14 Best Expert-Approved Primers That Cover Wrinkles For A Fresh Look (2024)
Try these listed primers for wrinkles that can be a makeup base and offer good coverage.
Before you decide to apply makeup, you need to prep your skin. This is especially the case if you have a deep-set smile, fine lines, and wrinkles. Primer is one of the essential components of makeup that helps create the perfect base. Primer also acts as a protective layer between one’s skin and the foundation, thus making makeup last longer. The best primer for wrinkles isn’t hard to find once you’ve done your research and have tried and tested different products. On that note, you can go through our list to find the best primer for mature makeup needs. We have selected these products after carefully analyzing the reviews that they have garnered on various forums.
Lorrie Pearson, a professional Makeup Artist, mentions how a good primer smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, creating a canvas for makeup application.
In This Article
Why Use Makeup Primer For Wrinkles/Aging Skin
Primers are used and formulated in a way to make your skin look smoother. They reduce the appearance of pores and pigmentation. This layer between your makeup and your skin evens the surface by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, pores, and other signs of aging on your skin. They make your skin appear firm and supple by blurring out wrinkles and blemishes and prepare a clear canvas for other makeup products. People with wrinkles and aging skin must use a primer to improve skin texture over time and reduce wrinkles to achieve a flawless, smooth, and luminous look.
Now that you know the benefits offered by a primer, let’s dive into the list of products available on the market.
14 Best Primers To Cover Wrinkles In 2024, Reviews & Buying Gudie
Best Overall:e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer
Looking for a skin-enriching primer? The Hydrating Face Primer by e.l.f suits all skin types and is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains grapeseed oil that has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that reduce redness, breakouts, scars, and free radical damage to the skin. It also increases cell vitality by clearing dead skin cells and improves collagen synthesis to enhance skin elasticity.
The hydrating formula nourishes the skin and prevents breakouts. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which enhances your skin’s texture and reduces sun damage. This long-lasting primer extends the longevity of your foundation. It creates the perfect base on your skin for smooth and seamless makeup application. Learn more about the product in this video detailing a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Long-lasting
- Blends well
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Nonylphenol-free
- Ethoxylate-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Hydroquinone-free
Cons
- May leave an oily residue
Best For Seamless Coverage:Touch In Sole No Pore Blem Primer
The No Pore Blem Primer by Touch In Sol provides seamless coverage with a dewy glow. It covers wrinkles and large pores and evens out the skin without being cakey. This lightweight primer is enriched with green tea extracts that help in natural collagen production to diminish the early signs of aging. It is also infused with soluble collagen that conceals saggy skin, and enhances skin elasticity and hydration. This product makes your skin feel fresh and smooth for a long time. YouTuber Thrift Thick, says, “It feels like a moisturizer/serum, but it doesn’t feel like it completely sinks into the skin, like a serum would. It just smells very fresh and clean but its like a very light scent.” Aurora, a blogger, says, “I have to say that the silky primer texture is one that is so different and so rare in the makeup game that it completely takes me by surprise every time. Applying something slick and silky on my face leads me to expect it to be oily but that’s not what happens at all. The product glides onto your skin and evens out the texture of your skin … (i).”
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Mild floral scent
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Sticky texture
Best For An Even Toned Skin:Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Prime Face
The Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Prime Face is the perfect pick for you if you are looking for a moisturizing primer that provides anti-aging properties while delivering your skin with an even tone. This fragrance-free cream primer is infused with the goodness of copper peptides and 5 bioactive ingredients that firm and tighten your skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. This primer has a lightweight formula that absorbs into your skin fast to give you deeply nourished and younger-looking skin and makes your skin feel velvety smooth. YouTuber Lisa Life and Style mentions, “Withing three days of using this, the redness (from using Retin-A) was gone, the peeling was gone, like whole skin came back to normal and its better than ever. I am so impressed with this I am going to buy another one!”
