The best primers to buy if you've got mature skin (2024)

Whether you wear primer every day, or you're new to this category of beauty buys, we've got you covered. Primers have been big news in the beauty industry for years now, but sometimes it might seem like you're adding an extra step to an already-rushed morning routine.

In a crowded marketplace, you might be wondering if investing in a primer is really worth it and which one is the best for your skin type. We've compiled a list of our favourite primers for mature skin, with options for every budget.

What does a primer do?

For the uninitiated, a primer is essentially a product you apply after your skincare and before foundation to help your base look smooth and keep your make-up in place. Depending on the primer, they may also offer skincare benefits, meaning choosing the right primer for your skin type is the best way to shop this make-up/ skincare hybrid product.

Best primers for mature skin 2024

On mature skin, primers can help to make your makeup sit more evenly. Some primers also offer a blurring effect that helps to disguise areas where makeup might otherwise gather. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable primers on the market now, as well as more luxe options that many beauty editors swear by. Read on for our pick of the best primers for mature skin to shop now...

This primer went viral thanks to its ability to offer skin a gripping base. Don't be put off by the red hue that dries down clear as it's a great nourishing option thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and cherry extract.

The packaging might seem a little futuristic, but we like the no-fuss applicator that allows you to roll the product over your face. This vegan primer is suitable for all skin types, feels cool to apply, and provides a great base for your makeup.

It may be a splurge, but Elemis' Pro-Collagen offering is a great firming buy with a cool-feeling finish. It contains marine extracts to help smooth and tighten the skin, leaving fine lines and wrinkles appearing reduced and your complexion looking fresh.

If smoothing is what you're after then this NYX primer contains a 10-in-1 make-up extending formula. We love it for busy days on the go where you need your base to have staying power that'll take you from your desk to dinner with minimal touch-ups.

Containing SPF50 and peptides to help condition the skin, this mid price point primer is worth the investment. It can be worn on makeup free days to give skin a radiance boost, or added to your makeup routine.

If you spend a lot of time commuting or rushing about the city, then this Max Factor primer could be the one for you. Containing an anti pollution complex, it helps to protect against the effects of blue light and contains SPF30.

You can always rely on Olay to bring out affordable yet hard-working beauty buys. We like this day cream and primer if you want a low-maintenance option that doesn't require adding a new step into your routine. Thanks to the addition of glycerin, this non-greasy formula helps to lock moisture in the skin.

Containing vitamin E, this smoothing primer is ideal for people who like a lightweight base. It offers a blurring effect that minimises large pores, whilst also giving protection against external aggressors that dry out your skin.

Korean skincare brand Erborian has created this pink primer that boasts a creamy texture for easy application and a comfortable-feeling finish. This primer offers hydration to your complexion, leaving parched skin feeling silky soft.

A great budget-friendly buy, The Ordinary's high-adherence silicone primer is a great option for anyone new to this category of beauty buy. If you tend to wear makeup for long periods, then this buy will help to improve the longevity of your base whilst hydrating thirsty skin.

No7's offering is this Airbrush Away primer that smooths and blurs the skin. If you're looking for a primer that reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, then this beauty helps to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.

This affordable primer went viral thanks to its ability to grip onto makeup and add a soft focus effect to the skin. We love that it's suitable for all skin types and plumps the appearance of the skin, making it the perfect primer for a tired feeling complexion. What's more, its reasonable price tag makes it a great starting point for anyone new to priming their skin.

Another great skincare and priming hybrid buy is this offering from Glossier. Their priming moisturiser hydrates, makes the skin's texture look even, and also primes skin ready for your foundation. What's not to love?!

This silicone-free primer boasts an ingredient list that includes vitamin C and three types of hyaluronic acid. We love it for mature skin thanks to its radiance boosting finish that brightens up a lacklustre-feeling complexion.

As its name would suggest, this primer gives a glowing complexion, but this hard-working buy can also be put on top of makeup in small areas where dry patches may be present. We love that it also blends super easily and leaves skin feeling silky smooth.

This £10 offering from Revolution includes Vitamins B, C, and E to help nourish the skin, providing a hydrated base. It's been designed to be used both before foundation or alone thanks to the plumping effect it gives.

The semi-satin finish on this blurring primer is one reason we love it so much. It's lightweight, making it ideal for anyone who can't stand a heavy feeling on the skin, plus it contains vitamin C to help illuminate your complexion.

This primer went viral on social media for a reason. Cutting through the noise however, we love this one thanks to its ability to really grip on to your makeup, as its very apt name would suggest. It contains a host of ingredients to hydrate your skin too, including aloe water and B vitamins.