Let’s talk about the unsung hero of our makeup routines, primers! Finding the perfect makeup primer is like discovering the ultimate winged eyeliner hack – it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re a makeup pro or a newbie to the glam squad, choosing the right primer helps to achieve that flawless base!
From blurring pores to locking in that radiant glow, we’re on a quest to find “the one.” I’ve tried and tested some of the best primers for dry skin on the market and my thoughts are below!
Power grip primer – £10 Elf Cosmetics
A gel-based hydrating primer this has been my absolute go-to since it went viral in 2022. Not only does this help grip your makeup to your face it helps to smooth our pores and give a soft focus airbrushed finish. Great for all skin types including oily and dry, this translucent finish gel primer works with all skin tones and gives a long-lasting natural dewy finish, whilst locking your makeup in place.
Always allow at least 30 seconds before applying anything on top as the primer needs to go tacky for best results! It also contains hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture for that juicy plumping effect! Highly recommend!
Power grip primer & Niacinamide – £10 Elf Cosmetics
If you love the power grip primer but want some added skincare then the Niacinamide primer is the one for you! Infused with skin-loving Niacinamide it helps to not only keep your makeup locked in place but also helps to even out your skin tone.
If your skin is feeling or looking a little dull this primer will help to brighten your complexion. I love to switch between the two as I find them both equally hydrating for my skin! (For reference I have combination skin). Ensure when applying anything on top you leave enough time in between to avoid your products pilling!
Coco Gold Perfecting Primer – £10 Justmylook
If you’re looking to blur the look of pores, mattify skin, and control oil this primer is perfect for you. This primer is a bestseller for a reason! Specially formulated and ideal for acne-prone skin it is enriched with coconut water and increases skin hydration and elasticity whilst reducing wrinkles and fine lines. I love how smooth this applies to the skin, it almost looks and feels like a filter.
The coconut water provides your skin with that extra moisture and glow whilst your makeup sits perfectly on top. Would I say it has the lasting power of the power grip? potentially not, however, this is a beautiful primer and would work super well if you’re prone to breakouts!
Nordic Birch & Willow Primer – £13.95 Clarol
If you’re looking to combine your primer with your skincare the Birch and Willow primer is beautiful! A bioactive mattifying primer for acne-prone skin it contains Nordic tree bark extracts to combat oiliness, promote healthy skin microbiota, and create an instantly mattified and smoother skin tone.
I adore the smell of this and love how easy it dries down onto the skin leaving a smooth canvas for makeup application. I can sometimes suffer with an oily t-zone and I noticed using this primer helped to mattify that particular area! If you suffer from acne-prone skin I would highly suggest trying this primer to help lock your makeup in place without clogging your pores.
Revelation Primer – £42 House of Colour
A luxurious primer and one I wouldn’t want to use every day, this leaves your skin velvety soft and smooth whilst locking in moisture to keep your skin supple allowing a perfect base for makeup. This is by far one of the most luxurious primers I have ever tried, it almost felt more like skincare than a primer.
My skin appeared smoother and more filtered and my makeup applied perfectly on top. A little pricier than others I have tried but if you are looking for something a little extra special for the skin this would be a great purchase. I noticed this helped keep my foundation on longer without the need to touch it up with powder.
Beauty Editor at The Daily Struggle. Beauty and makeup loving Liverpool girl with a tendency to over share and over spend. Dawn writes everything from skincare reviews to the latest makeup looks.
