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16 best primers for dry skin that lock in makeup all day and keep your skin hydrated, tried and tested
The key to a radiant complexion is here
It’s tricky to find the best primer when you have chronically dry skin – yes, including me, your fave beauty journo (hey 👋). Those who can relate will know that when you’re working with a flakey complexion, it is a frustrating feeling when every foundation seems to cake around your nose by lunchtime.
What should look like a plump, smooth and radiant base ends up looking a bit dull and dry – which is especially common in the winter months, no matter how many layers of moisturiser or hyaluronic acid you apply beforehand.
While many of the best makeup primers are designed to blur an oily T-zone (ie: the exact opposite of what dry skin needs), there’s now a host of great primers available for thirsty skin, here to keep you hydrated from morning to night.
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What’s more, the right formula will prevent your foundation from clinging to dry patches and migrating into fine lines. Instead, it'll support your makeup's staying power and provide your complexion with a lit-from-within glow.
As for the best hydrating primers to shop, this is where I come in. I've tried my fair share of products to save my tight and dehydrated complexion, so there's no better person to share the top primers worthy of your attention.
16 best hydrating primers for dry skin
Pros
- Hydrating and leaves skin feeling and looking plump
- A gentle grippy texture to hold makeup down
- It’s an affordable option
Cons
- Some may not like the idea that the bottle is glass
You’ve probs seen the Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer doing the rounds on TikTok, and for good reason. Ideal for dehydrated complexions, it has a serum-like texture that glides over the skin leaving it feeling plump n’ hydrated.
As it dries down, it slowly turns tacky, gripping onto foundation and keeping everything in place. Consider your base locked. Throughout the day, I’m impressed by how fresh my skin feels — even our moisture-zapping heating system can’t dull my glow.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | 2% niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Fresh-faced, luminous |
Pros
- Skin feels smoother, softer and plumper
- Keeps skin hydrated while you wear it
- It is an affordable option
Cons
- Not suited for those with oily skin
If you find your base tends to cling onto dry patches by midday, the Rimmel Lasting Finish 48hr Hydration Boost Primer is a budget-friendly primer worth knowing about.
Packed with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, it delivers a hit of moisture while smoothing skin for seamless foundation application. Think: super glossy, plump and hydrated-looking skin.
The texture is lightweight and comfortable, so it leaves behind a fresh finish rather than anything cakey or heavy. It’s one of my faves you can find on the high street.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Glycerin and biopeptides |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Natural and dewy |
NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Gripping Primer
If you want your makeup to actually last the entire day without budging, meet the NYX Face Glue Gripping Primer – a cult-fave, TikTok vial base that sticks like glue without feeling sticky.
Formulated with hydrating polyglutamic acid and a touch of maple syrup extract (yep, you read that right) it delivers extra grip that holds foundation, powder and concealer in place for up to 24 hours. And don’t be thrown off by the maple syrup part – it’s in fact super lightweight and hydrating, sinking into the skin with a soft-focus finish.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Maple syrup and polyglutamic acid |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Natural, soft-focus |
Pros
- Gives a healthy, dewy finish
- It has a hydrating, gel-like texture
Cons
- It's has a slightly higher price point
Vieve's Skin Nova is one illuminating primer that I highly recommend, alongside the rest of the Cosmo clan.
Thanks to the ultra-fine golden pigments, the gel-like formula lends a subtle lit-from-within glow that seeps through your foundation for a dewy finish.
I’m also here for the skincare benefits: it’s formulated with niacinamide to smooth and lock in moisture. If you fancy something that's a little richer, opt for the Super Skin Nova – it has the same illuminating finish but with a thicker consistency to lock in moisture.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Niacinamide and beta glucan |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Dewy |
Pros
- It has a hydrating gel texture
- Keeps makeup on all day
- It's affordable
Cons
- Some may find the texture too sticky
If you’re looking for a formula that will stick around longer than your last situationship, e.l.f.’s Power Grip is the one.
The gel-like formula creates a tacky base that is ideal for applying foundation to – as once it's on, it's not budging.
