15 BEST FACE PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN, ACCORDING TO PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS

For women entering middle age, the needs of their skin begin to change. It may become drier, lose elasticity, and wrinkles may become more obvious. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on perfect makeup! A primer made specifically for mature skin can be your secret weapon. Here’s the scoop on the 15 best face primers for mature skin, according to professional makeup artists. With their recommendations, you’ll find the perfect primer to hydrate, smooth, and create a long-lasting base for your makeup, while addressing the unique concerns of your mature skin.

OUR TOP PICKS

MILK HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a popular choice for all skin types, but it can be particularly beneficial for mature skin. This award-winning gel primer is infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, ingredients known to plump and hydrate the skin, helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. The innovative formula also contains blue agave extract, which acts like a grip to hold your makeup in place for up to 12 hours, while still leaving a dewy finish. This is a great option if you’re looking for a primer that will address dryness, keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day, and give you a radiant, youthful glow.

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT FACE BLURRING PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer is a multitasking wonder. This primer boasts a lightweight, velvety texture that feels comfortable all day long. It’s infused with a caring serum, which includes imperial peonies, to not only provide a blurring effect that minimizes the appearance of lines and pores but also improve your skin’s overall radiance and smoothness over time. The universal rosy formula adds a subtle hint of color to even out your complexion and promote a healthy-looking glow. This drugstore favorite is a perfect choice if you want a primer that combines instant blurring with long-term skincare benefits, all at an affordable price.

TATCHA THE LIQUID SILK CANVAS

For a luxurious primer experience, Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer caters to mature skin concerns with a blend of elegance and efficacy. This weightless liquid primer feels like silk on the skin, thanks to silk extracts that provide a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s formulated without oil, making it suitable for even oily or combination mature skin types. But where The Liquid Silk Canvas truly shines is its protective qualities. It includes Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3 complex, which helps shield skin from environmental aggressors that can exacerbate signs of aging. This primer is a great option if you prioritize a lightweight, luxurious feel with the added benefit of environmental protection for your mature skin.

HOURGLASS N° 28 PRIMER SERUM

Hourglass N°28 Primer Serum offers a unique two-in-one approach for mature skin. This silky, lightweight formula combines the benefits of a hydrating serum with a smoothing primer. Packed with 28 age-defying ingredients, it delivers a powerful dose of nourishment. Fourteen essential oils like lavender and geranium work to soften the appearance of fine lines, while 10 lipid-rich plant oils including jojoba and rosehip provide deep hydration. Vitamins A, B5, C, and E offer additional antioxidant protection and promote a healthy glow. This multi-tasking product is ideal for mature skin that craves both hydration and a flawless makeup base.

STRIVECTIN LINE BLURFECTOR INSTANT WRINKLE BLURRING PRIMER

StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer lives up to its name by offering both immediate and long-term benefits for mature skin. This primer utilizes a combination of blurring technology and skin-loving ingredients. The formula fills and optically minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. But StriVectin doesn’t stop there. It also features niacinamide and botanical extracts that work to improve skin texture and refine pores over time. This dual-action primer is a great choice if you want to see immediate results while also investing in the future health and appearance of your mature skin.

STILA ONE STEP CORRECT

Stila One Step Correct is a multi-tasking color-correcting primer that simplifies your routine for mature skin. This 3-in-1 formula combines a hydrating primer with color-correcting pigments to address various concerns and achieve a more even-toned complexion. Green tones help neutralize redness and camouflage blemishes, while lavender counteracts sallowness for a more vibrant appearance. Peach tones brighten and illuminate the skin, diminishing the look of sunspots and age spots. This all-in-one product is ideal for mature skin that needs a boost of hydration, color correction, and a radiant finish, all in one convenient step.

NO. 1 DE CHANEL SKIN ENHANCER

Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancer is a unique entry on this list, blurring the lines between skincare and makeup for mature skin. This product boasts a radiant illuminator formula that combines a hint of tint with skincare benefits. The key ingredient is Red Camellia Extract and Oil, formulated by Chanel research to promote vitality and shield the skin. While it provides a subtle color boost to even out skin tone, it isn’t designed for full-coverage. However, the lightweight texture works beautifully on its own for a natural, lit-from-within glow on mature skin, or can be layered under foundation for extra radiance and a touch of perfecting coverage.

