20 Best Face Primer For Dry Skin (Feb 2023 Update)

I am new to primer and wasn’t sure what to expect but it has quickly turned into a daily must for me. I love a natural look and don’t always wear make up, so I love that I can opt for using this primer alone when I was more than just moisturizer but not in the mood for full make up. It subtly smooths my fine lines and pores for a fresh complexion that looks like my skin with a bit of a filter. It’s also great under both liquid and mineral foundation. I love that it is versatile and wears well on my skin for any look I’m into any given day. This will be my go to from now on. I received this as a free product from the TopBoxCircle program but my opinions are my own. I am a fair skinned senior and love this for my skin, I definitely recommend it!Djardine

I received this sample to review as I was in the market for a primer. Absolutely love it! It glides on the skin like silk. Your foudation application is smoother than without the primer. As I have been suing everyday since .. I did the makeup without the primer one day and noticed a difference. I use it everyday prior to my mornign makeup but not at night. What bI love mosr is the primer plus a serum in one product . And it is affordable . Too many times you try a product but cannot afford to buy again to incorporate in your daily routine. Dont expect miracles as it is not a miracle cure, but if you are looking for a greeat afforable addition to your makeup routine. this is a great choice! I am 62 and needed a littley rosy glow, and this one delievers . also I am very sensitive to produts with a smell and this has a very subtle scent.I will DEFINETELY be buying thgis product again and recommend it ! # freeproductShirly27

I love love love the Loreal age perfection blurring face primer!! It will always be my go to for blurring effect!! It does a fabulous job ! I’m 53 my face has always had a beautiful complexion but as i have aged i have noticed an increase of pore size and redness. This does a fabulous job covering pores ! Blurs the red some but it does give a great complexion. Of course minus the wrinkles~ which the only thing to fix those is needle work lol !! Or knife work😂 anyways love this product !!!jessica

I love this primer. Creates an amazing glow with any foundation. Very hydrating and allows makeup to stay put all day. Whenever I wear this I feel my skin looks so so so smooth and clear. I mostly use this product with makeup but you can use it with or without. I originally bought this product from Sephora then I saw it in a TJ Max and I couldn't believe it but jumped to buy at a discount. Great product overall, good price point for the amount and quality.taylor.n

Okay, first of all, this is the BEST makeup primer I've ever used. I use this on top of my SPF (Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen) and right before my foundation and I must say, it is a GAME-CHANGER. I have the oiliest skin ever and my foundation ALWAYS creases after an hour on my smile lines and this virtually STOPED that in it's tracks. I wore this all day under my mask with my Armani Luminous Silk foundation and my skin looked absolutely flawless all day. It goes on very hydrating and really grips the foundation. The key to this product is to not over-do it. I started off using a full dropper of this and that ended up making my makeup too tacky to put powder on top, it also oxidized my foundation. Make sure to use about 2-3 small drops, enough to cover your whole face, and make sure to allow it to settle in before applying your foundation. It literally adds a blurring effect under foundation, my pores look smaller, my texture is diminished and my foundation doesn't settle in my fine lines anymore. I can see this being great for dry-skin types as it's very hydrating, but then it's also amazing for oily skin types like me. I feel it's a very universal product and definitely worth a try if you have the same skin concerns as I did! I will be using this for the rest of my life lol.CarmenValentina

New holy grail! I'm shocked at how great this primer performed. I've tried many primers from many brands over the years. Smashbox, benefit, nyx, wet n wild, tatcha.. etc. I've either had bad experiences or just had a subtle boost but nothing much to brag about. I got to a point where i was starting to believe that primers are a waste of money and dont do anything. Just as i was giving up this primer changed my mind. I initially was avoiding this primer because i thought it would be the same as the Elf mint melt primer. I had been using that one as i heard it was a dupe for the milk hydro grip. That was was alright but i felt it was too sticky and didn't make too much of a difference in my makeup. It almost kind of emphasized texture and pores a bit. Then this primer came out with people saying the same thing, a supposed dupe for the hydrogrip.. I thought it might have been the same primer just in a different packaging since the mint melt was a limited release. I ended up purchasing the power grip because my mint melt fell out of my makeup bag. The texture was a lot thinner and smoother than the mint melt. No where near as sticky or uncomfortable to put on. I was SHOCKED. Not only did my foundation look smooth and seamless, but it lasted over 10 hours. I applied my makeup in the morning, did a full 8.5 hour work shift, and then went to get drinks afterwards. All i needed was a bit of a powder touch up and my makeup looked fresh the whole day and night. I'm in love with this primer and its a new staple in my daily makeup routine. I cant believe i went so long without it! Definable deserves all the hype it gets and i'll be recommending this to anyone in need of a new primer!america.g

