID

Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer offers a two-in-one solution for those who want a hydrating boost alongside their makeup primer. This multitasking product combines a blend of vitamins B, C, and E to nourish and condition the skin, while hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter provide a surge of hydration for a plump, healthy-looking glow. While it might not be the most mattifying primer on the market, the formula absorbs excess oil throughout the day to help keep makeup in place. This is a great option for those with normal to slightly oily skin who want a primer that prioritizes both hydration and makeup longevity.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SHINE KILLER MATTIFYING FACE PRIMER

On a budget but still want a shine-controlling primer? NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer Mattifying Face Primer is your answer. This drugstore favorite delivers impressive results for its affordable price tag. Packed with vitamin E, it offers a touch of hydration while the oil-free formula effectively absorbs excess oil, keeping your complexion matte throughout the day. The lightweight, gel texture applies smoothly and creates a perfect canvas for your foundation. NYX Shine Killer Primer is ideal for those with oily skin who prioritize strong oil-control and long-lasting makeup wear, without breaking the bank.

NEUTROGENA SHINE CONTROL PRIMER

For a drugstore option that targets oily skin concerns, Neutrogena Shine Control Primer is a reliable pick. This lightweight, oil-free formula utilizes rice protein technology to absorb excess oil like a sponge, keeping you shine-free for a claimed 8 hours. The mattifying finish helps minimize the appearance of pores, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. Neutrogena’s Shine Control Primer is a great choice for those with oily skin who want a budget-friendly option that effectively controls shine and extends makeup wear.

MAKE UP FOR EVER MINI STEP 1 PRIMER PORE MINIMIZER

Downsize your shine control but not your results with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Mini STEP 1 Primer Pore Minimizer. This travel-friendly version of their bestselling primer offers all the benefits in a compact size, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or fitting in your makeup bag. The formula, enriched with ginseng and silica, absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of pores, leaving your skin texture smooth and refined. This mattifying primer provides a flawless base for makeup application and extends wear, keeping you shine-free throughout the day. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just prefer a mini size, this primer is a great option to combat oily skin and achieve a long-lasting makeup look.

FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R INSTANT RETOUCH PRIMER

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is a strong contender for oily skin types seeking a luxurious, long-lasting base. This oil-free formula boasts a unique “universal invisipink” shade that melts invisibly into all skin tones. It acts like a filter, blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores for a smooth, flawless canvas. Unlike some mattifying primers, Fenty Beauty’s offering has a lightweight, “cushiony” texture that feels comfortable on the skin without a trace of dryness. Shine control is on point, absorbing excess oil throughout the wear to keep your foundation looking fresh and prevent makeup meltdown. This primer is a great choice for those who want a luxurious feel, long-lasting shine control, and a flawless makeup application.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK BABY SKIN INSTANT PORE ERASER

Maybelline New York’s Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a lightweight primer that minimizes pores. This drugstore favorite features a gel texture that glides onto the skin, blurring imperfections and leaving a smooth, matte finish. While it may not be the most heavy-duty mattifier, it does absorb excess oil throughout the day to help keep makeup in place. The fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a primer that evens skin texture, provides a subtle mattifying effect, and won’t break the bank, Maybelline’s Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is a great option to try.

TARTE PORELESS MATTIFYING PRIMER

A popular choice for oily skin, Tarte’s Poreless Mattifying Primer is a vegan formula that tackles shine and minimizes the appearance of pores. This lightweight, mattifying gel applies smoothly, creating a perfect canvas for flawless makeup application. Enriched with maracuja extract (passionfruit) and kaolin clay, it absorbs excess oil throughout the day, keeping you shine-free and your makeup looking fresh for hours on end. While some mattifying primers can feel drying, Tarte’s offering aims to strike a balance, leaving your skin feeling smooth and prepped without sacrificing shine control.

