Looking for the best primer for dry skin?
There are still some people who are unsure of what it does, or which ones are best to buy and wear.
Primers in general are a great value compared to many cosmetics.
They are designed to be the perfect base for your makeup, like gesso on a painter’s canvas.
Primers will even your skin’s tone, limit the amount of foundation your skin absorbs, and help all of your makeup to wear longer.
A good primer will enhance the good features of your skin, making it look supple and radiant.
It will help you stay moisturized throughout the day.
It will also minimize the look of pores, redness, and flaws such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Using primer also means you will require less of other beauty products like foundation.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Primers For Dry Skin Reviewed
Now let’s get started on our list of the 10 best primers for dry skin rated and reviewed.
1. NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer
- Lightweight Skin Perfecting Primer: This super silky, satin primer features a light and fresh formula creating a...
- Smooth Satin Finish: The formula creates a smooth uniform satin finished canvas that minimizes shine and makes...
- Face From Foundation To Finish: Complete your makeup look with our full line of face products to aid in color...
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and...
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: Try all of our professional makeup products today from eyeshadow, eyeliner, and...
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NYX is a beloved brand among makeup enthusiasts.
They have a great reputation for creating affordable and high-quality products that are available just about everywhere.
This product is no exception: it is a great primer at a terrific price.
The aptly named Angel Veil by NYX will help you keep your skin looking supernaturally good.
Angel Veil is described as being like a cushion for your makeup to rest on.
Instead of absorbing into your skin, the makeup sits on top of a perfect canvas.
This primer creates that canvas.
It will even out your tone and improve the texture of your skin.
Mineral ingredients including silica and alumina will absorb the excess oil your skin produces throughout the day.
Whether you deal with redness, this product leaves your skin looking smooth, with a satiny, smooth finish.
It feels slightly powdery when applied and will give you just the right amount of glow.
Apply this primer first thing in the morning after cleansing.
It makes a great first layer under your foundation.
This primer will also help your makeup to last throughout the day.
This product is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin.
It is a great solution that will keep your skin looking youthful and fresh.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. N.Y.C. New York Color Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, No Color, 1 Fluid Ounce
- Minimizes the appearance of skin mperfections
- Minimizes the appearance of lines, dark circles and pores
- Smooths and moisturizes skin
- Lasts all day
- Dermatologist tested
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NYC’s Smooth Perfecting Primer is a wonderful lightweight product.
It is available in a number of different shades to complement different skin tones.
This primer is dermatologist-tested to ensure that it does not irritate sensitive skin.
It reduces the appearance of imperfections such as undereye circles, large pores, and fine lines.
Using this primer is a great way to keep your skin looking radiant and even.
Smooth Perfecting Primer can work like a tinted moisturizer, as a standalone product.
But it really performs best as a first layer, under your favorite foundation.
This is a rich, thick product and works great for dry skin.
It goes on more like a lotion or moisturizer, instead of drying to a powdery finish like many popular primers.
Instead of a matte look, it provides a shimmery, dewy finish.
Spread this primer on with your fingers or a sponge after cleansing in the morning.
It comes in durable, easy to use packaging.
This is a really convenient product, and it travels very well.
Buy an extra one to keep in your gym bag, so you are always looking fresh-faced.
This primer has your back, even when you don’t have time to do full face of makeup on top of it.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Makeup, Blur Plus Smooth, 1 Fluid Ounce
- Minimizes the appearance of skin mperfections
- Minimizes the appearance of lines, dark circles and pores
- Smooths and moisturizes skin
- Lasts all day
- Dermatologist tested
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Maybelline’s line of Studio Master primers has a devoted following, and there are some great reasons why.
This series of primers comes in several varieties, designed to treat and compensate for different skin issues.
Whether you struggle with redness, dullness, enlarged pores, or dryness, Maybelline has a Studio Master primer to keep you looking your best.
This Blur Plus Smooth formulation uses ingredients that limit the appearance of textural skin problems.
It expertly disguises flaws like scars.
Silicone-based ingredients smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a much more even appearance.
By blurring the appearance of these flaws, even bright artificial light will be flattering on your skin.
This primer works really well to flatten and diminish any problems with texture.It alsogoes on in a very lightweight thin layer.
It is a gentle water-based formulation that absorbs quickly and provides good moisture.
Blur Plus Smooth has been tested by dermatologists to ensure that it does not irritate sensitive skin.
It is non-comedogenic and will never clog your pores or cause breakouts.
This primer dries to a matte, powdery finish.
