Best Primer for Dry Skin to Boost Makeup Wear

The best primer will make your makeup last all day and look flawless. It will hydrate your skin and give it that glow. Here's our top picks.

Best Primer for Dry Skin

The best primer for dry skin may be the most important product for long-lasting makeup. A good skincare routine includes exfoliating and moisturizing, but these steps are not enough. You need to prepare your skin first.

If you don't use a good priming product before applying foundation, your skin may become dry, meaning the makeup might be cake or crease. To avoid this, use a nourishing face primer first. Looks for products containing hyaluronic acids, vitamins E, aloe, or blue agave extracts.

Primer is an important step in your makeup prep and smoothing out fine lines and uneven textures, making your foundation go on more easily.

Most primers contain silicone- a mineral that is used in cosmetics for its ability to attract water molecules from outside sources, oil, and water-based ingredients. Some primers may also contain sunscreen as well as other anti-aging ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. Here, we've compiled only the non-toxic, natural primer for dry skin types.

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This non-toxic and all-natural, anti-aging facial primer is the perfectly balanced makeup base for all foundations and all skin types, even for mature skin.  Use less moisturizer or no moisturizer at all!

Prime your skin for a foundation with the best mineral moisturizer packed with a vitamin-rich formula to promote radiant-looking skin with NO chemicals!

Customer review:

"I wanted a primer to add over my normal moisturizer but did not want harsh chemicals or ingredients that have no business on your skin. I've used this for a few weeks and it provides a nice foundation for your makeup - not greasy, applies smoothly, and absorbs well."

Touch in Sol primer for oily skin instantly hydrates the skin and prevents moisture loss by strengthening the moisture barrier. This pore filler primer will give you a natural glow while regulating oil production.

Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer contains plant-based ingredients like green tea extracts and soluble collagen. These active ingredients in our hydrating primer help minimize wrinkles, pores, and even out skin tone while revitalizing the skin for lasting makeup wear.

“I have tried so many green color-correcting primers and they just never seem to do the job. Especially lately my cheeks have been red in the mornings because I'm using a new medical-grade skincare regimen and the first couple weeks you usually have some redness but my makeup goes on so smooth after this primer and I don't even have to use foundation/concealer if I don't want to because this genuinely gets rid of the redness. GET IT. Will def be purchasing again!!”

Improve the look of your skin with the two-in-one Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer and Serum. This double-duty serum and primer combo are formulated with purified hyaluronic acid, which keeps your skin hydrated and smooth skin's appearance.   The formula glides on smoothly for a matte, natural finish that sets makeup beautifully.

This Primer Serum is a light, weightless, non-sticky serum that creates a great canvas for makeup to be applied onto. It instantly moisturizes and nourishes the face for a radiant finish.

Customer review:

“I love this product and have trusted Neutrogena products every time I've had an issue with my skin! This has helped clear up some dry patches on my face in three days. Who could ask for more? The only problem I had was the dropper/dispenser. It's an eye dropper and this product has the consistency of water. It does make it a challenge to apply enough to use, but not drip off my fingers. Otherwise, I'm a happy camper!”

IT Cosmetics Anti-aging primer will help you look and feel young as you defy aging. This first-of-its-kind anti-aging serum is infused with the latest innovative ingredients and technologies to provide a real solution for visible signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and loss of elasticity.

IT Cosmetics has a line of skincare products that are a must-have for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, IT Cosmetics has an anti-aging product that will work for you. With shades for every skin tone, these cosmetics will give your face a youthful glow, while adding hydration and protection all year long.

Customer review:

“I love the way my skin feels at the end of the day. No 50 Serum is the best primer. Skin feels better when I wash my face at night than it did before putting makeup on in the morning.”

Wet n' Wild mattifying primer is a  breakthrough product that features a silky, seamless application to mattify and moisturize your skin for a flawless look. It's a product that provides hydration, and luminosity that brightens dull skin while minimizing pores. Your makeup will glide on smoother and last longer thanks to the primer's lightweight texture. It is featuring an innovative water-based formula that will create a dewy finish and make your skin look flawless.

Customer review:

“**I’ve purchased this primer 3 times now! I love it! It worked well for the hot summer when I was more oily. Now that it’s cooling off and my skin is a bit drier, it’s still fantastic. It performs better on my dry areas than I initially thought it would! I’ve pushed aside all my high-end primers for this! I’ve found it’s most similar to urban decay all-nighter primer when comparing it to high-end primers.”

