A primer is a makeup essential for those who apply makeup regularly. It shields your skin from chemicals while also creating a smooth canvas for the application of makeup. It helps in forming a perfect base that hides skin imperfections, leaving it flawless. Primers for dry skin help in nourishing and hydrating your skin while minimising your pores, reducing flakiness, and offering a smooth base.
Our Top Picks
How Do We Choose the Best Primers for Dry Skin?
Applying flawless makeup on dry skin doesn’t have to be difficult if you use nourishing products to prep it beforehand. In India, you can get good quality primers ranging from Rs 299 to Rs 7,599 and more. Here are some factors we considered before curating this list.
Consistency
Here, we have added products that have a gel-like and creamy consistency. This helps you to apply the primer easily and sets perfectly so that you can get a flawless base.
Formula
The list includes a range of gel, cream, water, and silicone-based primers that work very well to hydrate your skin and make it supple. The formulas are lightweight and non-sticky for even makeup application. Check out the full list and find something that suits you best.
List of 20 Best Primers for Dry Skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
Smashbox is a Los Angeles-based cosmetic brand that makes cruelty-free makeup, skincare products, and more. If you’re looking for a hydrating primer with water-like consistency, you can pick its Photo Finish Primer Water that suits dry skin type.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 3,300 |
Brand | Smashbox |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Rating | 4.3/5 |
Prominent Features of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water:
- Water-based primer to intensely hydrate your skin before applying makeup
- Gives you a nice and smooth base so that makeup sits properly
- A lightweight spray that spreads evenly on your face
- Comes in a bottle with a spray dispenser and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Makes the makeup long-lasting
- Perfect for people with dry skin
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Why We Picked the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water?
The primer comes in a clear spray bottle and can fit into narrow spaces, making it easier to carry around. Spray the mist onto your face from a distance and apply it evenly before using makeup products. This spritz primer gets absorbed into the skin quickly and hydrates the skin, making it plump.
CoverGirl TRUblend Primer
CoverGirl is an American luxury beauty brand that has a range of products in its makeup category. From foundations and concealers to eyeliners and lipsticks, you can find the best quality products here.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 8,800 |
Brand | CoverGirl |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Rating | 4.3/5 |
Prominent Features of the CoverGirl TRUblend Primer:
- Creamy primer that minimises your pores within seconds
- Highly-nourishing formula to prevent patchy and dry skin
- Has a lightweight texture that blends like a dream
- Comes in a tube and weighs 9.7 grams
Pros:
- Ultra-rich and hydrating
- Smells pleasant
- Offers a smooth canvas
Why We Picked the CoverGirl TRUblend Primer?
We particularly love its collection of primers, especially the TRUblend range. You can go for its Face Primer for Dry Skin to keep your facial skin hydrated and plump throughout the day.
NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer
NYX is a subsidiary of L’Oreal – a globally recognised makeup brand that manufactures premium quality products, including a vegan range of cosmetics.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 3,500 |
Brand | NYX Professional |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Coverage | Full |
Rating | 4.4/5 |
Prominent Features of the NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer:
- Highly-quality primer base that makes your skin supple and plump
- It is enriched with chamomile, green tea and ginseng root extracts that disinfect the skin, clear it, and provide a soothing touch
- Lightweight creamy formula that blends easily and adds nourishment
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- No cakiness
- Instantly hydrates your skin
- Value for money
Cons:
- Availability issues
Why We Picked the NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer?
The primer has a smooth and creamy formulation that seeps into the skin quickly. Its hydrating action keeps dryness away from your skin, offering it a fresh look.
You may also like to read:- 20 Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin in India
E. L. F. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer
Elf Cosmetics is a premium American bath and skincare brand with quality products for the eyes, lips, and face. It aims to make skincare products available for all and prices its products at buyer-friendly rates.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 2,119 |
Brand | E. L. F. Cosmetics |
Quantity | 14 ml |
Rating | 4.4/5 |
Prominent Features of the E. L. F. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer:
- Enriched with grapes and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish your skin
- Creates a smooth canvas for you to apply your makeup with ease
- Also helps mitigate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser and weighs 14 ml
Pros:
- Super-hydrating
- Long-lasting makeup
- Little product goes a long way
Cons:
- Will not suit oily skin
Why We Picked the E. L. F. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer?
We can’t stop gushing over its range of primers, including Elf Hydrating Face Primer for dry skin that minimises fine lines and offers ample hydration to the skin. It is infused with the goodness of grapes and Vitamins like A, C, and E, which nourish the skin and make it look younger and radiant. Use it to get flawless and smooth skin that lasts for a long time.
