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Primers for dry skin serve as an indispensable bridge that marries your skincare routine with makeup, providing a smooth canvas while nourishing your parched skin. These products do more than create a flawless base for your makeup—they hydrate with ingredients that feed your skin with the care it needs.
From glowing finishes to pore-minimizing effects, we’ve reviewed the best primers for dry skin in 2024. Our top pick is the Paul & Joe foundation primer because of its moisturizing and brightening properties. With our reviews and buying guide, you’ll be able to make the right selection based on your unique skincare needs.
The Best Primers for Dry Skin
Paul & Joe Primer for Dry Skin — Best Overall
With the wintery weather causing havoc on our skin, you might notice your makeup just isn't sitting right. The Paul & Joe moisturizing foundation primer for dry skin is a true lifesaver. Infused with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, it's like a hydrating boost, leaving your skin feeling truly moisturized.
The texture is super smooth, and it glides onto your skin. It's sheer, which means it won't interfere with your foundation or look cakey. To use, simply apply the desired amount (about 1 pump) onto your palm and spread evenly over your face before applying foundation. Remember to clean the dispenser nozzle and cap it firmly after each use. This primer for dry skin features nourishing ingredients and an effortless application, making it the best overall primer on our list.
Pros
- Hydrates sensitive skin
- Enhances makeup longevity
- Smooths and brightens skin
Cons
- May not last all day
Lancôme Primer for Dry Skin — Best for All Skin Types
The Lancôme La Base Pro primer for dry skin smooths and perfects your skin, setting the perfect canvas for your makeup. It's oil-free, which means it won't add any extra greasiness to your face, but what's more, it's particularly beneficial for parched skin types.
Thanks to Lancôme's innovative Elasto-Smooth technology, this face primer not only refines your skin's texture but also diffuses light to visibly reduce imperfections, creating a smooth base. Catering to all skin types, it works wonders on normal to oily skin, and equally well on combination to dry skin. It leaves a matte finish for a soft, non-greasy feel.
Pros
- Luxurious yet lightweight feel
- Provides a silky-smooth base
- Promotes healthy-looking skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for all day wear
Embryolisse Primer for Dry Skin — Best Quick Absorption Formula
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré makeup primer for dry skin is a face cream with a unique creamy texture that not only hydrates instantly but also leaves your skin feeling soft and supple all day long. It features a heap of beneficial ingredients, such as soy proteins, aloe vera, beeswax, and shea butter.
This ideal face and body moisturizer caters to all skin types, providing deep moisturization and nourishment. Its gentle yet effective formula soothes the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. Designed for versatility, you can use it on clean, dry skin in the morning as a make-up base or moisturizer or use it as a cleanser or a hydrating mask.
Pros
- Highly hydrates and softens skin
- Suitable as a makeup base
- Absorbs quickly into skin
Cons
- May cause a slight tingling sensation
Dermablend Primer for Dry Skin — Best for All Day Wear
The Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly primer for dry skin smoothly blurs out pores and creates a flawless canvas for makeup application. It's silicone-free, so it doesn't clog your pores. It locks your foundation in place, securing it for up to 24 hours. And not just that, it also enhances your foundation's appearance, making it look more vibrant and fresh.
Not only does this product absorb seamlessly, creating a smooth canvas under your foundation and concealer, but it also boasts a lightweight feel for unmatched comfort. It is a makeup gripper, instant moisturizer, and tightening mask, making it a versatile primer, perfect for everyday use. The formula is cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your purchase, as well.
Pros
- Forms a barrier between skin and makeup
- Improves the performance of foundation
- Long-lasting wear, up to 24 hours
Cons
- Can feel sticky upon application
Lancôme Primer for Dry Skin — Great for Added Sun Protection
The Lancôme UV Expert primer for dry skin with SPF 50 nourishes your skin with a hydrating formula enriched with Vitamin E and Moringa Seed Extract. It protects against harmful UV rays, thanks to its SPF 50. It also doubles as a moisturizer, making it perfect for streamlining your makeup routine. Just apply it after cleansing, and you're ready to go.
The product's standout feature is its innovative cooling Aquagel texture. On application, it transforms into a water-like gel for a highly breathable, speedy absorption—virtually invisible on the skin. It truly is a lightweight moisturizer redefined, free of any greasiness, stickiness, or white residue. This makes it a perfect face primer underneath makeup.
Pros
- Provides smooth, soft skin
- Works as moisturizer and primer
- Includes SPF 50 protection
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some
Primer for Dry Skin: An Expert Buying Guide
Primers are an often overlooked but essential product, particularly for those with dry skin. They provide the vital first step in your makeup routine, creating a smooth, moisturized base that not only helps your makeup adhere flawlessly but also ensures your skin remains nourished throughout the day. Here's a detailed buying guide designed to aid you in your search for the best primer for your dry skin.
Ingredient Composition
When looking for the best moisturizing primer, the first thing to investigate is the ingredient composition. Not all primers are created equal, and some contain ingredients that can further dry out your skin. Look for primers that list ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Vitamin E. These are known for their hydrating properties and are perfect for dry skin. Avoid products containing alcohol as they can be drying.
Texture and Consistency
Another key consideration when shopping for a dry skin primer is its texture and consistency. Primers come in different forms including cream, gel, and liquid. For dry skin, a creamy or gel primer is ideal as it hydrates and provides a smooth base for your makeup. Avoid primers that feel too heavy or greasy as they can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Skin Nourishing Benefits
Primers with skin-nourishing benefits offer extra advantages, especially for those with dry skin. Some primers not only prep your skin for makeup but also feed it with essential nutrients, enhancing its health and glow. Look for primers that contain Vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, or green tea extracts. These ingredients nourish your skin while providing a flawless makeup base.
Brand Reputation
A company's reputation can tell a lot about the quality of its products. Look for brands that are known for their skincare products and have stellar reviews. Brands that focus on natural ingredients or have dermatologist-tested products are generally a good bet. Be skeptical of primers that promise miraculous results but don't have the reputation or customer testimonials to back up their claims.
Price Point
While your skin’s health should never be compromised over cost, it's still important to consider the price point. High-end doesn't always mean better, and some drugstore brands offer excellent dry skin primers at a fraction of the cost. Determine a budget beforehand and try to stick to it, but don’t be afraid to splurge if you find a product that ticks all your boxes.
Packaging and Application
Finally, consider the packaging and application method. A primer in a pump bottle or with a doe-foot applicator can allow for easy, hygienic application. Also, assess if the product is travel-friendly if you're someone constantly on the go.