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

Unlike many primers for oily skin, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer takes a unique approach. This gel primer boasts a whopping 94% natural formula that hydrates with hyaluronic acid and hemp seed extract, while still keeping shine in check. Niacinamide and aloe water provide additional moisture for a dewy glow, perfect for those who want a balanced, radiant finish. The oil-free, silicone-free formula won’t clog pores and is suitable for all skin types, even those prone to breakouts. While it might not be the most mattifying primer on this list, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip excels at keeping makeup in place for up to 12 hours, all while leaving your skin feeling hydrated and fresh.

BENEFIT COSMETICS POREFESSIONAL FACE PRIMER

Benefit Cosmetics’ POREfessional Face Primer is a cult-classic for a reason. This lightweight, oil-free formula minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your skin silky smooth and ready for makeup application. Known for its blurring effect, it effectively reduces the look of pores, creating a flawless, airbrushed canvas. Shine control is on point, with the formula absorbing excess oil throughout the day to keep your foundation looking fresh and prevent makeup meltdown. Benefit’s POREfessional Primer is a great all-around choice for those with oily skin who want a long-lasting, shine-free base with a touch of blurring magic.

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH ILLUMINATE GLOW FACE PRIMER

While Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Glow Face Primer isn’t specifically designed for oil-control, it can still be a good option for those with oily skin who want a radiant, long-lasting base. This lightweight primer boasts a unique formula that combines mattifying and illuminating properties. It contains ingredients that help absorb excess oil, while also featuring Vitamin C and passion fruit extract to brighten and add a subtle glow to the complexion. The silky texture smooths skin texture and preps it for makeup application, while the breathable, oil-free formula helps extend makeup wear. However, if shine control is your primary concern, there might be more mattifying options on this list that would be a better fit.

JANE IREDALE SMOOTH AFFAIR MATTIFYING FACE PRIMER

Jane Iredale’s Smooth Affair Mattifying Face Primer is a weightless formula specifically designed to combat shine and keep oily skin under control. It mattifies the skin without feeling heavy or drying, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more natural finish. This primer contains skin-nourishing ingredients like red algae extract for enhanced shine control, hibiscus bark extract to support skin elasticity, and rose geranium extract for antioxidant protection. By minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines, it creates a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application that lasts throughout the day. If you’re looking for a mattifying primer that prioritizes both shine control and nourishing your skin, Jane Iredale’s Smooth Affair is a strong contender.

NARS SOFT MATTE PRIMER

Nars Soft Matte Primer is a great choice for those with oily skin seeking a comfortable, long-wearing base. This lightweight primer features a transformative texture that goes on like a water-gel, then dries to a velvety, soft-matte finish. It instantly fills in uneven texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, creating a smooth canvas for foundation application. Nars’ exclusive Climate Balancing Technology helps the primer adapt to your environment, absorbing excess oil in humid weather and preventing makeup meltdown. This oil-free formula won’t clog pores and is dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a primer that controls shine without feeling heavy or cakey, Nars Soft Matte Primer is a great option to consider.

TOO FACED HANGOVER REPLENISHING FACE PRIMER

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer offers a unique twist on oil control for oily skin. This primer goes beyond just mattifying – it hydrates and revives tired-looking complexions. Infused with coconut water, probiotic-based ingredients, and skin rechargers, it aims to boost radiance, promote elasticity, and keep skin hydrated while still locking down makeup. The lightweight formula absorbs excess oil throughout the day, promoting a dewy, healthy-looking finish rather than a flat, matte one. This primer is a good choice for those with oily skin who want a long-lasting base with a touch of hydration and a healthy glow.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRIMERS FOR OILY SKIN

MATTIFYING FORMULA

Oily skin needs a primer that can control shine throughout the day. Look for primers that are labeled as “mattifying” or “oil-free.” These primers will typically contain ingredients that absorb excess oil, such as silica or dimethicone.

LIGHTWEIGHT TEXTURE

Oily skin can sometimes feel heavy or greasy, so a lightweight primer is ideal. Avoid thick, cream-based primers that can clog pores and worsen shine.

MINIMIZES PORES

Many primers for oily skin also have pore-minimizing properties. This can help to create a smoother canvas for makeup application and make your pores appear less noticeable.

