16 Best Face Primers for Women over 50 to Enhance Makeup Coverage

Reviewed by Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni, Dermatologist & Cosmetologist  |  Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
A woman using one of the Best Face Primers for Women over 50 to Enhance Makeup Coverage
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Women and their relationship with makeup need no introduction. Even when you enter the 5th decade of your life, your love for makeup never lessens. The 50’s is also the time when your mature skin starts asking out for special care and love. That’s when you need to get hold of the best face primers for over 50. These primers make your aging story beautiful and help keep your skin in the best form. Skincare woes sprout at high speed, but the best primers for mature skin can help amplify your beauty from within even faster.

Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni, the Chief Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist at Manipal Hospital, says, “As a Dermato-Cosmetologist, I value the use of a primer prior to makeup The medical aspect of this is to form a barrier and not let too many pigment containing products like foundations, blush, concealers etc. enter the pores of our skin directly. This may cause clogged up pores resulting in tiny acne bumps or rashes very often. Hence the use of a primer is extremely important as a base.”

Primers are indeed the most valuable players that deserve the top place in your makeup vanity. Scroll down to find the top picks which are worth investing in.

16 Best Face Primers for Women over 50

An amazing face primer that delivers a natural soft focus finish is this product by Shiseido. It has a breathable, water-based texture that makes blending an insanely easy process. Moreover, the product not only helps to control the excess release of sebum but also helps to brighten the complexion. What's more is that it contains ingredients like peptides that help to ease skin creases and all visible signs of aging(1). All in all, it is a great pick for all skin types because it helps to tighten visible pores, suction out accumulated debris, and improve skin luminosity.

Pros
  • Cream-based formulation
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • Tends to get cakey
  • Best Overall

    Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturiser

    Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturiser
  • It is hard for your skin to manifest the hormonal changes when you turn 50. At this point, you need to pamper your skin with extra care and love. Especially when it becomes more prone to wrinkles, scars, dark spots, fine lines, and blemishes, makeup application seems to be a task to conceal them all. But not to worry. Get hold of Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturiser which is known to be a hydrating primer with the goodness of SPF 25. It is enriched with vitamin B3 peptides to help you achieve an everlasting glow. Dr. Sravya lists this product as a great substitute for a moisturizer due to its hydrating properties.

    Pros
    • Ultra-lightweight
    • Improves elasticity
    • Visibly smoothes skin
    • Light to medium coverage
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Skin Hydration

    StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer

    StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer
  • This hydrating primer by StriVectin blurs skin imperfections and refines the skin’s texture to help you get a smooth and flawless makeup application. Formulated with optical blurring microspheres, it fills the look of wrinkles in no time, leaving you with soft and radiant skin. Its smooth texture glides easily on the skin and keeps makeup from settling in creases. It doesn’t matter whether you have dry or sensitive skin, you can use this primer as it is suitable for all skin types. What’s more? Formulated with glycerin and fruit extracts, this primer also hydrates the skin, evens out the skin tone, and treats dull skin, making it a must-have in your beauty kit to keep skin woes at bay. 

    Pros
    • Treats dull skin
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Suits all skin types
    • Feels light on the skin
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Vegan Friendly

    Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen- SPF 45 Primer

    Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen- SPF 45 Primer
  • This sunscreen primer for over 50 years of women firms the skin for a lifted look while diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, dark posts, freckles, etc. It is highly effective in providing anti-aging protection, thanks to its ability to create an invisible shield to block UVA and UVB rays. This broad-spectrum primer is infused with soothing botanicals, anti-oxidants, and skin-soothing properties. To soften your signs of aging, and attain a toned appearance, this face primer is what you need right at your hands.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Mattifying
    • Lightweight
    • Vegan-friendly
    Cons
    • Watery texture
  • Best Cruelty-free

    Dermablend Professional Insta-Grip Jelly Primer

    Dermablend Professional Insta-Grip Jelly Primer
  • If wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin are troubling you, try this primer by Dermablend and bid adieu to all aging skin problems. It has a distinctive jelly texture that holds onto the makeup for a long time. Formulated with plant extracts, it’s a go-to primer to moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Just 1-2 pumps of this is enough to tighten the skin and achieve a luminous finish. Prep your skin for a stunning and smooth makeup application, and rock the look. 

