The best primers for mature skin we tested
Best universal primer: Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Best affordable primer: e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Best luxury primer: Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Face Base Moisturizer and Primers
This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Age-Defying Beauty, a weeklong focus on the essential products, tips and tricks to enhance your glow at any age. We’ll be featuring editor-tested skin care and beauty tips from experts over 40, so check back to see what’s new.
Just like our bodies’ needs shift as birthdays pile up, so will our skin’s. Fine lines, texture and the occasional uneven spot or blemish can make achieving a smooth, airbrushed finish seem like a distant dream. Fortunately, makeup primers are the hidden gem of the beauty world and can make your skin look smoother, brighter and overall more even.
These little wonder products are designed to do far more than prep your skin. They can help even skin tone, reduce shine and create a balanced, flawless canvas for makeup that stays put all day long. Some are even formulated with added skin care benefits to make your makeup work twice as hard. But choosing the perfect primer for your skin type can feel like a puzzle, especially when walking down an endless makeup aisle.
That’s why we set out to swatch, wear and review the best primers on the market. We reached out to women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond with skin types at various stages — textured, menopausal and beautifully wrinkled — to test each primer for several weeks and get their honest reviews.
Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Best universal primer
Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas Primer is a lightweight, liquid version of the brand's beloved Silk Canvas Protective Primer, designed to smooth, blur and perfect the skin's texture.
e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Best affordable primer
You’ve probably spotted e.l.f. in your drugstore beauty aisle. Its Liquid Poreless Putty is a weightless, hydrating primer that helps to create a smooth, poreless canvas for makeup — all for only $10.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
Best luxury primer
Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin-Enriched Face Base is a luxurious moisturizer and primer packed into one, designed to hydrate, smooth and prime the skin for makeup.
Related article 6 tips for mastering makeup for mature skin, from makeup artists over 40
Best universal primer: Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Suzanne Kattau/CNN Underscored
Tatcha’s silky-smooth primer, enriched with Japanese superfoods like green tea and rice, created a seamless base for makeup while protecting skin from environmental stressors. Its velvety formula struck a perfect balance of oil control and hydration, making it suitable for all skin types and textures. Whether worn alone or under foundation, it also enhanced makeup longevity and provided a soft-focus effect, leaving the skin radiant.
Why did Tatcha’s primer win us over? The buttery formula, pore-minimizing effect and matte finish stood out from the other primers in our testing pool. Contributing writer Isla Harvey gave this primer a glowing 5 out of 5, impressed by its lightweight, nongreasy texture that quickly absorbed into her skin. She loved how it kept her makeup in place with a beautiful matte finish throughout the day. The formula evened out her skin tone, providing noticeable color correction. She also appreciated its lighter feel, particularly for her oily skin, and would use it again with and without makeup.
Our health, fitness and food editor, Tobey Grumet Segal, also appreciated its smooth texture and oil-free feel, which added a subtle glow to her makeup. Tester Laura Schoenheit agreed, praising its silky, moisturizing formula. She found it reduced redness slightly and helped minimize pores and fine lines, with noticeable results on deeper forehead creases. She also noted that it’s available on Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program for under $50, making it a great value.
Despite the rave reviews, different skin types do react differently. Although contributing writer Andrea Smith found the formula smooth and easy to apply, she didn’t see much color correction or line blurring with her sensitive skin, which had some sun damage. Tester Janet Gendron also found the formula heavy on her skin despite it absorbing well and leaving a matte finish. She noted the primer provided only about 60% color correction but did blur pores and made makeup application easy. Overall, however, testers appreciated Tatcha’s lightweight formula and long-lasting effects, though a few found it a bit heavy.
Best affordable primer: e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Janet Gendron/CNN Underscored
Our testers were impressed with e.l.f.’s affordable but powerful putty primer. Infused with squalane, a noncomedogenic moisturizing ingredient, e.l.f.’s primer glided onto the skin effortlessly to blur imperfections. It also minimized the appearance of pores, all with a soft, satin finish. Unlike traditional putty primers, this liquid formula absorbed quickly and provided a more comfortable, breathable wear. Ideal for all skin types, it helps to extend the wear of foundation and keep makeup looking fresh throughout the day, all while maintaining a natural, dewy finish.
We loved e.l.f.’s primer for more than its extremely affordable price tag. Reviews editor Suzanne Kattau gave e.l.f.’s primer a 5-star rating, praising its silky-smooth texture and fast absorption. The primer worked wonders on her fair skin tone and minimized redness, all without looking cakey. It also blurred her skin as effectively as higher-priced primers from Strivectin and Dr. Brandt. Although she doesn’t use foundation or blush, she would repurchase the $10 primer. Harvey also found the primer evened out her fair skin tone and made her skin look and feel smoother.
