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  • 10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 5

10 Best Primers for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

A good primer can protect your skin from the harsh effects of your environment, smooth over visible pores, and prepare your skin for makeup. From hydrating, glowy primers to those that help to minimise large pores, take some time to use our buying guide to find a primer that'll work best with your skin - we even introduce special primers that are ideal for heavier nights and hangovers.


We've searched through popular sites like Amazon, John Lewis and Boots to find you the highest-rated dry skin primers to buy here in the UK, including options for sensitive and ageing skin. Whether you'd like a drugstore bargain or to splash out on a bestseller from Too Faced or Dermalogica, you're sure to find exactly what you need right here. Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Claire Higgins for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.

Last updated 22/03/2024

Quick List - Top Primers for Dry Skin

1

bareMinerals

Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer30 ml
Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer

Long Lasting, Alcohol Free Vegan Primer With Coconut Oil

2

Too Faced

Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer120 ml
Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer

3-In-1 Primer and Setting Spray for Dry Skin With Aloe and Coconut

3

Dermalogica

Hydrablur Primer22 ml
Hydrablur Primer

Hydrating Primer That Fills Fine Lines and Pores

4

NYX

Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer25 ml
Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer

Affordable Dry Skin Primer for Wear With or Without Makeup

5

Clinique

Superprimer Universal Face Primer30 ml
Superprimer Universal Face Primer

Oil-Free, Spf 10 Primer for Spring and Summer

Claire Higgins
Expert
Makeup Artist
Claire Higgins

A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!

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A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Claire Higgins

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Claire Higgins

Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!


Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks! 

How to Choose a Primer for Dry Skin in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Consider the Finish You Want When Selecting a Primer Formulation
  2. Search for Additional Moisturising Ingredients Such As Vitamin E and Glycerin
  3. Stay Away From Alcohol Containing Primers If You Have Sensitive Skin
1

Choose a Primer Formulated for Dry Skin to Minimise Pores and Give Your Foundation a Flawless Finish

Choose a Primer Formulated for Dry Skin to Minimise Pores and Give Your Foundation a Flawless Finish
  • Pore-minimising primers: They work by penetrating the skin, directly targeting and blurring large open pores to reduce visibility. You can also get either in a matte or radiant finish depending on your preference. 

  • Mattifying primers: If matte foundation is too heavy on your skin, this type of primer can help minimise the glow of your dewy foundation. Those with dry skin may shy away from mattifying primers but as long as the formula contains heavily moisturising and mattifying ingredients, it shouldn't be a problem. 

  • Pearlescent primers: Dry skin can very often lead to dull and tired patches, but a pearlescent primer can enhance your skin to have a dewy and glowy complexion. Adding this light to your face will help to contour and highlight your look.

If you struggle with visible pores try our favourite pore strips!

2

Look For Moisturising Ingredients Like Vitamin E, Glycerin and Aloe Vera

Look For Moisturising Ingredients Like Vitamin E, Glycerin and Aloe Vera

Glycerin Is Naturally Moisturising and Is Great for Sensitive and Dry Skin

Glycerin is a natural moisturiser that's found in our skin, meaning that it's excellent for boosting severely dry complexions. While it's a simple moisturiser, it's highly effective and will help soften and protect the outer layer of your skin. It's also safe and gentle for those with sensitive skin, making it an excellent all-rounder!

Opt For a Primer With Vitamin E to Prevent Premature Ageing and Reduce the Effects of UV

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps nourish and protect, whilst reducing the risk of UV effects on the skin. As well as being a known skin healer, it's super moisturising and if you have mature skin, vitamin E is great for penetrating deep into the skin's surface and holds onto lipids in your face. 


Help protect your face from UVs with our favourite facial sunscreens. 

Seek Out Plant Extracts, Oils and Aloe Vera to Improve the Tone and Texture of You Skin

Choosing primers with added extracts and oils is another great way to add a boost of hydration to your skin. Coconut water is great for mildly dehydrated skin, as it is refreshing, hydrating and rich in cytokinins to give you a healthy, youthful glow - it also has anti-ageing properties! 


Grape seed contains vitamin E, and help soften skin and act as a gentle moisturiser. It can also be used if you have any dark patches or scars on your face, as grape seed can help to minimise their appearance.


Finally, aloe vera, a plant with plentiful antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C, works as an anti-inflammatory to help soothe irritation. Similarly, green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties and can wake up tired skin.


Boost your hydration with these moisturisers for dry skin. 


