What is worse than spending time and energy on a flawless makeup look only for it to be caked around your nose and forehead by midday? If you suffer from dry skin you know what I am talking about.
Makeup on dry skin can be truly chaotic.
Keep reading to find out about the best primers for dry skin.
If you have tried all the recommendations, a hydrating moisturizer, hyaluronic acid, and even regular hydrating facials, and still find yourself with a flakey reflection a few hours into your day, a hydrating primer could be the missing step to turn your skin from a dry mess to seriously glowy.
With winter fast approaching, colder temperatures around the corner ( and of course the holiday season) this step becomes essential to include in your routine.
Why Do You Need a Primer?
When it comes the longevity of your makeup, primer is key. It creates a blank canvas so your other products; foundation, blusher, contour, etc can survive the day.
Skipping primer can lead to a “cakey look” where the foundation creases up and emphasizes dryness as well as enlarged pores.
Common Primer Myths
1. Primer is not suitable for people with dry skin.
A common misconception is that primers mattify the skin.
While I am not a makeup artist, as a pharmacist it stands to reason that primers that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and vitamin B5 will nourish and hydrate the skin, not dry it out. It’s reasonable to understand that this does not eliminate the need to moisturize first, however.
Always apply moisturizer, SPF of at least factor 30 even on cloudy days and then your primer. Leaving a few minutes in between each step in your skin care routine helps products to absorb fully so you can get full benefit from each step.
2. Primer blocks pores and leads to congestion
The role of a primer is to blend into the skin and provide a seamless canvas for the rest of your makeup.
There are many options of non-comedogenic primers that are formulated not to block pores or cause congestion. In most cases, unless there is another underlying issue ( open acne wounds, allergies or rashes etc) primers should not cause your skin to deteriorate.
As with all makeup, precautions need to be taken such as a thorough cleanse at night and choosing a formula that works for your skin type still apply.
3. Primers and moisturisers play the same role
Moisturisers hydrate the skin and control dryness, they should always be applied first, even to oily skin! This can feel counterintuitive to try and moisturize oily skin but the truth is that the skin produces more oil when it thinks it is dry, so to counteract this moisturizing more often helps to balance this.
Primers on the other hand help to create a canvas for foundation by creating a smooth base, they also help makeup last longer. A primer can also help to fill fine lines to avoid gathering makeup.
A good place to start for a dewy makeup look is your skincare routine and adjusting it for winter. The blog post on HOW TO BEAT WINTER DRY SKIN goes into more detail on how to achieve this.
What Ingredients Make The Best Primers For Dry Skin?
Similar to your moisturizer, the best primers for dry skin should include ingredients that, hydrate, nourish, plump smooth, and brighten.
Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E work well, and if you can see these listed it is a good indication that you’re on the right path to
1. NYX Plump Right Back Primer & Serum
NYX Plump Right Back Primer & Serum is loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, magnesium, and potassium. It provides hydration helping you to keep makeup on all day with the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something good for your skin.
I love the idea of makeup combined with skincare where you can look flawless guilt free!
2. Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Primer
Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Primer is a winner for hydrating, containing a mix of humectants hyaluronic acid, and glycerin it is ready to give your skin a dewy look all day long.
It has a creamy lightweight formula that glides on effortlessly for flawless foundation application and radiance.
3. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the perfect hybrid formula that works to prime and moisturise.
Filled with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and a blend of vitamins B5, C and E in a lightweight formula that hydrates and nourishes whilst creating the perfect canvas for your makeup.
It has a rich texture but once you work it in it blends in without a greasy residue.
It also smells like grapefruit and geranium to uplift and gives you that self-care feeling. ( Be aware sensitive skin suffers as fragranced products can be irritating)
4. Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer 30ml
Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer is enriched with Shea Butter and Glycerin deeply hydrates and helps to maintain a healthy-looking, dewy complexion.
It also contains translucent polymer and crystal-encapsulated pigments for serious glow and radiance.
It gives a truly luxurious experience and a healthy feel to your skin!
5. Huda Beauty Water Jelly Hydrating Primer
Huda has done it again! This time with her Huda Beauty Water Jelly Hydrating Primer.
Starring Glycerin and castor oil as key players to hydrate and uplift dry skin to give your makeup a dewy finish all day.
It has an incredibly lightweight texture and glides on seamlessly.
Huda also claims all her products to be completely animal cruelty free.
So there you have it, a shortcut to the best primers for dry skin to try this winter! Don’t forget to hydrate the lips more during this time too, Check out the blog post on BEST LIP BALMS FOR WINTER AND HOW TO GET RID OF CHAPPED LIPS
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