Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty WriterUpdated on Feb 08, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processThe best primer for dry skin is formulated with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients that take care of your skin. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pores, soothes sensitive patches, and improves discoloration. A hydrating primer will blur all skin blemishes and provide a smooth canvas for luminous, glowy makeup.
Dry skin lacks moisture. It is one of the main reasons why foundation applied onto dry skin becomes cakey and patchy. It is vital to give proper prep up to dry skin before applying makeup. A face primer is often overlooked during makeup but it plays a very important role in providing a smooth base for makeup application. And primer for dry skin is its elixir. The right primer protects dry skin from getting dehydrated and dull with the application of makeup. Drawing from our experience, we have come up with a list of primers that will prep, smooth, and nourish your dry skin.
Our top picks
12 Best Primers for Dry Skin
Lancome's face primer is ideal for every skin type. It smoothens textured skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and reduces excess oil production. The gel-based formula offers a matte finish whilst making your skin feel satiny-soft. Whether you're opting for a simple dewy finish or a matte-finish bold look, this primer sets the perfect base. If you're stepping out during the day, blend this hydrating primer with your daily sunscreen to reap maximum benefits. It's time to stop fretting about the cakey-finish makeup and flaunt a natural sheen with this nourishing primer.
Pros
- Satin-gel texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Hydrates dry skin
2
Most Affordable
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
The best feature of this face primer by e.l.f is its blurring texture that fills your pores and fine lines, giving you a smooth and flawless base for a long-lasting makeup application. It is formulated with vitamins A, C, and E, and infused with grape seed oil that brightens your complexion along with hydrating and moisturizing your skin. This hydrating primer has a creamy consistency that is suitable for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin. It gives a lightweight coverage and matte finish.
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Vegan
- Lightweight coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Might feel a little bit greasy
3
Most Hydrating
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
One of the reasons to love Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer is its claim to keep shine at bay for up to 8 hours. The ultra-lightweight formula has hydrating properties that keep your skin moisturized and healthy. It minimizes pores, controls sebum production, and does not clog your pores. The oil-free formula sinks into the skin immediately, spreading evenly all across the face for a flawless, matte finish. This hydrating primer has a clear formula that compliments all skin tones.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Skin-perfecting
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Might make your makeup look cakey
4
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer
The pearl powder infused in this eyeshadow primer by Elizabeth Mott is the star of this product. It brings out the pigments in your eyeshadow, enhancing its color and brightening the skin of your eyelids. The lightweight primer creates a smooth base for an even and seamless application of the eyeshadow. It has a well-balanced formula that combats oily lids, prevents the shadow from creasing, conceals discoloration, and enriches your complexion. The translucent, quick-drying primer provides the perfect foundation for your eyelids for long-lasting eye makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sebum-controlling powder
- Evens out the skin tone of eyelids
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might dry out the skin
5
Best Overall
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is perfect for wearing under your foundation for a non-greasy and long-wearing makeup application. Suitable for all skin types, this face primer minimizes the skin pores and protects your makeup from creasing. The smooth and creamy texture balances and brightens the skin tone, giving you a weightless matte finish. It is formulated to control sebum production to keep your makeup intact and away from oiliness and flakiness all day long. This clear, mattifying glowy primer is enriched with pearl powder that gives a subtle, illuminating effect to your skin.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Sweatproof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
6
Best Non-greasy Formula
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer
The best thing about Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer is that you can wear it under your foundation for a smooth makeup application or you can wear it alone for a luminous effect. Formulated with a water-soluble base and active ingredients, it blurs all skin blemishes and imperfections, evening out your skin tone and giving you a perfect mattifying finish. Suitable for all skin types, it primes and refines the skin for non-greasy and long-lasting makeup.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Smooths fine lines
- Reduces pores
Cons
- Might not cover the redness of the skin
7
Best for Oily Skin
Face Primer by Revlon
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and pumpkin seed extract, this hydrating primer by Revlon blurs fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing the skin texture for smooth and seamless makeup application. The hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps up your complexion, vitamin B5 restores the skin’s moisture, while the pumpkin seed extracts provide balanced and healthy-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is perfect for improving uneven skin texture, skin discoloration, and acne scars. Wear this cream-based face primer alone or under makeup for a perfect and even complexion.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Breathable formula
- Hydrating ingredients
- Improves skin texture
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
8
Most Lightweight Texture
COVERGIRL TruBlend Base Skin Primer
COVERGIRL TruBlend Base Skin Primer is infused with the goodness of coconut water to give you instant hydration and 24 hours of moisturization. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight primer is one of the best hydrating primers for dry skin. It immediately covers and blurs away skin blemishes to provide you with a flawless canvas for the perfect foundation setting and long-lasting makeup look. It is oil-free and fragrance-free with great coverage and a silky, smooth texture.
