One of the things that I’ve learned about the changing skin of women over 50 is that it is just that…changing. It isn’t as smooth and elastic as it once was. And to create a wonderful makeup look, you have to start with a good base, and that means finding the best makeup primer for mature skin. Since an older woman’s skin is changing and has lost some of its elasticity and plumpness, choosing the right primer will make sure your makeup looks natural and lasts. The best makeup primer for mature women is one that does double duty with sun protection, doesn’t clog pores, and doesn’t cause the rest of your makeup to look cakey or dry.
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Best Makeup Primer for Mature Skin – My Top Choices
I have tried a lot of makeup primers meant for mature skin and a lot that aren’t meant for older skin. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how they market it, you need to find one that works well with the specific challenges you deal with at your age. That can be different for every woman, but some issues seem to be pretty universal once you are a woman over 50. Large pores, texture issues, sun damage, wrinkles, and crepey skin.
One of the things I recommend to readers in my post, Best Makeup Products for Women Over 50+, is that the more products you have to layer on your skin, the bigger the chance you will have an unnatural, cakey look that only accentuates wrinkles and crepey skin. And most of us also know by now that sun protection is the #1 product that can slow the damage to your skin. So for me, I choose to use double-duty products whenever possible that already contain SPF.
Here are my top choices for the best makeup primer for mature skin that works well for me. I’ve tried them and used them over time, because everything seems great the first time you put it on, right? But then comes day 5 and your skin has a dry day, it can be an entirely different story.
Ok, I know. This is called a sunscreen. But this silky smooth product is hands down my number one favorite primer as well, and has been for several years. They used to make a sheer-tinted version, but I think this one is a little more hydrating. It protects and helps your makeup to go on super smoothly and stay on. And let me tell you, I’ve tried a lot of others through the years. This works perfectly for my aging, combination skin with larger pores and texture issues. My holy grail!
Another one that goes on like silk, feels light and airy on the skin, and locks down your makeup without making it look dry or cakey is Supergoop. If you have slightly more combination skin, this may be the perfect choice for you. But as long as you moisturize before, this will work well for anybody except with the driest skin. And if that’s the case, try another version of this same product called GlowScreen. (In the opposite direction, if you want the best makeup primer for oily skin, or want a 100% mineral sunscreen, try MatteScreen!)
Best Blurring Primer for Mature Skin
Il Makiage Power Redo Wrinkle Fix
So, I ordered this product after seeing a video online, and my first instinct was to prove that it does not do what it says it does—it was kind of a too-good-to-be-true situation. A wrinkle filler? Seemed to me that just screamed cakey and crepey. And then I tried it. Now, this is not some miracle magic wand that will make you look 29 again. But not only is it a great blurring primer for pores, it does blur your wrinkles as well. I even used it under my eyes! I expected that to be a disaster, because I use concealer there and expected cakey. Nope. It blurred my skin, created a super smooth, silky skin surface to apply my makeup, and helped my makeup stay put for hours. I applied this over my sunscreen after moisturizing. Now, this is not super cheap, but I am so impressed by the difference it makes, I do think it’s worth every penny. This combines great with their Power Lift Plumping Cream and their foundation. I am not usually one to recommend using a line of products but in this case… These were made for mature skin.
Best Drugstore Makeup Primer for Older Skin
Now if you prefer a cheaper price point, here are the best drugstore makeup primers that I have tried and really liked.
NYX Professional The Marsh Mellow Primer
This is a great drugstore makeup primer for mature skin. It’s hydrating but not sticky and helps your makeup last. It’s cruelty-free which I love, and at less than $20, its price point is easy on the budget. Keep in mind this primer does not have SPF, so try to choose a foundation or moisturizer to partner with it that does!
Cover Girl Simply Ageless Face Primer
This one does a great job as a primer for mature skin because it hydrates the skin making it look more firm for smooth makeup application. I liked it because it gave you a little radiant glow.
Best Makeup Primer for Dry Skin
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Face Brightener
You might have seen me recommend Thrive Causemetics in my Best Mascaras for Women Over 50 post. They are a company that gives back a percentage of every single purchase to over 550 non-profits. And they are a clean company that is cruelty-free. I love taking my business here for that reason, but they also have some amazing products. (Their mascara is so good I got both my Mom and sister using it!)
Their Brilliant Face Brightener does exactly that… it makes your face seem bright and dewy, and has light-reflecting pigments that help to blur those imperfections. It’s hydrating and yet helps makeup stay a long time without creasing. Love this stuff! While they do have a product in this line that has SPF, I find that one can be a little matte for my taste. So make sure you use another SPF product here.
So if you need a hydrating primer for drier skin, this is the one I use in the winter when my skin gets dry patches. It’s not too heavy and not sticky, but gives your skin just enough moisture, and primes it for makeup too! Cruelty-free and also has an anti-redness complex to reduce, well, redness!
Best Eyeshadow Primer for Aging Skin
I use just one, and I have tried them all, even the iconic Urban Decay. (Which BTW, is my number 2!)
You may never have heard of them before, but this stuff goes on smoothly, locks in color all day, prevents upper lid liner from smearing on hooded eyes, and does not drag when you apply eyeshadow. I got it in my Ipsy box originally. This stuff is the stuff. (If you’ve never tried the Ipsy subscription service, I found it’s a great way to try new products. And let’s face it, it’s just pure fun to get a monthly box full of beauty products to try! Check it out here.)
It is iconic for a reason. Although I don’t think it’s quite as good as my number one pick, millions of women might disagree with me. It may be the most purchased eyeshadow primer on the planet. I love the brand because it’s cruelty-free. This one does a great job, and if I can’t find YC Collection, this is a close second.
This one I found quite by accident on Amazon because of its great reviews, and since then has gone a bit viral. You will see it on a lot of lists for a great eye primer, and I have to agree. Great price point, great primer.
So if you are looking for the best makeup primer for mature skin as you age, these are my top choices for a a variety of skin types and price points. I’ve actually tried and tested them all, and always give my honest opinion. I’m going to end this with a face primer I actually would not recommend to anyone with older skin. And it may shock you a bit… It’s the one on so many holy grail lists…
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
I just don’t get the appeal. It’s thick, too matte, and clogs my pores every single time I try it. I mean, I rarely break out these days. But if I want to have a pimple on the tip of my nose, then all I have to do is use this primer the night before. This one, I’ll leave to the 20 year olds.
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