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Rich formula
- Clinically proven
- Quick absorbing
Cons
- None
"I like how firm my skin looks after using this primer. It boosts my skin’s elasticity and increases my skin’s luminosity. It applies smoothly to my skin and sits on it without making it look greasy. It hides my fine lines like a pro and makes my skin look youthful."
e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer Best Overall | Touch In Sole No Pore Blem Primer Best For Seamless Coverage | Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Prime Face Best For An Even Toned Skin | |
---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | All | Oily, Combination, Dry | - |
Dimensions | 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches | 1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches | - |
Weight | 0.49 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces | 3.84 Ounces |
Package Dimensions | - | - | 8.43 x 3.94 x 2.48 inches |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 22,810 | 1,983 | - |
Price | $12.04 | $17 | $70 |
Best Shine-Free Formula:L’Oréal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
The Perfecting Base Face Primer by L’Oréal Paris is a great addition to your makeup regimen. The lightweight formula instantly soothes the facial lines and hides pores to help you achieve silky smooth skin. Beauty & Lifestyle YouTuber Nikki Granata, adds, “It has a creamy consistency, this is a little extra hydration for my skin and I feel like my face is very smooth and flawless after applying it.” It glides effortlessly on your skin and provides full coverage on the face and under the eyes.
The primer has a gorgeous matte finish that provides a smooth base for makeup application. The best results can be observed when the product is used after applying a moisturizer. The transparent jar with a black lid is sturdy. This product is a good investment if you want a long-lasting shine-free look. Crystal Valentine B, a blogger mentions, “It did minimize the look of my pores and fine lines (which most of my other primers do not). My skin did look and feel smoothed and resurfaced. My skin did feel velvety-smooth to the touch. Basically, it did everything is said! … Regardless, this primer did blur my hyperpigmentation and dark areas. It doesn’t magically make it all disappear, but it did work some kind of magic. It wasn’t like “Wow, they’re completely gone”, it was more like “Wow, they seem faded” – which in turn helped my concealer and foundation work better (less darkness to cover) (ii).” Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not easy to remove
Best For Sensitive Skin:bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
The Prime Time Foundation Primer by bareMinerals makes your skin appear silky smooth and covers fine lines and breakouts. Its anti-irritant properties make it suitable for sensitive skin. This primer for wrinkles is formulated with vitamins C and E, soothing plant extracts, and antioxidants.
While vitamins C and E nourish your skin and offer a seamless texture without looking oily and sticky, the antioxidants protect your skin against free radicals. The licorice leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation and breakouts. The primer provides a natural finish and sheer coverage. Have a look at this video detailing a reviewer’s experience of using it to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- PEG-free
- Tree nut-free
- Talc-free
- SLS-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
Best Vegan:The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
The High-Adherence Silicone Primer by the Ordinary is lightweight and works well on oily and normal skin types. It imparts a natural matte finish while filling the pores. YouTuber 8thDayBeauty, adds, “My pores do look significantly smaller and there’s less texture. The key is apply on to your face and let it dry for five to 10 minutes and then apply your foundation.” The primer is super breathable and non-greasy, hydrates your skin, and provides flawless coverage. It is developed with advanced silicone, rich in hydroxylation enzymes that minimize the appearance of pores and helps your makeup stay for a longer time. This silicone-based primer for wrinkles hydrates your skin and blurs imperfections.
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- pH-balanced
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Nut-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"The formula has a creamy texture that glides on my skin like a dream. It lends an even texture to my skin. The best part is that this primer leaves my skin feeling super soft. My foundation applies smoothly on top. The formula makes my skin look glowing."
Best Hydrating Primer:NuFACE by CarolCole Gel Primer
This leave-on gel primer by CarolCole has hydrating properties and a unique formulation that activates collagen production and gives you velvety-soft skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and Phytomoist Complex that revitalize and replenish dry skin.
Hyaluronic acid has an extreme water holding capacity, and it alleviates dry skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. The Phytomoist Complex is derived from edible mushroom, which has 400x more moisturizing capacity. The formula softens and smoothens the skin and gives a flawless finish. This primer for minimizing the look of expression lines is an ideal choice if you are looking for a hydrating base that does not let your makeup become flaky.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Esthetician-approved
- Clinically tested
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This primer feels lightweight on my skin. It glides seamlessly on my skin and absorbs into it swiftly. It fades my wrinkles and lends my skin a smooth texture. My skin looks hydrated and even after I apply this primer. It also calms my redness slightly."