Another standout feature our testers loved? The scent-free formula made it a winning budget pick, especially for those with sensitive skin. Harvey praised it as a great bargain compared to other options.
The primer from e.l.f. did have some drawbacks, though. Gendron found the formula didn’t agree with her skin type because it felt oily, leaving her skin shiny. “The color correction was minimal,” she says, with only about 75% coverage due to the tint. Managing editor Rachel Quigley didn’t notice significant color correction but thought her skin looked and felt great. Despite the product not being as effective as other higher-end brands that she prefers, she says it’s solid budget option and she would use the e.l.f. primer again due to its affordability.
Related article 13 beauty products to avoid after 40 — and what you should be using instead
Best luxury primer: Bobbi Brown Vitamin-Enriched Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
One of the most expensive but effective skin-boosting primers we tested was the luxe Bobbi Brown primer, formulated to work as a moisturizer as well. With rich ingredients like shea butter, it nourished skin while creating a soft, velvety texture. The thick yet lightweight formula also left skin feeling radiant without being greasy. Because of its ultra-hydrating power, it’s an ideal base for makeup, ensuring better application and longer-lasting wear for a glowy finish.
Contributing writer Liz Zack gave the product a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. She loved that it functioned as a primer and moisturizer, especially for days when she skips foundation. She noted the formula felt like “whipped cream” and left her skin hydrated and prepped. While it didn’t offer her color correction, she appreciated the lack of tint.
Kattau found the formula thick but fast-absorbing without as much color correction for her ruddy cheeks as other primers, including Smashbox and Lancôme. While it did blur fine lines, she says she wouldn’t repurchase it due to its strong citrusy scent, which reminded her of sunblock. Grumet Segal agreed on all fronts; she described the formula as rich and creamy but found the scent too strong. Nevertheless, she thought it was hydrating and sat well under makeup. Gendron, on the other hand, was amazed at the color correction of her freckles and reduced pores, making makeup application easier. She would repurchase the luxe primer, even at the higher price, because it made her skin feel soft and silky while simplifying foundation application.
How we tested
Although anyone at any age can wear primers, we wanted to find the best primers for women with real skin, skin that is creased, spotted and beautifully lived in. We gathered a diverse testing pool of women in their 40s, 50s and beyond looking to combat common skin care concerns like uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and fine lines.
All testers wore each primer on bare skin before their normal makeup routine, noting how the primer held up without anything covering the product. Testers then wore each primer with makeup on for at least a full day’s wear.
Our testers focused on the following criteria while reviewing the primers in our testing pool.
Formula
- Ingredients and application: How did the formula feel? Did it feel silky smooth or oily on the skin? Was there a matte finish, or did it make skin shiny? Did it absorb quickly?
- Color correction: Did the primer even out skin tone?
- Smoothing power: Did the primer blur skin prior to makeup application?
Ease of use
- General usability: Was the primer easy to use? How did it improve the makeup application process, if at all?
- Re-wear factor: We evaluated if we would use this primer again.
Price
- Value for money: Was each primer worth the price? Were there added skin care benefits that made each primer worth a higher price tag? Would we purchase this primer again?
What is a primer?
“Makeup primers are designed to prepare the skin before applying foundation. They help create an even base and, depending on the formula, can offer benefits like mattifying the skin and controlling oil, which helps makeup last longer,” says Stephanie Flor, celebrity makeup artist and author of “The Global Beauty Journey.”
Primers are not to be confused with skin care products. “ Primers act as a barrier between your skin and makeup but don’t treat underlying skin concerns,” Flor says. Think of a makeup primer like a wall primer: a base coat that preps the paint (or makeup) for a flawless finish.
What to look for in makeup primers
Flor has two surefire tips for finding the right primer. “When choosing a primer for mature skin, two key elements to look for are pore-minimizing and line-reducing properties,” Flor says. “Avoid mattifying formulas, as a slight glow can give the skin a hydrated and youthful appearance. Instead, opt for primers that enhance radiance while smoothing the skin’s texture.”
Although you don’t need foundation or concealer, especially for everyday wear, adding this extra coverage to your primer can add the extra “wow” factor to your skin. “For a more polished look, you can layer a foundation on top of your primer,” Flor says.
