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If you’ve tried primers before but decided they didn’t do anything for you or made you the pill or makeup staple, we want to introduce you to the best primers for dry skin. As with your skincare, it’s so important to use a primer that’s right for your skin type!
If your skin is dry, avoid anything focused on matte finishes and shine control, and try to skip anything that’s full of alcohol. Instead, we recommend that you aim for products that promise dewy and meaty results, perhaps even with moisturizing ingredients!
How we found the best primers for dry skin
First, we looked for something specifically labeled for dry skin, or with those magical words like “plumping” and “dew” on the bottle. We also peeked through the ingredient lists, looking for moisturizing favorites like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. We also liked seeing water-based primers, since they’re often alcohol-free, as well as thicker textures for extra-dry skin. We were on the hunt for anything that was even a serum / primer or moisturizer-primer hybrid, knowing it would have a strong focus on skincare!
Of course, we also took into account our experience with different brands, as well as the experiences and ratings of the reviewers. A beauty brand can claim many things, but we are always wary of trying something without the approval of our peers!
11 of the best primers for dry skin 1. Brighter moisturizing primer
Heavy-duty hydration
More shiny
If your face needs some hydration, this rich version of Glossier’s popular Priming Moisturizer is the way to go. Contains ceramides, fatty acids and shea and murumuru butters to further strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while helping to soothe redness and create an even base for makeup application!
Professionals:
Over 1,000 Reviews Olivia Rodrigo recently partnered with the brand
Against:
It might be a little heavy in the heat. Check it out!
Available at: Glossier
2. Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
For a “goddess-worthy” complexion.
Charlotte Tilbury
This primer focuses on ‘dewy’ and ‘radiant’ skin, so we knew it would be a great choice. We can always count on Charlotte Tilbury! This primer contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, camellia oil and wild pansy extract to keep skin plump and claims to offer a “soft focus” effect for a natural glow!
Professionals:
In a clinical study, 100% agreed skin looked dewy and radiant It claims to hydrate for up to 24 hours
Against:
Over $ 50 Watch it!
Available at: Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Nordstrom
3. Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops Watermelon Glow
For a glass skin glow
Sephora
This multipurpose product fell a couple of years ago, but lately its popularity has skyrocketed thanks to content creators on TikTok and Instagram. Contains hyaluronic acid, true watermelon extract and illuminating niacinamide for a healthy and shiny finish!
Professionals:
It can also be used as an illuminating serum or can be mixed with the No mica, glitter or gray cast foundation
Against:
Features a fragrance, which may put off some shoppers. Check it out!
Available at: Sefora
4. Elemis Superfood Glow Moisturizing Primer
Captivating ingredients
Elemis
If we’ve learned anything about skincare, it’s that if an ingredient gets you double-shot, it’s probably great for your skin. This moisturizer contains unexpected infusions like kombucha black tea and fermented ginger to even out skin while green tea seed oil softens and hydrates!
Professionals:
Contains illuminating minerals. Silicone free
Against:
One of the most expensive options Look!
Available at: Dermstore, Ulta, Amazon, Nordstrom
5. Honest Beauty Everything Primer Glow + 2HA
A favorite clean beauty
Amazon
We love it when companies make multiple versions of a primer for different skin types. Jessica Alba’s company Honest Beauty did just that, and this Glow primer obviously stood out as our pick. It incorporates two types of hyaluronic acid in its formula. This dermatologist-tested primer is also EWG certified!
Professionals:
100% tree-free paper carton, dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic
Against:
Only 1 oz size available See it!
Available on: Amazon, Target, Ulta
6. NYX Plump Right Back Electrolytes Serum plumping Primer
A futuristic discovery
Target
NYX actually makes a nice handful of moisturizing primers for dry skin, but we’ve narrowed it down to this electrolyte-infused primer serum because it’s just too good. Do you know how you drink with electrolytes when you are dehydrated? It’s the same idea here. This serum also contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, magnesium and potassium!
Professionals:
A more affordable option Available in multiple sizes
Against:
Features a fragrance, which may put off some shoppers. Check it out!
Available at: Target, Ulta, Amazon, Walmart
7. Wander Beauty Pack Up and Glow Priming SPF
Powered with SPF protection
Amazon
If you tend to forget sunscreen often, make things easier by using an SPF primer! This SPF 40 mineral sunscreen, a good choice for sensitive skin, offers a satin finish and contains plant-based squalene and hyaluronic acid for a fleshy glow. It’s alcohol-free and claims to prevent photo-aging and moisture loss as well!
Professionals:
Anti-inflammatory properties Rich in antioxidants
Against:
The satin finish may not be preferable for ultra-dry skin types in colder times. Check it out!
Available on: Amazon, Revolve
8. Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer, Till Prime Dew Us Part
Our cheapest choice
Amazon
If you’re new to primers or just looking to spend less, let me point you in the direction of this Wet N Wild favorite. It has so many positive ratings and is infused with Vitamin E to smooth and soften the skin, leaving a dewy finish. This choice is cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free!
Professionals:
Less than $ 10 Infused with pearl pigments
Against:
The formula might be a little simple for the more advanced beauty fanatic.
Available on: Amazon, Walmart
9. Rihanna Pro Filt’r Fenty Beauty Moisturizing Primer
For silky skin
Ulta
The moisturizing version of this Fenty primer is the right choice for dry skin. It is lightweight but has a “silky smooth” formula that claims to instantly hydrate and eliminate dry spots. This primer also contains blue agave extract, which is known to contain “anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties” and keep skin hydrated! (Cope with the vibes)
Professionals:
No parabens or phthalates Reviewers are thrilled with how moisturized and dewy their skin feels after using it
Against:
If you have combination skin, it may not be suitable for use all over the place.
Available at: Ulta, Sephora
10. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Skin Clearing Primer
For a blurry effect
Target
This product claims to prime, tarnish and hydrate all at once, including vegan collagen in its formula for truly supple skin. It is also infused with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, jasmine extract, orange extract and caffeine!
Professionals:
100% glass bottle. Without talc, parabens, phthalates or mineral oils
Against:
Some buyers think it smells a bit like a cleaning product Check it out!
Available at: Target, Amazon
11. Kjaer Weis The beautiful primer
A luxurious highlighter
Kjaer Weis
If you’re looking for another sumptuous option, look no further than Kjaer Weis’ The Beautiful Primer. It is an illuminating and moisturizing primer based on soothing lavender water, moisturizing olive oil and firming Spilanthes acmella flower extract. You could choose to wear it even on days without makeup!
Professionals:
Certified organic Potential benefits even in the long term
Against:
It is recommended to let it absorb for five to seven minutes before applying makeup.
Available at: Kjaer Weis, Nordstrom
Other primers we love for dry skin Benefit Cosmetics Mini The POREfessional Hydrating Primer Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum, elf Hydrating Face Primer Read article
Looking for more product recommendations? Shop some of our other favorites below:
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