Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, sodium hyaluronate | Finish: satin
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a primer?
It’s tempting to skip a step during your daily glam, but for those with dry skin, a hydrating primer could make all the difference in enhancing the lay of your makeup. As makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran explains, primers are a “key step in your skin prep” and should be applied before foundation or skin tints. She said to think of primers like a topcoat, as in, something that allows for additional products applied after it to really shine through.
If you skip primer and go straight for foundation, your complexion’s dryness could cause the makeup to cake or crease, makeup artist Nydia Figueroa notes. To avoid this, she says to look for nourishing face primers that contain hydrating skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe, and blue agave extract. You’ll also want to steer clear of traditional mattifying primers, as these were made with oily skin in mind and contain ingredients that could potentially dry out the skin.
When you do find the right hydrating primer, you’ll definitely know it. The makeup experts said that your skin will appear more nourished, hydrated, and radiant. Primer can surely help in combating signs of dehydrated skin, but makeup artist Vincent Oquendo notes that skin care plays an important role too, saying, “Your canvas is the most important factor for beautiful coverage, so skin prep, including adequate exfoliation and moisturization will always be key to providing the smoothest base for your primer to then do its job.”
How do I apply primer?
In regard to primer application, makeup artists Allan Avendaño, Mary Phillips, and Robin Black have all previously recommended using your fingers for a natural, melts-into-your-skin finish. “A makeup brush will just drag the primer around,” Phillips noted.”If you’re a germophobe, you can always use a slightly damp Beautyblender sponge.”
Like moisture, dry skin tends to absorb makeup more quickly, so a hydrating face primer is of the essence. While it’s always smart to start off with a small amount and build up as needed, like Oquendo has divulged to us in the past, people with dry skin can handle up to a quarter-size dollop of primer with no issues. Make sure your primer is fully massaged and absorbed into your skin—when in doubt, Philips recommends waiting for a full minute before tackling foundation—to avoid unnecessary pilling or patchiness.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about several factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?