3

Avoid Primers That Contain Alcohol if You Have Particularly Dry or Sensitive Skin

Avoid Primers That Contain Alcohol if You Have Particularly Dry or Sensitive Skin

Alcohol is a popular ingredient that's frequently used by many top skincare brands. Unfortunately, while some forms of fatty alcohol are good for preserving and binding the formulas, they're not all that beneficial for everyone in their simple forms, namely ethanol, isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. 


If you have especially dry and sensitive skin, it's usually recommended that you avoid alcohol-containing products as much as you can. This is because in large quantities, alcohol can destroy the sebum in your skin, drawing out the moisture and causing cracks and dryness – the opposite of what you want!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Primers for Dry Skin in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

bareMinerals

Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer30 ml

bareMinerals Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer 1

Long Lasting, Alcohol Free Vegan Primer With Coconut Oil

2

Too Faced

Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer120 ml

Too Faced  Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer 1

3-In-1 Primer and Setting Spray for Dry Skin With Aloe and Coconut

3

Dermalogica

Hydrablur Primer22 ml

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer 1

Hydrating Primer That Fills Fine Lines and Pores

4

NYX

Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer25 ml

NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer 1

Affordable Dry Skin Primer for Wear With or Without Makeup

5

Clinique

Superprimer Universal Face Primer30 ml

Clinique Superprimer Universal Face Primer 1

Oil-Free, Spf 10 Primer for Spring and Summer

6

Smashbox

Photo Finish Primer30 ml

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer 1

Skin Blurring Primer for Instagram-Ready Makeup

7

The Ordinary

High-Adherence Silicone Primer30 ml

The Ordinary  High-Adherence Silicone Primer 1

Non-greasy and a Popular Favourite of Skincare Enthusiasts

8

e.l.f.

Hydrating Face Primer14 ml

e.l.f.  Hydrating Face Primer 1

Nourishing Primer With Vitamins A, C and E

9

Maybelline

Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser22 ml

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser 1

Drugstore Primer for Dry Skin to Minimise the Appearance of Wrinkles, Spots and Pores

10

NYX

Honey Dew Me Up22 ml

NYX Honey Dew Me Up 1

Hydrating Primer That Soothes Irritation and Redness

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

bareMinerals
Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer30 ml

Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£26.00
High Mid
Reference price
£26.00
High Mid

Long Lasting, Alcohol Free Vegan Primer With Coconut Oil

Providing immediate and long-lasting hydration, this primer by bareMinerals allows makeup to easily glide on and stay on. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the hint of coconut oil creates a gorgeous radiating glow. 


On top of all this, this natural, cruelty-free primer is rich in skin-plumping ingredients, soft hydrators, and soothing alkanes, and it even contains a dash of opalescent luminosity derived from blended minerals. 

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No.2

Too Faced
Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer120 ml

Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£29.00
High Mid
Reference price
£29.00
High Mid

3-In-1 Primer and Setting Spray for Dry Skin With Aloe and Coconut

If you've ever felt like some overindulgence the night before has caused your skin to take a hit, this is the product for you. And if not, it's still a quick fix for tired, dehydrated skin, that will soothe and smooth it for a healthier-looking finish. 

Not only does this primer act as a base for your makeup, but also as a setting spray too, as it can lock down the molecules and hold them to your skin. Also, it works as a great refresher to keep in your handbag for cooling spritzes or boosts of hydration throughout the day. 

No.3

Dermalogica
Hydrablur Primer22 ml

Reference price
£45.00
High

Hydrating Primer That Fills Fine Lines and Pores

Dermalogica's offering is a greaseless primer that minimises fine lines and provides a muted, elegant coverage. The super-silky oil extracts help to bring a glossy glow to the skin while locking in key hydration elements, in order to provide enough moisturising goodness to last all day.

This primer can also reduce the appearance of pores to make your foundation look flawless – without the need for an Instagram filter. It also contains a micro-encapsulated tint, which offers a natural dewy glow to duller dry skin types. 

No.4

NYX
Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer25 ml

Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£12.00
Low Mid

Affordable Dry Skin Primer for Wear With or Without Makeup

This cool and creamy primer can improve the natural glow of your complexion by smoothing the surface and blurring any wrinkles or fine lines. It has a thin, gel-like texture and it doesn't require much at all to cover the entire face.

You can wear it with makeup or without for an au naturel look, but either way, you're sure to love the intense hydration of this super-affordable product. Customers frequently comment on the effectiveness of the added moisturisers, and how they could certainly see a great difference after use. 

