Dry skin lacks moisture, and that is why it is often not easy to blend the foundation well without looking cakey. This is where hydrating primers come into the picture. They offer a smooth base to hold your foundation. These primers are formulated with skin-loving and nourishing ingredients that hydrate the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, blur all imperfections, and give you a luminous glow with a dewy finish. To help you pick a suitable one, we have reviewed and compiled a list of the 19 best hydrating primers. Scroll down to take a look!
What Is A Primer And What Does It Do?
Primers are silicone-based products that fill in large pores and creases to make your skin smooth and minimize uneven textures so that the foundation can glide smoothly. Primers enhance makeup coverage and longevity.
Primers can blur skin discoloration and cover fine lines and hyperpigmentation. If you have dry skin, a good primer with hydrating ingredients can enhance your foundation and give you that lit-from-within glow. In addition, it can lock in moisture to prevent dryness.
Keep scrolling to pick from our list of the 19 best primers for dry skin.
19 Best Hydrating Primers For Dry Skin
1. Best Overall: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
If you are looking for a weightless formula to hydrate your dry skin, the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is for you. This K-beauty-inspired illuminating primer enhances your makeup and balances your skin tone. It is enriched with pearl powder that offers a subtle glow and illuminating effects. The sweat and waterproof formula controls sebum and combats oiliness while creating a smooth base for your makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smudge-proof
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
2. Best Budget: e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
The e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer is an affordable hydrating product that offers a smooth and flawless base for long-lasting makeup. This lightweight primer is infused with grape seed oil and vitamins A, C, and E, providing extra moisture, nourishment, and brightness to your skin. It glides smoothly and covers fine lines, pores, and other imperfections.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Triclosan-free
Cons
3. Best Lightweight: SmashboxThe Original Photo Finish Primer
The Original Photo Finish Primer by Smashbox has a lightweight gel formula that glides easily to give you an instant blurring effect. It is infused with antioxidants like vitamins A and E that nourish and protect your skin from environmental stressors and grape seed extracts that brighten the skin. This formula is also enriched with hydraulic complexes derived from desert plants for a cooling and moisturizing effect.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Talc-free
Cons
None
4. Best Silicone-Free: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is formulated with hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, offering antioxidant, smoothening, and hydrating benefits to the skin. This hydrating primer is also enriched with blue agave extract that forms an invisible layer to set your makeup for up to 12 hours. It also has prickly pear cactus extract, aloe water, niacinamide, and sweet cherry extract that offer a radiant glow and flawless base for your makeup.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Oil-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Sticky
- Contains alcohol denat
5. Best Long-Lasting: NYX Hydra Touch Primer
If you are looking for a long-wearing primer with a luminous finish, try the NYX Hydra Touch Primer. It is one of the best water-based primers that offers flawless coverage and a refreshing feel to your face. The lightweight product is infused with Centella asiatica extract that boosts hydration and calms your skin. It also contains tremella mushroom, chamomile, ginseng, and licorice root extracts for a satin-smooth finish and all-day hydration.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Soothing
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
6. Best For Smooth Skin: Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer
This Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer has a quick-absorbing formula and a sticky texture that offers a natural finish and grips onto makeup for up to 24 hours. The 3-in-1 product acts as an instant moisturizer and tightening mask. This silicone-free primer is formulated with plant extracts that tighten, moisturize, and smoothen skin texture.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight
- Quick-absorbing
- Allergy-tested
- Cruelty-free
- SLS-free
- Fragrance-free
- Triclosan-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Greasy
- May give a patchy finish
7. Best Drugstore: Maybelline Master Prime
If you want your makeup to last all day long, try out the Maybelline Master Prime primer. It is formulated with a water-soluble base and active ingredients to blur all your imperfections. This lightweight primer refines your skin, provides a smooth base for makeup application, and helps your makeup last throughout the day.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Easy to spread
- Value for money
Cons
None
8. Best 2-In-1: First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
The 2-in-1 hydrating and makeup-gripping First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer offers dewy, healthy-looking skin. You can wear it alone or under a foundation. Its complexion-enhancing formula is infused with coconut water that hydrates and revitalizes the skin. The micro-pearls in the formula have light-reflecting properties that make the skin appear radiant and impart a dewy finish. The product also contains quinoa protein to protect, repair, and strengthen the skin barrier and minerals like silica, copper, zinc, and iron to support the skin’s overall health.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
Cons
9. Best Hypoallergenic: Honest Beauty Everything Glow + 2HA primer
