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A great hydrating primer can be the ultimate ingredient to perfect makeup but unlike a good hydrating cleanser or moisturiser for your dry skin, it’s often overlooked in people’s routines or seen as an optional step.
But for those who struggle to keep their foundation, blush and concealer looking fresh throughout the day, the right primer can be the key difference between a look that stays all day – and one that slips away after a matter of minutes.
Whether you are going for a glowy look paired with an illuminator, suffer with flakey skin or just find that your skin is drier with age, a hydrating primer that nourishes the skin will set your base without leaving your skill looking dull or cakey.
And the good news? We’ve tested dozens of primers and rounded up our top picks from high end to high street favourites, so you can find your perfect match.
Best hydrating primers: Quick list
How we test
When testing beauty products, we try each product out for a day incorporated with our routine so we can assess its longevity as well as its compatibility with other products.
For primer, this includes keeping all additional make-up steps such as concealer, eyeshadow, foundation, powders etc as control variables, so we can attribute any changes to our look specifically to the primer.
We compare how they get on against a face of makeup in the morning versus a second image at night to determine durability, movement – and ultimately if we think it’s worth the associated price tag.
The best hydrating primers to buy now
MCoBeauty Makeup Grip Primer
Product Specs
- Volume30ml
- Key ingredientsAloe vera water, niacinamide, and agave Americana leaf extract
- ApplicationApply after skincare and before makeup. Wait 1-2 minutes between applying primer and layering makeup
- Vegan?Yes
What we love
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LongevityHelps makeup last all day
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FinishGlowy and smooth
If you are looking for a primer that is ‘tacky’ and has a grip that will make your makeup last for the whole day, this is the one for you.
MCoBeauty’s Grip Primer Base is a great alternative to Milk’s Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, and is one that will make sure your look will stay firmly on your face for hours on end.
And although it is tacky, it gives a glowy and smooth finish and is very hydrating on the skin thanks to many of its ingredients, including Niacinamide, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Lush Feeling Greener Primer
Product Specs
- Volume45g
- Key ingredientsAloe, fruit juice, jojoba, and lemon
- ApplicationLet your moisturiser sink in. Then apply your primer and follow with your foundation before it dries
- Vegan?Yes
What we love
-
MultifunctionalDoubles as a colour corrector to reduce reddness
-
FinishDewy without feeling heavy
Lush’s Feeling Greener Primer is an amazing option for those who want a vegan-friendly primer, which is self-preserving and lightweight.
This product doubles up as a colour corrector, reduces redness, and is packed with natural ingredients such as lemon, papaya enzymes and chlorophyllin.
It is incredibly hydrating and breathable, and offers a dewy finish without feeling heavy on the skin.
Soap & Glory Glow & Dew It Primer
Product Specs
- Volume30ml
- Key ingredientsLindera root, squalene
- ApplicationWear alone to give your complexion a subtle, all over glow or wear under makeup for a long-lasting finish
- Vegan?Yes
What we love
-
FinishRadiant, natural sheen without feeling heavy or sticky
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HoldLasts for four hours
What could be better
-
Longevitynot suitable for day-long grip
I’ll admit it – I wasn’t expecting miracles from the Soap and Glory Primer, but after a few uses it has become a staple in my make-up bag. I honestly have started reaching for this instead of some of my high-end favourites.
It melts beautifully on the skin and leaves a radiant sheen without it being heavy or sticky – and is comparable to a lightweight moisturiser.
It offers a hint of shimmer and a natural finish, which I personally think is perfect for the summer and spring months. And while it does hold a makeup look for four hours, it is not one I would recommend for those looking for a day-long grip.
Sleek MakeUP Pore Blurring Primer
Product Specs
- Volume20ml
- Key ingredientsSnow mushroom extract
- ApplicationFor a perfect base, wear alone or underneath foundation
- Vegan?Yes
What we love
-
PriceBudget-friendly
-
FinishSilky, featherlight, airbrushed and poreless
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Skin typesGood for those with an oily t-zone or combination skin
What could be better
-
SizeSmall amount
Sleek Makeup was long a staple in my makeup back when I was a teenager, but I had sadly never revisited it until now – and I am so grateful I did.
Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also leaves a silk, featherlight and poreless finish, which makes it clear why it keeps rapidly disappearing from shelves.
If you have an oily T-zone, this is a great option for you as it will offer a smoother, softer, and almost airbrushed finish almost immediately.
For me, as someone with combination skin, it was performed really well throughout the day and stopped oil peeking through and provided a filter-like finish over some areas of my skin that are more textured.
The only drawback is that the 30ml tube is slightly on the petite side, but given how little you actually need per use, it’s not quite the dealbreaker it first appears.