Other primers we tested
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Smashbox’s Photo Finish Smooth and Blur primer has a mattifying formula designed to create a smooth, flawless base for makeup. This oil-free primer is supposed to blur the appearance of pores and imperfections, leaving the skin with a soft-focus finish. Ideal for oily or combination skin types, it promises to control shine while ensuring foundation lasts longer throughout the day. Our testers had wildly different experiences when it came to those expectations.
Grumet Segal raved about Smashbox’s clean and smooth formula, which worked well for oil control on her combination skin. While it didn’t provide color correction, it excelled in smoothing power, making it one of the best primers for wearing without makeup. It filled in lines naturally, and she would use it again. Zack, however, wasn’t a fan of the clear primer, noting it “doesn’t do much” for someone who skips foundation. Gendron agreed with the low rating. She found the formula oily, leaving her face shiny and sticky. It didn’t provide the color correction she craved or the smoothing power, making makeup application difficult.
Lancôme La Base Pro Face and Makeup Primer
Lancôme’s La Base Pro Face and Makeup Primer is a silky, lightweight primer designed to create a smooth, flawless canvas for makeup. The primer's velvety texture glides on effortlessly, providing a matte finish that controls shine without drying out the skin. Ideal for all skin types, it ensures makeup applies evenly and stays in place throughout the day for a polished look. Our testers had inconsistent results in regards to the absorption of the formula.
Gendron found this pick to be her new go-to primer. She was impressed with its water-soluble formula that absorbed well, leaving behind a smooth, matte finish. She found the $45 primer made makeup application easy, natural and flawless. Kattau, on the other hand, was not a fan of this primer. Although she thought it was silky smooth, the slightly greasy feel took longer to absorb into her skin. And at $45 for 0.8 fluid ounces, she found it more expensive but with less product than others on the list. Additionally, she noted the pump design made it difficult to get the last bit of product out. On the plus side, though, she appreciated the Lancôme primer’s lack of fragrance, making it a decent choice for those sensitive to scent.
L'Oréal Prime Lab Advanced Derm Primer
L’Oréal's Advanced Derm Primer is designed to blur fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Its advanced formula, enriched with sun protection, claims to create a soft-focus effect, giving skin a more even appearance, and to improve skin texture and create a matte finish. Our testing panel was not impressed by the way the primer felt after applied, however, and the majority of testers would not repurchase this one, despite the more affordable cost.
Most testers found this L’Oréal’s pick to irritate the skin. Smith thought it went on smoothly but felt tacky. However, she gave the primer bonus points for having broad-spectrum SPF 30. Kattau found the odor reminiscent of nail polish remover, but she appreciated the quick-drying formula that evened out the ruddiness in her cheeks. She did note her sensitive skin didn’t react well to the primer, though. Quigley had the same experience, the primer making her skin look red and feel flushed. Almost all concluded they wouldn’t repurchase this product.
Strivectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Face Primer
Strivectin’s Line BlurFector is a high-performance primer designed to instantly smooth and blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its lightweight formula creates a great canvas by reducing the visibility of imperfections and enhancing the skin's texture. Enriched with peptides and nourishing ingredients, this primer preps the skin for makeup and improves its overall look and feel over time.
Smith noted the primer felt “smooth going on,” but she wouldn’t repurchase it, considering it to be mediocre compared to other primers. Grumet Segal described this primer as “soft and creamy” but still matte, even noting it “felt like velvet going on.” Schoenheit gave this primer a 5-star rating and agreed that the texture felt silky smooth and soothing, adding that it “hid deeper wrinkles.” She was particularly impressed at the primer’s ability to hide her crow’s feet and deeper wrinkles in her forehead.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Refiner Primer
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Refiner Primer is a mattifying and pore-minimizing primer formulated to create a smooth base for makeup. Its silky, lightweight formula helps blur the appearance of large pores and imperfections while controlling excess oil and shine. Ideal for oily and combination skin types, this primer mattifies the skin without drying it out.
Harvey loved the formula of the Dr. Brandt primer, noting how smooth and mattifying it was, especially in the relentless heat of Austin, Texas. As someone with oily skin, she was impressed that it kept her face shine-free without any breakouts. The product also had a subtle anti-redness effect, with a light beige tint that helped even out her complexion, though it wasn’t dramatic enough to visibly alter her skin due to her freckles. The smoothing power was a standout, too; her skin texture looked even and flawless, even when paired with La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen and a bit of concealer. She plans to use it again, especially considering she received several compliments on her skin while wearing it.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer
The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is a high-performance makeup product. It promises to deliver a flawless, airbrushed finish while improving the longevity of makeup. Its lightweight, gel-like formula blurs imperfections, smoothes the skin’s texture and controls shine, creating an ideal base for foundation. Enriched with innovative ingredients, it provides a soft-focus effect, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines for a more even, refined complexion.