It’s a great base for your foundation to bind to.
This primer really works best in that role: as a first layer, not a standalone one.
Blur Plus Smooth primer by Maybelline will help keep your makeup looking great all day long.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. Missha Lasting Cushion Primer 25Ml
- Combine skincare and makeup in one easy step for a flawless foundation. The M Perfect Cover BB Cream is a high...
- Easily take your foundation on the go with our compact M Magic Cushion that delivers light, buildable, and...
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Korean skin products like the ones made by Missha are becoming incredibly popular in the USA.
They have a reputation for excellence and affordability.
Missha’s Lasting Cushion Primer is a great example of why this thinking has become trendy.
Like Angel Veil by NYX listed above, this product is designed to be the perfect cushion for your foundation.
Suitable for all ages and skin types, this product was designed with power users of cosmetics in mind.
The target audience for this product is people who love their look, and find themselves re-applying makeup several times daily to keep it looking perfect.
This primer provides the ideal base for the rest of your makeup to adhere to.
Your look will last throughout the day with Missha Lasting Cushion.
This primer also helps the skin to retain moisture without adding oils.
If you struggle with redness and inflammation, this will not irritate your skin or clog your pores.
It brightens the complexion, and it makes wrinkles less visible.
This product is a great value for the price.
It’s not only affordable, but using it means you will go through fewer expensive foundations, blushes, and bronzers over time.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer, 0.67 Fluid Ounce
- Pore less smooth skin perfection
- One second to smooth, pore less skin
- Visibly pore blurring smooth skin
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Baby Skin by Maybelline is a fun line that is very popular with younger consumers.
The Instant Pore Eraser Primer helps keep skin looking smooth and even.
This product features a moisture-rich formula ideal for dry or flaky skin.
This primer is a gel formula, rather than a lotion or mineral base.
Pore Eraser Primer is best used as a first layer, under a full foundation.
In that role, it’s a great base for makeup to adhere to.
Using it this way means you will go through less foundation, which can save you a lot in terms of money and frustration.
This primer can, however, be used as a standalone product too.
It does not have a finish that feels dry or powdery.
Instead, it produces a fresh and dewy finish, for a very youthful look.
This Baby Skin primer has been formulated with lots of care.
Maybelline is known for really investing in research and development of products.
In this primer, that really shows.
Fruit extracts and oils provide natural vitamin nutrition for your skin.
Other ingredients such as silica and dimethicone help to blur imperfections on the skin’s surface.
This product is best for young users.
It is not the best choice for older users, or for people who struggle with oily or combination skin.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. COVERGIRL+Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer, 1 oz
- PREPS SKIN FOR BEST RESULTS: Makeup primer helps maximize results from liquid foundation
- HYDRATES SKIN: Nourishing formula keeps skin feeling fresh and hydrated
- CONVENIENT PUMP BOTTLE: Bottle comes with a pump dispenser for easy use
- CRUELTY FREE: COVERGIRL products are Leaping Bunny Certified by Cruelty Free International, meaning they are never...
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Covergirl’s Simply Ageless Primer, on the other hand, is designed with mature skin in mind.
Like other primers, it blurs imperfections.
However, it is specifically formulated to treat and prevent deep wrinkles and creases.
Dispensed from a convenient pump, this product will stay fresh without oxidizing.
This primer is free of oils.
It will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Instead of settling into wrinkles the way some products do, Simply Ageless primer stays partially suspended on top of the skin’s surface.
It makes a great first layer, and can also be used on its own.
With this product, your makeup will wear longer, and you will look much more youthful.
Ageless primer features Olay ingredients to keep skin looking firm, moist and smooth.
Olay is a trusted name when it comes to aging, and all of their science comes to bear in this product.
The serum is designed to deliver exactly the ingredients you need, in exactly the places where they are needed.
Although this is a serum formulation, this product is also available in a compact version.
Simply Ageless Primer is suitable for dry, oily, normal, and sensitive skin types.
This product is best for mature users.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue
- Product Type:Skin Moisturizer
- Item Package Dimension:4.445 Centimeters L X5.715 Centimeters W X15.621 Centimeters H
- Marine Botanicals To Help Replenish Thirsty Skin.
- Country Of Origin: United States
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
bareMinerals primer has just what you need to enhance your complexion.
This product hides any flaws in your skin, and enhances the positives, too.
It improves your complexion and skin texture by adding moisture.
It works to repair the lipid barrier, and help you retain moisture and nutrients, too.
With features like SPF 30, it also helps to protect against environmental stressors.
