Here Are 5 of the Best Hydrating Makeup Primers for Cactus Dry Skin

The seasons are changing and for makeup, we're trading in our summer, dewy skin for more matte complexions. That said, dry skin underneath is the enemy of a great face of makeup, hands down. You can experience flaking, cracking and creasing when you need more moisture in your skincare routine. You can still face these problems using niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and a hydrating moisturizer. However, we have the perfect solution for locking in your base: Incorporating a hydrating primer.

Thirsty skin often tends to be hungry skin, meaning that your foundation and concealer will be mistaken for their intentional use, creating a runway for those issues mentioned above. We're not being dramatic, this is science. If you're looking to keep your beat in place and keep your skin happy, keep reading on for the best moisture-packing primers on the market.

Smashbox Cosmetics Halo Plumping Dew + Hyaluronic Acid

[shoppable brand="Smashbox Cosmetics" product="Halo Plumping Dew + Hyaluronic Acid Primer" link="https://www.smashbox.com/product/6038/93724/face/photo-finish-primer/halo-plumping-dew-hyaluronic-acid" store="Smashbox Cosmetics" price="$39 USD"]



Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever
Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever

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This beauty from Smashbox Cosmetics is an absolute pro at priming, prepping and hydrating one's skin (as niacinamide is included for extra razzle dazzle). It also gives the complexion a glossy coat for those dewy skin fanatics, which may tempt you to rock it bare-faced but also serves as an illuminator underneath makeup.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

[shoppable brand="Milk Makeup" product="Hydro Grip Primer" link="https://milkmakeup.com/products/hydro-grip-primer" store="Milk Makeup" price="$36 USD"]



Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever
Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever

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Finding a silicone-free primer that also smoothes is virtually impossible. However, this primer from Milk Makeup makes that external goal achievable. Its light-as-air texture truly grips the skin but not so much as to still allow moisture underneath the skin. It's pricey but worth the coin.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster

[shoppable brand="Make Up For Ever" product="Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster" link="https://www.makeupforever.com/us/en/face/primer/step-1-primer-hydra-booster-MI000022802.html" store="Make Up For Ever" price="$39 USD"]



Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever
Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever

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This product is perfect for dry and stressed skin from cold weather. The product feels more like a hydrating serum than a typical primer. Not only does the glycerin bring impactful moisture into the skin, but you'll also receive a remedy to redness, dull skin and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

NYX Plump Right Back Primer Serum

[shoppable brand="NYX Cosmetics" product="Plump Right Back Primer Serum" link="https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/face/face-primer/plump-right-back-primer-serum/NYX_1012.html" store="NYX Cosmetics" price="$17 USD"]



Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever
Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever

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This primer-meets-serum from NYX is tailor-made for treating dry skin. The primer-serum uses skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium to improve the skin's overall plumpness and moisture levels, all without breaking the bank.

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Diffusing Primer

[shoppable brand="Rare Beauty" product="'Always An Optimist' Diffusing Pore Primer" link="https://www.rarebeauty.com/products/always-an-optimist-pore-diffusing-primer" store="Rare Beauty" price="$26 USD"]



Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever
Best Hydrating primers dry skin nyx cosmetics smashbox cosmetics make up for ever

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This primer from Rare Beauty does the makeup prep work of the beauty Gods and greatly hydrates the skin, mostly in part to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid. The Green tea extract also sets the formula up to be a skincare aid as it soothes and calms those unexpected irritated complexions.