ILIA TRUE SKIN RADIANT PRIMING SERUM

Ideal for those seeking a clean, multi-beneficial primer, ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum caters to mature skin with a focus on both makeup performance and skincare benefits. This silicone-free, lightweight formula combines the smoothing properties of a primer with nourishing ingredients. It helps to visibly firm and soften the look of fine lines, while also hydrating and soothing mature skin. Additionally, the serum protects against environmental aggressors that can contribute to signs of aging. This primer is a great choice if you prioritize clean beauty products that deliver a radiant, youthful canvas for makeup application while addressing the unique needs of mature skin.

HOURGLASS VANISH AIRBRUSH PRIMER

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is a favorite among makeup artists for its ability to create a flawless, airbrushed finish on mature skin. This translucent gel primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines with innovative microspherical powders. These blur imperfections without settling into wrinkles, a common concern for mature skin. The oil-absorbing formula also helps control shine throughout the day, ensuring your makeup stays put for a long-lasting, flawless look. While not specifically marketed as a hydrating primer, Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is suitable for most skin types, including mature skin, thanks to its lightweight, comfortable feel.

INNBEAUTY PROJECT SLUSHY SERUM MOISTURIZER CRUSH

The InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush is a unique product that combines the benefits of a serum and moisturizer in one, making it a great time-saving option for busy mornings. This lightweight formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, known for its powerful hydrating properties, to plump and quench mature skin. Bakuchiol, a gentler alternative to retinol, is also included to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The innovative slushy texture feels refreshing and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This all-in-one product is ideal for mature skin that craves hydration, wants to target signs of aging, and appreciates a streamlined skincare routine.

DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY YUMMY SKIN MOISTURE REPAIR BALM SERUM

For mature skin that needs a deep dose of hydration and rejuvenation, Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum offers a powerful solution. This 98% natural, fragrance-free balm-to-serum treatment combines the nourishing benefits of a balm with the lightweight feel of a serum. Packed with 16 key ingredients, including Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, it plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This multitasking product goes beyond immediate effects. Over time, it works to strengthen the skin barrier, targeting concerns like tightness, flakiness, and dullness that are common with mature skin. If you’re looking for a natural, deeply hydrating primer that repairs and transforms your mature skin, the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum is a worthy contender.

SMASHBOX MINI PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER+ HYDRATING FACE PRIMER

Suitable for those who want to try before they commit or who prefer a travel-friendly size, the Smashbox Mini Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer offers a taste of the full-size version. This mini marvel packs the same benefits as its larger counterpart in a convenient, on-the-go size. Boasting a lightweight, water-based formula infused with triple hyaluronic acid, it delivers up to 72 hours of hydration, plumping and smoothing the appearance of fine lines on mature skin. This primer also strengthens the skin’s barrier to protect against environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light, which can contribute to signs of aging. Whether you’re new to Smashbox primers or simply looking for a handy travel companion, the Mini Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer is a great option for those with mature skin seeking hydration and a prepped canvas for makeup application.

BENEFIT COSMETICS BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL FACE PRIMER

A long-time favorite for a reason, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer is a great all-rounder for mature skin. This oil-free formula minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, creating a smooth, matte finish that’s ideal for makeup application. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day, without clogging pores or feeling heavy on mature skin. While not specifically marketed for hydration, many users find it doesn’t exacerbate dryness. The POREfessional Primer is a solid choice if you want a primer that addresses visible pores and fine lines, controls shine, and provides a long-lasting base for your makeup on mature skin.

GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer offers a luxurious and hydrating canvas. This lightweight formula is infused with shea butter, rice bran, and glycerin, providing deep nourishment and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil-in-water texture feels comfortable and refreshing, suitable for even drier skin types. Unlike some mattifying primers, Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer enhances your natural radiance for a dewy, youthful glow. This primer is a great choice for those with mature skin who want to create a smooth, luminous base for makeup application while addressing concerns like dryness and fine lines.

CATRICE THE HYDRATOR PLUMP & FRESH PRIMER

Catrice The Hydrator Plump & Fresh Primer is a budget-friendly option for mature skin seeking a boost of hydration and a plump, refreshed appearance. This lightweight primer is formulated with aloe vera, known for its soothing and hydrating properties, to quench thirsty mature skin. It also contains ingredients that help to mattify and minimize the appearance of pores. While not specifically targeted at addressing fine lines and wrinkles, the plumping effect can help to smooth their look. This drugstore primer is a great choice for those on a budget who want a hydrating primer that creates a fresh canvas for makeup application on mature skin.

ALL ABOUT FACE PRIMER

WHAT IS FACE PRIMER?

