mens natural skin care

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!

12 BEST BRONZERS FOR FAIR SKIN

Finding the right bronzer for fair skin can be difficult. You want a color that warms your skin without looking muddy or orange. This guide will introduce you to 12 of the best bronzers on the market, all formulated to enhance brighter skin. We’ll cover the best options for your skin type and desired look. Whether you’re looking for a subtle tan or a little definition, get ready to find your new holy grail bronzer!

OUR TOP PICKS 

SAIE SUN MELT BRONZER

Saie Sun Melt Bronzer is a standout in the realm of bronzers, capturing the hearts of many with its creamy, skincare-infused formula. The bronzer effortlessly glides onto the skin, imparting a soft and natural finish that can be built up to achieve the desired level of glow. Its fair bronze shade is particularly praised for its suitability for fair skin tones, providing a subtle radiance without appearing too heavy or artificial. However, one drawback noted by users is the excessively secure lid, which poses a challenge during the opening process. Despite this minor inconvenience, the product’s performance seems to outweigh this issue for many consumers.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY AIRBRUSH BRONZER

Undoubtedly, {Charlotte Tilbury}’s Airbrush Bronzer in the shade fair stands out as the ultimate choice for fair skin tones. Renowned for its exceptionally smooth texture, it effortlessly blends to deliver a matte finish that appears entirely natural. Whether seeking a subtle hint of warmth or precise contouring, this bronzer caters to all preferences. Notably, its compatibility with any foundation further enhances its appeal, ensuring seamless integration into any makeup routine. Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, the formula not only imparts a soft-focus glow but also nourishes the skin. For optimal results, a powder brush application promises a beautifully diffused and delicately sun-kissed effect.

RARE BEAUTY WARM WISHES EFFORTLESS BRONZER STICK

This delightful chubby stick offers convenient application, effortlessly gliding onto the skin with ease. Focusing on areas naturally kissed by the sun—such as the forehead, nose, chin, and cheekbones—enhances its effect. Whether blended with warm fingertips or buffed with a brush, its creamy texture transforms into a powdery finish upon application, ensuring longevity throughout the day. This attribute is particularly crucial for fair skin, where any patchiness would be distinctly visible. Overall, its satisfying simplicity and user-friendly nature make it a joy to incorporate into any makeup routine.

UNDONE BEAUTY WATER BRONZER

At first glance, one might question why this deep-toned chubby stick made it onto the list of bronzers for fair skin. However, don’t be deterred by its darker appearance—upon application, a single swipe unveils a subtle tan hue that seamlessly melds with even the fairest of complexions. The Water Bronzer boasts a unique formula: water-based and enriched with coconut water for an amplified radiance. Its lightweight texture feels refreshing on the skin and requires minimal effort to blend seamlessly. Personally, I’ve found that gently tapping it onto the high points of my face with my fingertips yields the most natural-looking results. With four shades available and a compact size of 0.19 oz, this bronzer offers a refreshing take on achieving a sun-kissed glow for fair skin tones.

MILK MAKEUP MATTE BRONZER (6G)

Bringing the essence of summer in a convenient stick form, {Milk Makeup}’s bronzer in the shade baked promises a beach-ready glow without the risk of sunburn. Boasting a velvety smooth texture, it’s enriched with a blend of hydrating ingredients including mango butter, peach nectar, and avocado oils, promoting a healthy and dewy complexion. Simply swipe on and blend effortlessly with fingertips or a complexion brush to achieve an all-over sun-kissed radiance.

ILIA NIGHTLITE BRONZING POWDER

The NightLite Bronzer by ILIA is a great choice for fair skin. It’s easy to use because you can make it lighter or darker depending on how much you apply. This means you can get a nice sun-kissed look without putting on too much, which can happen with fair skin. The texture is smooth and blends well, making it good for making your face look more defined naturally. What’s special about this bronzer is that it gives a little shine without looking too matte. This shine makes your skin look more lively, like when the sun hits it. Overall, it’s a good option for fair skin because it’s easy to use and gives a natural glow.

HOURGLASS COSMETICS AMBIENT LIGHTING BRONZER

Want to know how celebrities get their glowing, bronzed skin? Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer is the key. Celebrity makeup artist Aaron Berry loves this product for its amazing results every time. It’s like a mix of bronzer and highlighter, giving you a beautiful, glowing look. Hourglass uses their famous Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder and adds bronze color to make this special formula. You can use this bronzer like any other, but Berry suggests putting it on your cheekbones and nose bridge for extra shine and dimension. With Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, getting that stunning celebrity glow is simple and effortless.

PATRICK TA MAJOR SCULPT CRÈME CONTOUR & POWDER BRONZER DUO

The Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo is a handy product that helps shape and warm up your face all in one. It comes with both cream and powder, made for people who want defined features and a nice glow. The cream contour is smooth and easy to blend, giving natural-looking shadows to different skin tones. It comes in shades with cool undertones, which are good for fair to deep skin tones with cool or neutral preferences.

