The best hydrating primers for dry skin

Taryn Davies
Published: February 27, 2018

Primers are a bit of a marmite beauty product, either you love them or you don’t. And if you don’t we think you haven’t found the right one for you really. Not only can primers help keep your makeup in place for longer, but they can target skin concerns, so for those with dry skin types, these hydrating primers are exactly what you need.

Makeup primers will help blur enlarged pores, smooth bumpy skin and disguise redness. Primers can make skin look smoother and silkier, pores smaller and lines and wrinkles softer – perfect for those days when the cameras are going to be going all day.

If dryness is your skin’s biggest concern, you want a primer that will hydrate your skin and make it look radiant, and prevent your foundation from settling into areas of flaky skin.

Look for products that containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine, and avoid mattifying primers, as these will only further dry the skin out.

These hydrating primers are ideal for dry skin to ensure your skin is looking dewy, radiant and flawless all day long.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer HydratinLaura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier is synonymous for their primers, and the Hydrating formula is ideal for those with dry skin. The formula is packed with vitamins A, C and E which help to protect the skin from the ageing effects caused by the environment.

The lightweight, creamy gel applies beautifully and protects and moisturises the skin for flawless makeup application.

Hourglass No 28 Primer SerumHourglass No 28 Primer Serum

The Hourglass Primer Serum melts into skin ensuring it feels soft and velvety for a smooth application of makeup, and the blend of ingredients that includes oils, vitamins and plant extracts are all designed to help hydrate the skin.

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion BaseClarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base

Give skin a beautiful healthy glow without looking greasy with the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base. It’s incredibly lightweight, so your skin won’t feel clogged down with products and your foundation looks fresh for as long as you’re wearing it.

Too Faced Hangover Face PrimerToo Faced Hangover Face Primer

Infused with coconut to hydrate, probiotic-derived ingredients to soothe and a blend of humectants, this primer doesn't just quench thirsty skin the morning after a late night, it also supercharges it. It gives a gorgeous natural yet slightly glowing finish.

Tom Ford Complexion Enhancing PrimerTom Ford Complexion Enhancing Primer

The ultimate glowing primer, it’s so gorgeous you could wear this alone. This probably isn't the best choice for those with oily skin types, but those with dry skin will really benefit from this Complexion Enhancing Primer.

Cover FX Anti Ageing PrimerCover FX Anti-Ageing Primer

The Cover FX primer works to instantly plump and perfect the skin, making it great to be worn alone, as well as a base for foundation. The primer boasts a number of ingredients that ensure over time UV damage is repaired on the skin, and skin looks plumper thanks to the collagen.

Barry M Flawless Hydro Fix Primer WaterBarry M Flawless Hydro Fix Primer Water

This is perfect for those hot and humid days when you want skin to feel light and fresh yet adequately hydrated. The Barry M Flawless Hydro Fix Primer Water is a lightweight primer that feels fresh on the skin, as well hydrating beautifully.

Marc Jacobs UnderCover Perfecting Coconut Face PrimerMarc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer

Ensure your makeup lasts all day with this smoothing and perfecting primer from Marc Jacobs. The coconut ingredients help to soothe and nourish the skin too.

L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique PrimerL’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Primer

Another great affordable primer that leaves skin looking luminous and an extra layer of hydration too.

Benefit The POREfessional Face PrimerBenefit The POREfessional Face Primer

A real cult classic, The POREfessional is a much-loved formula that smoothes onto the skin and instantly minimises the appearance of pores. It’s a great base for foundation, but it can be worn alone if you just want a little extra smoothness.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating PrimerSmashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation primer

Smashbox is known for their impeccable primer range, with products targets specifically for different concerns, as well as innovative formulas like the Primer Oil. Their Hydrating formula quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours after.

SUQQU Creamy Makeup BaseSUQQU Creamy Makeup Base

This glow-enhancing moisturiser primer is perfect for nourishing and prepping dry skin types, it smoothes the skin out beautifully leaving a gorgeous base, you’ll want to save this one for special events and evenings out.

Becca Backlight Priming FilterBecca Backlight Priming Filter

This stuff is like magic on dull, dehydrated skin. The pearls suspended in the primer will reflect light and make skin look luminous instantly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you get your glow back with this primer, and it sits beautifully underneath your foundation too.