We tested more than a dozen highly-rated primers to find our top pick. (Marie Lodi/Yahoo)
I always say that if a beauty genie granted me three wishes, one of them would be to have smaller pores. Until that genie shows up, I’m thankful for face primer. The best primers are my secret weapon for flawless makeup, especially when tackling common aging skin concerns I share with my over-40 sisters, like fine lines, uneven texture and large pores. These days, foundation primers are such a key part of my makeup routine that I can’t believe I ever went without them. I take this particular part of my makeup routine very, very seriously, mostly because I've seen these products yield results.
If you’ve ever been disappointed by how an otherwise amazing foundation slides around or settles into fine lines, a good primer may be the beauty step you’ve been missing. That’s because, once you hit your 40s, foundation alone can’t do the heavy lifting of smoothing and perfecting your complexion. As our skin changes — and becomes drier, thinner and more textured — a primer better allows your makeup to perform as it once did. These products can smooth, hydrate and prep your skin so every layer that follows not only looks better, but lasts longer too.
There are hundreds of primers out there, but, believe me, not all are created equal! Finding the right one will depend on your skin’s specific needs and wants, whether that's a pore-blurring matte or a hydrating, dewy option. Below, I've rounded up our top-tested picks to give your skin a perfect foundation (pun intended) for whatever makeup you choose.
Other face primers we recommend
What to look for in a face primer
I’m a longtime beauty writer and editor and I've honestly reviewed more primers over the years than I can count. I’m also a bit of a primer die-hard. They have truly been a game-changer for my routine, so I take primer testing very seriously. For this story, I tried more than a dozen face primers across price points — from drugstore staples to luxury formulas from brands that promised to help give my foundation an “IRL filter” finish. I wore each primer with foundation, as well as tinted moisturizers and even on bare skin. I evaluated them based on the following:
Application: Did the primer glide on smoothly and blend in without tugging, or did it emphasize dry patches and fine lines?
Texture: Was it lightweight and silky, or heavy and waxy? Did it create a smooth, comfortable canvas for makeup without feeling like an extra layer?
Hydration: Since mature skin often tends to be drier, I looked for primers that added a boost of moisture. Did it keep my skin plump throughout the day, or did my makeup settle into creases by lunchtime?
Blurring power: As a “person of large pore” (as I like to describe myself), this was the big test. Did the formula camouflage them as well as soften fine lines and smooth uneven texture, or did it do the opposite and exaggerate them once I applied my foundation?
Ingredients: I also paid close attention to ingredients, especially ones that can help make a difference for over-40 skin. Did the formula offer any skin care benefits in addition to enhancing makeup hold?
Longevity: How well did the primer extend the wear of makeup? Did it prevent foundation from fading, sliding or creasing after a full day of different activities?
Compatibility: How did each primer play with the different base products and sunscreens I put on my face? Did it layer seamlessly, or cause the foundation to pill and separate?
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer: This is a longtime favorite for instantly blurring pores and combating shine. For over-40 skin the silicone-heavy formula can be a little drying (I loved it more when I was younger (and my skin was less dry). However, I’ll sometimes use it as a spot treatment, especially on my nose, rather than across my entire face.
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer: This was actually tied in first place with its winning sister product, the Tarte Face Tape Smoothing Primer. This one is equally effective (especially on pores), but the liquid is slightly more hydrating, and the pump packaging makes it easier and quicker to apply all over.
NYX Face Glue: If we had a best packaging category, this would definitely win, since it cleverly resembles the white glue from grade school. While the grip is strong, it’s great for longevity, but mature skin might prefer something more moisturizing for everyday wear. Think of it as more of a performance primer than a hydrating one.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip: I really like the grip on this, as it helped my foundation stay in place, even in extremely sweaty weather. Plus, the gel-based formula contains aloe water and hyaluronic acid for serious hydration. However, the slightly tacky finish might not be for everyone.
Benefit The Porefessional Face Primer: This is such a classic product that it might have been the first primer I ever used. It’s famous for pore-blurring magic, but I found it worked better when I was younger and my skin wasn’t as dry as it is now. Unfortunately, this one settled into my fine lines instead of smoothing them out.
As skin matures, dryness and loss of elasticity become more noticeable, which can make foundation settle into fine lines, causing creasing and patchiness. A primer with hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, like our E.l.f and Tarte picks, helps plump and smooth the surface so makeup glides on more evenly.
Primers are no longer one-size-fits-all. If your main concern is fine lines or pores (like mine), look for a blurring primer with silicones, like our Tarte winner. For dullness, look for radiance-boosting formulas, like the Bobbi Brown one we love. For redness or uneven tone, a color-correcting primer (green for redness, peach for sallowness) can balance your complexion before foundation even goes on.
The best primer won’t ever feel heavy or mask-like. For mature skin, look for silky, lightweight formulas that melt in rather than sitting on top. A good primer should create a smooth, cushiony base that feels comfortable under makeup. Never tight, heavy or greasy!
Modern primers often double as skin care, and that’s a major bonus for over-40 skin. Look for hydrating humectants, antioxidants (vitamin C or green tea) or peptides that support healthy-feeling skin over time. Some, like our Saint Jane Beauty winner, even include SPF, offering protection and priming in one step.
A primer should be the peacekeeper between skin care and makeup, not the troublemaker! It should layer seamlessly over your moisturizer and sunscreen while gripping your foundation without pilling. If you favor lighter bases like tinted moisturizers or skin tints, make sure the primer isn’t too heavy or mattifying.
Your finish should match your skin goals. If you want to revive glow, choose a radiant, hydrating primer, like our Bobbi Brown pick. If you’re oily in the T-zone but dry elsewhere, a balancing or semi-matte formula, like our Tarte pick can help. The key is avoiding extremes. Overly matte primers can emphasize texture, while overly shimmery ones can spotlight fine lines.
While not strictly necessary, a good primer can make a noticeable difference. As skin matures, texture, fine lines and dryness become more prominent. A primer smooths the surface, helps makeup glide on more evenly and keeps foundation from settling into creases.
Hydrating and smoothing primers tend to work best for over-40 skin. If dryness is your main concern, look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, squalane or other hydrating ingredients. If pores and fine lines are your big issue, a blurring primer is a great choice. Radiance-boosting primers can also bring back the glow that naturally diminishes with age.
Not if you choose the right formula! A lightweight, hydrating primer can actually prevent a cakey look by giving foundation a smoother surface to cling to. Problems usually arise if the primer and foundation don’t play well together (like pairing a silicone-heavy primer with a water-based foundation).
Absolutely! Many primers are multi-tasking products, enhancing skin with hydration, blurring, SPF and more. On no-makeup days, a primer can make skin look refreshed and more even-toned without the weight of foundation.
Simply apply primer after your skin care (including sunscreen) and before foundation or tinted moisturizer.
A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the whole face. Using too much can cause piling or a heavy feel under foundation. Apply lightly with your fingers, focusing on areas where makeup tends to settle (like around the nose, mouth and forehead).
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.