Do You Put Moisturizer on Before Primer? Moisturizer vs Primer Explained

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When it comes to creating that flawless makeup base, one of the most common questions that comes up is this: Do you put moisturizer on before primer? If you're wondering about the right order in your skincare and makeup routine, you're not alone. Women everywhere are asking the same question, and it’s more important than you think! The way you layer your products affects how your makeup sits, how long it lasts, and the overall health of your skin.

So, let’s get into it; do you apply moisturizer before primer or the other way around? And why does it even matter? Today, we’re going to settle this once and for all by exploring everything you need to know about the order in which you should apply moisturizer, primer, and foundation.

Why Does the Order Matter?

Let’s start by talking about why the order of these products even matters. You might think it’s just a small detail, but how you layer your skincare and makeup products can either make or break your look.

Moisturizer is meant to hydrate your skin and create a smooth, nourished base. It preps your skin to take on makeup, keeping it hydrated throughout the day. Primer, on the other hand, acts as a barrier between your skincare and makeup. It helps to smooth out fine lines, reduce the appearance of pores, and make your foundation last longer.

So, do you put primer before moisturizer? In a nutshell: no, and here’s why. Applying primer directly onto bare skin can cause your foundation to cling to dry patches, emphasize flaky skin, and lead to uneven application. Moisturizer softens your skin and ensures that makeup glides on smoothly.

Step-by-Step: The Right Way to Layer Your Products

1. Cleanse and Prep Your Skin

Before anything else, you want to start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. Follow up with a toner and serum; basically your usual skin care routine. This ensures that your skin is prepped and ready for the next steps.

2. Apply Your Moisturizer

Here’s the big one: do you apply moisturizer before primer? Absolutely, yes. Choose one that works for your skin type, the key here is to let your moisturizer fully absorb into your skin. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes, depending on the formula. You don’t want to layer primer on top of wet or sticky moisturizer because it could cause your makeup to slide off.

Moisturizer makes your makeup last longer and look fresher. It also protects your skin from drying out under makeup.

Do i need moisturizer if i have oily skin? You still need to use moisturizer if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, drying out your skin is NOT good for your skin or your acne, you just need a moisturizer adapted for oily skin.

3. Primer Time

Now comes the primer. After your moisturizer has settled into your skin, it’s time to create a smooth base with primer. Primer creates that essential barrier between your skin and makeup, giving your foundation something to grip onto without sinking into your pores or lines.

Let the primer sit for a minute before applying foundation.

Why Skipping Moisturizer Can Ruin Your Makeup

It might be tempting to skip moisturizer, especially if you have oily skin. But here’s the thing: skipping it can actually make your skin produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. This can cause your makeup to break down faster, especially if you apply primer directly on dry skin.

Studies show that hydrated skin is key to long-lasting makeup. According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, "Using a moisturizer first helps to balance the skin’s natural oils, ensuring that makeup stays put longer and wears better throughout the day." Without moisturizer, your primer won’t adhere as well, and you’ll likely end up with patchy, uneven foundation.

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Different Skin Types, Different Needs

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the nuances of different skin types. The products you choose and the order in which you apply them can vary based on whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination.

Dry Skin

For those with dry skin, it’s essential to use a rich moisturizer that deeply hydrates. You might even opt for a hydrating primer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid. The combination of both will help your foundation go on smoothly and prevent it from clinging to dry patches.

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating

$38

NYX Plump Right Back Plumping Serum & Primer

$16.97

Oily Skin

For oily skin types, lightweight, oil-free moisturizers are your best bet. You might be thinking, do I need moisturizer if I have oily skin? The answer is still yes. Oily skin needs moisture just as much as dry skin. Opt for a mattifying primer to help control excess shine and keep your foundation in place throughout the day.

Benefit the POREfessional Pro Balm Primer

$15

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer

$20

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, focus on hydrating the drier areas and using a mattifying primer on the oilier zones, like your T-zone. This approach will give you the best of both worlds.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

$38

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

$9.97

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know the right order of things, let’s go over some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

Applying Primer on Damp Skin – Your primer won’t stick if your moisturizer hasn’t fully absorbed.
Skipping Moisturizer Altogether – Even if your skin is oily, skipping this step can lead to makeup that doesn’t last.
Using Too Much Primer – A little goes a long way; too much can lead to a heavy, cakey makeup look.
Not Giving Each Layer Time – Be patient! Let each product sink in before moving on to the next.

Final Thoughts

So, again, do you put moisturizer on before primer? Absolutely. Your makeup routine should always start with moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin. Then, primer comes in to lock everything down and create a flawless base for your foundation. It’s a simple switch that makes all the difference in how your makeup looks and lasts.

Remember, the goal is healthy, hydrated skin that holds makeup beautifully. By applying your products in the right order and choosing formulas that match your skin type, you’re setting yourself up for success.

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