…it's VERY similar to Elf's Mint Melt and Jelly Pop primers. I havent bothered to compare ingredients, but I own all three primers and I have a sneaking suspicion that the only differences between the three products might be dyes and fragrances. As for the actual quality of the product, I think it works really well. It's tacky and it does what the title suggests–it grips onto your foundation. I've used Power Grip over several different serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens. I've used it under bb creams, both light and medium coverage liquid foundations, and with just plain powder–it plays well with everything I've tried. I haven't noticed any pilling, and it doesnt make my dry patches more noticeable; if anything, it makes them less noticeable (I have combo skin…oily in t-zone, normal perimeter, dry undereye and lids). Power grip seems to prevent my base makeup from settling into fine lines for a much longer time than other similar primers do, and it definitely prevents makeup from fading throughout the day–I do think that overall, it wears well. In my opinion, that's the aim of this primer: to keep your makeup on for the duration of your day, and to help it to look better longer–if that's what you need, give it a shot. That being said, anyone looking for pore blurring or filling, redness reduction or color correction, or anyone with very dry skin will probably want to forego this primer and try something else.Cher W

I wanted to use this grip primer for a few weeks before writing a review. I’ve used ELF’s other primers in the past, and remember being impressed by the poreless face primer. The grip primer is supposed to be a dupe for a more expensive MILK primer, and I think it does a good job doing that. It has viscous consistency, and you need to put it and spread it on your face immediately after dispensing. I was really impressed that it didn’t pill, cause I have the same problem with many other primers on the market that I’ve used in the past. I’ve seen reviews that it wan’t the best suit for a dry skin, and since my skin is super dry I was a bit apprehensive about using this primer, BUT with the first application all my fears disappeared. I love love loooooooooove that this primer has a hyaluronic acid which my skin loved, and the fact that it’s made without all the parabens sulfates adds another star to it. I usually use light primers under my sunscreen on days when I’m not using heavy makeup, however, I think the grip primer works better with heavy foundation makeup. I was really impressed about how long my foundation stayed in place without any touchups throughout the day. It was literally a wow-effect. ELF did it again putting an amazing product on the market without the expensive price tag. I would definitely recommend this primer, and would be purchasing it myself in the future after I use this one up.maggie.q

I was really excited to try this primer and see if it reduced the size of my pores before applying makeup. I used 2 drops before applying any makeup and gently smoothed it over my face. It has a nice smell about it, and glides on smooth, but I really don't like how sticky it feels on my face. I allowed it to dry for a minute or two, but when I went to apply my foundation, the primer rubbed off in pieces that looked like dry skin. I washed my face and started over, this time with only one drop. This time I allowed more dry time before I applied my foundation and was extra careful to dab my foundation in instead of any swiping motions. This seemed to work better.DaniSch

I'm grateful for the opportunity to review this product! I really liked this serum! It absorbed into my skin with ease and made a great primer for my foundation. It also worked good for my bare face routine, when I'd just use this serum and finish with the wet n wild take your vitamins mist. My biggest complaint was that I didn't like the the scent combination between the lavender and dragonfruit, but it wasn't long lasting or overwhelming to me. I still recommend you give this a try!Quita

40 years/Combo/acne prone skin. I can't say enough good things about this Wet n Wild pore minimizing primer serum. Especially if I use it with/before my L'Oreal Infallible Foundation in a Powder. Seriously, Wet n Wild saved the day with this primer serum. Literally nothing else works with a pressed powder foundation quite like this. It truly smooths the skin and doesn't take that long to dry either. Afterward, you get the right amount of grip and yet your powder foundation actually "glides" on easily. I don't know what I'd do without it. If I write a review, it's because I feel strongly about a product that works for my routine, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone who has a similar routine. I hope it's always available because this is my "holy grail" combination. (And for those who want to know; no, it is not "glittery".)Meg

Wow I am a front line worker and was really feeling the chronic stress of the past 1 year on my skin. I am so glad I asked my friend who doesnt appear to have aged a day in the past year what her secret was. She told me about NuFACE, and I admit I was a little dubious at first, however after using the Hydrating Aqua Gel with the NuFACE microcurrent device for the past several weeks I am in awe I love how I dont have to get my hands all sticky since there is the super soft brush to apply the gel. It doesnt feel sticky or drying like some gels can. My skin feels amazing after I finish my treatment and I actually look forward to doing it. It was easier than I thought to incorporate it into my routine. I have noticed considerable improvement in my skins texture and in fine lineswrinkles. My coworkers have been asking how I look so awake. I love knowing that if things shut down again, I will have my NuFACE products I can use right at home to combat these high stress times. For reference I am a female in my mid 30s with combination skin. I do get adult acne and this hasnt caused any acne flares whatsoever. My mom is in her 60s and after seeing my results wanted to use it for herself too and is also loving it.Anonymous

