The Best Primers for the Over-40 Set, According to Makeup Artists

Opinions vary when it comes to whether primers are essential to a makeup routine. We’ve written about the debate before. Some people sit in the “yes” camp, while others might think it’s “just a waste of a product.” Either way, there’s no denying that primers can be helpful in the quest for flawless makeup. They set the stage, so to speak, for your products and can help your makeup last throughout the day. Some can even hydrate if you’ve got dry skin, while others can get your oily skin under control.

“Primer is not necessary, in my opinion, for day-to-day wear, but for that completely perfect makeup look,” says celebrity makeup artist Maud Laceppe, whose clients include Vanessa Paradis and Julianne Moore. “It will give more of a photoshopped finish. Primer will definitely make your makeup last longer. It smoothes the fine lines, evens out the skin tone, and reduces the size of your pores.”

But not all primers are created equally, just like everyone’s skin is not the same. “There are primers for all different skin types, so choose one that best suits your skin,” recommends celebrity makeup artist and groomer Georgie Eisdell, who has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow and Sophie Turner. “So if you have oily skin, you might want to use a primer that is oil-free so it can help keep your base looking fresh but not too shiny. If you have drier skin, then locate more hydrating primers or pruning oil to help get a nice glow to the skin.”