Applying makeup over dry skin can be a real struggle. You might notice flaky patches or foundation that just won’t sit right.
We’ve all been there, and a good hydrating serum can completely change your routine. It’s the secret step that preps your skin for a flawless look.
Our team tested dozens of popular serums to find the best ones. We looked at how they felt, how they worked under makeup, and their ingredients.
This review shares our honest results. We’ll help you find a serum that makes your makeup look smooth and keeps your skin happy all day.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum | Targets Fine Lines While | PRICES |
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No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Face Serum | Multi-action Formula Hydrates And | PRICES |
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No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum – 1 ounce – Pack of 2 | Intense Hydration For Dry | PRICES |
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W7 Essential Essence Face Serum | Intense Hydration From Hyaluronic | PRICES |
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No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum 30Ml – by No7 | Intensely Hydrates Dry Skin | PRICES |
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W7 Skin So Bright Face Serum – Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Facial Serum | Deeply Hydrates With Hyaluronic | PRICES |
No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum
This serum is a powerhouse for dry skin that also wants to fight the look of aging.
It packs a potent collagen peptide formula designed to smooth fine lines. The moisturizing base works for all aging skin types. It’s a great two-in-one solution.
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly without pilling. This makes it a perfect, smooth base for your makeup. You won’t feel any greasy residue.
Pros:
👍 Targets fine lines while hydrating
👍 Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Doesn’t pill under makeup
👍 Suitable for all aging skin types
👍 Contains potent collagen peptides
Cons:
👎 Bottle is quite small (15ml)
👎 Focused more on anti-aging than pure hydration
👎 Premium price point
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if your dry skin is also showing signs of aging. It gives you serious skincare benefits while perfectly prepping your skin for foundation. I think it’s worth it for the dual action.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Face Serum
This serum is a powerhouse for tackling dryness while also fighting signs of aging.
It combines collagen peptides, vitamin C, and a pro-retinol complex. This trio works to hydrate, brighten, and firm your skin all at once.
The texture is smooth and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. This makes it a perfect, non-pilling base for your makeup routine.
Pros:
👍 Multi-action formula hydrates and treats aging
👍 Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Contains proven ingredients like Vitamin C and peptides
👍 Doesn’t pill under makeup
👍 Good value for a 50ml bottle
Cons:
👎 Pro-retinol may be too strong for very sensitive skin
👎 The scent might not appeal to everyone
👎 Can take a few weeks to see full brightening results
My Honest Opinion:
If you want a serum that does more than just moisturize, this is a fantastic choice. It leaves my dry skin plump and smooth, creating a perfect canvas for foundation.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum – 1 ounce – Pack of 2
This serum is a triple threat that hydrates, firms, and brightens your skin for a flawless makeup base.
It’s packed with Matrixyl 3000+ and a brightening complex. I found it deeply moisturizes while tackling fine lines. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
You only need a few drops for your whole face. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and primer. My makeup went on smoother and lasted longer all day.
Pros:
👍 Intense hydration for dry skin
👍 Improves skin firmness and elasticity
👍 Evens out skin tone and brightness
👍 Lightweight, non-greasy formula
👍 Comes in a convenient two-pack
Cons:
👎 Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
👎 The brightening effects take consistent use
👎 Pump dispenser can be inconsistent
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic all-in-one serum for mature or very dry skin. If you want hydration plus anti-aging benefits, it’s a great value, especially in the two-pack.
W7 Essential Essence Face Serum
This serum gives you a burst of hydration that makes your makeup glide on smoothly.
It combines hyaluronic acid to attract moisture with pineapple extract for a brightening effect. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without any greasy residue.
I found the dropper easy to use for applying just the right amount. It has a pleasant, subtle scent that doesn’t linger or clash with other products.