    Pros
    • Makes the skin smooth
    • Nourishes the skin
    • Fragrance-free
    • Silicone-free
    Cons
    • Feels sticky on the skin
  • Best For All Skin Types

    Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30

    Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30
  • Forget about those greasy and sticky primers and bring home this SPF 30 loaded primer from Murad. It will perfectly shield your skin, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and blur your pores, making your skin ready to cling to some makeup. The velvety smooth texture seamlessly glides on your skin and lends you a soft finish. To create a perfect canvas for makeup, this primer is worth every penny. As per Dr. Sravya, this is perfect for oily and acne prone skin as it is super light in texture.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Retains skin moisture
    • Restores skin elasticity
    • Works on all skin types
    Cons
    • Low-quality pump
  • Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer

    Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer
  • This ultra-hydrating primer face primer from jane iredale aids in maintaining your skin’s youthful appearance. It visibly reduces the appearance of your pores and fine lines and brings out your skin’s natural radiance. Dr. Sravya lists this as a versatile product, great for skincare. It can even work as a primer for enhancing your glow while absorbing excess oil. Plus, this is one of the best face primers for those over the 50s which smoothes and tones the skin while making your makeup last throughout the day. Apple extract, royal jelly, and algae extract are the three skin-loving ingredients that make this oil-control primer a must-have.

    Pros
    • Mattifying
    • Nourishes the skin
    • Prevents moisture loss
    • Maintains skin’s elasticity
    Cons
    • Slow results
  • Best Texture

    HOURGLASS Veil Mineral Primer

    HOURGLASS Veil Mineral Primer
  • This cruelty-free and vegan Veil Mineral Primer from HOURGLASS also contains a sunscreen that comes with a broad spectrum of SPF 15. It effectively conceals redness and hides the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines to help your foundation and other makeup layers blend in well. The supremely airy and silky texture makes it a sheer winner. What’s more? With no sulfates and paraben, this face primer addresses all skin types.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Repels water
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-greasy feel
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Editor’s Pick

    Rare Beauty Mini Pore Diffusing Primer

    Rare Beauty Mini Pore Diffusing Primer
  • “Every skin is beautiful, and every individual is a rare beauty”. The aforementioned saying encapsulates the carefully crafted formulation of the above product compatible with all skin types. It is one of the very few products where cosmetic reviewers can find a peaceful collaboration of nature and science because it contains potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid that helps to keep the water content in the epidermal layer of the skin intact and prevents skin creasing, along with green tea oil that is widely acclaimed for its anti-bacterial and antifungal super powers. What’s more is that the product prevents skin sagging, helps to reduce zit size, and eases all visible signs of redness, thereby improving the skin texture with regular use. 

    Pros
    • Improves skin texture
    • Non-clumpy
    • Allergen-free
    • Non-reddening
    Cons
    • Tends to get patchy
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Bare Minerals PRIME TIME Original Pore-Minimizing Primer

    Bare Minerals PRIME TIME Original Pore-Minimizing Primer
  • One of the best face primers that also helps to tighten pores, calm rough skin, and impart an alluring halo-like radiance is this product by Bare Minerals. The powerful sweat, water, and humidity-resistant formulation make it a favorite among conventional makeup geeks and modern-day social media beauty aficionados. Moreover, it contains buchu leaf extracts that have potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial super powers(2). To top it all, it also helps to soothe redness, reduce anti-bacterial aggravation, and decrease zit size with regular application. 

    Pros
    • Non-inflammatory
    • Brightens complexion
    • Great for oily skin
    • Non-cakey
    Cons
    • Tends to peel off
  • It Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer

    It Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer
  • This  Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer from it Cosmetics is one of the best hydrating primers for mature skin. It is enriched with the goodness of essential oils, butter, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. It nurtures your skin, locks in sufficient moisture, and prepares your skin for makeup application. The innovative formula of the primer addresses every single beauty concern of women in their 5th decade. It diffuses the appearance of everything that hampers your real glow and makes you feel more confident than ever before.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Contains powerful antioxidants
    Cons
    • Low-quality pump
  • DHC Velvet Skin Coat Mattifying Makeup Primer

    DHC Velvet Skin Coat Mattifying Makeup Primer
  • With this DHC Velvet Skin Coat Mattifying Makeup Primer, you can effortlessly prime your skin for a perfect youthful complexion. This is an antioxidant-rich mattifying primer that easily glides on your skin and allows you to blend your makeup well. The velvety texture of the primer instantly minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections hampering your makeup look. This face primer for women over 50 not only feels good, but also does good for your skin.

    Pros
    • Colorant-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Powder gel formula
    • Absorbs excess oil
    Cons
    • None
  • Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer

    Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
  • The silky smooth and translucent texture of this face primer are the two things that you will clearly love. It can be used alone or under your makeup for a seamless finish. It is formulated with the derivatives of vitamin E, and thus, leaves no place for disappointments. Along with the ability to protect your skin, it also aids in minimizing the appearance of pores. If you ask us, this primer will lift your skin and make it feel good.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Oil-free formula
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Compliments all skin tones
    Cons
    • Small size
  • Covergirl Simply Ageless Anti-aging Foundation Primer

