17 Best Primers for Wrinkles for Super-Smooth Makeup

Why It’s Worth Using a Primer for Wrinkles

Primer is one of those beauty products that everyone can benefit from, especially if you’re working with newfound lines and folds. “A primer can sometimes help illuminate dry or wrinkled skin, or add extra hydration—which in turn helps plump the look of wrinkles,” says makeup artist Lauren O’Leary.

To that point, the latest face primers don’t just act as a makeup product—some offer legit benefits for long-term improvements to skin in addition to instant smoothing and radiance. “The point of primers should be to aid as an extra, skincare-like step,” says O’Leary, who recommends pressing and rolling it on with a damp makeup sponge. “It helps naturally press product into the skin and not wipe it away,” she says. “You also want to avoid the under-eye area, since it usually accentuates wrinkles as you apply more product.”

With that in mind, read on for 17 of the best primers for wrinkles to smooth and perfect skin, stat.

1. Best Overall:

STRIVECTIN Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer

For both smoothing fine lines and deep-set wrinkles alike, this genius primer is a winner. The breathable, silicone-based formula fills in wrinkles, helping to soften their appearance and preventing makeup from settling into creases. Wear it alone for a blurred effect, or under your usual foundation.

2. Best for Dry Skin:

LANCÔME Prep and Hydrate Primer

Infused with rose essence and a ton of active ingredients, such as glycerin—which helps hydrate skin on the spot—this is ideal for those who get dry or flaky skin throughout the day. Case in point? It's been shown to help hydrate skin for up to 24 hours.

3. Best for Oily Skin:

MILK MAKEUP Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

While mattifying primers can sometimes feel heavy, that's not the case with this super-light, silicone-free formula. Not only does it smooth lines on the spot and prep for a seamless makeup application, the combo of niacinamide and bakuchiol help to smooth skin over time too.

4. Best for Sensitive Skin:

BAREMINERALS Prime Time Foundation Primer

Got wrinkles and then some? No sweat: This antioxidant-packed formula helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, moisturize skin, and improve the look of pores. Plus, it's oil-free and formulated without parabens and synthetic fragrance, making it clutch for reactive types.

5. Best for Mature Skin:

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Insta Smooth Primer

While wrinkles can appear in your 20s and 30s (depending on your genetics and lifestyle habits), mature skin requires a different approach, since it can be more dry and sensitive. Fortunately, this is one of the best primers for mature skin since it has both hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, including Italian glacial water and a firming complex.

6. Best for Large Pores:

SMASHBOX The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

While “poreless” isn’t possible—you kind of need those little guys— the right primer can help minimize their appearance. This clear, weightless gel goes on smooth to grip makeup and improve the look of fine lines. Plus, it's packed with antioxidants and vitamin A, which can help protect skin from damage like pollution and stress.

7. Best for Dullness:

OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Face Primer

Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright eye cream is a best-seller, but don’t sleep on its primer counterpart. It's infused with vitamin C and nourishing vitamin E, as well as pigments for an instant brightening effect.

8. Best Lightweight:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Wonderglow Face Primer

Hate a heavy, greasy-feeling primer? Us too. Created by the makeup-artist-to-the-stars Charlotte Tilbury, this formula works double-duty: It contains both microspheres designed to reflect light (hello, glow), as well as peptides to support collagen production.

9. Best Silicone-Free:

LAURA MERCIER Pure Canvas Primer - Illuminating

Looking for a pro-approved option? Good news: This is it. “It’s great for skin with wrinkles because it’s lightweight and silicone-free, so it won't sit in fine lines and wrinkles,” O’Leary says. “It also adds a little illumination to skin that appears dull or dry.”

10. Best Drugstore:

NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer

This satin-finish primer works to resist shine and keep makeup from settling into lines—a win-win.

11. Best for Breakouts:

E.L.F. COSMETICS Acne Fighting Putty Primer

If you’re dealing with wrinkles and adult acne, the good news is that you’re definitely not alone. In this formula, salicylic acid works double-duty to both even out skin texture and keep dead cells from clogging pores, while zinc helps with redness and swelling from active breakouts.

12. Best With Sunscreen:

DERMALOGICA AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30

Streamline your a.m. routine with a primer that works overtime: providing sun protection, smoothing skin with peptides, and gripping foundation. Hey, your makeup should work as hard as you do!

13. Best Eye Primer:

HOURGLASS Veil™ Eye Primer

Age spots and fine lines have no chance against this lightweight primer, which has vitamins E and C, and can help prevent eyeshadow from settling into lines. Plus, it extends your eye makeup wear for up to 24 hours.

14. Best Cruelty-Free Primer:

YC COLLECTION Let Me First Primer

With its velvety texture and long-term grip, this vegan, cruelty-free formula has become an Ipsy fave. Take it from one reviewer: "So smooth, not sticky, feels wonderful on my skin and smells good too."

15. Best Hydrating Primer:

SHADES BY SHAN The Hydrating Primer

Whatever your skin type, dry winter air can do a number on it—which is why makeup products with hydrating ingredients can be a game-changer. And, with olive extract and coconut water, this primer is the real deal. “A little goes a long way. Pleasant texture, absorbs nicely leaving skin radiant and smooth,” says one Ipster.

16. Best Tinted Primer:

COLOURPOP Pretty Fresh Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Primer

Thanks to hyaluronic acid (a humectant that acts as a magnet for water in skin) and coconut water, this primer leaves skin feeling plump, refreshed, and hydrated—thus softening the look of wrinkles. Plus, it boasts a sheer tint that has a universal radiance-boosting effect for all skin tones.

17. Best Multitasking Primer:

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

If you're not sold on adding an extra step to your makeup routine, this versatile formula has you covered. It works as a primer, highlighter, concealer, and BB cream to help brighten and perfect skin in just a few swipes of its genius built-in brush. You can also find it in various shades to suit your skin tone.

Want to discover makeup products that work as hard as you do? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!