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Beauty & Personal Care Face Makeup

Best Drugstore Primers for Dry Skin

Updated December 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
NYX Hydratouch
NYX
Hydratouch
Skin Quenching

Fights aging and dry skin with ginseng root extract, chamomile, and green tea.

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Skin Quenching
Bottom Line

Fights aging and dry skin with ginseng root extract, chamomile, and green tea.

Pros

Hydrating lotion goes on smoothly and absorbs well. Works better than many of the expensive brands and even cc creams. Pleasantly scented.

Cons

It's a very thin lotion, so not for those who prefer a thicker cream.

Best Bang for the Buck
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
e.l.f.
Hydrating Face Primer
Vitamin Rich

Infused with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as grape for an illuminating complexion boost.

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Vitamin Rich
Bottom Line

Infused with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as grape for an illuminating complexion boost.

Pros

A great choice for sensitive skin, since this is free from phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. Smooths out pores and gives a moisture boost for smoother makeup.

Cons

Takes a while to dry after applying. The packaging is deceiving for the amount of product in the bottle.

Covergirl Simply Ageless
Covergirl
Simply Ageless
Plumping Moisture

Lightweight formula diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a good canvas for foundation.

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Plumping Moisture
Bottom Line

Lightweight formula diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a good canvas for foundation.

Pros

Applies easily and leaves skin feeling hydrated. Long lasting and does a good job at stopping foundation from settling into lines. Has a non-greasy feel.

Cons

Some detractors disliked the scent, and the packaging doesn't always hold up to shipping, resulting in broken lids.

L'Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base
L'Oreal Paris
Magic Perfecting Base
Silky and Light

This cream goes on thick and then blends into the skin for a big moisture boost.

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Silky and Light
Bottom Line

This cream goes on thick and then blends into the skin for a big moisture boost.

Pros

Covers up imperfections while giving skin a light glow without being shiny. Makeup goes on easily. Outperforms more expensive primers. Bonus: You only need to use a small amount of product.

Cons

It can be difficult to work into the skin.

Maybelline Master Prime
Maybelline
Master Prime
For Sensitive Skin

Maybelline's color-correcting Master Primer hydrates your face and blurs out any blemishes to provide an adequate base for unique looks.

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For Sensitive Skin
Bottom Line

Maybelline's color-correcting Master Primer hydrates your face and blurs out any blemishes to provide an adequate base for unique looks.

Pros

Works all over your face or on fine details. The sheer foundation is designed to create an endless range of creative looks across all colors and styles. The allergy-tested formula is made for sensitive skin, as it doesn't cause pores

Cons

Somewhat greasy once it's on your face.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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First Reviewed
December 11, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Melinda Harris
Written by Melinda Harris

Updated December 2021

Don’t skip the face primer—especially if you have dry skin. A hydrating primer can add to your moisturizing regime as well as help lock in makeup, stopping it from settling into creases and wrinkles, or dry patches. For best results, use the primer after your moisturizer. By applying primer, you will also find that you won’t need to use as much foundation, since it forms a smooth barrier over the skin that helps makeup glide on, as well as minimize imperfections. Makeup mavens recommend applying primer by using the fingers, since the massaging action is also a boon to your complexion.

Our Top Picks
NYX
Best of the Best
NYX
Hydratouch
Bottom Line
Fights aging and dry skin with ginseng root extract, chamomile, and green tea.
Shop Now
e.l.f.
Best Bang for the Buck
e.l.f.
Hydrating Face Primer
Bottom Line
Infused with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as grape for an illuminating complexion boost.
Shop Now
Covergirl
Top Pick
Covergirl
Simply Ageless
Bottom Line
Lightweight formula diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a good canvas for foundation.
Shop Now
L'Oreal Paris
Top Pick
L'Oreal Paris
Magic Perfecting Base
Bottom Line
This cream goes on thick and then blends into the skin for a big moisture boost.
Shop Now
Maybelline
Top Pick
Maybelline
Master Prime
Bottom Line
Maybelline's color-correcting Master Primer hydrates your face and blurs out any blemishes to provide an adequate base for unique looks.
Shop Now
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