Really like this serum for my microcurrent devices (facegym pro and ziip). Love the large size with pump feature for ease of applying more serum while using a microcurrent device (you don’t need to set it down to use both hands fiddle with squeezing a tube of serum). This serum also has a very faint lovely scent and doesn’t irritate my skin. You can also leave it on for a while after you are done using your microcurrent device. Only con is it dries a bit too fast while you microcurrent, so you have to continuously reapply. Just purchased a water based face mister to extend the life of the serum from drying to fast on my face.Camilla

This is the correct/intended product to use with the NuFace, and (I think) contributes to the device's efficacy. I have super sensitive, acneic skin and this product doesn't make me break out, and my skin actually loves the hyaluronic acid in it. You do have to follow instructions — wash your face and don't apply anything to your skin except for the gel primer. I work in sections, since my skin tends to soak up the primer too quickly to apply at once. Also you don't need to apply a ton, you're just looking for the device to gently glide on your skin without catching or sliding around. Afterward, gently massage any excess into your face and you can go about the rest of your skincare — also I do recommend letting everything soak in for a minute or two (so I usually brush my teeth while I'm waiting). The only times I've had problems with makeup application afterward were when I didn't let it fully soak in, and it left slightly sticky patches on my face where my makeup would get cakey.Britzilla

I got this in a teeny tiny size as part of a free gift from elf. If you have dry skin and want luminosity, this is for you. It's very nice. I have very oily skin, so this doesn't get too much use from me but I definitely enjoy this product still. For me, I press it into my cheeks in the center of my face (because I'm not as oily there). It provides such a nice glow. I actually enjoy this more than the pore filling putty primer. I took one star off because I have used it with the milk primer before and I noticed they do NOT like each other. That being said, I've used it with a more jelly (and less grippy) primer before such as the NYX bare with me one and there was no issue. I would recommend PRESSING it in to avoid mixing primers if you like to use two like I do sometimes. Other than that, total win for normal to dry skin!alay

I love Elf products so naturally I want to try as many products as I can from Elf….so I bought their luminous putty primer because I love the original poreless putty it's my holy grail and this luminous putty is just as awesome. It has a ight yellow tint and nd to abyo.eedoes have glitter but its amazing. It blends into my skin and soaks in really fast. I love that that it is hydrating and it has Collagen and Hylauronic acid for my skin. It keeps oils from coming through and it doesn't crease, it also keeps my makeup in place looking great all day long. This primer smooths over imperfections and pores and my pores dissappear. It helps smooth any texture I have and blur imperfections. The yellow tint helps to correct correct a little but I would love just a tiny it more luminosity to come through but it does have luminous finish I just like a tiny more. I love how soft plump and hydrating it makes my skin. I love that this is luminous but poreless, I 100%% reccomemd to anyone. It has a lot of benefits and it is affordable, who wouldn't want this primer! I reccomend for any skin type even oily and sensitive combination and especially dry. A little goes a long way it does not break me out.. easy to apply and it is Great value, great amount, excellent quality and small price!Stefanys2

I reaaaaallyyy wanted to like this primer because of all the hype around it. I had seen so many good reviews about it, and some even were stating that it's a dupe for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer (and Tatcha is everything). I give the product two stars only because it's very moisturizing, a little goes a long way, and the price is low. With a primer like this one, you would think that it would come with a little spatula or applicator so that you don't have to dig your finger into it. This did not come with one, so I have had to use various other random little objects to scoop the product out and put it onto my face. If you read the directions, it says to apply to the face and wait 30 minutes before applying foundation and/or concealer. Um, what? I have to wait 30 minutes for this to set before I can even start my makeup? Sure I can do my hair or other things while i'm waiting but… it doesn't always take me that long to do my hair, and sometimes I already have done my hair before I start my makeup. Thirty minutes just seems like an excessive amount of time to wait for a primer to set, considering i've used so many that tell you to immediately apply your foundation. Not exactly sure why we have to wait that long, but of course I tested it out. I tried applying my foundation just a few minutes after applying the primer (like 5ish minutes) and my foundation was definitely not clinging to anything, it was not blending into my skin, it was just sitting on top of the primer, which was still sitting on top of my skin because it still had not fully absorbed (guessing that takes 30 mins). Now that I had proof that waiting was necessary, I put on the primer, then waited the 30 minutes, and then went back in with the same foundation. At that point, the primer was definitely absorbed fully into my skin and my foundation actually went on and blended quite nicely, unlike the first time. Even though it went on better this time around, I still noticed some things I didn't like. Understanding that this is a "luminous" primer, I definitely did not expect my finish to be super matte, but I also was expecting to see that luminous glow. I did not see that, my face just looked a bit oily underneath my foundation (and I don't have oily skin normally). I also noticed that my foundation actually was not sticking to my nose well, at all. That was one place where it seemed like the primer either still wasn't set long enough, or it just made my nose too oily. I think it just made my nose too oily, because again I generally don't have oily skin at all, anywhere. With that being said, it brings me to the last problem I had with this primer, which was the fact that even though I primed my forehead, you could still see the texture and dryness in my forehead even after foundation. This primer claims to moisturize and smooth but that's one part of my face that it just didn't do anything for. Everyone is different, and i'm sure this is a great primer for different skin types and whatnot but for me, it's a hard no.lana.r

