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Beauty/Makeup/Face/Primers

Top 10 Primers For Mature Skin

Hands Down, These Are The Best Primers For Aging Skin

Image credits: tatcha

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.

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September 11, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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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


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

CoverGirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

Overall Score

4.65

10

CoverGirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

4.37

7630 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.

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Best Drugstore Primer For Mature Skin

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

Cruelty Free


Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer

Overall Score

4.65

09

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer

4.38

3984 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 Brightening Primer For Mature Skin

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

Cruelty Free


Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer

Overall Score

4.7

08

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer

4.51

3575 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 Radiance Primer For Mature Skin

WHY YOU NEED IT
What sets this primer apart is its weightless, non-greasy texture that glides on effortlessly, instantly refreshing your skin. Infused with golden micro-pearls, it adds a subtle radiance that captures and reflects light, enhancing your natural glow.

REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"I waited a bit after using to review, so I will say this with experience of using the product! I was apprehensive about the primer being so pricey, but it’s wonderful. Such a nice, smooth base for makeup and a little goes a very long way. Love it."


Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

Overall Score

4.7

07

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

4.19

8799 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 Gripping Primer For Mature Skin

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

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer

Overall Score

4.75

06

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer

4.37

2734 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 Dewy Primer For Mature Skin

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

Cruelty Free


Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer

Overall Score

4.75

05

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer

4.49

508 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

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 Pore-Smoothing Primer For Mature Skin

WHAT IT DOES
This primer is known for its ability to create a seamless base for your makeup. It blurs fine lines, evens out skin texture, and enhances the longevity of your foundation. Whether you're preparing for a special event or a day at the office, this primer ensures your makeup stays impeccable throughout the day.

PROMISING REVIEW
"Doesn’t pill, grips makeup all day, blurs pores, eliminates oil, matte finish but not drying, and lightweight. What more do you want?!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer

Overall Score

4.8

04

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer

4.17

9260 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 Matte Primer For Mature 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.

PROMISING 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

Cruelty Free


Tula Skincare Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

Overall Score

4.8

03

Tula Skincare Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

4.58

18044 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 Primer For Mature Skin

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

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer

Overall Score

4.9

02

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer

4.55

4950 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 Lightweight Primer For Mature Skin

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Three layers of silk are the star ingredients in this multitasking primer. The silky ingredients create a layer between skin and makeup to visibly diminish the look of pores and imperfections and protect against future breakouts and signs of aging.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Reviewers love that this weightless, oil-free formula helps brighten and even the skin tone, prevents clogged pores, and ensures your makeup stays in place longer. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.95

01

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer

4.77

8743 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 Primer Overall

WHAT TO KNOW
Here it is: 2023’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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