Unsure whether to apply primer or moisturizer first? Uncover the truth behind which step to do first below!
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed beauty guru, or just learning about makeup and skincare for the first time, it can be challenging to know when to use which product to achieve beautiful results.
Applying primer and moisturizer are two critical steps in any beauty routine; however, it can be tricky to know whether you should use a primer first, or your moisturizer. Or, if it even matters at all!?
Using the correct beauty products in the right order is essential to achieve flawless skin that is healthy and vibrant.
That’s why in this article, you’ll learn exactly whether to use primer or moisturizer first so you can have hydrated, glowy skin.
Should I Apply Primer or Moisturizer first?
You should apply moisturizer first, then primer second.
A moisturizer acts as a means to add and lock in essential hydration to your face, whereas a primer is more so a makeup product that helps your makeup last longer.
Therefore, you should always be applying moisturizer first to lock in hydration, then apply primer as the base of your face makeup. Otherwise, you run the risk of having dry skin when using your primer first.
What’s the Difference Between Primer and Moisturizer?
It’s essential to understand that a primer and a moisturizer are different.
A primer is a makeup product that is used to act as a base for your makeup to evenly and smoothly be applied to your skin to last longer and look flawless.
While primers serve primarily as a base to help other face makeup like foundation and concealer last longer, a primer can also have additional features such as creating a mattifying look.
Meanwhile, a moisturizer is a skincare product that is used to restore your skin’s hydration. Maintaining your skin’s hydration is critical to not just help make your skin look more vibrant and healthy, but dry skin can increase your risk of developing nasty breakouts.
Therefore, the main difference between a primer vs a moisturizer is a primer is a makeup product that serves as a base for your makeup to last longer. Whereas a moisturizer is a skincare product that adds hydration to your face to look & feel its best.
3 Steps to Prime and Moisturize Your Face
Now that you know the answer to whether you should apply primer or moisturizer first, let’s briefly walk through how to apply primer and moisturizer for beautifully glowing skin.
1. Wash Your Face
First, before you apply any moisturizer or primer, you’ll want to cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type.
Washing your face will help remove any dirt or grim lingering on your skin so you can have a clean base to hydrate & prime your face.
Need a cleanser recommendation?! The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for dry to normal, sensitive skin types to clean your face without causing any unwanted irritation.
2. Apply Your Moisturizer
Next, once you’ve thoroughly cleansed and dried your face, it’s time to moisturize! Be sure to get a moisturizer that matches your skin type.
For instance, if you have oily skin, get a moisturizer for oily skin types. Also, consider different types of features included in a moisturizer.
There are all sorts of moisturizers that have SPF to protect your skin & tinted moisturizers to add a bit of tone and color to your skin.
The Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer with SPF 35 is AMAZING. Not only is it great for most skin types, but it is affordable, it doesn't make your face feel greasy, and helps protect your skin.
3. Apply Your Primer
Last but not least, primer time!
Primer again serves as a base for your makeup to prevent your makeup from fading quickly and to evenly distribute your face makeup for a naturally flawless look.
If you aren’t planning on applying any face makeup, applying primer isn’t necessary.
However, if you do plan on applying face makeup, primer again acts as a great way to increase your makeup look’s longevity.
If you're in need of a face primer, the Benefit POREfessional facial primer does a great job to minimize your pores, smooth your skin, and is lightweight making it the perfect base for your face makeup.
How long to wait between moisturizer and primer?
For the best results, wait at least 1 minute from applying your moisturizer to then apply your primer. This will give your moisturizer time to lock deep into your skin and provide the crucial hydration your skin needs to look and feel its best.
After 1 minute, you can then proceed to the rest of your beauty routine whether that be applying primer or going straight into applying your face makeup products (i.e. foundation, concealer, etc.).
Should I use primer or moisturizer or sunscreen first?
You should absolutely get into the habit of applying facial sunscreen each and every day to protect your skin!
Over time, sun damage can cause signs of premature aging; therefore, taking a bit of extra effort to preserve your skin with SPF will certainly go a long way!
That being said, you may be curious whether you should apply sunscreen or moisturizer first.
Here are the steps you should follow when it comes to applying primer or moisturizer or sunscreen first.
Apply moisturizer first, followed by sunscreen, then primer.
Consider getting a facial moisturizer that has SPF in it already. Many moisturizers today have SPF which can be a great way to 1) not forget to apply sunscreen and 2) lower the number of skincare steps in your beauty routine.
Best Primer and Moisturizer in One
Just like how there are moisturizers with SPF in them, there are various primer moisturizer products that can work to both prime and hydrate your face.
While a primer moisturizer is by no means a substitute for your daily moisturizer, a primer and moisturizer in one can be a great way to lock in a bit of extra hydration to your skin.
Here are some top primer moisturizer products to try:
1. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer
This post was all about whether you should apply primer or moisturizer first.
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