There’s good and bad to this formula, I loved the original Porefessionals primer so I had extremely high hopes for this one as well. It’s a very thick, silicone based primer meant to fill in pores and give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. I have big pores so it is difficult finding a product that blurts them completely. This primer does a decent job. Nothing too extraordinary but definitely disguised my pores a little. I honestly think the does a better job when it comes to disguising pores and it’s significantly cheaper. What really won me over with this product is the glow that it provides the amazing base it sets for an all day, flawless makeup look without any streaking or lifting. My husband even commented how healthy my skin looks when I use this primer. While applying it, I did have some issues with the primer balling and clumping up but it is very easy to smooth out and definitely doesn’t clump again throughout the day. You’re makeup applies so smoothly over this primer, and stays looking flawless throughout the day. All in all, this is a decent primer. I definitely prefer the original , I feel it does a little bit of a better job blurring my pores. That being said, I don’t regret my purchase of the benefit pearl primer…. but in the future I will probably be sticking to the original. But if pores aren’t a HUGE issue for you, I highly recommend this product. It is amazing in every other aspectkristy.g

The Porefessional has a cult following for a reason. This stuff really works. The only other product that I have used that is hyper similar is Dr. Brandt Pores No More. The Porefessional Pearl is truly just like the original except has a soft pink tint. Just adds a soft, backlit quality to the skin. I even tap some into my under eyes for a brightening effect. It’s soft and doesn’t show through foundation in any crazy way but looks like healthy skin. Skin surface looks and feels smoother, softer , and pores are smaller after applying. This is going to work for many skin types. Mine is combination and the oil in my T Zone begins to break my makeup down after a few hours and it doesn’t look cute. The first time I used this primer I looked at the mirror forever admiring my boss makeup. It was so together after hours of wear. I am completely in love 😍 It’s not cheap, but you won’t have to sell your smart watch for it either. The full size has lasted me nearly six months. I have repurchased both versions but prefer the Pearl one for the soft pink glow. If you are going to try a primer, this would be the one I would recommend.julie.c

The Pearl PROFESIONAL Primer has become one of my essential products. I went into my local retail shop recently and was very disappointed they no longer have it. They informed me that the Pearl is being discontinued. As I see it at a reduced price here, I am very worried that information may have been true. This primer is the only one that works for my skin. I have tried many Primers in my 47 years and this is the only one that works with my skin type. I beg you to keep making this product!Wendy

I got this in Clear, number 400. Nice soft silky texture, almost like a serum but not. Sinks into skin easily. Is hydrating but not greasy. Didn't make my makeup seperate. Hydrated under my matte foundation, making my foundation not dry and cakey looking. Didn't break me out, so it has gentle ingridents. Feels light on the skin like you're not wearing anything. Has no scent. Didn't exactly blur pores or make my complextion/skin texture look fantastic, but looked better than without the primer. The price is reasonable.
I love that it's clear because I have a dye allergy to colored products. I don't like how it's not packaged in plastic and anyone can open it and use it in stores, which they do. A little doesn't go a long way but the product doesn't run out super fast.Jen Miller

I adore this product and have purchased it for myself and girlfriends many times. It illuminates your skin! Helps soften and hide minor wrinkles in photos, creates this dewy but NoT greasy look. So many times while I’m wearing it people will comment to me about how good my skin looks. Girlfriends will ask if I had Botox or work done and even my dermatologist ask what the product was bc she wanted it. The saddest part of this is I think they discontinued this product.Cindy C.

You’d think by the age of 40 I would have used a primer by now. But nope, fresh out of the gate newb. Again I believe I did some research (YouTubing) on this and primers in general. Which ones were the best and then looked for dupes of the best. I had always heard of primer but I figured it’s main use was to make makeup last longer and usually I’m only wearing it for a handful of hours at night so I don’t need it for regular day use. But then when I googled if it helped your face look better too or if makeup applied better/looked better w it, it said it did. So I went on the hunt. I’m pretty sure this was a dupe for smash box. It’s nearly gone, but I got a new primer to help more w hydration. Altho when I put this in I guess they have a hydration formula too, so I might have to check that out eventually when my neutrogena hydro boost serum is gonezo.nicci.c

I love this primer. It's not wet or sticky. It's silky and smooth and blends around easily. It gives such a soft, smooth base for any type of makeup. There is no scent that I noticed which I think is a good thing for a primer. I noticed that my makeup looks so much better when I use this and makes it look more natural. I think it would work well for all skin types. I would recommend trying it.brittany.h