A face primer is a cosmetic product applied to the face before makeup to create a smooth base and enhance the wear of makeup. Primers can also be used to address specific skin concerns, such as oily skin, dryness, or large pores.

BENEFITS OF USING A FACE PRIMER

  • Creates a smooth base: Primers can help to fill in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth surface for makeup to apply to. This can help to make your makeup look more flawless and even.
  • Extends the wear of makeup: Primers can help to keep your makeup in place longer, preventing it from fading or smudging. This is especially important for people who have oily skin or who are going to be in a hot or humid environment.
  • Controls shine: If you have oily skin, a primer can help to control shine and keep your face looking matte.
  • Hydrates the skin: Some primers are also formulated to hydrate the skin. This can be beneficial for people with dry skin or who are using other drying makeup products, such as foundation powder.

TYPES OF FACE PRIMERS

There are many different types of face primers available, each with its own benefits. Some of the most common types of primers include:

  • Hydrating primers: These primers are designed to hydrate the skin and are a good choice for people with dry skin.
  • Mattifying primers: These primers are designed to control shine and are a good choice for people with oily skin.
  • Smoothing primers: These primers are designed to fill in pores and fine lines and are a good choice for people who want to create a smooth base for makeup application.
  • Illuminating primers: These primers are designed to give the skin a radiant glow and are a good choice for people who want to achieve a dewy look.

HOW TO APPLY FACE PRIMER

  • Cleanse and moisturize your face as usual.
  • Apply a small amount of primer to your fingertips or a makeup sponge.
  • Smooth the primer evenly over your face, paying attention to areas where you tend to get oily or where you have large pores.
  • Let the primer dry completely before applying your makeup.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FACE PRIMER

  • Consider your skin type: If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating primer. If you have oily skin, choose a mattifying primer.
  • Consider your desired finish: If you want a dewy finish, choose an illuminating primer. If you want a matte finish, choose a mattifying primer.
  • Consider your makeup concerns: If you have large pores, choose a smoothing primer. If you want to extend the wear of your makeup, choose a long-lasting primer.

Once you’ve found the right face primer for your skin type and needs, you can enjoy the benefits of a flawless, long-lasting makeup application.

CONCLUSION

With this list of the 15 best face primers for mature skin, chosen by professional makeup artists, you have countless options to target your specific concerns. Whether you prioritize hydration, smoothing out wrinkles, achieving radiant skin, or ensuring lasting wear, there’s a perfect primer for you. Remember to consider your skin type and desired results when choosing. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the primer that helps you achieve the most perfect, youthful makeup look! Remember, you need to follow a step-by-step make up guide that works for older women. Wishing you beauty always, no matter your age!

BEST MAKEUP FOR OLDER WOMEN: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE THAT WORKS

Makeup for middle-aged individuals serves as a way to “cheat” one’s real age, aiding women in appearing younger than their actual years. With simple makeup tricks, women can effectively conceal dark spots and freckles. Each age group benefits from a distinct makeup style, requiring the makeup artist to possess good taste and an understanding of the preferences within that age bracket. Continue reading to discover the best makeup for hydrating and improving mature skin, ranging from crease-free liquid foundations to anti-wrinkle lipsticks and dark circle concealers designed to brighten the under-eye area.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR MAKEUP FOR WOMEN OVER 50

SKIN CARE PREP

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon emphasizes hydration as the key to flawless makeup for women over 50.  ‘The secret is healthy, glowing skin,’ she says.  Before applying makeup, she recommends using a sheet mask or hydrating serum to deeply nourish the skin.  A luxurious cream, oil, or leave-on mask completes the process,  promoting a radiant, youthful complexion.

For brightening the eyes, opt for lightweight brightening creams. It’s important to avoid anything too heavy, as heavy makeup may slide and settle into fine lines. When applying skincare products, you can use your fingers or hands for a gentle touch, ensuring even distribution. Alternatively, using a brush can also achieve effective application. Whether using your hands or a brush, the key is to maintain a light touch to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.

Masks:

  • Hydrating Sheet Masks: Look for sheet masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Hydrogel Masks: These masks are similar to sheet masks but have a jelly-like consistency that adheres closely to the skin, allowing for deeper hydration.

Serum:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making it a great choice for hydration.
  • Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and promotes collagen production, which can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Cream:

  • Rose Tea Eye Cream: This eye cream provides a light and airy texture, effectively plumping, hydrating, and brightening the skin around the eyes.