RENÉE Bollywood Filter Face Primer
RENÉE Cosmetics is an Indian cosmetics company that aims to offer its clients cutting-edge, multipurpose, and cruelty-free beauty products. In addition to having an online presence, the brand also has over 1000 shop-in-shop locations around India, major airport locations, and flagship shops.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 450 |
Brand | RENÉE Cosmetics |
Quantity | 15 g |
Rating | 4.3/5 |
Prominent Features of the RENÉE Bollywood Filter Face Primer:
- Lightweight gel formula that hydrates your skin
- Creates a flawless base for even makeup application
- Blurs out fine lines and wrinkles with ease
Pros:
- Makes the skin supple
- Doesn’t feel heavy
- Value for money
Why We Picked the RENÉE Bollywood Filter Face Primer?
When it comes to the best hydrating primer for dry skin, we trust this face primer from RENÉE Cosmetics. It has a clear tone and feels light on the skin. This primer revitalises the skin and replenishes it, leaving a cool and soothing touch.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer
Wet n Wild is a popular skin care and makeup brand popular in India. The brand manufactures non-toxic, cruelty-free and eco-friendly cosmetics for everyone. We recommend you try its Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer, which comes in tube packaging and is a wholly vegan cosmetic product.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 699 |
Brand | Wet n Wild |
Quantity | 255 ml |
Rating | 4/5 |
Prominent Features of the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer:
- This lightweight primer solution is infused with vitamin E and helps smooth your skin for an even application of makeup
- The nourishing formula helps smoothen the skin texture
- Gets absorbed into the skin quickly, leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated for a long time
Pros:
- Doesn’t clog your skin
- Has a soothing effect
- Elongates the life of your makeup
Clinique
Known for being the best dermatologist-recommended brand, Clinique has carved a good niche in the cosmetic market. This American cosmetics manufacturer has a range of skincare products that are often found in high-end departmental stores.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 5,599 |
Brand | Clinique |
Quantity | 15 ml |
Prominent Features of the Clinique Superprimer Face Primer:
- When it comes to finding a trusted primer, we choose Clinique Superprimer Face Primer, which can smoothen and correct the skin texture
- This universal base primer is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin
- Comes in a tube and weighs 15 ml
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- Quite expensive
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Makeup Face Primer
MAC is renowned for having a range of cosmetic products for all age groups. It is a leading prestige beauty brand that manufactures professional-grade makeup at reasonable prices. Try its Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage Makeup Face Primer if you’re looking for a gel-like formulation.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 2,700 |
Brand | M.A.C |
Quantity | 100 ml |
Coverage | Lightweight |
Rating | 3.6/5 |
Prominent Features of the MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Makeup Face Primer:
- This primer comes in a pump bottle packaging that is travel-friendly
- Suitable for all skin types, including dry and flaky skin, this product provides ample hydration to the skin
- Also eases the application of foundation or cosmetic powder
- Weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Has a hydrating effect
- True value for money
- Works for all skin types
Sugar Cosmetics
Sugar Cosmetics has a range of cosmetics available in sassy, bold, and cheeky colours that can be used to attain a perfect look. We recommend you try its Aquaholic Hydrating Primer, which comes in a small squeeze tube packaging.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 699 |
Brand | Sugar |
Quantity | 100 g |
Rating | 4.9/5 |
Prominent Features of the Sugar Aquaholic Hydrating Primer:
- Infused with the goodness of soothing agents like Peppermint Leaf and Rose Water
- This primer calms irritated skin, reduces fine lines, and keeps the skin hydrated and plump
- When applied, you get to enjoy an ever-fresh, dewy look that goes a long way
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Non-greasy
Lakme Absolute Under Cover Gel Face Primer
Lakme perhaps best knows Indian skin, and that is why their primers are made for every skin type. Pick its Absolute Under Cover Gel Face Primer for dry skin, as it is lightweight and smoothens the skin.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 825 |
Brand | Lakme |
Quantity | 30 g |
Coverage | Full |
Rating | 4.1/5 |
Prominent Features of the Lakme Absolute Under Cover Gel Face Primer:
- It prevents flakiness or dryness that might cause the foundation and the rest of the makeup to glide on the skin
- The primer is enriched with Vitamin E, nourishes the skin
- It lasts for a long time and keeps your makeup intact and skin plump
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 grams
Pros:
- Contains Vitamin E
- Lightweight gel
- Smoothens your skin instantly
Maybelline New York Fit Me Face Primer Dewy + Smooth
Maybelline primers are made to last throughout the day so that you can be confident in your makeup without worrying about constant touch-ups. Get a flawless finish, even if you have dry skin, using Maybelline New York Fit Me Face Primer Dewy + Smooth.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 499 |
Brand | Maybelline New York |
Quantity | 30 g |
Coverage | Full |
Rating | 4.3/5 |
Prominent Features of the Maybelline New York Fit Me Face Primer Dewy + Smooth:
- This primer goes a long way and lasts for up to 16 hours.
