10 Best Drugstore Primers For Dry Skin In 2024

Updated on October 9, 2024

Are you struggling to find the perfect primer that hydrates and preps your dry skin for flawless makeup? If so, you’re not alone. Finding a primer that not only smooths out your complexion but also keeps your skin moisturized can be challenging. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 10 Best Drugstore Primers For Dry Skin in 2024. These budget-friendly picks are designed to nourish your skin while providing the perfect canvas for long-lasting makeup. Keep reading to discover the best options that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and your makeup looking flawless all day long.

Our Best Picks

• L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Primer – $13.99 $9.98
• e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer – $7.83
• Rimmel London – 003 – Primer – $6.71
• No7 Airbrush Away Primer – $14.99 $11.99
• Maybelline Master Prime Primer – $11.99 $9.99

Top 10 Drugstore Primers For Dry Skin In 2024

1. L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer

The L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer is infused with a caring serum and features a universal rosy formula that suits all skin tones. It can be worn alone for a natural look or paired with the Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation or Creamy Powder Foundation for a flawless finish. In just one use, it instantly smooths the look of lines and pores, creating a soft-focus, natural finish that blurs imperfections for a youthful appearance. Its formula helps boost healthy-looking, radiant skin while offering long-lasting benefits.

This primer is an ideal choice for users looking for a product that delivers both instant and long-term results. With regular use, the skin becomes more radiant, smoother, and softer, making it an excellent value for money. Its ease of use and ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and pores set it apart from other primers, making it the perfect pick for mature skin or anyone looking for a radiant, smooth complexion.

Read More:

• 10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Skin
• Top 10 Best Drugstore Makeup Brushes – Reviews And Guide
• Our 10 Best Drugstore BB Creams

2. e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Restoring Makeup Primer

The e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Restoring Makeup Primer creates a flawless, smooth canvas for long-lasting makeup application. Its restorative formula is infused with Tea Tree and Vitamins A & E, providing additional skincare benefits while prepping your face for makeup. This primer ensures your skin stays smooth and glowing under foundation, with a matte finish that reduces shine and keeps your makeup in place throughout the day.

This primer is an ideal choice for users looking for value for money, combining skincare and makeup prep in one product. Its skin-loving ingredients, cruelty-free and vegan formulation, make it perfect for those who want effective, ethical beauty solutions. Plus, its ease of use and long-lasting performance make it a top pick for creating a smooth, poreless look.

3. Rimmel London Stay Matte – 003 – Primer, Ultra-Lightweight

The Rimmel London Stay Matte – 003 Primer features an ultra-lightweight formula designed to perfect your skin while controlling shine for up to 8 hours. Its shine-controlling properties ensure a matte finish without feeling greasy or heavy, making it ideal for creating a smooth base for long-lasting makeup. The primer is perfect for keeping makeup in place all day, without any touch-ups.

This primer is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, value for money solution that ensures long-lasting wear. Its easy application and comfortable, lightweight feel make it a standout option, especially for users looking to control shine without sacrificing comfort or performance.

4. No7 Airbrush Away Primer – Hydrating Makeup

The No7 Airbrush Away Primer is designed to create a smooth, flawless base for makeup, softening the appearance of fine lines and ensuring seamless application. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and Larch Tree Extract to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, this hydrating primer not only prepares your skin for makeup but also offers anti-aging benefits by reducing the visibility of pores and wrinkles.

This primer is an ideal choice for those with sensitive or dry skin, as its hydrating formula caters to all skin types. With its long-lasting, skin-smoothing effects, this primer offers great value for money, providing a perfect balance of skincare and makeup benefits in one easy-to-use product.

5. Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup

The Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup is designed to blur skin imperfections and smooth fine lines, creating a flawless base for makeup application. Its weightless, water-based formula ensures that your skin feels fresh without any greasy residue, making it perfect for a natural, non-oily finish. Whether applied under foundation or worn alone, this primer primes the skin for a smooth, even makeup application.

This primer is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, non-oily solution that delivers lasting results. With its easy application and affordable price point, it’s a great value for money product, offering smooth, perfected skin that makes makeup application a breeze.

6. COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

The COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Makeup Primer is designed to prep your skin for a flawless foundation application, ensuring your makeup looks smooth and lasts longer. Its hydrating formula keeps your skin feeling fresh and nourished throughout the day. This primer comes in a convenient pump bottle for easy and mess-free dispensing, making it a user-friendly addition to your routine.

As a cruelty-free product, certified by Leaping Bunny, this primer offers both performance and peace of mind. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a value for money solution that delivers hydrated, smooth skin while supporting ethical beauty practices.

7. Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer

The Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer is designed to grip foundation in place, extending your makeup’s staying power for up to 8 hours longer. It smooths the skin with a silky-soft, sheer formula, leaving it feeling hydrated and slightly lifted throughout the day. This powerful long-wear primer ensures your makeup looks fresh and flawless, making it a must-have for all-day wear.

This primer is vegan and cruelty-free, making it an ethical choice for beauty enthusiasts. Its easy application with fingertips, brush, or sponge adds to its convenience, providing value for money while ensuring durable, long-lasting results for any makeup look.

8. Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer For Face

The Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer For Face is an oil-free, perfecting primer that creates a smooth base for flawless makeup application. It visibly reduces imperfections and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth with a matte, satiny finish that is never greasy. This primer is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile option for anyone seeking a smooth, refined look.

With its quick-absorbing formula and non-greasy texture, this primer provides value for money by delivering professional results at home. Its ease of use and long-lasting finish make it a top choice for those looking for a reliable, high-performance primer.

9. Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer for Brightening Skin

The Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer for Brightening Skin is a lightweight, silky primer designed to brighten and illuminate the complexion while smoothing the skin’s surface. Infused with seaweed extract, this non-greasy formula minimizes pores, evens out imperfections, and improves skin texture without settling into fine lines. It leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and radiant, providing a perfect base for makeup or a fresh, natural look when worn alone.

This primer is ideal for those seeking a value for money product that enhances makeup longevity and instantly brightens the skin. Its ease of use and skin-enhancing properties make it a top choice for achieving a glowing, even complexion.

10. Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Face Primer Makeup Base

The Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Face Primer Makeup Base is a redness control face primer designed to counteract redness and create an even-toned base. Its lightweight, non-oily formula is infused with pigments that visually blur imperfections and smooth fine lines, making it ideal for flawless makeup application. This water-based primer is dermatologist and allergy tested, making it suitable for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

This primer is perfect for anyone seeking value for money while addressing redness concerns. Its easy application and ability to enhance both foundation wear and skin tone make it an ideal choice for creating a smooth, luminous complexion, whether worn alone or under makeup.

How To Choose A Good Drugstore Primer For Dry Skin?

When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, having the right primer is essential. This is especially true for individuals with dry skin, as the wrong primer can leave your skin looking dull, flaky, and patchy. Fortunately, there are plenty of drugstore primers that can help keep your makeup smooth while hydrating your skin. But how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a good drugstore primer for dry skin to ensure that your makeup stays flawless and your skin stays hydrated all day long.

1. Prioritize Hydrating Ingredients

The most important factor when choosing a drugstore primer for dry skin is to look for hydrating ingredients. Dry skin often lacks moisture, and the right primer can act as a barrier that locks in hydration, creating a smooth base for makeup application.

Here are some key ingredients to look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, this ingredient is a must-have for anyone with dry skin. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is another excellent ingredient that draws moisture from the air into your skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
• Vitamin E: This antioxidant not only nourishes the skin but also provides hydration, making it perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin.
• Aloe Vera: A soothing ingredient that calms irritation and provides much-needed hydration to dry skin.

By choosing a primer that contains these ingredients, you ensure that your skin stays moisturized while creating a smooth surface for your makeup.

2. Avoid Mattifying Primers

While mattifying primers are excellent for controlling excess oil, they can be too harsh for dry skin. These types of primers absorb oil, which can leave dry skin feeling tight and even more dehydrated. Instead of opting for mattifying primers, focus on those labeled as “hydrating,” “moisturizing,” or “dewy.” These primers are designed to provide hydration and give your skin a healthy glow rather than a matte finish.

3. Look for a Dewy or Radiant Finish

If you have dry skin, you likely want to avoid a flat or dull complexion. A primer that offers a dewy or radiant finish can help restore a natural glow to your skin, giving you a more youthful and healthy appearance. Look for primers that emphasize a luminous finish, which can make your makeup look fresh and radiant all day.

Keywords to look for on packaging include:

• “Radiant”
• “Luminous”
• “Glow-enhancing”

These primers are formulated to add a subtle shimmer or glow to the skin, making it look more vibrant and less dry.

4. Opt for Silicone-Based Primers for Smooth Application

Silicone-based primers are particularly beneficial for dry skin because they create a smooth, silky barrier between your skin and your makeup. This barrier helps fill in fine lines and prevents makeup from settling into dry patches, resulting in a more even application.

However, if you prefer a lighter texture, water-based primers are also a great option. Water-based primers can still provide hydration and create a smooth surface without feeling heavy on the skin.

