The 9 Best Primers for Dry Skin, According to Testers and Experts

When applying a full face of makeup, we often overlook a good primer. Nonetheless, it’s key to getting a gorgeous glow, as it delivers extra hydration and skin-smoothing benefits while blurring texture and offering staying power for your foundation. And if your complexion is particularly parched, you definitely won’t want to skip it. “Primer is a great way to smooth enlarged pores that can still be present with drier skin types,” explains celebrity makeup artist Robert Sesnek. “This also ensures a smoother application of foundation.” 

But which formulas are best for thirsty skin types? “I would make sure to use a primer that is hydrating and has radiance to make the skin appear youthful, plumped, and glowy,” says celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert Nydia Figueroa. To help you find the best primers for dry skin, we spent a month testing out various formulas that work to hydrate, smooth, and brighten dry complexions. After evaluating dozens of brands on their active ingredients and looking at what the formulas are free from, we narrowed our list and consulted with our experts for recommendations to give you the best in show.

Best Overall

BareMinerals Prime Time Pore Minimizing Primer

$19 $17 at Amazon $31 at Ulta $31 at Target

Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredients: Buchu leaf extract | Finish: Silk | Base: Gel | Cruelty-Free: No 

The bareMinerals PRIME TIME primer is one of our top picks for its hydrating formula and quick absorption. It evaporates into the skin seamlessly and doesn’t leave a greasy film or shine. It provides a clear and even canvas for foundation and makeup application and doesn’t create buildup with other products. It’s formulated with buchu leaf extract, which absorbs oil and minimizes the look of pores, agave tequilana leaf extract (also known as blue agave) that has antibacterial, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties, and citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes exfoliation and skin cell turnover and is also a good source of antioxidants.

Kelsey, tester: “The best feature from this primer was an improvement in my skin appearance. It claims to minimize pores, and I found that it did just that and more. My foundation lasted longer throughout the day, with a visible decrease in T-zone oil production. I noticed a substantial improvement in the appearance of these pores after using it.”

Best Hydrating

Refy Blur and Hydrate Oil-Control Face Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

$34 at Sephora View on Refybeauty.com View on Selfridges.com

Size: 1.4 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This primer from Refy provides ultimate hydration and is ideal for those with enlarged pores or combination skin. It feels lotion-like and has a gel texture that is noticeable and tacky on the skin, but it isn’t chalky and doesn’t leave a film. It smooths out the skin, creating a cool and comfortable canvas for makeup. Formulated with key hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, it moisturizes skin and replenishes cell moisture, as well as shea butter, which calms the skin and protects it from harsh temperatures. However, since it has so much moisture in it, it wasn't the best at masking oil.

Samantha, tester: “The hyaluronic acid in the product plumps up the skin as well, which helps with preventing the fine lines from soaking up the makeup. This product did a good job of helping my face put its best foot forward and helping my makeup do its job better as well. It's like a makeup preset.”

Best Drugstore

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

View on Ulta $8 at Amazon $8 at Ulta

Size: 0.67 oz | Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, bitter cherry extract | Finish: Natural matte finish | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: No

Living up to its nickname of "Photoshop in a bottle," we could see a difference in how this primer minimized our pores, especially around the cheeks and nose. The ultra-silky texture works on every skin type, leaving oily skin mattified and dry skin hydrated and smooth. Apply a few drops onto your bare face to instantly improve softness and smoothness. If you're looking to streamline your routine, you can mix it straight in with your foundation—either way, you'll reap the complexion-enhancing benefits and delight in the all-day moisture it provides. We did find that the consistency was a bit thicker than other primers, though, so you might need to spend extra time blending it.

Olivia Hancock, editor: "This primer dispenses as a clear gel. To me, the texture and consistency are reminiscent of an ointment. And while that may sound concerning, I can confidently report that the primer felt almost weightless on my skin when I rubbed it on. My only qualm is that the formula is a touch greasy on my skin, but it didn’t interfere with how my foundation looked when I applied it."

Best Natural Finish

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

$38 at Amazon $38 $20 at Sephora View on Milkmakeup.com

Size: 0.33, 1.52, 5.28 oz | Key Ingredients: Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, cannabis seed extract, niacinamide | Finish: Glassy | Base: Gel | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a must-have if you want skin that looks like it's lit from within. The gel goes on completely invisible (despite the bottle having a greenish tint), and smooths the look of skin right away. All you need is a pea-sized amount, and it grips any and all makeup you put on top of without sacrificing hydration. The ingredients are equally as impressive; the formula contains hydrating blue agave extract and hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory cannabis seed extract, and niacinamide to help brighten and tone the skin1. Something to consider: It can feel tacky upon application, but it dries pretty quickly. 

Read Full Review: A Makeup Artist Puts Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer to the Test.

Khera, tester (not shown): “After waiting one minute for Hydro Grip to absorb, I applied my foundation and was instantly impressed by the natural, soft glow that appeared. This product gave me everything that I was looking for in a primer; it’s hydrating, refreshing, illuminating, and long-wearing—all without looking artificial.”

