Best make-up primers for mature complexions

Primers are much like the toner equivalent of the make-up world: viewed either as an essential part of your routine or a completely skippable step.

But given the rise in innovative hybrid formulas where skincare and make-up truly meet, it’s time to give primers a second look, particularly when it comes to more mature skin. Not just aimed at preventing foundation from sliding down the face if you have an oily complexion, new versions come infused with a host of skin-boosting ingredients, built-in protection and blurring benefits that mean flawless make-up all day, while improving what’s underneath too.  

“A good primer has multiple benefits including locking your skincare in place, blurring fine lines and blemishes and keeping your make-up in place for longer,” says Ruby Hammer MBE, fêted make-up artist and founder of her eponymous range of clever cosmetics and tools. “As we age, generally our skin becomes drier, so a hydrating primer is a great place to start if you have never used it before. But there isn’t just one type of ‘mature’ skin, there are many from oily to dry or thin. I recommend anyone in my make-up chair to take time to look at their skin and think about how it feels