Our skin type can hugely impact our beauty routine, especially when it comes to primers. One thing I can attest to is the power of hydrating primers for dry skin. Not only will they ensure that you have a smooth canvas for your makeup, but they will also keep your face nice and moisturised underneath.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that primers can make or break the finished result. Think about it: when you have that elite primer and foundation combo down, your makeup is bound to last longer and your base will look just as perfect at the end of the evening as it did the moment you applied it in the morning. After all, makeup artists always say skin prep is everything for a reason. That, of course, includes applying your primer as well as your trusty moisturiser before slathering on your go-to foundation to top it off.
That said, it’s a common misconception that if you have dry skin, you can forgo primers. Well, think again. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a quality hydrating primer will form a supple, nourished and plump base for your makeup to stick to, for longer wear. Long gone are the days where mattifying primers would leave us with flaky patches, which often resulted in your makeup products separating from your base. Instead, today’s formulas are developed with the likes of hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain more moisture, as well as nourishing ingredients such as shea butter – so it serves as more than just a primer.
Best primers for dry skin at a glance – our top picks:
And for those of us with dry skin, primers can be more than just a makeup step. Innovative and skincare-led technology means that primers actually deliver on a host of skincare benefits. From the addition of hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain more moisture to nourishing shea butter, primers are more than just another step in your makeup routine. As a fellow dry skin gal, I am definitely a convert. I immediately notice the difference in the way my makeup sits and lasts on my skin on days where I wear a primer, compared to the days where I skip it.
According to makeup and hair artist Alexis Day, “primers for dry skin types work by locking in moisture, and helping it stay nourished throughout the day so the makeup doesn’t deteriorate. [They] will usually have moisture boosting ingredients like a hyaluronic acid, glycerin, as well as a flower or fruit oil in, to help keep the skin hydrated.”
“These support your skincare regime by keeping thirsty skin “fed” throughout the day rather than just feeding it during your morning moisturiser routine,” she adds.
Long story short, investing in a primer that’s specifically catered for your skin type can be an absolute game changer. To make your search easier, we have put together the ultimate list of primers that will ensure your makeup stays put without compromising on the moisturise in your skin.