PRIMER

Selecting the appropriate primer can significantly diminish the appearance of fine lines and pores while prolonging the longevity of your makeup. It is suggested to gently brush on a thin layer of primer once your skincare products have absorbed. Allow it to settle for a minute before applying foundation.

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer: This lightweight, oil-free formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to plump and smooth the skin, providing a perfect canvas for makeup application. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving a radiant, youthful finish.

Tula Skincare Prime of Your Life Smoothing and Firming Treatment Primer: This primer is a multi-tasker that combines skincare benefits with makeup prep. It contains peptides and antioxidants to help firm and brighten the skin, while blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. The creamy formula also hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.

FOUNDATION

Foundation cream designed specifically for older women addresses the unique skincare needs that come with aging. Formulated with a focus on hydration, anti-aging properties, and skin elasticity, these foundations cater to mature skin to provide a radiant and youthful appearance. Many foundations for older women incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to moisturize and protect the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, these foundations often offer buildable coverage, allowing women to achieve a natural and even complexion while taking into consideration the changing texture and tone of aging skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation:

Experience the perfect blend of hydration and sun protection with this weightless foundation featuring SPF 50. Achieve a flawless finish with buildable coverage that effortlessly conceals imperfections. Embrace the popularity of this product, hailed as one of the best full-coverage foundations.

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Makeup: This multi-tasking product is a foundation, concealer, brightener, and moisturizer all in one. The hydrating formula is also comfortable to wear all day long.

EYES & BROWS

Specialized eye makeup and brow techniques can enhance and accentuate features, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance. Eye shadows with softer, neutral tones can bring out the eyes without emphasizing fine lines, while mascara and eyeliner applied with a subtle touch provide definition without appearing harsh. 

For brows, shaping and filling them with precision can frame the face and lend a more polished look. As the eyebrows may naturally thin with age, using products that mimic the appearance of hair, such as pencils or brow gels, helps achieve a fuller and well-groomed result. 

Victoria Beckham Beauty: The velvety stick shadow, offering eight hours of wear, contains collagen infusion to promote a smooth and firm texture on the eyelids.

Anastasia Beverly Hills: An iconic favorite for achieving natural-looking hair strokes, Anastasia’s ultra-sleek pencil effortlessly glides on, ensuring a smudge-resistant finish.

COLOR & SHIMMER

In the next step of the beauty routine, adding color becomes crucial, providing a significant impact. Particularly for mature skin, cream blush is recommended for its hydrating properties, contributing to a more youthful look. Application involves tapping it onto the apples of the cheeks and blending it out cautiously with fingertips or a brush, avoiding contouring-like placement to prevent an aging effect. The expert advises against using bronzers for contouring, proposing a horizontal application on the forehead, cheeks, and nose bridge, with a light touch along the jawline.

For women over 50, shimmer is discouraged, as it tends to highlight skin issues and aging. Instead, the expert advocates for products with subtle luminosity, which attract light and give the skin a dewy, moist, and, most importantly, youthful appearance.

Jones Road: This versatile balm effortlessly adds color to both lips and cheeks, enriched with hydrating jojoba seed oil to impart a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow to the skin.

Westman Atelier: Infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid-boosting properties, the creamy blush stick not only imparts a natural flush of color to lips and cheeks but also stimulates the production of essential skin components.

FINISHING TOUCH

A touch of powder can provide a flawless finishing touch if applied with discretion. A light dusting through the center of the face can result in a beautiful finish, although it’s advised to use it sparingly and skip it if your skin tends to be dry.

When setting the look, the expert expresses a preference for mist over setting spray, especially when aiming for a fresh and dewy appearance. Opting for a soothing rosewater mist to seal the look provides an extra touch of dewy freshness at the end.

Mally Beauty: Mally Beauty is a cosmetics brand known for its innovative and high-performance beauty products. Renowned for its long-lasting formulations and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal’s expertise, the brand offers a diverse range of makeup essentials that cater to various beauty needs and preferences.

Mario Badescu: Mario Badescu is a skincare brand celebrated for its effective and affordable skincare solutions. Founded by a Romanian-born dermatologist, the brand focuses on creating accessible products that address a variety of skin concerns, gaining popularity for its simple yet powerful approach to achieving healthy and radiant skin.

CONCLUSION

From skincare to choosing the right products, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and feeling confident at every stage of life. Remember, a little goes a long way, and embracing a simple routine can bring out the best in your timeless beauty.