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The best hydrating primers for dry, thirsty skin
They do more than just extend the longevity of your make-up, says one beauty editor
After multiple seasons covering backstage fashion week, I've noticed that make-up artists usually eschew primers. Many even turn up their noses at them, claiming that your skincare should take care of your skin prep.
They're not completely wrong. But let's not discount the fact that editorial and runway make-up don't usually need to last through rain, shine, dusty commutes, and long hours going from the office to after-work drinks. Models and celebrities are also known for having generally picture-perfect skin, something that I need extra help with.
This is where primers come in. Aside from extending the longevity of your make-up, there are now formulas that cater to various needs. If you're prone to dry patches or notice your make-up cracking throughout the day, a hydrating primer can be used on targeted areas of the face to encourage extra hydration and glow.
The very best primers for dry skin
- Best all-rounder: Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer
- Best vegan: BareMinerals Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer
- Best for glass skin: Refy Face Primer
- Best for luminosity: Dior Forever Glow Veil
- Best for long-wear: MAC Studio Radiance Moisturising + Illuminating Silky Primer
While historically primers are used underneath foundation, I've also discovered that they work equally as well on bare skin days. After SPF, I often reach for Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer to give my complexion just a little bit of a boost. It plumps, restores a healthy luminosity, and essentially 'enlivens' my complexion. On sunnier days, I'll follow with a touch of powder just to keep any excess shine at bay.
How To Choose Your Primer
When picking a primer, it's crucial to cater to your complexion's specific needs. 'I choose my primer based on skin type and foundation based on the final look I’m trying to create – natural or more matte', advises Hector Espinal, who's A-list clientele include Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Halle Bailey. 'For dry skin, look for sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid) as an ingredient, because it nourishes and hydrates skin to provide a really natural finish.' After your moisturiser or sunscreen, apply the smallest amount on areas prone to dryness, You can also focus on the cheekbones if you prefer that lit-from-within effect (who doesn't?).
You can also use a hydrating primer to make your foundation work for you all year-round. In the summer, I tend to either cocktail my primer with a demi-matte base so it feels lighter and fresher, while in winter, I layer the primer underneath and on top of cheekbones so my thirsty complexion appears much plumper.
The Best Primers For Perking Up Dry Complexions
Add this primer to a (small) list of products the entire ELLE beauty team can all agree on. The silky texture works perfectly under layers of make-up but I especially love it on its own, applied like a moisturiser. It gives the skin just a little lift and leaves behind a brightened, plumping effect - all without a trace of shimmer.
A nourishing trio of glycerin, apple extracts and coconut derivatives leave skin feeling cushiony soft and ready for your base make-up. A little goes a long way in ensuring your foundation stays put and looks good through long hours.
Refy may be best known for its brow products, but this primer is worth a closer look. The ingredient list reads like a top-tier skincare serum, with niacinamide, glycerin and panthenol to help bolster fragile and dehydrated skin. Aside from improving the wear of your base, it also works hard to brighten, calm and moisturise your complexion over time.
Cooling, soothing and mega-hydrating, the gently pearlescent finish of Dior's Forever Glow Veil glides over moisturised skin to make anything you apply on top look so much better. Try tapping it on top of your cheekbones as a subtle highlighter too.
MAC Studio Radiance Moisturising + Illuminating Silky Primer
Loaded with humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this viscous cream texture works brilliantly to prep skin for foundation, smoothing pores and lines while promising that plumped, well-rested finish.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer
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 seamlessly.
Here it is: the primer/highlighter hybrid we've been dreaming of. Saie has absolutely nailed the brief with this one; the serum-like multipurpose gel is pigmented but not sparkly, and hydrating without feeling heavy.
Sandwich it between moisturiser and foundation for an all-over dewy effect, then tap it on as a highlighter to spotlight those cheekbones. Or just use it on its own. With skin this luminous, there's barely need for added coverage.
Aside from brimming with red camellia oil and extract to shield the skin from the damaging effects of environmental aggressors, this tinted primer also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. It works nicely on its own for a your-skin-but-better finish but plays equally well underneath foundation.
Our love for Glossier’s most misunderstood product knows no bounds. Futuredew is billed as an ‘oil-serum’ hybrid which, honestly, is a rather confusing name.
What we do know is that this reflective fluid creates that elusive mega-moisturised effect that you usually only get after a 90-minute facial. It melts nicely on top of foundation too, so keep it in your bag and tap onto cheekbones to revive thirsty skin.
The champagne-tinted cream can be worn under any foundation to lock it in place while also amping up the radiance. Seriously, your base will look freshly applied for hours on end. A tip: try blending it into your foundation to sheer out the coverage and boost the glow.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer
This unusual formula contains tiny droplets of oil suspended in a base of cooling humectants. Without falling back on silicones or shimmer, it manages to prep skin for foundation, ensuring your base go on smoothly.
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 while dialling up the dewiness.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
For a gleam that shows through your foundation, it has to be Charlotte Tilbury’s multi-use Hollywood Flawless Filter. A highlighter/primer/skin tint 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 extra impact.
Luminous Silk is a holy-grail base for many, and we can confirm the matching primer is every bit as impressive. This fluid formula leaves behind a natural-looking sheen that appears almost pearlescent, and works beautifully beneath the any foundation.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has over fifteen years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find.
Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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