HYDRATION (OPTIONAL)

While shine control is key, some people with oily skin may still benefit from a touch of hydration. Look for primers that contain hyaluronic acid or other hydrating ingredients, but make sure they are also oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

FINISH

Choose a finish that suits your preference. Mattifying primers offer a shine-free look, while some primers offer a radiant or dewy finish that provides a touch of glow for those who don’t want a completely matte look.

CONCLUSION

With so many primers on the market, finding the perfect one for your oily skin can feel overwhelming. But fear not! This guide has explored a range of options, from mattifying powerhouses to hydrating heroes, all formulated to combat shine and keep your makeup looking fresh for hours. Consider your skin’s specific needs and desired finish to choose your champion primer. With the right primer in your beauty arsenal, you can say goodbye to midday meltdowns and hello to a shine-free, flawless complexion that lasts all day long.

15 BEST PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN, ACCORDING TO DERM

As we age, our skin’s needs change. It may become drier, with wrinkles becoming more apparent. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the perfect makeup look! We often think of foundation like CC Cream first when it comes to makeup, but primer is the game changer for mature skin, supporting a smooth foundation and helping makeup last longer. According to dermatologists, here’s a guide to the 15 best primers for mature skin to help you achieve radiant, youthful skin.

OUR TOP PICKS

LAURA GELLER SPACKLE SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER

The Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer is a highly acclaimed product designed specifically for mature skin. It has gained immense popularity among makeup professionals and enthusiasts alike. This versatile product serves a dual purpose by functioning as both a moisturizer and a primer. Its lightweight formula transforms from a cream to a gel consistency upon application. The primer aspect of the product helps prepare the skin for long-lasting makeup, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish. Meanwhile, the moisturizing properties provide a powerful boost of hydration to the skin. The inclusion of nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and aloe vera contribute to its moisturizing capabilities. 

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

For those with mature skin seeking a hydrating and long-lasting primer, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a strong contender. This award-winning formula is a favorite among dermatologists for its unique ability to combine skincare benefits with makeup-gripping technology. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it plumps and brightens skin, while the innovative blue agave extract helps makeup stay put for up to 12 hours. Unlike many primers, this one is silicone-free, so it won’t clog pores, and its gel texture feels lightweight and comfortable, never heavy or greasy.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDERGLOW FACE PRIMER

This simple makeup base makes your skin look shiny and moisturized because it has ingredients like collagen-boosting peptide and hyaluronic acid. It also has tiny shiny particles that make wrinkles and lines look less noticeable. Kenna Ehman, who owns a salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, says you can even use it as a light makeup for older skin when you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup.

E.L.F. PORELESS FACE PRIMER

Aiming for a smooth, flawless canvas at an affordable price?  Then the e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is a great option for mature skin. This drugstore favorite is known for its ability to minimize the appearance of pores, leaving a soft, blurred finish.  While it might not be as intensely hydrating as some primers, its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and creates a great base for foundation.  Infused with tea tree oil and vitamins A and E, it offers some added skincare benefits, like gentle blemish-fighting and antioxidants to help protect against environmental damage. Plus, e.l.f. is a cruelty-free and vegan brand, making it a good choice for those with those preferences.

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER + HYDRATING PRIMER

Designed specifically for those with dry or dehydrated skin, the Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer is a double-duty product that combines the benefits of a primer and a moisturizer. This dermatologist-approved pick features a unique formula enriched with triple hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse ingredient plumps and hydrates skin for up to an impressive 72 hours, leaving it looking smooth and supple. Beyond hydration, the Smashbox primer also offers a layer of protection against environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light, which can contribute to premature aging. This dual-action primer creates a perfect canvas for makeup application, promoting a flawless and long-lasting finish.

LANEIGE GLOWY MAKEUP SERUM

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum is another interesting option for those seeking a radiant, dewy complexion. This product is a two-in-one formula, functioning as both a hydrating serum and a glow-boosting primer. It combines skincare benefits with a makeup-prepping base. The key ingredients include ceramides for deep hydration and diamond mineral powder to create a subtle, healthy-looking glow. Laneige’s Light Fit Prep Technology ensures comfortable wear and helps makeup adhere better for extended wear. This all-in-one product is ideal for those who want to simplify their routine and achieve a natural, lit-from-within look.