The powder bronzer is talc-free and adds warmth and depth to your face. It comes in a bunch of shades with both cool and warm undertones, so you can find the perfect match. This duo is great because it combines cream contour and powder bronzer, saving you from buying separate products. Plus, both the cream and powder can be built up for a subtle or more dramatic look.

FENTY BEAUTY CHEEKS OUT FREESTYLE CREAM BRONZER

Fenty Beauty has made a big impact by offering makeup shades for all skin tones, from deep to very pale. Their Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer works well for everyone, no matter their skin type. It comes in a wide range of shades to match all skin tones. If you have fair skin, this cream bronzer is a great choice because it’s easy to blend and gives a nice glow. What’s great is that it’s sheer and glossy, but still has strong color, so you only need a little bit. You can choose your shade based on your skin tone (fair or light) and also your undertone (cool, neutral, or warm). If you’re not sure about your undertone, try holding gold and silver jewelry next to your skin. If gold makes your skin look brighter, you’re warm-toned, and if silver does, you’re cool-toned.

CHANEL GLOW BRONZING CREAM

The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream stands out as a luxurious option for achieving a natural and radiant complexion. Its cream-gel texture is lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin, offering a smooth and effortless application. Unlike some powder bronzers that can look cakey, this formula ensures a flawless finish.

This bronzer focuses on imparting a subtle, sun-kissed glow rather than heavy contouring, thanks to its very subtle golden shimmer. It adds warmth and dimension to the skin, enhancing its natural radiance without appearing overly dramatic. Moreover, the formula is lightweight and buildable, allowing users to customize the intensity according to their preferences. Whether aiming for a subtle glow or a more defined sculpted look, this bronzer adapts easily to individual needs.

TOO FACED SOLEIL BRONZER – MILK CHOCOLATE 8G

Too Faced Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate is a great option for fair to light skin tones looking for a natural-looking bronzer. This matte bronzer, infused with real cocoa powder (you might even catch a yummy scent!), delivers a hint of warmth that mimics a subtle sun-kissed glow. The formula is smooth and blends easily, allowing for buildable coverage so you can control the intensity.  Whether you want a light dusting for a barely-there tan or a touch more definition, the Milk Chocolate shade avoids looking muddy or orange on fair skin. Plus, the bronzer comes in a handy 8g size, perfect for tossing in your makeup bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

BENEFIT HOOLA MATTE BRONZER

Benefit’s Hoola Matte Bronzer is a cult-favorite for a reason. This award-winning powder bronzer delivers a universally flattering, matte finish that’s ideal for fair to deep skin tones. The shade leans cool-toned, which helps to avoid any unwanted orange cast, and the silky-soft formula blends beautifully for a natural, sculpted look.  Hoola Bronzer comes in four shades, allowing you to find your perfect match: Hoola for light to medium skin tones, Hoola Lite for the fairest complexions, Hoola Toasted for medium to deep skin tones, and Hoola Caramel for deeper complexions.  Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer is a great choice for beginners and makeup veterans alike, offering a buildable formula that lets you achieve a subtle sun-kissed glow or a more defined contour.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHADE OF BRONZER FOR FAIR SKIN

Choosing the right bronzer shade for fair skin can be tricky, but with a few key considerations, you can find the perfect match to enhance your natural beauty! Here’s what to keep in mind:

Undertone: This is crucial. Fair skin can have cool, warm, or neutral undertones. Look for your veins on your wrist. Cool undertones will have bluish veins, warm undertones will have greenish veins, and neutral will be a mix of both or difficult to distinguish.

Shade Depth: Go for a bronzer only one to two shades darker than your actual skin tone. Avoid anything too dark or orange, as it can look unnatural on fair skin.

Formula: Consider your skin type and desired finish. Powder bronzers are great for beginners and offer a matte finish. Cream bronzers are more blendable and ideal for dry skin, while gel-based formulas offer a sheer, dewy finish.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing a bronzer shade based on your undertone:

Cool Undertone: Opt for bronzers with cool or taupe undertones to avoid appearing muddy. Think ash brown or shades with a hint of pink.

Warm Undertone: Look for bronzers with golden or peachy undertones to complement your warm complexion.

Neutral Undertone: You have the most flexibility! You can choose cool, warm, or even neutral-toned bronzers depending on the look you’re going for.

CONCLUSION

With the abundance of bronzers available, choosing the right one for fair skin may seem daunting. However, fear not! This guide has examined a range of options, including luxurious cream formulas and versatile powder duos. Remember to add a touch of blush for a flawless finish, and you’ll achieve the perfect look effortlessly.