I love BareMinerals. Their mineral veil and illuminating mineral veil powders I love are two of my favorite powders I’ve ever bought and have used for years. I love many of their blushes too. I’ve tried just about every primer, high end to low end. I’d say this is a moderate end on the price scale, but for the price it’s just meh. It didn’t do anything bad, but it didn’t do anything great either. It does make the skin feel smooth and it has a silicone feel to it. It just didn’t minimize pores, didn’t produce a smooth canvas and didn’t add any lasting effect to any foundation I’ve tried with it. I should also mention I did not try with their foundation either. You get one ounce of product for $26 and for that price it just doesn’t produce any stand out effect.stephanie.r

This product is a fantastic idea in the worst packaging ever. The product itself goes on super sheer and creates an illuminating glow for your powder foundation while relieving any feeling of dry facial skin. After application your foundation goes on perfectly and with such evenness that the product pays for itself until we get to the completely inadequate bottle it comes in. The pump works some of the time, once you get to the point where the product is no longer able to pump due to malfunction or because it is getting low in the bottle, there's no way to get the remaining product out of the bottle because of its thickness. It will not come out of the bottle when turned upside down and shaken. So basically half of the contents of the bottle are inaccessible. In my book that's a complete waste of money and something needs to be done to correct the poor packaging. Just want to let you know ladies that unless you have another way to scoop this out of the tiny opening you'll be throwing a third of this in the trash can.Maresmurph

I love this primer. It does such a great job of being a soothing hydrating primer that blurs pores and protects my skin. I'd buy it again and again. It works with all my foundations, and looks nice! It looks a little white at first even on my Snow White skin, but seems to disappear when rubbed in after a minute or two. Smell? Not really. It's not perfumed, so it has a natural kind of smell that disappears. Nothing awful, nothing pleasant. Personally I don't want fragrance on my face. BUT. The pump. Oh boy. I have managed to get this stuff in a curtain, a wall, carpet because it squirts out in every direction! I have tried cupping my hand… a product should not be this hard to actually get out of the bottle! I ALMOST bought a second bottle, but I can't bring myself to. Change the pump and I'll sign up as a loyal customer.Brit

I'm not sure how other people are applying this primer but I personally love this! I use this as the last step of my morning skin care routine. Personally, I have combination/oily skin so I found this to have a matte finish while also adding sunscreen protection. Very layer-able. I usually start with a serum, a moisturizer and then add this on top and then start my makeup routine. My make up always looks flawless and I love how light and the extra moisture this adds. As for scent… I never noticed anything so I am not sure why people are saying there's an order? It hardly has a smell. I love this brand and this one of my favorite products!Marissa

I had been hesitant to order this when it first came out, but luckily received in the summer beauty subscription box so I was very eager to try. Usually with SPF made with Zinc Oxide, the darker the skin tone applied to, the more likely I am to definitely see white residue, and they can end up being heavy, made even more so by needing to add more foundation than usual to cover the white sheen. With this primer, I apply after using the Milk Drops, just one pump after shaking is enough for my whole face. It goes on so smooth and light and after a few minutes I definitely see the mattifying and blurring effects, and more importantly- NO WHITE RESIDUE. Most days this is my last step in my morning routine, no extra moisturizer. My face looks natural and healthy even without applying any make-up and I find I do not breakout into an oil slick throughout the day. When applying make up with this product, I wait at least 5 minutes to ensure it is completely absorbed and my skin is dry. I find use much less make-up product with a bigger coverage/color payoff, makeup just goes on smooth and easily, but I honestly prefer using this on days I’m not wearing makeup since most of my foundations have an SPF and this product makes my skin look so good without anything extra.Shel

I apply this primer even on days I don't wear foundation because I love the way it feels on my face. I have drier skin and this helps keep my daytime moisturizer in tact all day. If Vapour offered skincare products, specifically a night cream, eye moisturizer and day moisturizer with SPF, I'd buy those too! All I want to use on my skin is Vapour!Lauren

I love this primer! I do not wear foundation and was not sure what I would think of this paired with my tinted moisturizer, but it turned out to be the perfect match. I use this after applying my morning serum and face cream, but before using my tinted moisturizer/liquid bronzer concoction. The result is a lovely, natural glow. I was concerned this primer would be too iridescent for my taste, but it's not at all. It does give you a dewey look, but not in an overwhelming way. I have found that a quick swipe of Vapour's perfecting powder minimizing any unwanted shine and leaves a natural look that lasts all day. I have not had any problem with piling, but I do wait a few minutes before applying another product on top of it. The first day I wore it I received 2 compliments on my skin!Eileen M.