Benefits of Primer for Dry Skin

The best primer for dry skin is one that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural moisture. The best primer is a lightweight formula that will not clog pores or cause breakouts.

Skincare Benefits of Primer for Dry Skin

  • Smooths and hydrates skin for perfect makeup application
  • Reduces pores and look of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Great for combination skin including oily, dry, normal, or mature skin
  • Enhances suppleness to provide a barrier between skin and makeup
  • Reduces redness and balances PH
  • Conditions and provides antioxidant protection for glowing skin
  • Absorbs excess oil for a matte finish
  • Provides an instant hydration boost for dehydrated skin.

Best Primer for Dry Skin FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions people asked about primer for dry skin.

Do you need a primer if you have dry skin?

Primers benefit those with dry skin because they create a dewy base by reducing pores and smoothing out uneven texture. The hydration makes your skin soft and smooth, and the mineral pigment blurs skin of imperfections for a natural glow.

Can primer be used for dry skin?

If you have dry, itchy skin, primer is a must-have product for your skincare routine. Primer creates a smooth base so that your makeup will go on smoothly without being smudged. It also helps to prevent blotchiness and makes your skin glow.

Do you put primer over moisturizer?

You should apply primer after you've applied your moisturizer for the best makeup results! Applying moisturizer first hydrates the skin and prepares it for makeup application. The first step in any beauty routine is making sure your skin is clean and preparing the skin for makeup.

How do I choose a makeup primer?

When shopping for a makeup primer, you'll need to know what kind of skin type you have. If you have dry skin, choose one that is moisturizing and hydrating to prevent flaky skin. For oily skin types, pick a mattifying primer because it will keep the oil at bay.

Is matte primer good for dry skin?

Primers are typically applied before foundation or other makeup products to create a matte, velvety finish that can minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

If you have dry, itchy skin, primer is a must-have product for your beauty routine. Primers create a smooth surface that makes it easier to apply makeup while concealing fine lines and blemish scars. They can also help prevent eye makeup from smudging or becoming a mess when worn throughout the day.

How do you prep for dry skin before makeup?

Dry, crackling skin can feel uncomfortable and can make makeup application difficult. There are a few steps you can take to help your skin have a smoother application. These include exfoliating twice a week, using moisturizing creams, using a makeup sponge, using a cream blush, and using a highlighter for a glow.

Is a primer necessary for dry skin?

For those who are suffering from dry skin, the answer is undoubted yes. This condition can be particularly troublesome in the winter months due to the low humidity in indoor environments. Primers are designed to seal moisture into your skin and give it a hydrated, healthy appearance.

How long after primer to apply foundation?

Some people say you should wait 3-4 minutes after applying primer for the primer to soak into the skin before applying foundation. Some primers or creams can have a rich texture, so it might take time for the product to set on your skin before you apply the additional products.

Can you mix primer with foundation?

Primer is a base makeup product that is applied before foundation to give the skin a smooth, matte surface. It also helps the foundation go on smoothly and evenly. Mixing primer with the foundation will help to thin out the heaviness of your formula. You'll get a more natural look when you do that. The basic application techniques for both cream and liquid foundations are the same.

Can I use a serum instead of a primer?

There are so many different choices when it comes to primers and serums. They are not interchangeable. Primers are typically used to create a smooth base for foundation application, while serums are used as a treatment for dry skin. Serums not only help pre-makeup applications but also provide a smooth base for foundation application

Do you put primer on before the foundation?

Primers are typically applied before makeup to create a smooth canvas and to help other beauty products to adhere better to the face. Primers also help to hydrate and smooth the surface of the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Can I use aloe vera gel as a primer?

Aloe vera gel is a popular plant-based topical moisturizer. This will help reduce the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. Aloe Vera Gel is a great alternative to nourish and smooth the skin without harsh chemicals.

Are water-based primers good for dry skin?

Water-based primers are perfect for people with dry skin or eczema because they have a hydrating content that prevents itchy and tight feelings. They are also water-based, so they're ideal for acne-prone skin.

How to Find the Perfect Primer for Your Skin Type

A primer is a base product that comes before your foundation. It can be used on its own or under your foundation to help it go on smoother and last longer. Primers are also great to hide imperfections, like blemishes, dark circles, and redness.

There is no one-size-fits-all type of primer for everyone because everyone's skin is different. They come in a variety of textures and colors that can match any skin tone. Some primers have silicone in them to help smooth the skin while others offer antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage.

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