There is an onslaught of products recommended to perfect our makeup routines, and while a lot of it can be white noise, the humble primer is an investment that can really change the game.
That’s because it offers many benefits geared towards protecting your skin and getting the most out of your foundation.
Of course, some beauty experts claim the product isn’t necessary when applying moisturiser before your makeup, but in truth, that sentiment is reserved for young skin filled with collagen.
As the skin ages and transforms, a good primer can blur fine lines and create an even base that is great for hydrating your skin and keeping your foundation fresh.
The beauty world has seen an overhaul of what makeup can be over the past ten years.
Companies have enriched their foundations, concealers, and mascaras with vitamins, treatments, and antioxidants so your skin can achieve your desired results while you go about your day.
This modern handling of products is most present in primers, which are more like skincare solutions than makeup because they’re trying to get the best results from your skin, not your BB Cream.
After all, a healthy base equals a flawless cover girl finish.
We have found the best primers on the market for mature skin so you can start benefitting from their powers.
The best primers to shop for mature skin in 2024
01
Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
This Nude By Nature primer has many benefits, including but not limited to smoothing, extending the longevity of makeup, reducing imperfections, hydrating, and nourishing.
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Smoothing
- Non-tinted formula
- Hydrating and antioxidant-rich
- Silicone free
- Cruelty free
- For all skin types
02
Peace Out Skincare Retinol & Peptide Eye Stick
$34.30 (usuallu $49) at Sephora
The creamy nature of this primer minimises fine lines around the eyes, which are delicate and need as much moisturiser as possible.
In addition, its balmy formula will help to ensure your under eyes stay firm as well as eliminate dryness.
Size: 4g
Key features:
- Includes retinol
- Alcohol-free
- Anti-oxidants
- Oil-free
- For all skin types
03
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer Antioxidant Blend
$55 at Adore Beauty
Elizabeth Arden promises a flawless finish with its innovative primer that smooths, blurs, and minimises pores, while its time-release skin-balancing technology controls shine and moisture.
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Artificial fragrance free
- Mineral oil free
- Paraben free
- Matte finish
- For all skin types
04
Paula’s Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish
$39 at Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice is fast becoming a staple brand in our skincare routines, and their primer is suitable for oily skin because its micro sponge tech helps control shine.
It also feels luxurious because of its powder-like finish, which aids in masking imperfections.
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Can be worn alone or under makeup
- Keeps oil under control for hours
- Best for oily or combination skin
05
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer
$82 at Sephora
It’s a luxurious investment, but it promises luminosity and smoothing agents to boost skin quality and your makeup’s longevity.
It’s infused with nourishing oils for softer skin, and it features golden shimmer – for fun!
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Illuminating
- Blurring
- Shimmer finish
- No greasy residue
- Suitable for all skin types
06
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Hydrate Face Primer
$44.10 (usuallu $63) at Sephora
Look no further than Benefit for a smoothing primer that instantly moisturises skin, helps makeup stay put and minimises the look of fine lines.
Sizes: 7.5ml, 22ml
Key features:
- Fills pores
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
- Balm formula
- For all skin types
07
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer
$55 at Sephora
This primer from Rare Beauty is perfect for mature skin as it’s main purpose is to reduce to look of large pores.
Not only that, but the formula is also designed to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, as well as smoothen your skin before you apply makeup.
Sizes: 7.5ml, 22ml
Key features:
- Fills pores
- Smoothing
- Gel formula
- For all skin types
How do I choose the best primer for my skin?
Finding the right primer for you is all about knowing your skin type.
If you have dry skin you’ll want a moisturising and hydrating primer with a creamy consistency and ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide which keep your skin moisturised, prevent tightness and boost elasticity.
In contrast, if your skin leans more to the oily side, you’ll be after a more mattifying primer with a gel-like or silicone consistency.