Best Oil-Free:Benefit the Porefessional Pore Primer
The oil-free primer by POREfessional has a wonderful formula that gives you smoother-looking skin by quickly minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. It is lightweight and has a silky texture that increases the longevity of your makeup. The vitamin E-enriched primer protects your skin from free radicals. It helps hide unwanted pores, gives you flawless skin, and can be used with or without a foundation. This primer creates a flawless base for makeup application on mature skin and is gentle and ideal for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vitamin-enriched
- Oil-free
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Contains silicone
- Expensive
Best Cruelty-Free:Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer by Smashbox is a holy grail that instantly smoothes the fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores on your skin. It gives a photo finish smooth base that lasts long. It contains vitamins B, E, and C that nourish and protect your skin from environmental pollutants and stress. This lightweight and oil-free formula prevents makeup from settling into wrinkles, glides smoothly on your skin, refreshes it, and imparts a natural glow to your face. This primer was tested on 103 women. Around 93% of users claimed that the product smoothed out their skin and 95% of users shared how the product allowed other makeup products to get applied seamlessly on it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- A little goes a long way
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might be too matte for people with dry skin
Best Non-Comedogenic:Tatcha The Silk Canvas
The Silk Canvas primer by Tatcha comes in the form of a silky pressed balm that not only evens out the skin tone but also restores its youthful glow. It deals with severe skin concerns such as clogged pores, breakouts, wrinkles, and fine lines, protects the skin barrier function, and prepares your skin for super-smooth makeup application. This illuminating primer for wrinkles contains silk extract, and is rich in amino acids that tighten the skin and blur the fine lines. The primer also contains Hadasei-3, a blend of Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice, and algae, that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dullness and restores radiance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- A little goes a long way
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Urea-free
- DEA/TEA-free
Cons
- Expensive
Best Hypoallergenic:Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner Primer
The Pore Refiner Primer by Dr. Brandt has a velvety cream texture and instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines, pores, and imperfections. The 2-in-1 formula works as a primer and pore refiner that controls excess oil production and mattifies shiny skin. This expertly crafted makeup primer smoothens the skin, camouflages the pores, and adds subtle color for flawless skin. This travel-size primer is clinically tested to reduce pore size and keep the skin shine-free. The lightweight primer formula can be used on its own as a makeup primer or over makeup for midday touch-ups. It provides a matte finish without looking patchy.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically tested
- Lightweight
- Blends easily
Cons
- Not humidity-resistant
- Might feel oily after a few hours
Best Non-Greasy:Radiant Complex Face Primer
The Face Primer by Radiant Complex is a high-end product that looks classy in its black and white bottle. This non-greasy lightweight makeup primer minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores and makes your skin look radiant. The primer promotes a youthful appearance, creates a mattified base, and controls shine while smoothening the pores. It conceals blemishes, wrinkles, and smile lines by smoothing out breakouts and giving you a non-greasy appearance.
Pros
- Long-lasting results
- Does not crack
- Does not peel
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Expensive
Best With SPF:Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has an oil-free, non-greasy formula that creates a smooth and even skin for makeup application. It works with any cream, liquid, and powder foundation and has SPF 15 to protect the skin against harmful UV rays. It conceals the appearance of rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. The silky, airy texture of the primer makes it easy to apply and even out the skin tone without visible pores. This primer is ideal for filling in and blurring wrinkle imperfections, imparting exceptional results. It is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Has SPF 15
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Nanoparticles-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Synthetic Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Best For Dull Skin:PUR 4-In-1 Correcting Primer
The 4-In-1 Correcting Primer by PUR energizes the skin and is the best solution for dullness and red spots. It energizes your skin and increases collagen production to make your skin look smoother and firmer with a creaseless finish.
This primer contains a keratin complex that reduces the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles. The squalane and coconut water in the formula hydrate the skin, while probiotics balance the skin’s pH and make it healthier. The primer also contains caffeine that tightens the blood vessels and reduces puffiness, especially under your eyes. Aloe vera soothes the skin and acts as an antioxidant, improving skin hydration and reducing the appearance of redness. It is time to luxuriate your makeup routine with this amazing primer!