- It diminishes the appearance of skin pores, moisturises the skin, and smoothens it
- You can use this creamy primer daily under makeup
- Enriched with Vitamin E that adds a boost of hydration
Pros:
- Lasts for up to 12 hours
- Nourishing matte formula
- Offers a perfect dewy finish
Insight
Insight 3-in-1 Oil-free Primer makes your skin smooth and luscious. If you have dry skin that feels even drier post-makeup application, this lightweight gel primer can help keep your skin soft and supple.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 275 |
Brand | Insight |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Coverage | High |
Rating | 4.1/5 |
Prominent Features of the Insight 3-in-1 Oil-Free Primer:
- It hydrates the skin and allows it to retain moisture for a long time
- You get a flawless look as it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and open pores
- Lightweight formula that smoothes your skin easily
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Value for money
Cons:
- Might not suit every skin type
Lotus Makeup
Lotus Makeup is an arm of the Lotus Herbals brand. It is known for its special herbal formulations and cosmetic products that suit all skin types.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 695 |
Brand | Lotus Makeup |
Quantity | 30 g |
Rating | 4.2/5 |
Prominent Features of the Lotus Ecostay Insta Smooth Perfecting Primer:
- Made from natural ingredients and Vitamin E to keep your skin nourished
- The primer has a light formula and adds glow to the skin
- The gel feels light on the skin and evens out the skin tone, reducing the skin pores visibly
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 grams
Pros:
- Vegetarian
- Weightless formula
- Oil-free
Cons:
- Might not be very long-lasting
Colorbar New Perfect Match Primer
When looking for Colorbar primers for dry skin, you can place your bet on Colorbar Cosmetics Perfect Match ‘Quench Me’ Primer Water. As the name suggests, this primer quenches the skin, making it much more hydrated.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 875 |
Brand | Colorbar |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Rating | 4.2/5 |
Prominent Features of the Colorbar New Perfect Match Primer:
- It enables the makeup to last longer and stays on throughout the day
- This primer comes in a light bluish tone with a fresh Waterlily fragrance to revitalise your skin
- It has Marine Spring Water and Red micro-Algae extracts that lock the moisture inside the layers of your skin
- Comes in a bottle with a spray dispenser and weighs 35 ml
Pros:
- Ultra-hydrating
- Little product goes a long way
- Makes your skin plump
Cons:
- Uneven application
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven primers have additional moisturising agents that instantly smooth out dry and flaky skin. They are great for those who have problems with winter makeup and moisture retention.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 650 |
Brand | Blue Heaven |
Quantity | 30 g |
Rating | 3.5/5 |
Prominent Features of the Blue Heaven Studio Primer:
- Silicone-based primer for providing a perfect makeup base
- It is free of oil and has a non-greasy formulation that seeps into the skin, giving a studio-like finish to your skin
- Perfect for all skin types, this primer keeps all kinds of makeup intact for long hours
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 grams
Pros:
- Lightweight formula
- Has a nice mattifying effect
- Pocket-friendly
Swiss Beauty Pearl Primer
Swiss Beauty is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to affordable makeup products. Try the Swiss Beauty Pearl Primer that doubles up as a moisturiser.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 749 |
Brand | Swiss Beauty |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Coverage | Lightweight |
Rating | 4.2/5 |
Prominent Features of the Swiss Beauty Pearl Primer:
- A nourishing formula that lends a glossy pearl finish to the skin, making it glow from within
- Available in a transparent, jelly-like formula, this primer feels light on the skin
- Also visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and open pores
- It glides on the skin smoothly and makes the makeup stay for longer hours
- Comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Adds a nice glow
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Illuminating Face Primer
L’Oreal Primers work like magic. We totally adore the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Illuminating Face Primer that locks the glow and hydrates skin.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 9,124 |
Brand | L’Oreal Paris |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Coverage | Medium |
Rating | 4.4/5 |
Prominent Features of the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Illuminating Face Primer:
- The primer is weightless and makes the application of foundation and concealer an easy job
- It evens out skin tone, all the while hydrating it deeply
- Using just a tiny amount of this primer lends the skin ample moisture, making the skin look plump and soft
- With this primer, you can blur the appearance of fine lines and pores, smoothening out the skin thoroughly
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Instantly hydrates
- Soft and velvety formula
- Little goes a long way
Miss Claire
Miss Claire has some of the best products in the mid-range segment. We totally love its collection of primers that are made with unique pigments to keep skin healthy.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 595 |
Brand | Miss Claire |
Quantity | 30 ml |
Rating | 4.1/5 |
Prominent Features of the Miss Claire Studio Perfect Professional Makeup Primer:
- A lightweight primer that lends the skin a smooth texture for makeup
- It controls excess oil and sebum while also concealing skin imperfections
- This product is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Controls sebum production
- Reduces redness
- Featherweight gel
Oriflame The One Make-up Pro Primer
Oriflame has some of the best products in all segments. However, we love its collection of primers that suit all skin types. The brand has a huge customer base in India, and you must give it a try!