This is my favorite product!! I can wear/use this in so many ways!!! Most days I wear this on its own without makeup, over my SPF moisturizer. Sometimes I use it as a primer to a foundation. My favorite way to use it is to mix it with a concealer! It makes my concealer go on so much smoother and makes it less tacky or cakey! I even sometimes mix this with a few dabs of the Skin Perfect Primer! My only complaint is that it doesn't contain SPF, but it goes over my SPF nicely!Mallory A.

I started wearing this Hydrablur Primer and combine with the Age Smart Primer with SPF once the Pandemic started. I had read that Primer fares better with the facr masks that we had to start wearing with the Pandemic. My normal daily routine ends with the Hydrablur followed by the Age Smart with SPF. I feel they provide enough coverage for me and I love the way my skin feels with them, nice and smooth. I have very sensitive skin, so it's hard to find a foundation that doesn't irritate my skin, that also doesn't feel heavy. I definitely love the feel and coverage of the Dermalogica primers. I have been using Dermalogica products for at least 25 years.Melissa

the best pore filling primer I have ever used hands down. I have used many on the market but this one isn’t a gimmick it’s legit. It makes my base look so smooth and like an actual filter and adds a nice glow to the skin. I absolutely love this product and the coverage is great in that a little goes a long way- seriously. So you get multiple uses out of it. Highly recommend! Also this hasn’t caused me any issues with my acne prone skin!!!aracely a.

I'll start by saying that I'm really confused about the reviews on this product. I've been on a journey to find a good primer, and the outpouring of positive reviews led me here. This however, is not the one. It's thick like paste, and leaves an ever so slightly chalky residue that leaves skin super dry. I applied a tinted moisturizer over it, and it was so cakey. It did not compliment my skin at all.Mom²

First one I received was a bit dried out – like a stale marshmallow. Winky Lux has the best Customer service! Sent me a replacement- much better! This really does blur the 'lines'. I'm 66y.o. Unless it's a special occasion, I don't wear foundation – just my brow gel and my Winky Lux lippy. This Primer is the best! I got compliments! Love Winky Lux products!!!Andrea F.

This just may be the worst primer that I have tried yet, and I have tried so many. It is definitely not formulated for oily skin. When first applying, it's very thick and oily, when drying it feels very soft yet slick. I fill in my eyebrows and this made it difficult to use the pencil and did not allow pigment to show very well. Within 2 hours of wear, my face looked like a horrible, splotchy mess. This destroyed my look and was very embarrassing, as I applied before work. My makeup just set on top of the product and never absorbed into my face, and I only used a very thin coat of primer. This product is very overpriced and the formula is awful. The packaging is cute and that's the ONLY thing it has going for it. If you have oily skin, and are looking for a product that helps your makeup last longer, skip this one! There's much better and cheaper out there.Apriella

I've been looking for a primer and have had quite a few fails in this area, until this one came into my life. I use mostly philosophy for my skin needs so thought I'd pick up this primer. It has a nice thick consistency and smells like an herbal school glue. With that said it is not offensive to me nor does the odor cling to skin after application. I wash with purity, moisturize if needed, then apply the present. It dries to a matte finish in a few minutes. I then apply whatever foundation I'm using for the day. Why is this product successful? I don't know the science behind it but most of my makeup applied remains until evening. If I've had sweat or moisture on my face the makeup remains. This formula is non-greasy, not shiny and no oils. I've been completely satisfied with this product and daily performance.chihuahuas4me

Fell in love with this product!! I use it for many different things, mostly for a holy grail primer and my gosh it is hydrating and so smoothing and non greasy or sticky whatsoever, it's just utterly fantastic. I also use it alone for a moisturizer, as well as using it to smooth out makeup that's been on for a while, by putting a little bit right on top of my foundation and lightly smooth it with my fingertips. It's also great for helping to take your makeup off by applying it all over then wiping off makeup and also fixing eyeshadow mistakes if you go out to far with color etc. If you have drier skin you will love it as much as I do. I have combination to drier skin. Oily forehead and nose and dry cheeks, with extremely dry patches around my nose and chin. This is an A+ product and should be in everyone's makeup bag. I definitely recommend it to all.Staci90

It works nicely for me, but I'm noticing some people say it makes them look blotchy when they try to apply foundation. Personally I like using this and a light bb cream that I smooth on and then pat in. I haven't tried to use it under a real, thicker foundation and I only apply a very light dusting of powder if and where i need it. I let it sink in about ten minutes because I put it on after skincare and before I get dressed/ brush my hair. Then patting in a light formula bb cream doesn't really disturb it, so I don't have the blotchy problem. Try a sponge or fingers? It may be the wrong primer for you if you can't blend it in, it may not work with your formulas. But I think for a no makeup day or very light day, it works nicely. Sometimes I wear it alone to feel a little more polished and some mascara.Spongecake

