Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil | Who it’s for: anyone seeking a dewy or glowing finish | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no
Best with SPF: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Why it’s worth it: Dobos explains that Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen benefits don’t stop at UV protection. “It’s my daily broad-spectrum SPF and primer because it contains the same type of elastomer in primers,” she says. Like a gel primer, the non-greasy formula—enriched with nourishing meadowfoam seed oil—is invisible under makeup. UV protection is essential at every age, so even if you already have some sun damage (we get it—sunscreen guidelines have changed a lot over the years!), it’s best to prevent any more harm.
Key ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4%, meadowfoam seed oil | Who it’s for: people who want UV protection | Longevity: not specified; two hours or so for SPF protection | Fragrance-free: yes
Best-Smelling: Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer
Why it’s worth it: Tarte’s Base Tape Hydrating Primer is too good to skip. Infused with moisturizing jojoba, coconut, and vitamin E, this hydrating makeup primer replenishes thirsty skin and leaves it baby-soft. Figueroa says, “It’s like applying a moisturizer, but it also helps your makeup stay put all day.” Heads up—it has the faint scent of coconut, so if you’re fragrance-sensitive, this might not be the one for you.
Key ingredients: coconut, jojoba, Centella asiatica | Who it’s for: those with dry skin | Longevity: up to 12 hours | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a primer for mature skin?
Primers for mature skin are formulated with ingredients that cater to the needs of your beautifully aging visage. “More mature skin is often in need of a hydration boost, so humectants like glycerin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid are beneficial,” cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos explains. Along with nourishing your skin, a quality primer also helps extend the effectiveness of your other skincare products. “Think of primer as double-sided tape for the face,” says Figueroa. “It locks in skincare, keeps your makeup in place, and prevents it from settling into fine lines or wrinkles.”
“The primary ingredients in most primers are silicone elastomers,” says Dobos. “Elastomers are flexible polymers that can be pulled and stretched without breaking. They also have good adhesion to the skin and are responsible for the grip primers have on pigments.” She explains that these polymers also scatter light, which is responsible for that beloved blurring effect of primers.
How should I choose a primer for mature skin?
Nashville-based makeup artist Emily Gray recommends focusing on skin-forward, hydrating and smooth ingredients. “Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients because it has numerous well-studied and proven benefits, including antioxidant activity, skin tone evening, and the ability to strengthen the skin barrier,” Dobos adds. If your skin has gotten oilier with age, Dobos suggests looking for primers with mattifying ingredients. “Many primers contain highly absorptive powder like silica or non-pearlescent mica to maintain a more matte appearance.”