PETER THOMAS ROTH INSTANT FIRMX NO-FILTER PRIMER

Dr. Diane Madfes, who is a skin doctor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, likes this primer because it makes your skin feel tighter. It’s made to make fine lines, big pores, and other skin problems less noticeable, which is good for older skin. It stays on your skin for a long time and has stuff like seaweed and a thing called BarPull that makes your skin more hydrated and less wrinkly. It also has something called Elastiflex IQ that helps your skin look smoother and stretchier as time goes on.

TATCHA THE LIQUID SILK CANVAS PRIMER

For a luxurious touch, Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer caters to mature skin seeking a weightless, protective base. This high-end primer boasts a unique formula infused with Hadasei-mai, a proprietary Japanese rice bran extract known for its plumping and nourishing properties. It helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a soft, velvety texture for makeup application. The Liquid Silk Canvas goes beyond simple priming. It also includes silk extracts that shield skin from environmental pollutants, a concern for mature skin that can be more susceptible to damage. This featherweight primer absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, making it comfortable for all-day wear.  

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT BLURRING FACE PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer is a drugstore-friendly option that tackles common concerns. This primer is infused with a caring serum, aiming to address the needs of maturing skin while creating a flawless makeup base. The rosy-hued formula offers two key benefits: blurring and brightening. It helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the universal rosy tint adds a subtle flush of healthy-looking color to the complexion. L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer boasts a comfortable, weightless feel. It’s formulated to be non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for various skin types.  

FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R HYDRATING PRIMER

Crafted for normal to dry skin, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer is a fantastic choice for mature complexions seeking a boost of hydration. This lightweight formula from Rihanna’s brand goes beyond just creating a smooth base for makeup. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it instantly hydrates the skin, keeping it comfortable throughout the day. The silky-smooth texture of Fenty Beauty’s primer melts into skin without feeling greasy or heavy. This is a major plus for mature skin, which can be prone to dryness and flakiness. But the benefits don’t stop there. The Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer also helps extend foundation wear, ensuring your makeup stays put for a flawless look that lasts.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP PORE FILLER PRIMER

A cult favorite among budget-minded makeup enthusiasts, NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer is a great choice for those with mature skin looking to minimize the appearance of pores at an affordable price. This drugstore primer boasts a lightweight, translucent finish that  won’t add unwanted heaviness or cakeyness on mature skin. The key to its pore-blurring magic lies in its mattifying formula that helps control shine and smooth the appearance of enlarged pores. This creates a more even canvas for foundation application, promoting a flawless and long-lasting finish. While it might not be as intensely hydrating as some primers, its comfortable, lightweight texture makes it a great option for everyday wear.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW NIACINAMIDE DEW DROPS SERUM

While the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops isn’t technically a primer, it can be used as a makeup-prepping step for those with mature skin seeking a radiant boost. This lightweight, multi-tasking serum is packed with ingredients that benefit mature complexions. Niacinamide, a key component, helps minimize the appearance of pores and even skin tone, while watermelon extract provides a surge of hydration. Hyaluronic acid, another hero ingredient, plumps and smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.  This dewy formula can be used before moisturizer to create a plump, hydrated base for makeup or even as a final step for a touch of extra glow. However, keep in mind that due to its focus on hydration and radiance, it might not offer the same pore-minimizing or oil-controlling benefits as a traditional primer.

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS FILTERED EFFECTS™ BLURRING PRIMER

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer is another strong contender for mature skin seeking a multi-benefit primer. This formula goes beyond just creating a smooth canvas for makeup.  Thrive Causemetics boasts a unique gel-to-powder formula that provides a surge of hydration upon application, thanks to its inclusion of breakthrough skincare ingredients and antioxidants. This is a major plus for mature skin, which can often be drier and more prone to fine lines. The Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer also tackles the common concern of enlarged pores. It utilizes a powerful blurring effect to minimize their appearance, leaving a soft, velvety finish. This primer also boasts mattifying properties, helping control shine throughout the day without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

