10 Holy Grail Hydrating Primers For Gorgeous And Glowing Skin

286 Interested |
1.2K  Views

With festive and wedding season upon us, everyone is pulling out all the stops to turn up the glam — from the best outfits, to the best jewellery and, of course, the best makeup. And for those of us who love putting on a full face of makeup, a primer is an essential product to have in your vanity. A step between your skincare and foundation, primers smooth out pores, fine lines and dry patches, and create a base for long-lasting makeup. 

But when you have dry skin, your foundation can appear patchy, and as the hours pass, start to cake around your T-zone. While a regular primer will blur large pores (needed even for dry skin), it will also mattify the T-zone, which is the exact opposite of what dry skin needs. Primers specifically designed for dry skin, with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera and blue agave extract, and shea butter will hydrate your skin while doing all the things a primer does! 

And so you don't have to worry about your makeup not staying put and you get that glow, here are our picks of the 10 best primers to buy if you have dry skin. 

Pro-Tip: Want the best primers for oily skin instead? Check out our picks here. 

M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance

M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance - Radiant Pink

M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance - Radiant Pink

4300
Shop On

M.A.C needs no introduction when it comes to makeup products. They have some of the best products in the market, and their primers are one of the best in the market, if not the top choice. The M.A.C Prep + Prime is a silicon-free gel that is lightweight and 'disappears' upon application, providing a smooth, glowing invisible base. It has vitamins C and E, which are rich in antioxidants and protect your skin, and has caffeine, which has a calming effect on the skin. It comes in two variants, Radiant Yellow for deeper skin tones and Radiant Pink for fairer skin tones. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

3590
Shop On

Another household name when it comes to makeup, the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is a personal favourite and as the name suggests, is great for on-camera looks. This one has triple hyaluronic acid, claiming to provide hydration for up to 72 hours, and has niacinamide, which helps you get that healthy glow. It is non-acnegenic, which means it won't make you break out, and is cruelty-free and vegan. The formula is also super breathable and lightweight. 

Huda Beauty Water Jelly

Huda Beauty Water Jelly Mini - Transparent

Huda Beauty Water Jelly Mini - Transparent

1100
Shop On

This one is great for a dewy look! The Huda Beauty Water Jelly has a jelly formula that is super lightweight and instantly melts on the skin upon application, and the water matrix gives a gel-like structure that helps in easy and mess-free application. It is non-comedogenic so it won't clog your pores, and is fragrance free. It also comes with a flexible silicon spatula for precision application. 


Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

1090
Shop On

This Bobbi Brown 2-in-1 primer is absolutely perfect for dry skin. This moisturiser-plus-primer combination has vitamins B, C and A, which energise and replenish the skin. The sodium hyaluronate hydrates and plumps the skin, making sure you not only have a smooth base but also have super moisturised skin, with the added benefits of grape seed oil and avocado oil. 


NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up

NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up

1499
Shop On

Another great option for a dewy look, this one is also great for a no-makeup makeup look because of the glow it gives your skin. Infused with honeydew melon extracts, the NYX Dew Me Up primer is hydrating and plumps up your skin. The gel formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and give you an even finish. It is also 100% vegan. 


e.l.f. Hydrating Primer

e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Primer Serum

e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Primer Serum

1400
Shop On

elf products are definitely an LBB crew-favourite, and their hydrating primer is no different. This one is lightweight and fragrance free, infused with snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid, which helps retain the moisture of the skin. The formula enables mess-free application, and even and easy absorption. It is phthalates, parabens, and sulphates free and is 100% vegan and cruelty free. 


Milani Skin Quench Hydrating Primer

Milani Skin Quench Hydrating Face Primer

Milani Skin Quench Hydrating Face Primer

1675
Shop On

The Milani Skin Quench hydrating primer has a lotion formula that extends makeup wear while giving a natural finish. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and coconut water, it is extremely hydrating. The formula is lightweight and and does not feel sticky on the skin, and is suitable for all skin tones. The quench primer is 100% vegan and cruelty free. 


Makeup Revolution Super Base Vitamin Base Primer

Makeup Revolution Super Base Vitamin Base Primer

Makeup Revolution Super Base Vitamin Base Primer

1050
Shop On

The brand claims that this will definitely become your go-to primer and we are inclined to believe them. The Makeup Revolution Vitamin Base Primer is packed with the goodness of vitamins B, C and A, which nourish and energise the skin with its antioxidants, and shea butter and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and keep your skin moisturised and supple. The transparent formula provides a flawless even base for your makeup, and can be applied just as, if you are going for a no-makeup look. 

Too Faced Plump & Prime

Too Faced Plump & Prime

Too Faced Plump & Prime

3800
Shop On

We're big fans of Too Faced, and their primer is no different. The Plump & Prime primer serum has peptides and a collagen-pumping elixir with ingredients such as vitamin C, St John's wort, and hydrolysed rice extract, all which help make the skin appear fuller and firm, diminishing the appearance of lines & wrinkles. The formula is lightweight and creamy making it easy to blend into the skin, while giving you a soft dewy glow. 

Etude Hydra Base

Etude Glow On Base 01 Hydra

Etude Glow On Base 01 Hydra

1300
Shop On

Korean beauty brands have been taking the world by a storm for a while now and Etude is one of the best in the game, and their Glow On Hydra Base is a multiuse product. It has light-reflecting particles, which makes your skin glow while keeping it moist, and provides a dewy, shimmery effect to even the driest of skin. You can use it as a primer before foundation, mix it with your foundation, use as a highlighter for a subtle lift, or even as a layer after you've applied your makeup for a strobe effect.