Best Primer For Dry Skin

Loaded with humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this recent launch from MAC is a hero for skin that tends to look dry by lunchtime. The viscous cream texture works brilliantly to prep skin for a layer of foundation, smoothing pores and lines while helping to ‘grip’ your base products. Try it over the brand’s Face + Body Foundation for a low-coverage, supremely dewy complexion.

Kjaer Weis’ rich and creamy primer contains ethically sourced mica pigments to lend the skin a pearly sheen. The effect is undeniably beautiful: think skin that gleams without obvious glitter. Wear it alone on low-key days, or slip it beneath a light foundation for extended staying power.

Clé de Peau’s sublime primer will keep dry and flaky patches at bay from morning to night. The lightweight milk might sink in seamlessly, but it’ll be working hard to keep your skin super-hydrated for hours on end. Try the brand’s equally good Radiant Fluid Foundation on top.

This is the one to choose if you’re hoping to brighten skin all-over. The peachy tint works to even out sallow areas and make you look ultra-rested, even without a foundation on the top. Extra points for the broad-spectrum SPF 35, too.

Another newcomer to have slipped straight into our kits, Refy’s Glow and Sculpt Face Primer is one to try. More skincare than make-up, the pigment-free serum contains glycerin, niacinamide and camellia oil to hydrate and balance the skin barrier, and leaves behind a transparent, shimmer-free base that’ll grip your foundation for hours. We’re approaching the ‘sculpting’ promises with a firm side-eye, but the dewy effect this one delivers is not up for debate.

A true classic, Le Blanc De Chanel sits somewhere in-between a skin illuminator and a primer. The pearlescent fluid instantly boosts skin radiance and can be used all over the face before a foundation, or simply to spotlight the highest points of your cheekbones. It does contain powders, so isn’t for anyone seeking a super-dewy result, but the radiance it delivers is outstanding.

A lot of ‘blurring’ primers tend to highlight dryness and flaking patches, but Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas is the perfect middle ground. It’s silicone-based, so does a great job of masking enlarged pores and lines, yet is balanced out with hydrating ingredients that’ll keep a thirsty complexion satisfied. For days when you want your make-up to really go the distance, head here.

This under-the-radar gem has us seriously impressed. RMS’ milky gel primer makes skin feel mega-hydrated (thanks to the squalane and hyaluronic acid inside) yet isn’t so emollient that your foundation slips and slides around on top. A brilliant add-in for full-face days, it seems to disguise fine lines and texture while making skin feel drenched in moisture, taking a liquid foundation from flat to flawless in one swift step.

Laura Mercier is known for its stellar primers, and this is the most hydration-focused member of the family. The humectant glycerin base locks water into the skin, stopping your foundation from drying out and amping up the dewiness tenfold.

For a gleam that shows through your foundation, it has to be Charlotte Tilbury’s multi-use Hollywood Flawless Filter. A highlighter / primer hybrid, this pigmented formula lights up dull, dry skin, and looks great either worn solo or beneath a liquid base. Try swiping it over your cheekbones as the final step in your routine for a little extra impact.

Our love for Glossier’s most misunderstood product knows no bounds. Futurdew is billed as an ‘oil-serum’ hybrid which, honestly, is helping no-one to understand exactly what it does.

Trust us: the best way to employ this dewy wonder product is by smoothing a very light layer beneath foundation: the result is that elusive mega-moisturised effect that you usually only get after a lengthy facial.

A make-up and skincare hybrid, this luxe formula was created with the help of Augustinus Bader, the man behind one of Victoria Beckham’s favourite skincare brands. It works as both your moisturiser and illuminator, and contains Bader’s lauded TFC8 nutrient cocktail to plump and regenerate in the long term.

Both shades look beautiful on all skin tones: Original is an iridescent pearl, while Golden is a skin-warming bronze.

This bouncy jelly primer feels so cooling and quenching on eternally thirsty skin. It’s water-based and completely clear, so a good one for layering under a glowy foundation, and puts a complete stop to those caky patches that develop throughout the day.

When it originally launched, Fenty Beauty was firmly focused on creating a matte complexion, so the dry-skinned among us rejoiced when this hydrating powerhouse joined the line-up

A tall glass of water for dehydrated skin, it feels deliciously cooling and will make your foundation apply flawlessly.

Luminous Silk is a holy-grail base for many, and we can confirm the corresponding primer is every bit as impressive.

This milky formula leaves behind a natural-looking sheen that appears almost pearlescent, and works beautifully beneath the aforementioned foundation.

This primer eradicates any signs of tiredness (dark circles, be gone!) whilst providing skin with a gentle sun-kissed glow. Trust it to relieve any uncomfortable dryness while making a heavy foundation feel lighter and fresher.