When I first really got into makeup I jumped on the hype of Benefit’s Porefessional because it was the primer everyone was using and ranting and raving about. As much as I liked it’s silky smooth finish I began to learn more about my skin type and realised a pore filling primer wasn’t the sort of primer I needed. I needed a primer that was going to help combat my dry patches and keep my face soft throughout the day and stop makeup going flaky after a few hours wear. Over time I’ve built up a little collection of my favourite moisturising primers and throught I’d put them together in a post.
Laura Geller Hydrating Spackle Primer
This is top of my list as it’s my all time favourite. I discovered this in my Feel Unique Best Of Beauty Box and fell in love instantly, it’s everything I want in a primer and my number one recommendation for those with dry skin. The Spackle Primer hydrates, softens, minimises redness and leaves a beautiful glow to the skin. Honestly what more could you want? My makeup lasts throughout the day when using this and doesn’t sink in or cling to any dry patches. A must have primer in my opinion.
Bio-Essence Miracle Finisher
I was really intrigued by Bio Essence’s Miracle Finisher when I first tried it. Rather than leaving your face slightly shiny it has a completely matte almost velvety finish but still makes skin look glowy, something I’m still mind blown it can do. This is great for those days when your skin is a little oily as the matte finish helps to counteract this, it thankfully isn’t remotely drying though. It also smooths skin beautifully and allows your foundation to blend in flawlessly.
Mac Strobe Cream
This was my original favourite primer and it still remains a staple in my makeup routine. Although not officially a primer I feel it works very well as one. Strobe Cream hydrates skin while leaving a subtle, shimmery glow that peeps through foundation creating a flawless base. You may be wondering why I have the travel size rather than the full size if it’s one of my favourites, it’s actually more cost effective to buy travel sizes than full size! You save £10.00 per 100ml of strobe cream when buying the mini so it’s definitely a good saving!
Pixi Rose Flash Balm
Rose Flash Balm is the newest primer to my collection so I’m still figuring it out. It has the same pore minimising effect my old Benefit primer had but is much more hydrating. It also has a slightly pink tint which brightens skin. I’m looking forward to playing with this more but so far I really like it.
Urban Decay Quick Fix
Quick Fix is a bit different than any of the other primers included in this post. Rather than being a cream product it’s actually a mist. You apply it before any makeup and it leaves your face cooled, hydrated and slightly tacky ready to apply your foundation over the top. I particularly love this during the summer when you want something lightweight and don’t want to cake tonnes of layers of makeup on. A spritz of this with B.B. Cream over the top makes a perfect summers day base.
I totally read ‘spackle’ as sparkle and was very intrigued at first, hehe. I rarely use any primers, my skin doesn’t like it when i wear foundations so I wear a light bb cream at most and I don’t really need a primer for that to look okay. x
I very rarely use a primer, and if I do its just my old faithful Elemis one. I think during the summer I am going to try a few, as my skin can get a little dehydrated. I really like the sound of the Pixi Rose flash balm. Thanks for sharing xx
I don’t have dry skin so I can’t recommend any primers for you, but when I wear makeup I use the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Primer 😊
Looks like something worth trying. I haven’t had a primer before. Thanks for the recommendations
I love this blog post!!!! your blog is amazing!! xxx
I’m sold on the pixi rose balm. I’ve been wanting to try it and now that I know it’s hydrating I’m in!!
Beautiful post! I am so curious about the Pixie primer now, it’s so hard to find a smoothing & hydrating cleanser.
I have dry skin and have not tried any of these! But I’m excited to! I love the one from smashbox:)
I recommended the too faced hangover primer and the elf hydrating primer as I use them most days
Leanne | http://www.ohsimplething.co.uk
A good dupe for the Benefit Porefessional is the Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser. I haven’t tried any that you listed but I’ll be adding some to my wishlist haha.
Sabah || womanishaffairs.org
This post is perfect for me as I’m on a hunt for a primer and I have dry skin! I do own the Mac strobe but haven’t used it as a primer so I will try doing that! Super helpful post! xx
A new primer is the one thing I’ve been desperately searching for and still haven’t found the perfect finish. I started off with the professional too and did like it but agreed that I needed something much more moisturising. I swapped for the dube of baby-something (the maybelline one) and just don’t love it at all… I tried a few others from Rimmel, No.7 and Clinique but just haven’t found one that gets on with my skin. Love the sound of the spackle product though, might have to go and test it out! xoxo
Shan// http://www.cultureandcouture.co.uk
Great post. As someone with dry skin I love hearing about primers that don’t dry out the skin more. Definitely going to check these out & pick up one or two! x
I really need to try Mac Strobe cream, it’s on my wish list for ages. Also the Pixi one sounds just perfect to me. xx
Oooo I defintely need to try these! My skin is either dry or oily and at the moment it’s so dry in places! Bloody central heating! X
Thank you for this! I have been looking for a nice hydrating one instead of porefilling and I really enjoyed reading your recommendations!
I’ve been suffering with a lot of redness lately so the Laura Geller one sounds great! I’m loving the Laura Mercier foundation primer at the moment! xo
Laura | Blush and Bronze