Private Label Waterproof Invisible Pre-Makeup Face Eyes Base Primer

The best primers for dry skin might be the most important products when it comes to extending the longevity of your favorite foundation, blush, highlighter — you name it. In fact, let's rewind, and emphasize a skin-care routine that covers all of the basics is always essential. "Skin prep, including adequate exfoliation and moisturization, will always be key to providing the smoothest base for your primer to then do its job," makeup artist Dani Kimiko Vincent explains. Taking notes yet?

If you skip the primer and go straight for the foundation, your complexion's dryness could cause the makeup to cake or crease, makeup artist Nydia Figueroa notes. To avoid this, she says to look for nourishing face primers that contain hydrating skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe, and blue agave extract. You'll also want to steer clear of traditional mattifying primers, as these were made with oily skin in mind and contain ingredients that could potentially dry out the skin.

It's tempting to skip a step (or five) when completing your daily glam, but for those with dry skin, a hydrating primer could make all the difference in enhancing the lay of your makeup. As makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran (and member of the Humphreys Witch Hazel Committee) explains, primers are a "key step in your skin prep" and should be applied before foundation or skin tints. She said to think of primers like a top coat, as in, something that allows for additional products applied after it to really shine through.