Pros
- Great coverage
- Hydrating formula
- 24 hours moisturization
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some might find it a little bit thick
9
Best for Large Pores
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
An oil-free blurring primer from veteran primer brand Smashbox has the goodness of vitamins A and E that nourishes and protects your skin along with diffusing blemishes and combating uneven texture. Suitable for all skin types, it is a transparent gel that glides smoothly creating a flawless canvas for your makeup. The hydrating primer is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and large pores by blurring all your skin imperfections while the vitamins and antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Minimizes pores
- Photo finish
- Cruelty-free
10
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum
Prepare your skin with nourishment and create a smooth surface to apply makeup effortlessly with the help of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum. Infused with hyaluronic acid, this hydrating primer cum serum gives an instant hydrating boost to your skin, leaving it moisturized and glowing. The dual properties of primer and serum are the best features of this product. Use it as a primer for priming your skin before makeup application to get flawless and long-lasting makeup or use it alone as a serum to get beautiful, hydrated, and healthy skin.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Skin-boosting serum
- Non-greasy
- Preservative-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- A little bit too watery consistency
11
Best for AM to PM makeup
Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer
This 3-in-1 jelly primer from Dermablend is a clear, sticky jelly texture instantly grips and locks in makeup for up to 24 hours. It hydrates the skin, providing immediate hydration, and primes up your skin to get an even base for long-lasting makeup application. The lightweight formula minimizes pores, and lifts and tightens your skin. It provides a barrier between your skin and makeup, covering up all the skin blemishes and imperfections. Suitable for all skin types, this primer is best for dry skin due to its hydrating and moisturizing properties.
Pros
- Instant moisturizer
- Hydrating formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
12
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Plump Right Back Plumping Serum & Primer
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP face primer is a lightweight and electrolyte-infused primer cum serum that provides an instant plumping effect and blurs the look of your complexion. The supercharged formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, magnesium, and potassium that moisturize, replenish, and energize your skin while keeping your makeup fresh and non-greasy. It is one of the best primers for dry skin. The serum-like consistency gets absorbed into the skin quickly, providing a non-oily, smooth surface base for long-lasting makeup application.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizes skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin
How to Choose the Best Primer for Dry Skin?
Applying makeup to dry skin comes with a lot of struggles. You have to carefully prepare your skin to set the stage for makeup application so that the skin remains moisturized and healthy. Listed below are some of the key factors that you should take into consideration while choosing the best primer for dry skin:
- Moisturizing ingredients: Hydration is the most essential part of keeping dry skin healthy and moisturized. Primers with hydrating formulas and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant-based oils are best for dry skin as they will provide the required skin care while keeping your makeup intact.
- Plumping ingredients: Plumping ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides, and electrolytes will give your skin anti-aging benefits, plumping up the skin for a better complexion and smooth makeup application.
- Finish: Primers for dry skin that give a moisturized appearance are the best. Keep your dry skin healthy and safe by opting for a primer that offers a natural, light, and breathable finish.
- Customer review: Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of a product beforehand saves you a lot of time and money. Customer reviews aid you in learning exactly what is good or bad with a particular product. While buying a primer for your dry skin, it is advisable to always go through the customer reviews to confirm whether the claims made by the product are true or not.
How to Use Primer for Dry Skin?
Dry skin has its own set of complications and woes when it comes to makeup application. A good primer can be a game-changer for your dry skin. Apply it in between your moisturizer and makeup to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. The best primer for dry skin is one with ultra-hydrating ingredients that soothe sensitive areas while blurring skin imperfections. Follow the steps given below to prime your skin for long-lasting makeup:
- For dry skin, apply a moisturizer first and let it sink into your skin.
- After your moisturizer has dried, it is time to apply your primer. Apply a light layer of the primer with your fingers or a makeup sponge. Begin at the center of the face and gradually spread it outwards. Let it dry completely before applying the foundation.
Allowing a full minute or more for the primer to dry before applying the foundation prevents pilling or patchiness. Another important factor to remember while using primer for dry skin is to use the correct products. Your moisturizer, primer, and makeup products should complement each other to get the best results.
Conclusion
Signing off this article with the understanding that a primer will protect your skin while providing you with a smooth surface to apply your makeup on. A hydrating primer can be the ultimate solution to keep your dry skin from getting dull due to the application of makeup. Now, getting dewy, glowy makeup is not a dream anymore. With the best primer for dry skin, you can extend the longevity of your makeup as well as get a flawless, even complexion. Our research indicates that skipping the primer will lead your makeup to crease due to the dryness of the skin. A primer with hydrating formulas and active ingredients will make a huge impact on enhancing your makeup look.
FAQ's
Should people with dry skin use a primer?
Yes, primer is a good option for dry skin as it provides a barrier between your moisturizer and makeup that keeps the moisture locked in. It hydrates and nourishes the skin so that you have an effortless makeup application.
Is elf hydrating primer good for dry skin?
The e.l.f hydrating primer is specifically formulated for dry skin. It helps to create a hydrating and nourishing base for makeup application so that your skin’s moisture remains intact all day long.
How long should you wait to put primer on after moisturizer?
It is always advisable to wait for a full minute after applying moisturizer to put on the primer. It helps prevent doughy texture or pilling.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Sayantani, our makeup expert, says that primers should be a part of your makeup routine as they are a multi-action product that not only extends the longevity of makeup but also helps deal with skin concerns like clogged pores, uneven skin tone, and dry patches. After putting a lot of thought into the things required in a good-quality primer, she has selected these primers that help calm dryness and revitalize the skin. After using all the products, she found Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer to be one of the best preservative-free products. It has a smooth texture that glides nicely into the skin and minimizes the skin pores. Plus, it is waterproof and sweatproof which makes it safe to use during water sports activities.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
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Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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