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 499 |
Brand | Oriflame |
Quantity | 30 g |
Prominent Features of the Oriflame The One Make-up Pro Primer:
- The hydrating primer keeps the skin nourished, making it a perfect fit for all kinds of makeup users
- It helps smoothen fine lines, wrinkles and other skin imperfections while keeping makeup put, even in extreme weather conditions
- Comes in a tube and weighs 30 g
Pros:
- Controls oil
- Gives a matte-like finish
- Value for money
SUGAR POP Perfecting Primer
A Yorkshire-based cosmetics brand, Illamasqua is known for its vegan and cruelty-free makeup range. However, we love its range of primers that offer hydrating or mattifying textures.
Product Specifications:
Price | Rs 399 |
Brand | SUGAR POP |
Quantity | 25 g |
Finish Type | Matte |
Rating | 4.2/5 |
Prominent Features of the SUGAR POP Perfecting Primer:
- You can even use it as a moisturiser to flaunt your natural look
- The gel-based formula is light in texture and does not feel heavy on your skin
- Enriched with Vitamin E that guarantees that your skin receives the nutrients it needs
Pros:
- Nourishes your skin
- Premium formula
- Works for sensitive skin as well
Final Word
Achieving a smooth makeup base can be easy when you have used hydrating products before. In this article, we have listed some of the best primers for dry skin based on their formula and longevity. While we really like the products from Smashbox, CoverGirl, NYX, and Elf Cosmetics, let us know which ones you like the most.
FAQs
Which primer is best for dry skin, gel or cream?
Gel primers are the best for dry skin as they are water-based and have several hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera, Glycerin, and more. Gel formulations smoothen the skin texture much faster and seep deep into the layers of the skin quickly and easily.
Which primer is best for dry skin in India?
Illamasqua’s Hydra Veil Rehydrating Gel Primer, ELF Cosmetics’ Hydrating Face Primer, Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Face Primer Dewy + Smooth, Lotus Makeup’s Ecostay Insta Smooth Perfecting Primer, and Colorbar’s Cosmetics Perfect Match Ouench Me Primer Water are the best primers for dry skin.
Should I use a primer if I have dry skin?
Yes, using a moisturising primer is a must if you have dry skin. Applying makeup without using a hydrating base can make your skin even drier if you already suffer from flaky skin. Using moisturising primers can keep your skin supple and glowing for a long time.
Which is better: primer or moisturiser?
Moisturisers work on all skin types, providing them with hydration, nutrition, and anti-ageing properties. On the other hand, primers offer a smooth surface on which to apply makeup. Primers can give a layer of moisture to the face, but they can’t take the place of moisturisers in nourishing the skin’s deeper layers.
Can I wear primer without makeup?
Yes, you can wear primer without makeup. Using just a primer is a good choice if you want to experiment with a no-makeup look. The product’s calming effects aim to lessen redness and irritation while making your skin tone even.
Why Trust CashKaro Reviews?
Highly seasoned and qualified researchers at CashKaro work hard to supply you with the greatest market advice accessible online. To build a list of products you can trust, we examine numerous products and compare them based on a range of characteristics. We hope our recommendations of the best primers for dry skin helped you out. We genuinely hope that this list will aid you in making an informed judgement.
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