No7 Runaway Radiance Primer
Product Specs
- Volume45g
- Key ingredientsShea butter, geranium oil, and squalane
- ApplicationApply No7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer to the face from the centre outwards, and massage into the skin before makeup
- Vegan?Unspecified
What we love
-
ResultLeaves skin feeling hydrated and subtly plumped
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Works well under makeupNo patchiness or caking throughout the day
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LongevityStays smooth throughout the day
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MulitfunctionalDoubles as a moisturiser and can be worn by itself, without makeup
I did not expect a high-street primer to rival some of the more luxurious products in my makeup bag – but in the case of this list, I did save one of the best until last.
The No 7 Pro Artist Runway Radiance Primer is rich and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and subtly plumped from the moment it’s applied, without leaving heaviness or greasiness on the skin.
And while when worn alone it leaves you looking fresh and healthy on days when you would rather not wear makeup.
My makeup sat beautifully on top of this primer; there was no patchiness or caking throughout the day, and most importantly, the smooth-looking base maintained throughout the day.
It is a great option for those who have slightly drier skin, as it can also double up as a moisturiser.
The No.7 Base Perfecting Primer
Product Specs
- Key ingredientsCoconut oil
- ApplicationApply a little underneath foundation for a dewy glow
What we love
-
MoisturisingComplements galore on how dewy my skin looked
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BlurringHelped mask some texture on my face
Although similar to its Runway Radiance Primer sister, in terms of longevity, the No 7 Base Perfecting Primer is an incredible alternative if you want a lighter primer which will leave you with a healthy radiant glow.
I really enjoyed using this primer when I was trying out more dewy looks in preparation for the spring sun, and with summer just around the corner I feel it’s a perfect addition to anyone’s holiday make-up bag.
I particularly enjoyed this primer because I felt it helped mask some of the texture on my skin, and left my base layer looking hydrated and got my several compliments on how glowy my skin looked.
However, it has a couple of drawbacks. A little does go a long way – but if you use too much it can leave your skin a bit too moisturised, meaning you need a bit more time getting ready because it will take longer to settle into the skin. The real kicker though, is that is has a slight fragrance. This might not be a drawback for everybody but personally I am not a big fan of scented products.
Overall though, I think this product is perfect for those with slightly dryer or more mature skin.
Verdict
There are many great primers on the list so it was tricky to boil it down to one specific favourite as it really depends on your skin type and what you want out of the product.
For makeup lovers with combination skin, I would always recommend MCoBeauty’s Primer Base. It is a staple in my makeup bag, and honestly will keep your makeup look put for hours on end.
And on top of that – for the price – it is an absolute steal, in my opinion.
For those looking for more of a lightweight look, and have drier skin, I think Lush’s Feeling Greener is a great option.
Those with mature skin will benefit from either of No.7 primer Runway Radiance or Base Perfecting, as they were the most moisturising and hydrating on the list. However, I did find that my makeup slipped more with these, so you’ll want to pair it with a setting spray to complete the look.
FAQs
Are fragranced primers bad for dry skin?
If you’re extremely reactive or sensitive, fragrance-free products are generally a safer choice, but those with moderately dry skin will likely need to try a formula before ascertaining if it triggers an adverse reaction. Lush’s Feeling Greener primer is probably the most skin-friendly on this list.
Should I see a dermatologist for my dry skin?
If your skin is persistently inflamed, painful or cracked, it may be time to see a dermatologist.
Irritated skin can disrupt sleep, or signal an underlying condition like eczema or psoriasis, and these need professional diagnosis and targeted treatments. These may include prescription creams or addressing issues like kidney or thyroid problems.
However, slight tightness, peeling or roughness can be a sign of dry winter skin and can be treated with a suitable moisturiser.
What ingredients are best for dry skin?
For dry skin many of the best ingredients attract and lock in moisture, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are in the humectant family.
They should also seal this moisture in with emollients and occlusives, like ceramides, squalane and shea butter, which repair the skin barrier and prevent water loss,
Meanwhile nourishing additions like niacinamide and aloe vera help to soothe and protect, leading to softer, healthier skin overall. Find the best moisturisers for dry skin with our definitive guide.
Why is your primer pilling and what does it mean?
That annoying flaking or balling-up? It’s often down to product clashes or using too much your routine might be working against you.
Mixing water-based and silicone-based products are often the biggest offender. If you use a silicone-based primer, often labeled smoothing or blurring, over a water-based moisturiser, they will repel each other, causing the product to lift and ball up.
Applying primer before your moisturiser or serum has fully sunk in can also cause this, as the layers will mix on top of the skin rather than absorbing.
