Do You Need a Primer for Makeup? We Weigh In on This Age Old Question...
I've worked in the Marketing Team at Adore Beauty for almost a year now and love love love skincare! I'm all about vegan products and 5 plus step skincare routines. Recently I've been growing out my coloured hair and focusing on strength/length with hair masks and treatments.
Primers are a great way to help your makeup apply more evenly and last longer whilst tackling other skincare concerns.
But, do you need to use a primer? Does primer work? Can moisturiser act as a primer?
We've answered a few of your burning questions about primer, so you can get the most of this product.
If you want to opt for a primer It's important to understand how it slots into your skincare and makeup routine.
So, keep scrolling to see how to maximise the benefits of primer and minimise the risk of it interfering with other products.
Do you need a makeup primer? MUA Amelia Singson shows us how to apply primer to your face...
When Should I Apply Primer?
Moisturiser or primer first? Well, whether you're using primer for your face, lips, eyes, or lashes, you should apply your primer after your moisturiser and before your makeup.
Is a primer absolutely necessary? Absolutely not, no makeup product is. Can you use moisturiser instead of primer? Sure.
However, if you're going for a long wear look, or want to help treat concerns or prep the skin, a primer is certainly helpful
Primer creates a barrier between the skin and makeup, which creates a canvas for the makeup to glide onto. It can also help with longevity for long wear makeup looks.
Do you need primer before bb cream or tinted moisturiser? You don't need it, but some people like the effects of primer on their skin and even wear it on its own.
If I Use Primer, Can I Skip Moisturiser?
What's the difference between primer and moisturiser? While you can use a moisturiser instead of primer if you just want a hydrated base, I wouldn't suggest using makeup primer as a moisturiser.
Hydrating primers are designed to be an additional step for dry skin, not a substitute for moisturiser. This is because primers tend to sit on the surface of the skin, and function as a barrier. If you're worried about overloading your skin with moisture, consider a less hydrating primer.
Primers come in many forms for varying skincare concerns. Wondering, which primer should I use under foundation? Here are some options we recommend for different skin types:
Best Primer for Normal Skin
Lightly hydrating, without being too slick, the Heir Atelier Face Primer is great for a wide range of skin types, particularly those that are already balanced. This weightless primer contains a range of skin care ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid and tara fruit extract to leave the skin protected and nourished. With a sheer, demi-matte finish, this vegan formula won't leave your skin looking dull.
If you're looking for a lightly moisturising option that will make your makeup last on the tzone throughout the day, the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer - GOLD is a great option. This smoothing option is great for dehyrated complexions that need further balance with the inclusion of vitamin E, glycerin and chamomile to calm the skin. Plus it's lightweight texture won't clog pores!
Best Primer for Dry-Very Dry Skin
Those with dry skin will benefit from this hydrating and seriously glowy primer. The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer hydrates for 48 hrs while providing the skin with a radiant finish. It has a melting gel texture that's seriously comfortable on the skin. Pair this with your favourite Giorgio Armani foundation for the best results.
For the best mattifying primers for oily and acne prone skin types keep reading...
Which Goes First, A Pore Minimising Primer or Moisturiser?
Some primers aim to minimise the appearance of pores and smooth out fine lines. You may think it makes more sense to apply these products before moisturiser so that they can fill in pores directly. However, pore-minimising primers are still best used after moisturiser and before makeup.
If you use a primer before your moisturiser, the nourishment from your moisturiser can't penetrate the primer barrier. On the other hand, a moisturiser doesn't work as a barrier, so once absorbed, you can still enjoy the full effects of a pore-minimising primer.
If you're looking for pore minimising or mattifying formulas you might try:
This oil-free, silicone based primer is the perfect option for those who get oily skin and patchy makeup throughout the day. The Benefit The POREfessional Primer fills out pores and smooths out texture while still feeling lightweight on the skin. It helps to balance oil production with the inclusion of vitamin E, which is ideal for those who get an oily T-zone.
Best Primer for Acne Prone Skin
This mineral, noncomdogenic primer is ideal for oily and acne prone skin types. Aspect Minerals Primer is comprised of a a non-greasy silicone that locks in moisture and helps to smooth the surface of the skin. It diffuses imperfections and colour corrects, which is ideal for those with redness and blemishes. Plus, the skin care ingredients in this formula will do wonders for your skin.
Do I Need To Wait Before Applying A Primer?
It's always advised that you let your moisturiser fully absorb before applying primer, makeup, or sunscreen. If your moisturiser hasn't absorbed, your primer may go on unevenly, which defeats the purpose of applying one. It should only take a few minutes for your moisturiser to set.
Primers offer many benefits, but it's important that you apply them after skincare and before foundation to maximise the effects. We have a wide range of primers available to suit any skin concern.
How to Apply Primer
After cleansing and moisturising your skin, start by taking a pearl sized amount and apply it to the centre of the face before blending out. Feel free to use a brush or your fingers. Each primer will have different instructions, so make sure to always read the label.
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