Struggling with dry, sensitive skin? These makeup primers recommended by experts will keep your skin glowing throughout the day.

      With winter approaching, I have begun to store away my lightweight tinted moisturizers to clear space on my dressing table for my favorite foundations. However, as someone who experiences eczema and very dehydrated skin, achieving an all-day lasting foundation without flaking, patchiness, or excessive dryness has seemed unachievable until recently, when I incorporated a primer into my daily makeup routine.

      Weleda's Skin Food (£10) is one of my go-to primers for dry skin. Regardless of whether you prefer a natural makeup look or a full glam, a face primer is essential, as it creates a smooth and even base for your foundations and other makeup products, aiding in smoother application and longer wear. The reality is that not every primer suits every skin type; using the wrong one can actually hinder your makeup rather than enhance it. Therefore, I consulted professional makeup artist Tori Arthur to address my pressing questions about selecting the best primer for dry skin for winter 2025 and beyond. Here’s what she shared.

      Should People With Dry Skin Use a Primer? Arthur states, "Absolutely. It can be very beneficial if you struggle with flaky patches or have issues with your foundation looking patchy in some areas. A good hydrating primer provides cushioning, allowing your makeup to sit more seamlessly on the skin and giving it that soft, plump finish. However, a primer alone isn’t sufficient; you need a skincare routine filled with hydrating moisturizers, toners, and sunscreen to prepare your skin for makeup."

      What Primer Formula Is Best for Dry Skin? "For dry skin, avoid any primers labeled ‘super matte’ or those that emphasize oil control. You want something that quenches your skin’s thirst, not something that will make it feel tight or drier. Thus, I recommend water-based primers that hydrate and moisturize instead of silicone-based ones, which can exacerbate dryness by controlling excess oil and minimizing pores," advises Arthur.

      What Ingredients Should People With Dry Skin Look for In a Primer? "Primers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and squalane help retain moisture, giving your face a hydrated and dewy base suitable for heavier foundations and makeup products. I would also steer clear of products heavy in fragrance, as they can irritate and dry out the skin, along with alcohol, which is used to dissolve excess oil and create a matte effect," Arthur explains.

      With this knowledge, I set out to discover the best primers for dry skin to keep my makeup glowing and long-lasting. If you are also interested in finding out which primers are ideal for dehydrated skin for winter 2025 and beyond, keep scrolling.

      **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

       Highly favored by dermatologists, makeup artists, and beauty editors, Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré was crafted by dermatologists and has become a staple in French pharmacies. I first experienced it during my trip to Paris in 2021 and now stock up on it whenever I visit. Packed with glycerin, fatty acids, and vitamins, it combats dehydration, making it perfect as a primer for dry skin. The bonus? It doubles as a daily moisturizer, makeup remover, and an overnight mask for intensive hydration.

      2. **Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer**

       **Best for Mature Skin**

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

       Although my skin isn't mature, I often look at recommendations for mature skin due to the beneficial crossover of ingredients. Nars’ Light Reflecting Primer falls into this category. With 93% skincare ingredients, I was introduced to it by my mum, who trusts it for its hydrating properties, its ability to reduce fine lines, and its skin-strengthening benefits.

      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 is a skincare-makeup hybrid with the richness of a cream but without any greasy feel that might disrupt your foundation. The combination of vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter ensures