I have dry skin—this is the product recommended by experts that helps my makeup look stunning.

      Let me share my thoughts: if you have dry or dehydrated skin like I do, it's essential to pay attention to hydrating primers. Why? Because you're likely familiar with the challenge of keeping your makeup intact, particularly during the fall and winter months. With cold temperatures, harsh winds, and frosty air stripping moisture from my skin and its protective barrier, I often find my foundation turning flaky and patchy. The product that can really help with this is, of course, a hydrating primer.

      Whether you're going for a casual I-just-woke-up look or a fully glamorous appearance, a primer is vital for creating a smooth base for your makeup to stick to and endure throughout the day. There are numerous primers available on the market claiming to be the best for dry skin, but let's be honest, many of us have experienced the disappointment of buying one that actually dries out our skin instead. Thankfully, I consulted professional makeup artist Jane Richardson for her insights on selecting the right hydrating primers for a glowy, healthy-looking makeup that lasts all day. Here’s what she had to say.

      What Exactly Does a Primer Do? Richardson explains, "A primer prepares the skin for makeup application. Primarily, it enhances the skin’s texture, ensuring the surface is as smooth and even as possible, which allows your complexion products to apply smoothly and look amazing while lasting longer. Additionally, with the right ingredients, primers can address specific concerns like oil control, blurring fine lines, reducing redness, softening pores, and boosting skin radiance." For a true glow, consider illuminating primers.

      Should Individuals with Dry and Dehydrated Skin Use a Primer? "Absolutely! When skin is dry and dehydrated, you may notice more textural problems, visible fine lines, and an overall lack of glow. Any moisture from foundation will be absorbed by the skin, leaving the pigment looking cakey and uneven. A targeted primer can help restore radiance and provide a hydrated surface for better adherence of complexion products."

      Which Hydrating Primers Are the Best? I recommend opting for a water-based primer with moisturizing qualities, as it will feel light and breathable. Dry skin can often be sensitive, and while silicone-based formulas are great for oily skin since they smooth and fill in fine lines, they can sometimes cause additional irritation and dryness for others in the long run.

      What Ingredients Should a Hydrating Primer Include? Look for hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture, as well as glycerin, which is also important for drawing in moisture and has soothing properties. Other beneficial ingredients include squalane, ceramides, peptides, and tocopherol (vitamin E).

      With this advice, I set out to discover the finest hydrating primers to ensure my makeup remains glowy and dewy throughout the day. If you’re curious about which hydrating primers are the best for winter 2025 and beyond, keep reading.

      Best Hydrating Primers 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, £45

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

      **Erborian Skin Hero Bare Skin Perfector - Best Overall**

      - Key Ingredients: Korean white ginseng complex. Richardson says, "Having had Erborian's Glow Creme in my kit for some years, I added the Erborian Skin Hero, and it didn’t disappoint. Its lightweight texture smooths and blurs without drying the skin and offers anti-inflammatory benefits."

      **By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Primer - Best for Mature Skin**

      - Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid. Even though I don't have mature skin, I often find mature skin primers beneficial due to their hydrating ingredients. This powerful smoother is rich in antioxidants and sets an even base for makeup, making it suitable 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. Since dehydrated and sensitive skin often go together, it’s crucial to find primers that are soothing. Merit’s Great Skin moisturizer is pH-balancing to support a healthy skin barrier and contains oat extract for soothing effects. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, which is always a plus for sensitive skin.

      **Dior 24hr Hydration Forever Glow Veil - Best Luxury**

      - Key Ingredients: Natural-origin hyaluronic acid, red hibiscus extract, wild pansy extract. I usually prefer budget-friendly beauty