As we age, our relationship with our skin gets more intimate than ever. It’s an odd feeling to watch your complexion change over the years, but dedicating yourself to a skincare routine that makes you feel good can be a positive outlet to focus on. There’s no better feeling than finding a product that makes your skin glow and your soul happy, which is why we’re here to tell you about one of our best-kept secrets: primers for over 40-somethings.
Having a trusted primer in your makeup bag is the key to laying a smooth base for a makeup look. They ensure your makeup goes on as evenly as possible and lasts from day to night. But a primer can also benefit those with mature skin, because many contain nourishing ingredients with anti-aging properties. In fact, the 10 best-selling primers below are made specifically for wrinkles, large pores, and fine lines, which comes in handy when applying foundation that tends to fall into creases (by the way, we have a solution for that problem too).
How We Found The Best Primers For Those Over 40
Our Top 10 lists are data-backed. We vet all of the products we feature with the help of our ranking algorithm, a tool that combs through information from social media, reviews, and the internet in order to judge which products in a given category are the best of the best. That means you can make informed shopping decisions that (hopefully) have happy endings. On that note: Full of hydrating, illuminating, and smoothing properties, the 10 primers ahead will serve as your answer to both long-lasting makeup and younger-looking skin.
December 1, 2022
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Overall Score
4.45
10
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
4.49
38774 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore
WHAT IT DOES
Covergirl’s Simply Ageless Makeup Primer helps prepare your skin for a long-lasting makeup application by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its moisturizing formula (which includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C) is what makes it one of the best makeup primers for aging skin.
NOTABLE DETAILS
This primer is a top seller on Amazon. In fact, it’s the second best-selling product in the category of foundation makeup.
Cruelty Free
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
Overall Score
4.45
09
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
4.05
417 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Illuminating
WHAT TO KNOW
Your face deserves to be treated like a work of art, which is why Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer exists. The “Illuminating” name refers to the brightening properties of the formula, which include micronized pearls and a light-reflecting complex.
ADDITIONAL FYI
The Pure Canvas Primer comes in a few different versions: Illuminating, Protecting, Blurring, Hydrating, and Perfecting. While the Protecting iteration is considered the best makeup primer for aging skin, if you deal with dryness or dullness, you’ll also benefit from the Illuminating version.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
Overall Score
4.5
08
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
3.78
227 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Dewy
WHAT IT DOES
If you’re looking for a product that will give you a fresh, dewy finish, the Wonderglow Face Primer is for you. It’s formulated with collagen-packed peptides and other anti-aging supplements that help create a flawless, poreless complexion—no makeup required.
APPLICATION TIP
Here’s a trick we picked up from Sephora: To get your best glow from this primer (even if you’re over 40), apply it before and after putting on your foundation. Once your foundation is set, gently massage a walnut-sized amount of Wonderglow on top for an extra boost of luminosity.
Cruelty Free
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Overall Score
4.55
07
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
4.29
8221 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best For Dry Skin
WHAT TO KNOW
This silicone-free primer is made for fighting wrinkles, dryness, and fine lines. Case in point: The two key ingredients behind the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer are coconut water and probiotics, two ultra-hydrating, radiance-boosting super supplements.
USER REVIEW
“This is a must-have for me! I have extremely sensitive skin that runs on the dry side. And my skin just soaks this stuff up! Sometimes I just use it with nothing else! I have been using it for years now and make sure I never run out. Makeup that used to settle in lines is no longer an issue!”
Cruelty Free
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Overall Score
4.6
06
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
4.49
14532 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best For Large Pores
WHAT IT DOES
Are you ready for your close-up? If not, you will be after using Smashbox’s Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer. Undeniably one of the best primers for large pores and oily skin, this product is lightweight, oil-free, and packed with antioxidants.
APPLICATION TIP
For the best results from this primer, let it sink into your skin for at least 15 seconds before applying your makeup. Bonus tip: Sephora says you can use this primer on your hair to smooth frizz in a pinch.
Cruelty Free
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
Overall Score
4.6
05
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
4.17
6662 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best For Events
WHAT TO KNOW
An award winner and a best seller, Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Gripping Primer promises to delay the need to touch up your makeup for 12 hours. And while it will work on all skin tones and types, this makeup primer is best for those with large pores and oily skin due to its oil-free formula.
NOTABLE DETAILS
Here are a few more things to love about this product: The gel formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and 94% natural.
Cruelty Free
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer
Overall Score
4.65
04
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer
4.32
3847 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best For Oily Skin
WHAT IT DOES
The Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer has a blurring effect that melts instantly into the skin upon application. It also absorbs shine and evens skin texture, which is why it’s among the best primers for large pores.
USER REVIEW
“I have oily skin and large pores, and since I began using this before foundation, it has really made a change. I have gone through a whole bottle and have repurchased it. Also, it has a light, sweet smell.”
Cruelty Free
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer
Overall Score
4.7
03
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer
4.41
3984 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brightening
WHAT TO KNOW
Banana Bright? That’s right. OleHenriksen’s best-selling primer contains banana powder-inspired pigments that are said to deliver instant radiance. You can use it alone, under your makeup, or even on top of it to act as a highlighter.
NOTABLE DETAILS
This makeup primer is best for those with large pores or dry skin. And if you need some proof: in a clinical study on the immediate effects of applying this product, 97% of participants agreed that it instantly brightens dull skin.
Cruelty Free
Tula Skincare Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
Overall Score
4.8
02
Tula Skincare Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
4.53
26627 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean
WHAT IT DOES
It’s not just a primer—it’s skincare (according to Tula, but confirmed by reviewers). The Filter Primer is a miracle product that preps your complexion for a long-lasting makeup application by smoothing out uneven textures and contributing to your glow.
APPLICATION TIP
This primer is tinted and comes in four different shades: Luna, Sunrise, Magic Hour, and Cosmos. We suggest referencing reviews to determine which one will give you a truly flawless finish.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.95
01
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer
4.71
10271 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Makeup Primer Overall
WHAT TO KNOW
Here it is: 2022’s best primer for wrinkles and dry skin. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer has all of the skincare superstars in its ingredient list: hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, and vitamins B, C, and E. With a lineup like that, it’s no wonder this primer has 1,000+ 5-star reviews on Sephora’s website.
NOTABLE DETAILS
While overall, this is a very beloved product, some reviewers mention that the scent (a refreshing, bright combo of grapefruit and geranium) can be overpowering for those who are sensitive to smells.
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