Pro MUA Shares Why Older Women Must Use Primer To Prevent The Skin From ‘Eating Your Makeup’ And Looking Dry: ‘Hydrating, Smoothing, And Plumping’

Makeup artists have long praised the power of a good primer, but for women over 40, it’s more than just a step—it’s essential. Veteran makeup artist Erica Taylor, who has decades of experience on photo shoots, runways, weddings, and everyday beauty, recently shared why primer is a must for mature skin in a TikTok video.

“Primer isn’t just about making your makeup look pretty,” Taylor explained. “It locks in the skincare you just spent time applying, creates a smooth surface, and helps your makeup grip the skin for longer wear.” According to Taylor, without a primer, older or drier skin can literally “eat your makeup,” making it appear dry, patchy, or spotty.

The primer acts as a protective boundary, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing products from being absorbed too quickly.

Taylor advises that the primers used in your 20s or 30s—often silicone-heavy, mattifying formulas—may no longer be suitable. Instead, she recommends hydrating and smoothing primers that plump the skin while keeping makeup in place. Some of her favorites include Makeup Forever Hydro Boost, which hydrates, smooths, and blurs imperfections; Milani Skin Quench as a more affordable alternative; and Milk Hydro Grip Primer, which grips makeup while delivering moisture.

For women with drier skin, combining a moisturizer and primer, such as First Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie, can provide an extra boost of hydration. Taylor also highlights the importance of pore-minimizing primers, like Makeup Forever’s Pore Minimizer, which balances blurring with hydration for mature skin.

She also cautions that certain primers can roll when applied over gels or serums like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, so it’s crucial to find a combination that won’t interfere with your makeup.

In short, Taylor emphasizes: “If you want your makeup to last all day, especially under hot lights or long hours, you need a primer. Hydrating, smoothing, and plumping—this is the step that makes all the difference for mature skin.”