STRIVECTIN LINE BLURFECTOR INSTANT WRINKLE BLURRING PRIMER

Specifically formulated for mature skin with concerns about wrinkles, StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer is a problem-solver. This primer boasts a two-pronged approach to tackling wrinkles.  First, it utilizes light-diffusing, optical microspheres that blur the appearance of wrinkles instantly. These tiny spheres work like magic to scatter light, minimizing the shadows that settle into creases and highlight fine lines. Secondly, the Line BlurFector goes beyond temporary solutions. It’s infused with skincare benefits to help improve the look and texture of your skin over time. The breathable formula is packed with ingredients that work to keep your skin hydrated and supple, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the long run.  

BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL FACE PRIMER

A long-time favorite for a reason, Benefit’s The POREfessional Face Primer is a great all-rounder for mature skin. This primer tackles two common concerns: enlarged pores and fine lines. Its lightweight, silky formula smooths skin texture, minimizing the appearance of pores for a flawless canvas.  While it doesn’t boast the most intense hydration, it still manages to create a comfortable base for makeup application that won’t feel heavy or greasy. Benefit’s primer also contains vitamin E, offering a touch of antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors that can damage mature skin.  The POREfessional is known for its ability to extend makeup wear, ensuring your foundation stays put for a long-lasting, flawless finish.  

WHY SHOULD YOU USE A PRIMER?

While makeup can enhance our natural beauty, having a flawless canvas to work with can make all the difference. This is where primers come in. Primers are like the unsung heroes of the makeup world, creating a smooth base for your makeup and offering a multitude of benefits that can elevate your entire look.

Here’s why you should consider adding a primer to your makeup routine:

FLAWLESS FINISH

Just like prepping a wall before painting, primer creates a smooth, even surface for your makeup application. It fills in fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores, resulting in a more airbrushed, flawless finish. Your foundation will glide on effortlessly and blend seamlessly, creating a professional-looking result.

EXTENDED WEAR

Primer acts like a double-sided tape for your makeup, helping it adhere better to your skin. This translates to longer-lasting makeup that’s less prone to smudging, fading, or settling into creases throughout the day. No more touch-ups every hour – your makeup will stay put with a primer as your base.

ENHANCED BENEFITS

Many primers go beyond just creating a smooth canvas. They can be formulated to address specific skin concerns. For example, hydrating primers are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize dry skin, while mattifying primers help control shine and keep oily skin at bay. Some primers even offer color correction or a subtle glow, depending on your preference.

PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Primer can act as a protective barrier between your skin and your makeup. This is especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin or use makeup frequently. The primer creates a layer that can help minimize irritation caused by certain makeup ingredients.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN

When choosing a primer for mature skin, there are a few key factors to consider:

  • Hydration: Mature skin tends to be drier, so opt for primers packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to plump and hydrate the skin.
  • Texture: Look for lightweight, silky formulas that won’t feel heavy or cakey on mature skin.
  • Benefits: Consider your specific concerns. If fine lines are your main worry, choose a primer with blurring properties. For enlarged pores, opt for a mattifying primer. If you want a radiant glow, choose a hydrating primer with a dewy finish.
  • Base type: Consider if your foundation is water-based or silicone-based. Generally, water-based primers work better with water-based foundations, and vice versa.

Here’s a quick recap to help you choose:

  • Dry Skin: Look for hydrating primers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin (Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer)
  • Enlarged Pores: Choose mattifying primers that minimize pores (NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer, Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer)
  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Opt for primers with blurring technology or light-diffusing properties (Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer, StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer)
  • Radiant Glow: Choose a hydrating primer with a dewy finish (Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum [not technically a primer])

CONCLUSION

This guide has explored 15 of the best primers for mature skin, formulated by dermatologists to address common concerns like dryness, fine lines, and enlarged pores. Whether you prioritize hydration, a blurring effect, or a touch of radiance, there’s a perfect primer out there to create a smooth, flawless canvas for your makeup and help you achieve a youthful, radiant look. So, don’t underestimate the power of a primer – it can be the key to taking your makeup routine to the next level. Remember, consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a primer, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find your holy grail product!