Struggling with dry, sensitive skin? Check out these makeup primers recommended by experts that will keep you radiant throughout the day.

      With winter approaching, I've begun putting away my light tinted moisturizers to clear space on my dressing table for my favorite foundations. As someone who deals with eczema and severely dehydrated skin, achieving long-lasting foundation without flaking, patchiness, or excessive dryness has been a challenge until recently, when I incorporated a primer into my daily makeup regimen.

      Weleda's Skin Food (£10) is one of my go-to primers for dry skin. Whether you favor a 'no-makeup' look or a full-glam vibe, a face primer is essential, as it provides a smooth and even base for your foundations and other makeup products, ensuring they apply more smoothly and endure throughout the day. However, it's important to recognize that not every primer suits every skin type. In fact, using an inappropriate primer can counteract its intended effects. Therefore, I reached out to professional makeup artist Tori Arthur to address my pressing questions about how to select the best primer for dry skin in winter 2025 and beyond. Here’s what she shared.

      Should Individuals With Dry Skin Use a Primer? Arthur states, "Absolutely. It can be very beneficial if you experience flaky patches on your face or if your foundation tends to look uneven in certain areas. A quality hydrating primer can provide a buffer, allowing your makeup to apply more seamlessly and give your skin a soft, plump appearance. However, a primer alone isn’t sufficient for addressing dry skin; it should be part of a skincare routine that includes hydrating moisturizers, toners, and, of course, sunscreen to prepare your skin for makeup."

      What Primer Formula Is Best for Dry Skin? "For dry skin, steer clear of any primers labeled as ‘super matte’ or those that heavily emphasize oil control. You’ll want something that provides hydration rather than something that makes your skin feel tight or drier. For this reason, I recommend water-based primers that hydrate and moisturize the skin instead of silicone-based ones that can highlight dryness by reducing excess oil and minimizing pores," advises Arthur.

      What Ingredients Should Individuals With Dry Skin Seek in a Primer? "Look for primers containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and squalane, as these will help retain the skin's moisture, providing a hydrated and dewy base that can support heavier foundations and makeup products. Additionally, I recommend avoiding overly fragrant products, as fragrances can irritate and dry out the skin, along with alcohol, which is sometimes used to cut through excess oil and achieve a matte finish," shares Arthur.

      With this insight, I set out to discover the top primers for dry skin to ensure my makeup stays luminous and lasts all day. Continue reading if you're also curious about the best primers for dehydrated skin for winter 2025 and beyond.

      The Best Primers for Dry Skin:

      - Best Overall Primer for Dry Skin: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, £22

      - Best Luxury Primer for Dry Skin: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, £84

      - Best Affordable Primer for Dry Skin: Weleda Skin Food, £10

      - Best Glowy Primer for Dry Skin: Vieve Skin Nova, £31

      - Best SPF Primer for Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Primer, £40

      1. **Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser**

       **Best Overall**

       **Key Ingredients**: Glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera

       Esteemed by dermatologists, makeup artists, and beauty editors, Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré was developed by dermatologists and has become a staple in French pharmacies. I first experienced it during my visit to Paris in 2021 and now stock up whenever I go. Packed with glycerin, fatty acids, and vitamins, it's designed to combat dehydration, making it an excellent primer for dry skin. Furthermore, it’s versatile, serving as a daily moisturizer, makeup remover, and overnight mask for maximum hydration.

      2. **Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer**

       **Best for Mature Skin**

       **Key Ingredients**: Double hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides

       I may not have mature skin, but I frequently look to mature skin suggestions due to the shared ingredients and formulas that address dehydration. Nars’ Light Reflecting Primer fits this bill, containing 93% skincare ingredients. My mum recommended it, and she praises its ability to hydrate, diminish fine lines, and fortify the skin’s barrier.

      3. **Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base**

       **Best Luxury Primer**

       **Key Ingredients**: Vitamins B, C, and E, hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter

       Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base blends skincare and makeup, boasting a creamy texture without the greasiness that can interfere with foundation