Nothing lasts forever, but some products can help your makeup last longer! There are special creams and serums that prep your skin for a smoother finish, so you can live your best life retouch-free. If you want to be on fleek all week, it’s time to jump into the wonderful world of primers!
How do you know which brands to use? Is there a correct way to apply them? And does it work for all skin types? Get ready for the full coverage as we count down to the best primer for dry skin.
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What Is Primer?
Think of your face as a blank canvas: you want it smooth, clean, and ready to absorb product. Prepping your skin is essential in every skincare regimen because it maintains moisture and reduces imperfections. Forget about caking on your foundation! With a primed base, the lightest of makeup can survive sweat, humidity, and heat.
Types Of Primer
Primers are silicone or water-based solutions in bottles, sprays, jars, or pumps. What’s the difference? Silicone primers are thick enough to blur your imperfections away, while water-based alternatives are lighter and focus on moisturising. There are also primers for different parts of the face: eye and lip primers, for example, keep your eyeshadow and lipstick game on point for hours.
But before trying out anything new, determine whether your skin type is dry, oily, or a combination of both. Sephora has segregated its products based on skin categories so you can find the most compatible one for you. Be careful because some primers could give you adverse reactions, so check with your dermatologist first!
How To Apply
A little goes a long way, so a pea-sized drop is more than enough! Spread it evenly with your fingertips, blend it onto your skin, and rub in circular motions until fully absorbed. Here’s a quick pro-tip from makeup artists: let it dry for a minute or two before applying your makeup!
The 15 Best Primer Products for Dry Skin
Say goodbye to visible pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone! With these products, you can boost your confidence with minimal effort. So, what is the best primer for dry skin? Let’s find out!
15. Glossier Priming Moisturizer
Rating: 3.2/5
Pros and Cons: If you’re aiming for that glossy look, this primer will do the trick! It’s mild and great for sensitive skin, but if you have some oily areas on your face, using too much could lead to pimples.
Buy Now: $AUD22 at Glossier
14. Maybelline Face Studio Prime
Rating: 3.7/5
Pros and Cons: If you’re looking for an illuminating primer, you can choose from different bases that target redness, hydration, and protection. But take it easy since it could get greasy!
Buy Now: $AUD14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
13. Kat Von D Beauty Lock-It Hydrating Primer
Rating: 3.7/5
Pros and Cons: Do your makeup, lock-it, and rock it! This beauty primer gives you a matte finish and is 100% vegan. It goes perfectly with the matching foundation but can clash with other brands and feel a tad heavy in hot weather.
Buy Now: $AUD48 at Sephora
12. Banila Co Prime Primer
Rating: 3.8/5
Pros and Cons: Korea has lots of amazing beauty products, and this primer is one of them! It comes in classic, matte, and hydrating formulas to give you plush, porcelain skin. While it has great coverage, it doesn’t hydrate as well as other brands.
Buy Now: $AUD33.37 at K Beauty Sydney
11. L’oreal Paris Base Magique Primer
Rating: 4/5
Pros and Cons: There are lots of rave reviews on this affordable but effective primer! The thick, silicone-based cream does a great job hiding enlarged pores. However, some customers didn’t enjoy that it came in a jar.
Buy Now:$AUD24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
10. Nivea 24h Moisture + Express Primer Gel Cream
Rating: 4.1/5
Pros and Cons: Don’t let the price fool you! While you can get this for cheap at any drugstore, it’s effective for those working with a budget. It keeps your skin supple, but doesn’t do much to hide or even out blemishes.
Buy Now: $AUD6.95 at Cosmetic Capital
9. ELF Hydrating Face Primer
Rating: 4/5
Pros and Cons: True to its name, this primer gives you an extra boost of moisture! It comes in three variants: poreless, hydrating, and mineral-infused, although some negative reviews mention it can get sticky.
Buy Now:$AUD30 at Elf Cosmetics
8. Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros and Cons: Made with natural ingredients and minerals, this formula is light as a feather and breathable for the skin! However, if used with the wrong foundation, your skin could get flaky in some areas.
Buy Now: $AUD39 at Mecca
7. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros and Cons: This clear, oil-free gel primer is the top choice for makeup artists! While it’s suitable for all skin types, people on the oilier side could get breakouts if they apply too much.
Buy Now: $AUD55 at Mecca
6. Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros and Cons: Enriched with vitamin E, this primer blurs wrinkles and gives you a luminescent filter! One common downside is that its fragrance is too strong for some people.
Buy Now:$AUD32 at Sephora
5. NYX Honey Dew Me Up Primer
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros and Cons: Infused with collagen and 24K gold flecks, this golden primer will keep you shining, shimmering, and splendid! It works well as a serum, but some reviews claim it isn’t the best for priming and concealing.
Buy Now: $AUD14.51 at Pretty Little Thing
4. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros and Cons: Get that sexy Fenty Face with the Fenty Beauty primer! It matches any skin tone and provides the right amount of moisture to keep you feeling as fresh as Riri herself. On the other hand, some customers don’t believe the hype and say it doesn’t improve their skin texture.
Buy Now: $AUD23 at Sephora
3. Lancome Perfecting Makeup Primer
Rating: 4.6/10
Pros and Cons: Getting close to perfection has never been easier with this silky smooth primer! Most satisfied customers love the coverage, but others find the silicone to be a little too much for daily use.
Buy Now: $AUD62 at Lancome
2. MAC Prep and Prime Skin
Rating: 4.7/5
Pros and Cons: This 2-in-1 miracle mist is full of vitamins and minerals! Its lightweight formula is perfect for priming and setting your makeup. Just be careful not to over-spray when using it!
Buy Now: $AUD52 at MAC
1. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Rating: 4.7/5
Pros and Cons: The award-winning Laura Mercier is a popular brand in Australia for its pearlescent finish, giving you a radiance like no other! It’s all about balance, so use it sparingly unless you want to sparkle like crazy under bright lights.
Buy Now: $AUD58 at Mecca
Prime Time
As long as you use the right products, primers can be your best allies in the beauty department. You don’t have to prime all the time – but if you do, you’ll save on makeup, maintain healthy skin, and look fabulous while you’re at it!
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