The Power Grip is also a water-based formula, as opposed to silicone, so it’s a great choice for those with dehydrated complexions.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Natural, slight dewy finish |
Pros
- It can be used as a primer or highlighter
- The gel-like texture feels lightweight to wear
Cons
- It may be too radiant for some to be used as an all-over primer
Saie’s primer/highlighter hybrid is a hit for those with dry skin. Not only does its lightweight, shimmer-infused gel add a glisten to bare skin, but the moisturising formula creates the optimal palette for the rest of your makeup to sit on.
Apply it in-between your moisturiser and foundation for a dewy look, then concentrate the pigment to the high points of your face – brow bones, cheekbones and nose bridge – to moonlight as a highlighter.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Glycerin, papaya seed oil and vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
Pros
- It leaves an instant, bronzy glow
- It's formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep the skin pump and hydrated
Cons
- The bronze tint can leave a slight metallic finish when not blended properly
When my mate told me that she doesn't use primer, I – after picking my jaw up from the ground – pointed her in the direction of this grippy and glowy formula.
The OG Hydro Grip is a sensation for a reason so you'll be pleased to know that this iteration has many of the same features, including 12-hour wear. The only difference? It's infused with light-reflecting pearls to lend a golden glow to the skin, while nourishing it with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Yes, I have a great foundation on my side, but I'm convinced my radiant glow is down to this primer.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
NYX Plump Right Back Primer
Pros
- It grips onto foundation and keeps it on all day
- It's affordable
Cons
- While the texture is less tacky than the e.l.f. primer, some may find it slightly sticky
A great pocket-friendly option that serves me well is the NYX Plump Right Back primer. With hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this hydrating hero creates a smooth base for complexion products, plumps the skin for an energised look and injects that all-important moisture. It’s vegan, affordable and hydrating; three big ticks from me.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Dewy |
Pros
- The unique rollerball applicator helps to evenly distribute the product
- It has a very lightweight and refreshing formula
Cons
- It doesn't keep makeup on as long as others in this edit
Refy's face primer is an outstanding product in two ways. Firstly, there's the rollerball applicator that makes massaging in the product feel truly relaxing.
Then, there's the formula itself: it's a serum-like gel that hydrates the skin and smoothes texture. It shines when worn alone, and will make any foundation look a million times better too.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Niacinamide, vitamin E, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Dewy |
Pros
- It smooths and creates a pore-less finish
- It doesn't feel heavy nor feel overly silicone-y
Cons
- Those with very dry skin may not like the thickness of the texture
Huda Beauty's Easy Blur Primer has impressed the entire Cosmo beauty team and, with multiple editors who favour different textures and finishes, that says a lot.
What’s so unique about this formula is it delivers the same results you'd expect from a silicone-based primer (think: blurred pores and smoothed texture) without containing silicone. Instead, it's packed with glycerin and milk thistle extract to keep the skin hydrated and to regulate oil production.
As someone with dehydrated skin, I only use this on targeted areas to reduce shine – like my T-Zone – but then use a super-glow primer everywhere else for a hydrated, smooth finish.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Glycerin and milk thistle extract |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Demi-matte |
Pros
- It leaves a tacky finish that keeps makeup on all day
- It keeps the skin hydrated, thanks to hyaluronic acid
- The texture is gel-like and refreshing
Cons
- It sits on the pricy side
Feel like you suffer from eternally dry skin? Let me point you in this direction. Milk Makeup's green-tinged gel contains cannabis extract and hyaluronic acid, putting an end to flaking foundation for good.
Pat a small amount into your skin, like you would a serum, and leave it to soak in for a minute before applying your base.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Cannabis extract and hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Texture: | Dewy |
Pros
- It creates a glowing and hydrated finish
- It can be used as a primer or moisturiser
Cons
- Some may not like the botanical smell
Weleda's Skin Food is truly a hero product, with sooo many celebs using it to achieve a radiant glow (hi, Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham). As for me? I generously apply a thick layer before my makeup and my complexion comes to life. The glow is unmatched, leaving a glossiness that beams through makeup.