Kattau found the Hourglass primer effective at blurring fine lines, but it didn’t impress her overall. She doesn’t wear foundation or blush, so the primer’s effect on those products wasn’t relevant to her. Unfortunately, she experienced slight stinging, similar to what many testers’ encountered with the L’Oréal primer, which made her hesitant to use it again. At $58, she felt it was too expensive for the experience and wouldn’t buy it even if it were cheaper. However, she appreciated that the primer had no scent and noted its white, lightweight, hand lotion-like texture. Grumet Segal says, “It’s creamy and moisturizing, and good as a base for makeup,” but it didn’t even come close to taking a top spot in our testing.
Image Skincare Prevention and Daily Perfecting Primer in SPF 50
Image’s Skincare Prevention and Daily Perfecting Primer SPF 50 is a multitasking primer combining powerful sun protection to shield the skin while smoothing and blurring imperfections. Our testers, however, only found it mediocre, with some testers' skin having bad reactions to the formula.
Schoenheit gave the product a 3 out of 5. She found the formula silky and the smoothing power effective, with her mineral powder applying well on top. However, she didn’t notice any color correction, and her sensitive skin didn’t react well to the formula, possibly due to the high SPF. The price was a major drawback for her, as she felt it was too expensive to repurchase.
Harvey also rated the product a 3 out of 5. She found the formula thick and slightly sticky but liked that it contained SPF 50, helping streamline her morning routine. Once absorbed, it provided a lovely matte finish that lasted for several hours. The color correction was effective for her fair, freckled skin, with a slight tint that worked well, though it made her partner’s darker skin look ashy. It also smoothed out rough patches and fine lines.
Despite those positives, Harvey noted that the formula felt heavy and clogged her pores in Austin’s heat, which led to some breakouts. She prefers lighter formulas for her sensitive skin, and this might be better suited for those with fewer pores or who live in cooler, less humid conditions. Another downside was that it rubbed off on her high-neck white tops, leaving a beige stain that washed out but wasn’t ideal.
Meet our panel
- Mom of SEO director Katelyn Gendron, Janet Gendron is 63 and most concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, especially around her eyes. She also has sensitive skin but uses cleansers and moisturizers frequently.
- Health, fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal is 53 and is mainly concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, eye bags and sun damage. You would never know it, considering she has a retinol- and serum-infused regimen she swears by, along with neck creams.
- Contributing writer Isla Harvey is 42 and currently concerned with juggling hormonal breakouts and fine lines. She uses cleansers, moisturizers, serums and La Roche-Posay products for acne-prone skin.
- Testing editor Suzanne Kattau is “older than a teenager and younger than a great-great-great-grandmother.” Her main skin care issues revolve around fine lines and dry skin, though she has a skin care routine consisting of moisturizers, retinol and serums.
- Managing editor Rachel Quigley is 41 and struggles with dull skin, fine lines and crow’s feet. However, she’s a true skin care pro who has invested in good skin care like cleansers, moisturizers, retinol, serums, masks and peels.
- Product designer Laura Schoenheit’s beauty concerns revolve around dull, tired skin and hormonal breakouts. She swears by glycolic acid and serums to get her dry skin looking moisturized.
- Contributing writer Andrea Smith is 62, and her skin care concerns range from brown spots to fine lines and wrinkles. She has dry skin but uses cleansers, moisturizers and the occasional filler.
- Contributing writer Liz Zack is almost 50 and struggles with fine lines and wrinkles. She is adamant about her SPF to tackle brown spots and melasma. Although she has combination skin, she maintains her routine with cleansers, moisturizers, retinol, serums and the occasional laser and injectable.
Meet our expert
For this article, we consulted the following beauty expert to gain their professional insights on primers.
- Stephanie Flor, celebrity makeup artist and author of “The Global Beauty Journey”
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience to ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately.
Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal has tested a wide variety products from the best drugstore mascaras to the best shapewear to the best blenders. For this article, she sourced women of all ages and backgrounds to test a range of makeup primers.
Carolina Gazal Associate Writer, Testing
Carolina Gazal is an associate testing writer for CNN Underscored, where she writes best-of reviews in the lifestyle realm. When she's not testing products in the kitchen and home space, you will most likely find her on a coffee run or baking sweet treats.