    Covergirl Simply Ageless Anti-aging Foundation Primer
  • This Covergirl Simply Ageless Anti-aging Foundation Primer preps up your skin for the best makeup results. It plumps up your skin and instantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles for a younger-looking complexion. With hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this anti-aging primer hydrates your skin and enhances your radiance. Now, you can reduce the signs of aging and attain a moisturized look throughout the day. The primer also penetrates to the top layers of your skin, leaving a smooth base for foundation and other makeup products.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Evens skin tone
    • Nourishing formula
    • Convenient pump bottle
    Cons
    • No SPF
  • Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer

    Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer
  • Wish to make your makeup application process a lot more easy, quick, and smooth? Grab this Pure Canvas Primer from Laura Mercier. It is an oil-controlling and moisturizing primer that will leave your skin soft, supple, and ready for the next layers. Since this primer absorbs oil for over 16 hours, it lends you a mattifying effect while blurring the pores and fine lines. For long-lasting makeup coverage, ensure that you rely on this primer for a smooth and clear canvas.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Silicone-free
    • Water-based formula
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Oozes out once opened
  • Benefit The POREfessional Hydrate Primer

    Benefit The POREfessional Hydrate Primer
  • When you are in your 50s, you definitely need an extra dose of hydration. And, this hydrating face primer for over 50 from Benefit is specially crafted for those who wish to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Post application, you will notice a refreshed and smooth canvas, perfectly ready for makeup application. If you are worried about those enlarged pores and dry skin, then this Benefit The POREfessional Hydrate Primer with the goodness of hyaluronic acid and shea butter is what you need right at your hands. Believe us, it does a great job when it comes to plumping and preparing your skin for makeup.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Natural finish
    • Lightweight feel
    • Ideal for all skin types
    Cons
    • Very small size

    These best face primers for over 50 will leave you stunned, and why not! Their flawless features and alluring effect will help you conceal your signs of aging effortlessly. Trust us, these primers for mature skin are nothing less than a magical potion, elevating your glow and helping your makeup last long. If you wish to bring home the best of all, scroll down to know which primer will suit your skin the best.

    How to Choose a Face Primer for Women over 50?

    Choosing the best face primer for women over 50 isn’t a difficult task if you know what the skin requirements are. Roll your eyes over and get to know what type of face primer will suit your skin the best. 

    1. Know Your Skin: The very first step before you choose the best face primer for women over 50 is to know your skin inside out. Studying your skin and understanding what it actually needs can make your purchase worth it. Here are some tips to pick the best primer for yourself as per your skin type. 

    For Oily Skin: If you possess oily skin, ensure that you stick to an oil-free primer for mature skin. This primer will fetch you a mattifying effect and make your skin look less greasy post-makeup. Any primer that has the ability to absorb excess oil or control excessive sebum production is said to be the best for oily skin types. 

    For Dry Skin: If you possess dry skin, always vouch for an illuminating or gel-based primer. Such types of primers have hydrating properties that help in quenching the thirst of your dry skin. Using these primers will prevent flaky makeup caused due to dry skin. 

    For Combination Skin: For those who possess combination skin, ensure that your primer has light-reflecting properties. The smooth texture of such primers will lift up your skin and allow you to blend your makeup layers with ease. The T-zone requires a mattifying primer.

    2. Check Ingredients: Always pay heed to the ingredients of the primer before purchase. Insufficient knowledge about the ingredients can lead to adverse effects. Since you are in your 50s, you will be aware of the key ingredients that suit your skin the best. So, accordingly, stick to moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like essential oils, butter, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and niacinamide and stay away from those that degrade the quality of your skin.

    Conclusion

    Be it the best face primers for those over 50, makeup primers for mature skin, primers for aging skin, or anti-aging primers, the main motive of these makeup essentials is to create a smoothing effect and make your makeup last longer. These primers not just target your concerns but also lays a smooth foundation for your makeup products to cling on.

    FAQ's

    Do primers age your skin?
    No. Primers help to reduce the visible signs of aging and make sure makeup application is smooth and easy.
    Can primers be used every day?
    Yes. You can use a primer every day to protect your skin and blur pores, scars, wrinkles, dark spots, and freckles.
    Are primers good for mature skin?
    Primers are excellent for all skin types, no matter the age. They make your skin smooth and make your makeup last long.
    Does a primer go on before or after moisturizer?
    You should always apply a primer after moisturizing your face, as moisturizer prevents drying of the skin.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Face primers are a holy grail product type that allow you to have the smoothest base for your makeup. However, it is quite tricky to find out the right product as your skin concerns start to highlight even more when you are 50 or above. Our makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani, is one reliable and go-to person when it comes to finding out the right makeup product. She has gone a step ahead and asked her mother to try out a few primers only to conclude what works the best on the aging skin. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6981886/

    2. Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata): Rightfully Forgotten or Underutilized?

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358408627_Buchu_Agathosma_betulina_and_A_crenulata_Rightfully_Forgotten_or_Underutilized

    Meet the Expert
    reviewer
    Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni
    Dermatologist & Cosmetologist

    Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni, the Chief Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist atMore

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More