9 Best Hydrating Primers, According to a Makeup Artist
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Let me tell you now, if you have dry or dehydrated skin like me, then you need to have hydrating primers on your radar. Why? Well, because you’ll know the struggle of getting your makeup to last all too well, especially throughout the autumn and winter seasons. With the chilly temperatures, harsh winds and frosty air fighting to pull moisture from my skin and its barrier, I find that my foundation becomes extremely flaky and patchy. But the product that can help the most with this? The hydrating primer, of course.
Whether you prefer an I-woke-up-like-this makeup look or a full face of glam, a primerplays a crucial role in creating a smooth canvas for your products to adhere to and last all day. There are plenty of primers on the market at the moment that claim to be the best primer for dry skin, but let’s be real, we’ve all probably felt the disappointment of purchasing one that ends up dehydrating skin instead.
Well, never fear, as I sat down with professional makeup artist Jane Richardson to get answers to my burning questions on how to choose the best hydrating primers for glowy and healthy-looking makeup that will last all day. Here’s what she had to say.
What Does a Primer Actually Do?
Richardson says, “A primer prepares the skin for makeup application. Primarily, it works to improve the texture of the skin, making sure that the surface is as smooth and even as possible so that your complexion products glide on, look incredible and last. Next, with key ingredients, they can target specific concerns such as oil control, blurring fine lines, reducing redness, softening the appearance of pores and increasing radiance on the skin.” For serious skin radiance, look towards illuminating primers.
Should People With Dry and Dehydrated Skin Use a Primer?
“Yes! When the skin is dry and dehydrated, you will see more textural issues, more visible fine lines, as well as an overall lack of radiance. Any moisture from the foundation will simply be taken on by the skin, leaving the pigment sitting on the top looking cakey and patchy. With the use of a targeted primer, you can bring back radiance as well as create a hydrated surface that allows the complexion products to better adhere to.”
What Hydrating Primers Are Best?
“I would recommend a water-based primer with moisturising properties, as it will feel lightweight and breathable. Skin can often be prone to sensitivity simply because it is dry, and silicone-based formulas, whilst excellent primers for oily skin as they smooth and fill in fine lines, can, for some people, cause more irritation and dryness long term.”
What Ingredients Should a Hydrating Primer Contain?
“Look for hyaluronic acid as it is a powerful humectant helping to attract and retain essential moisture, and glycerin as it is also key for drawing in moisture as well as soothing and calming. Other key ingredients to look for would be squalane, ceramides, peptides and tocopherol (vitamin E).”
With that information in mind, I went on the hunt to find the best hydrating primers to leave my makeup looking glowy and dewy all day. Keep scrolling if you, too, are interested in finding out which hydrating primers are best for winter 2025 and beyond.
Richardson says, “With Erborian’s Glow Creme being a staple in my kit for a few years now, I introduced the Erborian Skin Hero to my kit, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a lovely lightweight texture that smooths and blurs, without drying out the skin whilst also delivering anti-inflammatory benefits.”