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- FDA approved
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral-oil free
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
"This primer has an amazingly smooth texture that works wonders with my makeup – no greasiness or shine, which is a total win. It blurs my pores and hides redness without irritating my sensitive skin. It also is a hydration superhero, which is perfect for the times when my skin feels super dry."
There are numerous primers available in the market. However, before choosing one for your makeup routine, you must understand the type of skin you have. Be it sensitive or not, it is mandatory to know and understand the ingredients you choose to put on your face. Read the following section for details.
What To Look For In A Face Primer For Wrinkles? (Buying Guide)
- Check The Ingredients
Check if the primer is infused with anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, glycerin, squalene, niacinamide, peptides, and vitamins A, C, and E. These ingredients are the holy grail for aging skin since they improve the loss of firmness, increase its elasticity, and allow it to look radiant.
- Choose A Primer According To Your Skin Type
If your skin is dry, choose a primer that can reduce flakiness and tightness. Look for a hydrating formula that will absorb into the skin easily and keep it moisturized. But if you have oily skin, go for primers that can control sebum and excess oil production. They should contain ingredients like dimethicone that will leave your facial skin with a clean and smooth finish. Oil-free and water-based primers are the best choices for acne-prone skin. Invest in an expert-recommended formula if you have severely sensitive skin that is prone to allergies.
- Formula
Aging leads to open pores, so look for a primer that says “pore-minimizing” or “poreless.” It minimizes the appearance of pores and blurs them to prepare your skin for further makeup. It works best when layered with a foundation to get a flawless look.
You can also opt for an illuminating primer that gives you a fresh and radiant look. It can be used without a foundation and allows your makeup to last long without settling into smile lines and necklines.
Infographic: Primers For Wrinkles: Key Ingredients & Buying Guide
A primer is an important part of makeup. This magical product effectively offers a smooth canvas to the rest of your beauty products. There are many primers available on the market that cater to aging signs like fine lines, spots, and wrinkles. They cover the unwanted blemishes on your face and make your makeup appear glam.
However, before choosing these primers, check out the infographic below to know which ingredients are the most effective.
The Bottom Line
Drugstore primers are formulated to make your skin smoother. It is essential to prepare the skin before makeup and primers acts as a protective barrier and cover the open pores, wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. They contain vitamins C and E that nourish your skin, hold the makeup for long periods, and give you a flawless look. The e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer helps increase cell vitality and improves skin elasticity, while the Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer smoothes enlarged pores and wrinkles for a natural glow. But if you are looking for something for mature and acne-prone skin, try the Benefit the Porefessional Pore Primer. These primers for boosting makeup longevity on wrinkled skin are paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. However, some of these primers may have running consistency and sticky texture. Do a patch test beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can primer hide wrinkles?
Yes, a primer can give a blurring effect like an airbrush. It creates an even layer on your skin that diminishes all imperfections, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and big pores.
How much primer do I need to apply on my face for wrinkles?
The quantity of primer one must apply to have a smooth finish completely depends on the product you are using and your skin type. Ideally, many people use a few drops to cover all their targeted regions.
What is the best primer for over 50?
Any primer that covers fine lines and wrinkles in a way that you get a smooth finish is a perfect primer for over 50. Perfecting Base Face Primer by L’Oréal Paris and the Silk Canvas primer by Tatcha are the best choices for women over 50.
How do you cover up deep wrinkles with primers?
A silicone-based primer for reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles is a perfect solution to fill uneven skin texture and fine lines.
Why does primer make my wrinkles look worse?
A mismatch in your foundation and primer can lead to peeling of your makeup. To avoid this, work with a similar base foundation and primer and let the primer dry before applying foundation. This will help it settle into the pores and make your skin look flawless.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She has curated this list of the best primers to cover wrinkles after carefully browsing through online reviews and trying some of the products out herself. Her list features primers that are long-lasting and have a rich hydrating formula. Not only are these dermatologist tested but they also blend well and provide you with a seamless look.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Aurora Does Stuff
https://www.auroradoesstuff.com/blog/touch-in-sol-no-poreblem-primer-review
(ii) Valentine Kisses
https://xoxovalentinekissesxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/09/loreal-studio-secrets-professional.html
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