The best part is that it's a multi-tasking product, so it can be used as a moisturiser, on lips, cuticles, or as a radiant primer.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Lanolin, beeswax and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant and dewy |
M.A.C Studio Radiance Moisturising + Illuminating Silky Primer
Pros
- It delivers an instant radiant and glowy finish
- It feels hydrating and lightweight to wear
Cons
- It doesn't keep makeup on as long as others in this edit
If you're looking for a primer that will deliver a stunning, healthy dew without going OTT on the radiance, then look to MAC's Moisturising and Illuminating Silky Primer.
As a long-time lover of MAC, I had high hopes for this base and I can confirm that she didn't disappoint. Not only does it give a plump and energised glow to my complexion, but it also creates the perfect canvas for makeup.
The buttery formula hydrates the skin so that my foundation applies seamlessly without clinging to dry patches or seeping into fine lines. My makeup also stays more vibrant too, as usually my bronzer is fading off my cheeks by midday. V impressed.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Pros
- It contains deeply hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane, and vitamins B, C and E
- It has a rich and creamy texture
- It moisturises and primes in one step
Cons
- It's expensive
If you're on the right side of TikTok, you'll know that Bobbi Brown's Face Base has caught the attention of many beauty pros, MUA's and mere mortals alike for its ability to make your foundation look flawless.
Part primer part moisturiser, the nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter keeps your skin feeling hydrated throughout its wear, but draws the line at any greasy residue from pilling.
A little bit goes a long way too, so this tub will last. A true top performer IMO.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter |
|---|---|
| Texture: | Natural |
Pros
- It contains SPF 50, while keeping the skin nourished
- It leaves a radiant and dewy finish
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some may find the finish a little shiny
What's better than a moisturising primer? A moisturising primer that also contains SPF50. Sculpted By Aimee has our base on lock, all whilst helping to protect the skin.
This is one of the most hydrating and moisturising primers that I've tried, whether applying it before foundation or mixing both together, it always leaves my base looking perfect.
Even though it contains SPF50, it's always best to apply a standalone SPF beforehand, so that you're applying the right amount to your face. Any skincare-makeup hybrid products with SPF are an added bonus for protection.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
Pros
- It offers deep hydration with ingredients like peptides, vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid
- It can be used as a primer or moisturiser
Cons
- It's expensive for the full-size pot
Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is truly such an OG that's loved by makeup artists and beauty lovers alike. One swipe will leave your skin feeling more hydrated and plump than ever before.
I love taking this cream on holiday when I don't have a lot of room for liquids as it saves me having to pack a normal primer and can double-up as a primer-moisturiser hybrid.
It uses the brand's Magic 8 Matrix, a patented formula that is infused with bionymph peptide complex, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to add glow and plump your complexion.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Glowy |
What are the best ingredients to look for in a primer for dry skin?
When shopping for a primer for dry skin, hydration should always be the priority. Look for primers with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain water within the skin’s outer layers. Hyaluronic acid is particularly popular because it can hold many times its weight in water, helping to create a plumper complexion.
It’s also wise to find a formula with emollients, such as shea butter and squalane. These help soften and smooth which can reduce the appearance of texture and fine dehydration lines. Many primers for dry skin often contain shea butter in particular, as it’s a rich fatty acid that helps comfort the skin barrier.
Especially in the chilly season, it's important to scout out these ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout – and no one likes crusty foundation.
How we test primers for dry skin
To compile this edit of the best primers for dry skin, we called upon our very own dry-skinned Cosmo girlie, Clare Stephenson. She tested these formulas by putting them through a full days wear, applying the primer at the beginning of the day and seeing how intact her makeup was by the evening.
She took everything into consideration, from budget and texture to how well it kept makeup on, while still leaving the skin hydrated. This roundup spotlights the very best formulas she found.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
- Clare Stephenson is the Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Primers behave very differently on different skin types, but Clare has openly spoken about her dry/combination skin, making her the ideal person to asses how well formulas perform in terms of longevity, finish and hydration. She has also spoken to a range of industry experts and MUAs who have provided their top picks.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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