Because of this focus on prevention, this tinted primer will help keep your skin looking healthy for years to come.
This product features a natural mineral formulation, with no damaging fragrances or preservatives.
This bareMinerals primer is non-comedogenic and will not cause breakouts.
With this product, your skin will have a smooth, velvety texture all day long.
This primer can be used as a first layer under foundation.
But given that it is tinted, it also works very well on its own as a more natural, almost no-makeup look.
This product is a great choice for women who are worried about addressing current skin issues, and preventing them from getting worse.
It is a versatile product that can be used every day, whether you are doing a full face of makeup for the office, or spending the morning in the garden.
It’s is also a great choice for sensitive skin, or for anyone who prefers to avoid harsh chemicals.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. Bellezza Secreto Organic Foundation Makeup Primer
- ALL DAY LONG MAKEUP: Waterproof, Unique gel formula adheres to make up creating a long lasting effect and prevents...
- ENRICHED WITH VITAMINS: minimize aging formula contains Vitamin A and E known to encourage cell reproduction. Use...
- REGAIN THAT EYE CATCHING BEAUTY: Light weight and easy to apply. Makes skin feel very soft and smooth like silk....
- FLAWLESS SKIN: Smooth fine lines, minimize large pores and imperfections, acne, wrinkles and blotchy rough skin by...
- HEALTHY PRODUCT FOR YOUR SKIN: Organic , non-greasy formula applies easily and is safe for all skin types and skin...
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With this product, Bellezza Secreto has formulated a wonderful organic primer.
With vitamins A, C, and E, this gel will have your complexion looking radiant and smooth all day long.
This product is waterproof and will leave you with plump, moist, and supple texture.
Bellezza Secreto primer helps to keep redness, large pores, and wrinkles at bay, day after day.
This primer has been formulated especially for the needs of aging skin.
Ingredients like Vitamin E attack free radicals.
These molecules damage the DNA in skin cells, which causes signs of aging.
By combating signs of aging at the source, this product helps to keep users looking more youthful for a longer period of time.
Vitamin A works differently.
It helps to stimulate fibroblasts, cells that keep skin firm and strong.
In this way, development of thin, crepey skin is prevent.
This organic primer has even more benefits.
It contains plenty of antioxidants, which are also incredibly beneficial for healthy cells of any kind.
This Bellezza Secreto primer is free of parabens and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
It provides moisture, but will not cause irritation or redness.
It’s also non-comedogenic, and will help your skin stay clear and healthy looking.
In addition to being organic, this product is also cruelty-free, developed without animal testing.
If corporate social responsibility is something you care about, consider purchasing this very effective and very natural primer.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
9. bareMinerals Original Prime Time Foundation Primer
- Combats rough patches, flaky dryness, fine lines, excess oil, uneven texture and enlarged pores so that your...
- Extends the wear of your foundation, keeping you looking fresh for longer
- Soothes and nourishes with plant extracts, antioxidants and Vitamins C and E
- Free of preservatives and irritants so that your skin feels great
- Silky formula glides on without any stickiness, Size: 30 mL/1 fl. oz.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BareMinerals is known for the elegant, natural simplicity of its products.
They are easy to use, and they are free of fragrances and preservatives that can cause irritation.
With this great primer, you can have radiant skin and the perfect base for your mineral makeup.
Developed to be a perfect base for bareMinerals foundation with SPF, this primer uses natural ingredients like vitamins C and E to keep skin looking great.
It also incorporates plant extracts to keep skin moisturized and healthy.
Botanicals such as these can do a lot to promote skin health, and effective skin renewal.
They provide important nutrition that can be absorbed into skin cells, as well.
This primer incorporates silicones to help smooth imperfections, assist with absorption, and blur fine lines.
They account for the luxurious feel of the product.
And by making skin texture appear more even, masking large pores, and absorbing excess oil, this primer keeps your skin looking moist, fresh and youthful.
The formula is smooth and almost weightless.
It never feels sticky or oily.
This product is easy to use.
It has a soft, silky feel, and it absorbs well.
It is pigmented, with different tones available.
Because of that, it can be worn as a standalone product, if you only need light coverage.
Although this is more expensive than many of the products on this list, the price still compares favorably to many department-store brands.
This is a versatile product that is suitable for any skin type, from sensitive, to combination, to oily.
It works well for consumers of all age groups.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. e.l.f Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer
- 2017 Influenster Reviewer's Choice Award Winner.
- Ideal for creating a smooth base for foundation.
