Primer is the most important makeup product you may not be wearing — yet. But that’s about to change.
Rise Does Makeup knows makeup better than most people. And when she says you NEED a primer — no exceptions — to make sure your makeup goes on as beautifully as possible and stays put for hours without creasing, then we listen. Applying foundation, concealer, bronzer, and other face makeup to naked skin only creates a situation in which your skin lacks a barrier between it and the makeup, which makes it a lot more prone to sinking in between natural texture we all have on our skin, like pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Step up your makeup game with just one additional step: find a primer that works for your skin type, needs, and budget, and make it your number one tool in your makeup kit. Here are 10 of the best primers, especially for older women.
StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer
This primer is one that Risa starts off saying is excellent for aging skin because it has the power to actually blur fine lines, something she says she noticed after applying it to clients who had deep lines on their forehead. She also says this is a great primer for refining pores. Basically, it’s your best friend if one of your skin concerns is texture and especially if you aren’t interested in getting Botox injections for wrinkles.
This primer is available at Sephora for $39.
Milani Supercharged Dewy Skin Primer
This is one of Risa’s most affordable primer picks. It contains ginseng and citric acid for brightening the skin and is lightweight and able to sink right into your skin. It does have a stickiness to it, but that can help grip your foundation and make it last longer on your skin. And the scent is a fresh citrus, which you may either love or hate. If your skin is oily, you will want to avoid using this primer on your T-zone, though.
Purchase this primer on Milani Cosmetics for $10.80.
ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hydrating Primer with Hyaluronic Acid
Another great budget pick, this primer by ColourPop is also ideal for dry skin, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and makes your skin feel incredibly smooth. The primer may be too thick for oily skin, though, and may cause hydrating foundation to be runny and streaky. Remember to consider your skin type AND your foundation type when you’re choosing a primer.
Purchase this primer at ColourPop for $12.
Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer Hydrating 12-Hour Makeup Grip
Another intensely hydrating primer, this affordable pick from Hard Candy is said to “plump, moisturize, and perfect” skin. According to Risa, this is a “tacky” feeling gel primer with a green tint that possibly color corrects and help neutralize redness. If you don’t like the feeling of a “grippy” primer this one might not be for you, though Risa stresses that it isn’t overly tacky and will eventually dry and blend in.
Buy the Hard Candy primer at Walmart for $7.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
This primer is “amazing” for oily skin, according to Risa, who says it is one she uses as well. Although it may not stop oil from coming through, it does a better job than any other primer Risa says she has tried for mattifying the skin — while also refining pores, concealing redness if your have Rosacea, and protecting against UV damage, thanks to its SPF 15.
Buy this primer at Sephora for $58.
DIOR Backstage Face Body Primer
A perfect pick for anyone with combination to dry skin, this primer by Dior blurs lines, helps makeup last longer, and provides 24 hours of hydration. It also adds luminosity to skin, Risa says, and “plays nicely” under ever foundation she has.
Grab this primer at Dior for $38.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer
Here’s a luxury primer that works on all skin types, from oily to dry. First off, the packaging is gorgeous and you can see specs of gold in it. This primer isn’t oil-free though, so if your skin is disrupted by oils, this may not be the pick for you.
Snag the YSL primer at Sephora for $56.
Make Up For Ever Primers
Make Up For Ever has come out with a line of primers that can do everything from neutralize redness to address sallow skin. its latest offerings include the Step 1 Primer Shine Control that saps away shine on oily skin, and the Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster for providing dry skin with an enormous drink of water. Risa says both of these primers work beautifully under any of her foundations and that she actually uses them both — she applies the Shine Control on her oilier T-zone and the Hydra Booster on her cheeks.
Buy Make Up For Every Primers at Sephora. Prices start at $23 and go up to $40.
Jason Wu Beauty Magic Matte Face Oil
An oil on oily skin as a primer to help combat oil production? Risa is the first to admit she knows how confusing that can sound, but since discovering this oil by Jason Wu, she says it really works. You can apply this oil before makeup to sap up excess oils and set it for makeup application or after your apply your makeup to areas that become oily — it will make the skin matte without messing up your skin.
Best of all? It costs less than $20.
You can buy Jason Wu beauty products at Target.
