I Have Dry Skin—This Is the Expert-Recommended Product That Helps My Makeup Look Flawless.

      Let me share something important for those of you with dry or dehydrated skin like mine: hydrating primers should definitely be on your radar. Why is this crucial? Because you're likely familiar with the challenge of making your makeup last, particularly during the fall and winter months. The cold temperatures, harsh winds, and frosty air strip moisture from my skin, leading to a flaky and patchy foundation. The best solution? A hydrating primer, of course.

      Whether you prefer a natural "I-woke-up-like-this" look or full-on glam, a primer is essential for creating a smooth surface that allows your makeup to adhere well and last throughout the day. While there are numerous primers on the market claiming to be ideal for dry skin, we've all encountered the disappointment of ones that end up dehydrating rather than hydrating.

      To help navigate this, I consulted professional makeup artist Jane Richardson for expert advice on selecting the best hydrating primers that promote a luminous and healthy complexion that endures all day. Here’s her insight:

      **What Does a Primer Actually Do?**

      Richardson explains, "A primer prepares the skin for makeup application. It mainly enhances the skin's texture, ensuring the surface is smooth and even so that your complexion products apply seamlessly and last longer. Additionally, formulated with key ingredients, primers can address specific issues like oil control, blurring fine lines, reducing redness, softening pores, and boosting skin radiance." Illuminating primers are recommended for significant skin radiance.

      **Should People With Dry and Dehydrated Skin Use a Primer?**

      "Absolutely! Dry and dehydrated skin tends to show more textural issues, visible fine lines, and a general lack of radiance. Moisture from the foundation is often absorbed by the skin, leaving a cakey and patchy look on the surface. A targeted primer can restore radiance and create a hydrated base for better adherence of complexion products."

      **What Hydrating Primers Are Best?**

      I recommend a water-based primer with moisturizing qualities, as it will feel light and breathable. Dry skin can be sensitive, and while silicone-based primers are excellent for oily skin by smoothing and filling fine lines, they may cause irritation and dryness for some individuals over time.

      **What Ingredients Should a Hydrating Primer Contain?**

      Look for hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that helps draw in and retain moisture, and glycerin, which is crucial for soothing and calming. Other beneficial ingredients include squalane, ceramides, peptides, and tocopherol (vitamin E).

      With this information, I set out to find the best hydrating primers that would keep my makeup looking radiant and dewy throughout the day. If you’re also on the lookout for the best hydrating primers for the winter of 2025 and beyond, keep reading.

      **Best Hydrating Primers of 2025**

      1. **Best Overall Hydrating Primer:** Erborian Skin Hero Perfector, £38

      2. **Best Hydrating Primer for Mature Skin:** By Terry Hydra-Primer, £45

      3. **Best Hydrating Primer for Sensitive Skin:** Merit Great Skin Moisturizer, £34

      4. **Best Luxury Hydrating Primer:** Dior 24hr Hydration Forever Glow Veil, £44

      5. **Best Affordable Hydrating Primer:** Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer, £11

      **Erborian Skin Hero Bare Skin Perfector. £38**

      **Best Overall**

      Key Ingredients: Korean white ginseng complex. Richardson states, "Having used Erborian's Glow Creme for years, I added Erborian Skin Hero to my kit and was not disappointed. Its lightweight texture smooths and blurs without drying the skin while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits."

      **By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Primer**

      **Best for Mature Skin**

      Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid. While I don’t have mature skin, I often look into the recommendations for mature skin because of the beneficial ingredients that boost hydration. By Terry’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Primer is powerful, full of antioxidants, and creates an even base for makeup, making it perfect for mature skin types.

      **Merit Beauty Great Skin Moisturizer**

      **Best for Sensitive Skin**

      Key Ingredients: Great skin™ complex (peptides, spermidine, barrier polysaccharide), oat extract, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, biomimetic emulsifier. Dehydrated and sensitive skin often go together, so it’s crucial to choose primers with soothing ingredients. Merit’s Great Skin Moisturizer balances pH to support a healthy skin barrier, contains oat extract for soothing benefits, and its Great Skin™ complex firms the skin. Plus, it is fragrance-free, a definite advantage for sensitive skin.

      **Dior 24hr Hydration Forever Glow Veil**

      **Best Luxury**

      Key Ingredients: Natural-origin hyaluronic acid, red hibiscus extract, wild pansy extract. Generally, I