- Weightless silky formula is great for all skin types.
- Fills in fine lines and refines your complexion.
- Cruelty-free, vegan and 100% free from Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, triclocarban.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last but not least, we have this great little product.
E.L.F Beauty is an increasingly popular brand for a number of reasons.
Their products are made ethically, without animal testing.
They are priced more than fairly, and they produce readily observable results.
They are also easy to find, and are available at almost every retailer that has a cosmetics section.
This mineral infused primer is a great example of the quality you can expect from this brand.
It uses natural minerals to absorb extra oil and to help blur imperfections such as enlarged pores and fine lines.
It keeps skin looking moist and supple.
This primer will leave your face looking smooth and even, with a clean matte finish.
E.L.F Mineral infused primer is great for any type of skin.
Whether you are young or middle-aged, this is a wonderful first layer that will help you look your best both day and night.
This primer makes a great first layer under full makeup.
The size of the container is perfect for carrying in your bag.
Apply by pumping directly onto your fingers and applying to the skin.
Alternatively, you can dispense it onto a clean cotton round and apply it with that.
This primer travels really well, so consider buying a spare to throw in your gym bag.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
11. e.l.f Studio Blemish Control Primer
- MAKEUP ALL DAY LONG: The Blemish Control Face Primer transforms your face into a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for...
- CONTROL BREAKOUTS & BLEMISHES: More than your average primer, this product is infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin...
- ALL SKIN TYPES WELCOME: Our Blemish Control Face Primer works effectively on all skin types.
- SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you...
- SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you...
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product, also by E.L.F Beauty, was simply too good to leave off the list.
What is better than a little bonus now and again, after all?
Like the mineral infused primer discussed above, it really is an amazing value for the price.
Specifically designed for those affected by acne, this primer incorporates tea tree oil, vitamin E, and salicylic acid 2%.
Although these products are linked to dryness, this product does not cause extreme dryness and flaking like so many others.
It leaves you feeling moisturized and smooth.
What it does do is help to treat redness, inflammation and breakouts very effectively.
E.L.F Studio Blemish Control Primer works best for normal to oily skin.
It goes on smoothly, absorbs well, and dries quickly.
This product is designed with youthful skin in mind, but should be tried by anyone who struggles with an oily t-zone.
It dries with a powdery finish, and works best as a base layer with makeup applied on top.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Bonus: Top 5 Tips For Preventing Dry Skin
Dry skin can make you look dull and age you.
It can also feel terrible, with a flaky texture and itchy feel.
These great tips, endorsed by dermatologists, will help you keep your skin looking and feeling wonderful, instead of dry and flaky.
1. Hydration And Diet Matter
We all know how important hydration and diet are for health.
Did you know that it can also keep your skin looking fresh?
Dehydration can cause skin to become irritated, flaky, and rough.
It is also important to ensure you are getting good fats, and particularly essential fatty acids, in your diet.
Good sources for these include walnuts and flaxseed.
By cutting back on harmful substances like alcohol, or empty calories like soda, you can help keep your skin looking great.
2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
It’s important to apply moisturizer at least once per day.
This is the number one step that will keep you looking dewy and youthful.
Choose a product that is formulated for your skin type.
The moisturizer you choose should not be overly scented, as that can be irritating.
Apply moisturizer right after cleansing and drying your skin.
It will absorb better.
3. Clean Your Skin Carefully
Choose a gentle cleanser, even if you do not have sensitive skin.
You only need to use a small amount.
Too much lather can dry your skin out, and strip away beneficial oils.
The temperature of the water you use can also affect your skin.
Hot water will strip more moisture from your skin.
When washing, use warm or cool water instead.
4. Control Your Environment
Do you love to sit in front of the fireplace on a cold winter’s night?
This can be great for ambiance, but it is terrible for your skin!
You should work to avoid environmental stressors like extreme heat and smoke whenever possible.
During the cold winter months, take steps to keep the air in your home moist rather than dry.
Invest in a humidifier, and you will be shocked at how much better your face and hands look.
5. Ask For Help When You Need It
If you’ve tried these tips and are still dealing with dry, flaky skin, it’s time for an expert opinion.
Consult with a skincare professional.
An aesthetician may have great advice for your skin type.
A dermatologist can test for allergies, or prescribe medication to treat underlying problems.
If you have a serious skin condition, they can help you take steps to keep you looking great.
Final Thoughts
These 10 best primers for dry skin will help you get your skin under control.
If you have any experience with these primers or know of one that’s not on the list, let us know in the comments!