The Honest Beauty Everything Glow + 2HA Primer offers a subtle golden glow while hiding fine lines and pores. This non-comedogenic hydrating primer prepares your skin for makeup by making it look smoother and firmer. It is infused with peony root extract that boosts radiance, hyaluronic acid that attracts moisture and hydrates the skin, and mica to impart a shiny finish to your skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Paraffin-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
10. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
The creamy Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer offers an instant pick-me-up by energizing your skin and replenishing the moisture levels. This face primer is infused with coconut water, probiotics, and skin revivers that boost skin elasticity and radiance. These ingredients hydrate your skin and set your makeup for a longer time, leaving your skin looking fresh and flawless. This replenishing primer can be worn alone or under makeup.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Soothing
Cons
11. Cover FX Water Cloud Primer
If you are looking for the best blue-light defending primer, Cover FX Water Cloud Primer is your go-to option. The weightless and mattifying primer can instantly refresh your skin. It is formulated with plankton extract that defends your skin against blue light and pollutants and pot marigold flower extract that soothes and hydrates your skin. You can wear this cooling mousse primer alone or under makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Talc-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
12. Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer
If you are looking for light and sheer coverage, try the Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. It is intensely hydrating and creates a flawless base for long-lasting makeup. The primer is infused with Abyssinian oil that provides excellent moisturization and an H2O Release Complex that provides uninterrupted hydration and imparts a silky, smooth, matte finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
13. Becca First Light Priming Filter
The Becca First Light Priming Filter has color-neutralizing properties and a natural, smooth finish. It is developed with cool light technology that blurs imperfections and revives dull skin. This hydrating primer is infused with prickly pear flower extract that quenches and revives your skin, ginger extract that evens out the skin tone, and vitamin E that protects and nourishes your skin. It is also enriched with sodium hyaluronate that binds water and makes your skin look plump and hydrated.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly
Cons
14. Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer
The lightweight Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer is suitable for all ages. It is infused with coconut alkanes, which contain antioxidants that give you a flawless complexion and a smooth base for makeup application. This primer is also enriched with an age-defying serum that blurs imperfections, aloe leaf juice that improves hydration, and sunflower oil and vitamin E for moisturizing benefits.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
15. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer has a shine-stopping, pore-diffusing formula that smooths your skin for better foundation application and long-lasting makeup. This oil-free primer instantly offers lightweight coverage and a selfie-worthy glow throughout the day. The shine-absorbing formula does not feel dry or chalky on the skin. This face primer is infused with blue agave extract that forms an invisible layer to set your makeup. It offers an instant retouch effect and is suitable for dry skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
16. BareMinerals Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer
The oil-free BareMinerals Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer is designed specifically to prep dry skin for the makeup routine. Its rich, silky texture provides immediate and lasting hydration while smoothing out dry and flaky skin. The primer is infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, coconut alkanes, and a blend of minerals to give your skin a hint of pearly luminosity. The plant botanicals in this primer soothe the skin, and its soft-focus effect covers fine lines and pores.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Talc-free
- SLS-free
Cons
None
17. Glo Skin Beauty Face Primer
If you want a pore-minimizing and mattifying primer, Glo Skin Beauty Face Primer is the best option for you. The gel-based formula creates an even, smooth canvas for makeup. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, and E that protect your skin from environmental aggressors. The formula is also infused with safflower and olive oils that smoothen and soften your skin. In addition, it blurs imperfections and fills in fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
18. Clinique SuperPrimer
The anti-aging Clinique SuperPrimer takes care of flaking. Its translucent formula offers a flawless and smooth base for your makeup application. The oil-free primer glides easily and evenly on your skin and has color-correcting properties to blur any blemishes and give a satin finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
Cons
19. W-Airfit Pore Primer
The W-Airfit Pore Primer seamlessly covers the appearance of pores and wrinkles and gives your skin a smooth appearance. The formula is enriched with tea tree extract, lily extract, magnolia flower, oats extract, rose flower, and orange flower extracts to nourish the skin and prevent dryness. It improves the overall texture of your skin and allows your makeup to last longer.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
None
When buying a primer for dehydrated skin, always look for moisturizing and hydrating ingredients in it. This will ensure your skin does not flake and the makeup does not turn patchy or cakey. Here are a few more factors to consider before getting a primer for dry skin.