Pros:
👍 Intense hydration from hyaluronic acid
👍 Brightens skin with pineapple extract
👍 Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Easy-to-use dropper applicator
👍 Affordable price point
Cons:
👎 Bottle is smaller than some competitors
👎 May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin
👎 Scent might be noticeable if you’re sensitive
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic budget-friendly serum that delivers serious hydration. It’s perfect for creating a smooth, plump base before your foundation. I’d recommend it for anyone with normal to dry skin looking for a simple, effective prep step.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum 30Ml – by No7
This serum is a fantastic primer that hydrates your skin and helps your makeup last all day.
It’s packed with powerful ingredients to fight signs of aging while providing deep moisture. I love that it absorbs quickly without any greasy residue.
The texture is smooth and silky, making it a pleasure to apply each morning. It creates the perfect smooth canvas for your foundation.
Pros:
👍 Intensely hydrates dry skin
👍 Creates a smooth base for makeup
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasiness
👍 Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines
👍 Affordable for a high-quality serum
Cons:
👎 The scent might be strong for some
👎 Bottle is smaller than some competitors
👎 Can pill if you apply too much
My Honest Opinion:
This is a reliable, budget-friendly serum that truly preps dry skin for makeup. It’s become a staple in my morning routine because it works so well under foundation.
W7 Skin So Bright Face Serum – Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen Facial Serum
This serum is a fantastic budget-friendly primer that gives your skin a smooth, hydrated canvas.
It packs a powerful one-two punch with hyaluronic acid for deep moisture and collagen for a plumping effect. I found it absorbs quickly without any greasy residue, which is perfect for layering makeup.
The lightweight texture feels comfortable all day and doesn’t pill under foundation. It’s a simple, no-fuss product that delivers on its core promises.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid
👍 Plumps skin with collagen
👍 Absorbs quickly, not greasy
👍 Affordable price point
👍 Lightweight, comfortable wear
Cons:
👎 Packaging feels a bit basic
👎 Scent might be noticeable to some
👎 May not be hydrating enough for extremely dry skin
My Honest Opinion:
This is a stellar choice if you want effective hydration without breaking the bank. It genuinely preps my dry skin, making my makeup look smoother and last longer.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Concern & Ingredient Focus
Identify your primary goal. For intense hydration and plumping, look for hyaluronic acid. To target fine lines and firmness, seek out peptides or pro-retinol. For dullness, vitamin C or brightening extracts are key.
Formula Texture & Absorption
A good pre-makeup serum should absorb quickly without pilling. Lightweight, watery serums layer best under moisturizer and foundation. Avoid overly oily formulas that can cause makeup to slide off.
Value & Consistency
Serums are a daily use product, so cost per ounce matters. Some potent formulas come in small bottles, while others offer better value in larger sizes or multi-packs for consistent, long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply serum in my skincare routine?
Apply serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate your skin most effectively.
Can I use serum under makeup every day?
Yes, absolutely. A hydrating serum is perfect for daily use under makeup. It creates a smooth, plumped canvas that helps foundation apply more evenly and last longer.
What’s the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?
Serums are lightweight, concentrated treatments with active ingredients to target specific concerns. Moisturizers are thicker and focus on sealing in hydration and protecting the skin’s barrier.
How long does a bottle of serum typically last?
This varies by size and use. A 1 oz (30 ml) bottle used twice daily typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 months. Always check the volume when comparing prices.
Is an expensive serum always better?
Not necessarily. Many drugstore brands, like No7, use clinically-proven ingredients at a fraction of the cost. Focus on the ingredient list and reviews, not just the price tag.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a reliable, all-in-one solution that perfectly preps dry skin for makeup, the No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum is our top pick. It combines hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening Vitamin C, and firming peptides for a smooth, radiant base. If your main concern is deep hydration, the W7 Essential Essence Face Serum is a fantastic budget-friendly option. For targeting advanced signs of aging, the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum delivers proven results.
Choosing the right serum can transform your makeup application, turning dry, flaky skin into a flawless canvas.