Best for Dewy Finish

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

$42 $36 at Amazon $42 $20 at Sephora $42 at Ulta

Size: 1.35 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut water, probiotics | Finish: Dewy | Base: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Primers aren’t just for the oily skin sect; there are plenty of hydrating options out there that are ideal for adding extra moisture to dry skin, too. The Too Faced Hangover Primer is infused with moisturizing ingredients like coconut water, glycerin, and probiotics (known to boost skin’s visible radiance and elasticity), making it a great formula for reviving dry skin. We found it was effective at extending makeup wear and ensured our foundation stayed fresher for longer. 

Rose, tester: "The lightweight, moisturizing formula is easy to blend into skin and I really liked the feeling and it doesn't feel sticky or like glue."

Best for Dull Skin

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

$39 $37 at Amazon $36 at Ulta $36 at Nordstrom

Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Finish: Radiant | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: No

This illuminating primer works a bit like a highlighter on dull skin, providing a radiant base for a gleaming makeup look. It’s creamy and skin-conditioning, thanks to a blend of hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. When we tested the primer, our skin felt wonderful to the touch and it kept our foundation hydrated with a natural-looking glow. All you have to do is apply a pea-sized amount (or two) to your fingertips and blend, for a glowy finish. Be aware that some reviewers found this product made them break out.

Stephanie, tester: “It feels very silky and smooth. You can feel how quickly it hydrates your skin instantly.”

Best Priming Moisturizer

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich

$35 at Sephora $35 at Glossier

Size: 1.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, Buddleja officinalis flower extract | Finish: Dewy | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Containing glycerin, ceramides, and fatty acids, Glossier's delectably rich Priming Moisturizer pulls out all the stops for dry skin. This is a great pick for a five-minute AM skincare routine because you don’t have to worry about moisturizing before priming, even if you do have dry skin. The fragrance-free formula (which is great for sensitive skin!) absorbs quickly, creating a youthful-looking dew that will have you staring at yourself in the mirror—you might not even want to apply foundation after. Bonus: You can use it as your night cream, too, saving you space (and money).

Best for Large Pores

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Hydrate Primer

$36 at Amazon $15 at Sephora View on Ulta

Size: 0.75 oz | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This iconic primer from Benefit has been a staple for years. Its unique Vaseline-like texture creates a veil-like canvas on the skin, aka the smoothest base for makeup. It doesn’t leave a film or a tint; though it's matte, it doesn’t dry out the skin or cling to dry patches. It blurs pores and reduces oil buildup for a clean, matte finish. 

Katie, tester: “This primer blurs pores like nothing I've ever seen. It’s truly the best of the best. I found that my oil took a lot longer to peek through and that my makeup lasted all day, without settling into pores (because my pores were nowhere to be found!). It really kept my face looking flawless all day.”

Best for Glowy Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer & Serum

$21 $15 at Amazon $22 at Ulta $17 at Target

Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredients: Purified hyaluronic acid concentrate | Finish: Glowy | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: No

If your complexion looks dull, lackluster, and generally a bit drab, reach for this skincare-makeup hybrid. Part serum, part primer, it delivers a mammoth dose of hydration via hyaluronic acid (always a surefire way to boost radiance), leaving the skin plumped, smooth, and refreshed. During testing, we found that it helped to keep our makeup locked in all day. The key when applying is to let the product sit for a few minutes before adding makeup since the formula’s hydrating ingredients need time to absorb fully.

What to Look for When Buying Primers for Dry Skin

• Moisturizing Ingredients: Those with dry skin should look for moisturizing ingredients, including humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. You'll also find priming moisturizers containing natural butters and plant-based oils, like jojoba, almond, sunflower, olive, avocado, or squalane. In addition to providing much-needed hydration, Sesnek says, "Moisturizing primers can also illuminate the skin by adding additional radiance."
• Plumping Ingredients: "One of my favorite reasons to use a moisturizing primer is because it can add anti-aging benefits to the skin with ingredients that create a plumping effect," notes Sesnek. Ingredients that plump the skin include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, aloe vera, allantoin, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, and algae.
• Finish: As with foundation and concealer, makeup primers have various finishes. The most common is natural, which is typically light and breathable, not shiny but also not matte. Then there are glossy, dewy, and glass-like finishes, which can be great for dry skin, as they offer a moisturized appearance. You'll also find mattifying primers, which leave a shine-free finish.

How We Tested Primers for Dry Skin 

Meet Our Experts 

To learn more about primers for dry skin and what you should consider before buying one, we interviewed the following experts:

• Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. In addition to professional makeup, she works as a beauty director at Fashion Gxd Magazine and Miss New Jersey Earth.
• Robert Sesnek is a celebrity makeup artist with over 15 years of industry experience. His all-star client list includes Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Adriana Lima, and Julianna Moore.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shauna Beni-Haynes is a senior editor on staff at Byrdie. She tests dozens of beauty products throughout the year and works to find the best picks for readers in makeup, fragrance, skincare, haircare, and fashion. She also works with the Research and Testing team to select products for testing, reviews tested insights, and assigns them to writers. She received a degree in journalism from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Lisa DeSantis is a beauty journalist with 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a self-proclaimed "guinea pig" when it comes to testing beauty products and treatments, which has helped her determine the best of the best. Not to mention she has sat in enough makeup artists' chairs to know what passes the test for the pros. From the above, she has personally tried Glossier and Benefit.