5. Choose a Primer That Works Well with Your Foundation

Your primer and foundation need to work together seamlessly. If you’re using a hydrating or dewy foundation, it’s important to choose a primer that complements it. Mixing a hydrating foundation with a mattifying primer, for example, can lead to uneven results.

Always test the compatibility between your primer and foundation before committing to them. This can help prevent issues such as pilling, patchiness, or uneven application. When you find the right combination, your makeup will look smoother and last longer.

6. SPF in Your Primer Is a Bonus

If you’re looking for a multi-functional product, consider a drugstore primer that includes SPF. While a primer with SPF shouldn’t replace your sunscreen, it’s a great way to add an extra layer of sun protection. If you’re exposed to the sun often, a primer with broad-spectrum SPF can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, helping prevent further dryness and irritation.

7. Tailor Your Primer to Your Specific Skin Needs

Not all dry skin is the same. Some people may experience dry patches, while others may struggle with redness, sensitivity, or fine lines. When choosing a primer, consider whether you have any additional skin concerns that need to be addressed.

For instance:

• If you have redness or irritation, look for a primer with soothing ingredients like chamomile or green tea extract.
• If you’re concerned about fine lines or wrinkles, primers with anti-aging ingredients such as peptides or antioxidants can provide additional benefits.

Tailoring your primer to your skin’s unique needs ensures you’re getting the most out of your product.

8. Read Reviews and Check Product Ratings

Before purchasing a primer, take some time to read reviews and check product ratings. Hearing about other people’s experiences with a particular primer can provide valuable insight into how it works for different skin types, especially for dry skin. Look for reviews that specifically mention dry skin to ensure that the primer will suit your needs.

Checking ratings and reviews can help you avoid wasting money on products that don’t live up to their claims.

9. Consider Your Budget

While there are many high-end primers on the market, drugstore primers can offer similar results at a fraction of the cost. You don’t need to break the bank to find a quality primer that works for dry skin. Many drugstore brands now offer products formulated with high-end ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so you can achieve hydrated, flawless skin without overspending.

FAQs

1. What ingredients should I look for in a drugstore primer for dry skin?

You should look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamin E in a drugstore primer for dry skin. These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated throughout the day while providing a smooth base for your makeup.

2. Are silicone-based primers good for dry skin?

Yes, silicone-based primers can be beneficial for dry skin because they help to fill in fine lines and create a smooth surface, preventing makeup from clinging to dry patches. They also form a protective barrier that locks in moisture, making them a good option for those with dry skin.

3. What’s the difference between mattifying and hydrating primers?

Mattifying primers are designed to control excess oil and reduce shine, making them more suitable for oily skin. Hydrating primers, on the other hand, are formulated to provide moisture and prevent dryness, which is essential for those with dry skin. If you have dry skin, it’s best to avoid mattifying primers as they can make your skin feel tighter and more dehydrated.

4. Can I use a primer with SPF for dry skin?

Yes, using a primer with SPF is a great way to add an extra layer of sun protection while keeping your skin hydrated. While it shouldn’t replace your regular sunscreen, it can provide additional coverage, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

5. What kind of finish should I look for in a primer for dry skin?

For dry skin, it’s best to choose a primer with a dewy or radiant finish. These primers help to give your skin a natural, glowing appearance and prevent your makeup from looking flat or dull. Look for primers that mention “luminous,” “glow-enhancing,” or “radiant” on the packaging.

6. Are drugstore primers as effective as high-end primers for dry skin?

Many drugstore primers offer excellent results for dry skin, often containing the same hydrating ingredients found in higher-end primers. As long as you choose a primer with the right ingredients and finish, you can achieve the same smooth, hydrated base for your makeup at a more affordable price.

7. Can I use the same primer with any foundation?

It’s important to ensure that your primer and foundation are compatible. For dry skin, you’ll likely be using a hydrating or dewy foundation, so pairing it with a primer that also focuses on hydration will give you the best results. Incompatible primers and foundations can lead to patchiness or uneven application, so always test them together before committing to the combination.

Conclusion

Finding the right primer can make all the difference when it comes to achieving flawless makeup on dry skin. Our list of the 10 Best Drugstore Primers For Dry Skin in 2024 offers affordable options that hydrate, smooth, and prep your skin for long-lasting results. Whether you’re looking for a radiant finish or a hydrating formula, these primers are designed to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Invest in one of these drugstore picks, and you’ll enjoy a perfectly primed base without breaking the bank. Don’t wait—choose the best primer for your skin today!