10 Oil-Free Hydrating Primers Made For All Skin Types
Even those with oily skin types will appreciate these moisture-replenishing primers.
By Ho Guo Xiong,
Everybody could use a little more moisture and hydration to their skin. For those with dry or dehydrated skin, this is something you would likely already be working hard to replenish, whether it’s with hydrating primers or dewy foundations. Oily skin types, on the other hand, might eschew the same products for fear that it would make you appear excessively dewy and shiny, especially when natural sebum production kicks in.
READ MORE: Oily Skin Problems? Here Are The Primers For Budge-Proof Makeup
However, many oily skin types tend to be dehydrated so much so that the skin produces extra sebum to compensate. The solution, of course, is to replenish hydration. As such, we’ve rounded up 10 oil-free hydrating primers that all skin types can use without worry before makeup. Pro-tip: Mix the primer with foundation to get a sheer, tinted foundation you can wear for off-days.
The Dominique Cosmetics primer uses a combination of five hydrating ingredients – Saliporine-8, hyaluronic acid, trehalose, betaine and a unique sugar complex – to ensure that skin is hydrated and kept moist.
Tarte’s vegan formulation uses a potent duo of hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich marine plant extracts to prep and hydrate your skin before foundation. The gel primer, which contains denatured alcohol, also provides a nice cooling sensation.
Containing 55 per cent water, this fluid primer also contains reflective pearl pigments that blur minor imperfections and add a shimmer-free glow. Use this to highlight the high points of the face – cheekbones, nose bridge and Cupid’s bow.
This primer is made with It Cosmetics’ All Day Grip Technology. This means that the primer not only hydrates the skin but also extends the wear of makeup while imparting a refined finish.
Part of Urban Decay’s famous All Nighter line of products, this gel primer adds a hydrated glow while prepping skin for makeup. It is a vegan and sheer formulation too.
Containing glacier and hot spring minerals, the Banila & Co primer hydrates, smoothes and minimises the appearance of pores. It also touts sebum control power to minimise oil production and shine.
Composed of 70 per cent moisturising essence, the VDL primer also contains red, gold and white sparkling pigments to add extra glow and dew to your skin. It also has a light oil-moisture shield to impart lasting hydration while smoothing textured skin with silicone polymers.
Hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient here to hydrate and plump the skin. The lightweight mousse texture also imparts a mattifying, blurring finish that people with oily skin would appreciate.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, $48, Sephora
This vegan priming moisturiser is made with coconut water that contains proteins, electrolytes and minerals. Micro-pearls are also present to impart a subtle, glow complexion while extending the wear of makeup.
For those avoiding silicones in their makeup or skincare, you’ll be glad to know that the Laura Mercier primer is formulated without the ingredient. It contains olive extract to smooth and hydrate while marine hydra botanicals pack a moisture punch.
A version of this article originally appeared in Her World