Best Primers for Dry Skin 2023
If you’re looking for the best primers for dry skin, search no further. Dry skin can be a challenge to work with when applying makeup. It’s important to find makeup primers that hydrates and smooths the skin to create a perfect base for makeup application. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll review some of the best primers for dry skin that will help you achieve a flawless look.
One of the best primers for dry skin is the El.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer. This primer is infused with grape, Vitamins A, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin. It creates a smooth base for makeup and helps it last all day. The lightweight formula is perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right primer for dry skin can be challenging. It is important to choose one that hydrating ingredients which smooths the skin for a flawless makeup application.
- The El.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer is a great option for those with dry skin. It contains moisturizing ingredients that help nourish the skin and create a smooth base for makeup.
- Other great primers for dry skin include Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, NYX Plump Right Back Electrolytes Plumping Primer Serum, and Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer.
1. E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer is a budget-friendly primer that promises to smooth skin texture. This primer is specifically formulated for dry skin and contains moisturizing ingredients such as grape seed oil, vitamin A, C, and E.
The primer has a lightweight texture and is easy to apply. It creates a smooth canvas for makeup application and helps boost the wear time of makeup. The primer gives makeup a smooth look and helps to prevent it from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
However, some buyers find the formula greasy and heavy, leaving behind an oily residue. It may not deliver enough hydration for extremely dry skin types. Shop here.
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is a serum that doubles as a moisturizing primer for dry skin. It is designed to impart a dewy, radiant glow to the skin while also providing hydration and plumpness. This serum is formulated with watermelon extract, which is known for its hydrating and soothing properties, as well as niacinamide, which helps to even out skin tone and texture.
The texture of this serum is lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, making it an ideal choice for those with dry skin. It can be used as a standalone product or as a base for makeup. The serum is vegan and cruelty-free, and it is formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It is perfect for those who want to achieve a natural, healthy glowing skin without looking greasy or oily. Buy here
3. NYX Plump Right Back Electrolytes Plumping Primer Serum

NYX Plump Right Back Electrolytes Plumping Primer Serum is a lightweight makeup primer that extends makeup wear while providing moisture to the skin. This primer serum is formulated with 5 electrolytes and vitamins, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, magnesium, and potassium. The supercharged formula provides an instant plump look to the skin.
The texture of this primer serum is lightweight and feels comfortable on the skin. It does not feel greasy or oily, making it perfect for those with oily skin as well. The NYX Plump Right Back Electrolytes Plumping Primer Serum is vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great option for those who are conscious about the products they use. Buy here.
4. Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

Rare Beauty’s “Always an Optimist” Pore Diffusing Primer is a luxurious gel formula that hydrates, smooths, and blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines. It not only extends the longevity of your makeup but also combats shine throughout the day. The primer is carefully formulated with hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, green tea extract, known for its soothing and calming properties, and vitamin E, renowned for shielding the skin against environmental stressors.
With its featherlight texture, the primer effortlessly glides across the skin, imparting a velvety softness and impeccable smoothness. Its remarkable ability to blur and refine pores creates a flawless canvas, setting the stage for flawless makeup application. Shop here
5. ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum

ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum stands out as an excellent primer for dry skin. This serum primer combines a curated blend of natural ingredients, working synergistically to achieve a luminous finish while delivering moisturizing benefits.
The texture of ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum is light and silky, gliding effortlessly onto the skin. It is non-greasy and non-sticky, making it a preferred choice for those who avoid heavy or oily primers.
One of the star qualities of this serum primer lies in its exceptional moisturizing properties. Enriched with ingredients like Aloe and Beta-Glucan, it effectively hydrates and soothes dry skin, making it an ideal option for individuals facing the challenges of flakiness or tightness. Shop here.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Face Primer

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Face Primer is a popular choice among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike, especially for those with dry skin. The Wonder Glow Face Primer contains a magical formula that hydrates and blurs the look of imperfections, leaving the skin looking soft and youthful. According to the Charlotte Tilbury website, 100% of women agree that their skin appeared more radiant after using this primer.
The primer is formulated with clinically proven ingredients that provide a soft-focus glow effect. It contains light-reflecting microspheres, collagen-supporting peptides, and patented anti-wrinkle ingredients that help to smooth and firm the skin. It can be used as a primer, a highlighter, or even on its own for a natural glow. The primer can be applied all over the face or targeted to specific areas, such as the cheekbones or brow bones, for a highlighted effect. Shop here.
7. Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer, Till Prime Dew Us Part

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer, Till Prime Dew Us Part is a popular choice for those with dry skin looking for a radiant, moisturizing primer that helps to keep their makeup looking fresh all day. This primer is designed to give a dewy finish to the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant. It is infused with Vitamin E, which helps to nourish the skin and keep it looking healthy.
The Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and vegan, making it a great choice for those who are conscious of the products they use. It comes in a 0.84 fluid ounce bottle, which is easy to carry in a makeup bag or purse. Shop here.
8. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer

Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer is a bestselling, multivitamin-enriched primer that nourishes, visibly plumps, and preps skin with healthy hydration to improve the look of foundation. It is a perfect moisturizer for dry skin, as it instantly nourishes, plumps, and preps skin with healthy hydration. It is infused with vitamins B, C, and E, which help replenish and condition skin with essential nourishment. The moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter, which help quickly hydrate and soothe dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
The texture of the Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer is lightweight and creamy, which makes it easy to apply and blend. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. The primer also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it perfect for mature skin. Shop here.
9. MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer
MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer is a popular choice for those with dry skin. This primer is designed to provide a radiant and moisturized base for makeup application. It is formulated with Moisture-Reserve Technology, which includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to hydrate the skin instantly and provide eight-hour soothing hydration and radiance.
This primer has a hybrid water-gel like formula that creates a comfortable canvas for makeup application. It preps the skin for smooth makeup application and delivers a radiant finish. The silky texture of the primer glides on smoothly and evenly, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.
10. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer is a lightweight makeup primer that is perfect for normal to dry skin types. It is designed to instantly nourish and hydrate the skin, while also providing a silky-smooth texture that keeps the skin comfortable all day long.
This hydrating face primer is formulated with grape seed oil and sodium hyaluronate, which are two powerful ingredients that work together to deeply hydrate the skin. Grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it plump and hydrated.
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer is also designed to improve and extend the wear of foundation. It creates a smooth and even base for makeup application, helping to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and pores. Shop here
11. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer is definitely one of the best primers for dry skin. This award-winning primer creates a breathable and replenishing base that keeps makeup looking fresh until it is washed away.
The Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer is designed to be applied after skincare, including moisturizing serums or day creams. Its hydrating formula helps to nourish and moisturize the skin while creating a smooth canvas for makeup application.
One of the key benefits of the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer is its ability to control shine. This primer is perfect for people with oily, mature skin or combination skin as it helps to minimize the appearance of pores and control shine throughout the day.
The texture of the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer is silky and lightweight, making it easy to apply and blend. It is also free from silicone, parabens, and fragrance, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. Shop here.
12. Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer/

This is the best primer is infused with a Silkscreen Complex, Triple Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide that helps to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated throughout the day. It is lightweight and has a silky texture that glides smoothly onto the skin, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It helps to blur out fine lines and pores, giving the skin a flawless finish. The primer is also oil free, which makes it perfect for those with oily skin as well.
One of the best things about Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer is that it provides a boost of moisture to the skin, making it look plump and healthy. The Triple Hyaluronic Acid in the primer helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. It is one of the best hydrating primers for dry skin. Shop here.
13. Caudalie VinoSource S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum
Caudalie VinoSource S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum is a hydrating serum that is formulated to restore the skin’s water balance. It is designed to provide intense moisture to the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin tone. The key ingredients in this serum include hyaluronic acid, olive squalane, and organic grape water. These ingredients work together to hydrate the skin and leave it looking radiant and plump.
This serum has a lightweight texture that is easily absorbed by the skin, making it an excellent choice for use as a hydrating face primer. It can be used alone or under makeup to smooth uneven texture on the skin. The serum is also suitable for use on sensitive skin, as it is free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
One of the standout features of the Caudalie VinoSource S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum is its ability to continuously diffuse water to the skin, restoring its moisture balance. This makes it an excellent choice for those with very dry skin. It provides long-lasting hydration throughout the day leaving makeup intact. The serum also contains prebiotic grape water, which helps to support the skin’s microbiome and restore the moisture barrier.
Moisturizing Ingredients to look for in best primers for dry skin
When it comes to choosing the best primers for dry skin, moisturizing ingredients are key to keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. Here are some of the top moisturizing ingredients to look for in a primer:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This makes it an excellent choice for hydrating dry skin. Look for a primer that contains hyaluronic acid to help plump up the skin. It ensures thirsty skin stays moisturized throughout the day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has moisturizing properties that can help to soothe dry, irritated skin. Look for a primer that contains vitamin E to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin. It is commonly used in skincare products due to its ability to help keep the skin hydrated. Look for a primer that contains glycerin to help keep your skin moisturized and smooth.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural source of hydration that is rich in electrolytes and minerals. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Look for a primer that contains coconut water to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Quinoa Protein
Quinoa protein is a plant-based protein that is rich in amino acids. It has been shown to help improve the skin’s elasticity and hydration levels. Look for a primer that contains quinoa protein to help keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.
Anti-Redness Complex
An anti-redness complex is a blend of ingredients that help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This can be especially helpful for those with dry, sensitive skin. Look for a primer that contains an anti-redness complex to help keep your skin looking calm and even-toned.
Nourishing Oils
Essential oils, such as argan oil and goji berry extract, olive extract, can help to moisturize and protect the skin. They are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which can help to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. Look for a primer that contains nourishing oils to help keep your skin looking soft and supple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended primers for dry and sensitive skin?
For those with dry and sensitive skin, it is important to find a primer that is gentle and hydrating. Some recommended options include the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Hydrating, the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Hydrating, and the Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer. These primers are formulated with ingredients that can soothe and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.
Which primer is best for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on dry skin?
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles on dry skin, it is recommended to use a primer that contains anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. Some primers that are known to work well for dry skin and wrinkles include the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Primer, the Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30, and the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
What are some dermatologist-recommended primers for dry skin?
Dermatologists often recommend primers that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and are formulated with gentle and hydrating ingredients. Some dermatologist-recommended primers for dry skin include the EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, and the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50.
What are some hydrating primers that work well for dry skin?
Hydrating primers are a great option for those with dry skin. Some hydrating primers that work well for dry skin include the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, and the First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer. These primers are formulated with ingredients that can help to hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Can you apply primer before moisturizer on dry skin?
It is generally recommended to apply moisturizer before primer on dry skin. This is because moisturizer can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, providing a smooth base for the primer to adhere to. However, some primers can also be used as a moisturizer, so it is important to read the instructions and ingredients carefully before use.
What primer do professional makeup artists often use for dry skin?
Professional makeup artists often use primers that are hydrating and long-lasting. Some popular options for dry skin include the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer, the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer, and the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Hydrate Primer. These primers can help to create a smooth and flawless base for makeup application.