I'm giving 5 stars for it being a drug store brand. I only have 20 diffrent primers HA 🙃🤑😑 SO Serious! anyway … I am rating for it's smoothness and dime sized amount needed . keeping my makeup looking super fresh ALL 10 hours I wore it! It's oil free that's a huge plus! Very affordable I paid $9.99 USD @CVS . It works and works well however you always get what you pay for! Highly recommendedbrandy.a

They asked me to review this product honestly. So I think this is awesome. You should try it too if you already haven't. It is worth the price and is great. Definitely worth the purchase. So that's my honest opinion of this product. I give it 5 stars.sarah.s

We are sorry to hear that this product didn't help your makeup last all day Anne! We always want our products to get the job done when you use them. We would highly recommend you try our Matte Ambition Primer from our Full Spectrum line. This should help control your oil throughout the day and keep your makeup locked in place. Thank you for your feedback on this product. We truly hope that you will give us another chance and we will pass your comments along to the correct teams!brenda.v

I had recently purchased this about two weeks ago and it’s been an overall great experience! It does such a wonderful job of giving you a glowing, almost dewy like base. It is quite sticky at first but it does a great job of giving you a nice hydrating finish. I must say I would recommended not moisturizer right before applying this as it will create a paste. Otherwise I love this product and plan on continuing using this! 🙂Vanessa B

Amazing! I add a few drops to my Neutrogena Triple Moisturizer, and I am transported to My Happy Place! These 2 products together are by far my favorite!! (The triple moisturizer is the real winner though, but adding the hydro boost primer/serum just takes it to another level). I also purchased the tinted version of this primer/serum..it's nice, but definitely not the same. I think it'll be better in the summer when my makeup is more minimal. I do not wear a lot now, but I really go more bare in warmer months. I am so happy with the Hydro Boost Glow. I'm older now and fair/light skinned so the wear and tear of time are taking a toll…but this product (w/ the moisturizer) give me a glimpse back into my youth. I see that it is possible to recapture some of that dewy youth!StacyT

You guys better never ever stop selling this!!! I picked this up and was extremely skeptical and I thought to myself, “this is probably just water in a bottle”, but let me tell you after just two weeks of using this day and night..not only does this leave my skin super moisturized and glowy (btw I have oily skin but this is the type of moisturized and glowy that you would want) but it got rid of my smile lines that have been around my mouth for years! I even considered getting filler for them because they were that bad but now they are gone or 98% diminished !! Im so freaking happy. Did not expect this from this product AT ALL. I picked it up super randomly and WOW.Dangerousdani

There's a minor smoothing effect, but you have to use so much (the tube is tiny! Smaller than a lipstick) and it disappears under foundation anyway. Absolutely no point.NolaJ

This is perfect no-nonsense makeup: minimalist packaging, no perfume, no colour, it's barely there. Brilliant. A couple of dots on each eyelid and my shadow stays put literally all day. It's survived gardening, hiking, long work days and sweltering summer nights. Also, I'm a total grease-ball and it coped with my oily lids no trouble.Ashli123

Great item is good as a primer doesn’t minimise wrinkles but does pores and help makeup look smoother etc! But it’s the size of a cream eye shadow on a stick if you no which I mean! Not even as big as a lipstick and if you use this all over your face like you do with a primer then it won’t even last 2 weeks so really expensive! Won’t repurchase for this reason maybe if was triple the size then yes!Tash

I bought this to replace another brand’s mattifying primer that is somewhat hard to find, hoping the Neutrogena would be more accessible. I’ve only tried it twice, but so far it’s horrible at mattifying. I used it on my t-zone, and it just left my skin shiny and oily looking. No mattifying effect whatsoever, and actually it did just the opposite. So disappointed!ChristyB

This primer does a wonderful job keeping my makeup in place throughout the whole day. I love that the “tacky” feel grips my makeup so that it doesn’t slide off when I get hot and sweaty, and doesn’t transfer when I touch my face. This is a huge plus over the other silicone primers. I was surprised that the shimmer from the primer was still visible even though I had foundation on top. It really gave my face a nice glow. Bonus- this can be put on top of foundation as a highlighter. The downside to the primer being tacky (rather than typical silicone feel) is that it sank into my forehead lines and made them super noticeable. This is a primer better suited to younger skin, and I wouldn’t recommend it for those with deeper lines. Also, the glittery shimmer may not be appropriate for certain professional settings. Overall it’s a good primer, and probably the best one to use during hot/humid weather.Elle171

I love this product! I purchased this for my vacation to the Bahamas because I wanted something to put on my face before doing my makeup that would radiate my tan and give me glowing skin. This makes my skin look so good, I felt like I didn’t have to put that much makeup on after using it. This definitely did the job! I love that I can use it as a primer or just for my skincare in general. It makes my skin feel so hydrated and leaves me with a nice glow!alexa .j