No.5

Clinique
Superprimer Universal Face Primer30 ml

Superprimer Universal Face Primer 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£27.00
High Mid
Reference price
£27.00
High Mid

Oil-Free, Spf 10 Primer for Spring and Summer

With antioxidants from the green tea leaf extract along with algae extract, this primer is soothing on dry skin, providing it with all of the right healing nutrients. As a little morning pick-me-up, the caffeine can enhance your energy before you start your day.

Plus, it has an SPF of 10 for added protection on top of your regular daily sunscreen. It's an oil-free serum with a lightweight texture so you won't be left with any residue or clogged pores, yet you'll still feel adequately moisturised.

No.6

Smashbox
Photo Finish Primer30 ml

Photo Finish Primer 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£29.50
High Mid
Reference price
£29.50
High Mid

Skin Blurring Primer for Instagram-Ready Makeup

Silky, smooth, and light, Smashbox's legendary formula is blended with vitamins E and A, as well as grape seed extract for a calming effect – perfect for dry skin redness. As the 'Photo Finish' in the name suggests, it also helps to smooth out and blur the appearance of your makeup.

Added green tea leaf extract provides an energising boost that cools down the surface of the skin, while creating a velvety-smooth finish. Many reviews from customers also claim that their skin started to soften after consistent use.

No.7

The Ordinary
High-Adherence Silicone Primer30 ml

Reference price
£3.90
Low

Non-greasy and a Popular Favourite of Skincare Enthusiasts

This formula by The Ordinary is made up of adaptive silicones in order to mattify your complexion, even after applying a foundation. It offers a blurring effect by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin, so it'd be ideal for mature shoppers.

This primer contains silicone which can sometimes clog your pores. Although, if you have dry skin it should just slide right over the top. The texture is non-greasy and it feels light to touch, working great as a base for your makeup or just as a highly-effective hydration boost. 

No.8

e.l.f.
Hydrating Face Primer14 ml

Hydrating Face Primer 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£9.00
Low Mid

Nourishing Primer With Vitamins A, C and E

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, this hydrating face primer by e.l.f. nourishes the skin, making it soft and smooth. It comes in a pump bottle so it's mess-free and easy to use. This primer is loved for its ability to ensure makeup won't stick to any dry patches of skin, in fact, it can hold your makeup in place for the whole day!

It may only be 14 ml in size but it is still quite affordable, making it quite the bargain if you'd like to try out a new, effective primer without splashing too much cash. Although it can be a bit greasy on the skin, so use sparingly. 

No.9

Maybelline
Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser22 ml

Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£7.99
Low Mid

Drugstore Primer for Dry Skin to Minimise the Appearance of Wrinkles, Spots and Pores

If minimising your pores is your goal, you can't go wrong with Maybelline's Baby Skin primer. Creating a smooth, matte finish, it can cover up the appearance of wrinkles, spots, and pores. Just a pea-sized amount is enough of this lightweight, easily-spreadable formula to cover your whole face.

Whilst this product is super-smoothing, we were disappointed to see that it is not a cruelty-free product, nor are the brand. If you prefer to support animal-friendly companies, take a look at some of the other primers on our list. 

No.10

NYX
Honey Dew Me Up22 ml

Reference price
£15.00
Mid

Hydrating Primer That Soothes Irritation and Redness

Golden like honey, this primer neutralises any redness in the skin and offers a subtle glow. The small gold flecks in the formula create a luminous effect to keep your skin looking refreshed for the whole day.

This product will prep and prime your face for seamless makeup application. Although while it is rich in moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, it does contain alcohol which might not be the best solution for those with combination dry and sensitive skin.

Tips on How to Apply Primer for Dry Skin

Tips on How to Apply Primer for Dry Skin

After applying moisturizer and letting it set into the skin, apply a pea-sized amount of primer. Begin applying the primer with the tips of your fingers, from the center of the face (T-zone) and blend outwards towards the cheeks, chin, and hairline, building up more product as needed. Then, wait at least one minute for the primer to properly set before going in with the next product.

Written and researched by Annie Speight

Top 5 Primers for Dry Skin

No. 1: bareMineralsGood Hydrations Silky Face Primer30 ml

No. 2: Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer120 ml

No. 3: DermalogicaHydrablur Primer22 ml

No. 4: NYXProfessional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer25 ml

No. 5: CliniqueSuperprimer Universal Face Primer30 ml

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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