How To Choose The Best Primer For Dry Skin
- Choose The One Based On Your Foundation
If you don’t want to get that heavy and flaky makeup look, you should consider your foundation while choosing primer. Not all primers will sit smoothly under all foundation formulas. For example, if you are using a water-based foundation, select a primer with a similar formula.
Check the ingredients list on the product label before you choose the primer. The one you will buy should hydrate the skin, blur your imperfections, and brighten your complexion. Look for enriching ingredients like glycerin, silicones, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Also, consider the texture of your primer. They are available in different forms like creams, gels, and mousse. Check the samples and choose the one that suits your skin type. For example, if you have combination skin, you may prefer a lighter gel-based or water-based formula, while those with an extra-dry complexion might want to go the cream route.
These are some important points to consider when buying a hydrating primer. How do you apply a hydrating primer for a flawless finish? Find out this in the next section.
How To Apply Hydrating Primer For A Flawless Finish
- Apply primer only to the areas that need priming. For instance, apply it to the T-zone as it has more oil glands. However, if you have acne marks on your cheeks, you can apply a primer to smoothen the surface.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of primer to clean and dry skin. Use your finger to spread evenly over the area.
- Let your primer set for at least a minute and then apply your favorite foundation over it.
Primer can go on as a base to your foundation and give your skin a smooth and velvety finish. Here are some common primer mistakes that you should avoid while using one.
What Are The Most Common Primer Mistakes?
If you have acne, enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, you will not want the foundation to settle into them and make them obvious. Primers work as the barrier between the foundation and your skin. They prevent the makeup from creasing and getting into the pores.
Don’t use a primer not meant for your skin type. For instance, if you have dry skin, using a primer meant for oily skin will not provide the hydration, and it may not sit well under your foundation.
- Not Knowing How Much To Apply
Another common primer mistake that you may make is using too little or too much of it. Never cover the entire face with a primer. Instead, use only a pea-sized blob on the problematic areas of the skin to ensure that you create a flawless base for your makeup application.
- Put A Primer Only Before Makeup
Massaging a primer into your skin before the foundation is best to apply. However, it isn’t the only way. You can also mix your primer with your foundation and apply it simultaneously. This will slightly sheer out the coverage but keep the base long-lasting.
- Not Priming Your Eyelids
The skin around our eyes is ultra-thin, which makes the signs of aging and discoloration visible. Priming your eyelids can create a smooth and even foundation to begin building beautiful color.
- Applying Primer Using Only A Brush
You can use a brush to apply a primer on smaller areas, like the lips or eyes. But for areas larger than a quarter, consider using your fingers for application.
Hydrating primers ensure that your skin does not feel dry and the foundation adheres to the surface for long. The primers in this list have hydrating formulas that do not feel heavy on your skin and will not flake or give a patchy look to your makeup. The NYX Hydra Touch Primer is the best long-wearing primer, perfect for those extra-long workdays. The NuFACE Gel Primer Hydrating Leave-on Formula will give your skin a smooth finish, and the SmashboxThe Original Photo Finish Primer is the best lightweight pick. Go ahead and choose your favorite one from the list to get a flawless and smooth base for your long-lasting makeup look.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry and is a certified image consultant. She believes that primers are an absolute necessity for flawless makeup, and the right one holds the foundation in place all day long. She never misses primers in her makeup routine and swears by the SmashboxThe Original Photo Finish Primer.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
Is hydrating primer good for dry skin?
Yes, hydrating primer is good for dry skin as it not only hydrates dry patches and minimizes the appearance of pores and blemishes but also imparts a dewy glow to your skin.
Can you use hydrating primer as a moisturizer?
No, a makeup primer is not meant to replace your moisturizer.
Can primer clog pores?
Yes, primers can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially if you have sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Is primer good for skin?
Yes, a primer is good for your skin because it forms a barrier between the skin and makeup products and creates a smooth base for easy makeup application.