I'm surprised at the bad reviews. Normally I wash my face and moisturizer with aloe Vera gel first as directed by the product (apply to clean moisturized face). Once the moisturizer is dry then you apply the primer and let it dry. My only negative about this product is its harder to spread. It does cause a little tight feeling but my face was still moisturized. Next apply the make up. I live in Louisiana and normally by lunch my face is a glistening oily mess that constantly needs blotting. Today was my first time using this product and almost 12 hours later it looks like I've just applied my makeup.Emm

I have an extremely fair and unique skin tone, to get an appropriate foundation color I end up having to mix two different powders together. In addition to that I have extremely oily skin. This causes the foundations to separate and slide around and look shiny and patchy and horrible. I was using E.L.F Color Correcting Mineral Primer, and it just gave me an extra hour, even using Urban Decay De-Slick Powder with it. I had 4 to 6 hours max before it was -done- I switched to this primer and it was like night and day difference. It minimizes my pores and flaws, it keeps my foundations blended together, and with a little help from my de-slick powder it helps me keep a matte finish. I do feel like I end up using more of my foundation powder with it though. On a side note I have extremely sensitive skin and this does not irritate it even on my worst rosacea days. I like it.Pam

So I got a sample of this and managed to stretch it into three days, it seemed incredible the difference it made in how many flakes peeked out from under my foundation, and how much better my skin felt when the makeup came off. My desert dry skin always- ALWAYS seems to peek out from some where, normally on my nose or cheeks but wearing this rather than taking two or three hours I got five or six, and the pale, often spotty complexion I can't escape looks so much brighter. I caved after debating for three months and bought a full size, I fell in love all over again. I just wish it was a little cheaper, I was really temped to see if the blue NYX primer is a dupe for this but I hated the idea of wasting my money when I know how good this one feels. We'll see if when I run out of this if I give in to my grandma's penny pinching teachings or if I stay loyal.Forestcat

As someone with oily skin and large pores, I’m always on the look out for products that will help to minimize the appearance of texture on my skin. So as a big fan of Rare Beauty, I was super excited to see that they released a pore-diffusing primer. PACKAGING: First, like all Rare products, I love the sleek, minimalist packaging of the primer. Both the bottle and cap/dispenser are a white color; however, the tube itself almost has a glowy, halo-like appearance. This primer has a traditional pump dispenser. Upon first use, it will take multiple pumps to get the product to come out and when it does it will squirt out. However, this isn’t uncommon for pump-based products when they’re first opened and used. Also, the product feels lightweight in the hands, too. CONSISTENCY: Honestly, I was nervous about the texture initially because I’m not a huge fan of the “traditional” silicone-based feel of older pore-diffusing formulas. However, I’m happy to report that the consistency is as described – it feels like a gel-based solution APPLICATION & WEAR: I first distribute product into the palms of my hands. Then, I swipe onto my face and pat into place. Immediately, I felt the smoothing effects of the primer on my skin. I didn’t find that my foundation or cheek products slipped around on my face. Instead, they sat well atop this primer. My skin looked smoother but not quite airbrushed, but still very happy with the outcome. As an oily gal, I did find that with this primer I had to powder my face twice over the 12 hour period that I would wear foundation. However, I never noticed that the foundation itself broke up with this primer – instead, I just needed to powder to combat shine. Overall, would recommend to anyone looking for a pore minimizing option but hates the feel of a traditional pore-filing primer.LP15

This primer has a gel texture feels light and non sticky on the skin, it provides a good base for the rare beauty foundation which I find needs a primer underneath especially in my more oily t-zone. This primer like the foundation I don't find works on dry skin, my cheeks are dry so if you need a primer for large open pores or dry skin this one works better on a more normal combination skin type. It wont fill in very large pores as its a light primer but does a good job of diffusing smaller ones. I have used this both under foundation and worn alone it has a mattifying effect but not a dry matte its a satin matte finish. This does not extend the wear of my makeup, oil does start to come through after a few hours of wear. Overall for the price its a good primer but maybe best for smaller pores, and a normal to combo skin, it wont control oil but it does not claim to, just something to note if you need a primer with oil control.emk

I do like this primer a lot. It's definitely moisturising and hydrating. As well as softening. It provides a nice slippery base for foundation so that it blends and buffs out quickly and seamlessly. I saw on the Rare Beauty website it has been called hydrating and mattifying but I personally do not think it has any mattifying qualities on my oily-combination skin. I only have to use one pump for my whole face which is nice and although my face still gets shiny at the end of the day used in conjunction with my other Rare Beauty products, unlike what I've experienced with other brands, my face has a shiny 'glow' with this. Rather than a greasy look and my makeup doesn't move other than on my problematic nose. I like it a lot but I don't think it should be as expensive as it because it's nice but not perfect and certainly not mattifying.Flora Abigail