Unlocking the Secret to Flawless Makeup: The Ultimate Debate – Moisturizer or Primer First?

We spend countless hours researching the perfect skincare routine, searching for the latest and greatest products to achieve a flawless complexion. Two key players in this quest for perfect skin are moisturizer and primer. But when it comes to applying these products, the age-old question still remains – what goes first, moisturizer or primer? In this article, we will delve into the importance of both moisturizer and primer, and ultimately reveal whether there is a correct order for application. So grab your favorite skincare products and let’s uncover the truth about what goes first: moisturizer or primer?

When it comes to applying makeup, many people wonder about the order in which they should use their products. One question that frequently comes up is whether moisturizer or primer should be applied first. This topic has been a source of much debate among beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists alike. In this article, we will examine the purpose and benefits of both moisturizer and primer, and provide a comprehensive guide on whether moisturizer or primer should go first in your makeup routine.

The Purpose of Moisturizer

Moisturizer is a skincare product used to hydrate and nourish the skin. It is typically applied after cleansing and toning, before any other skincare product or makeup. The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to add moisture to the skin, keeping it soft, smooth and supple. It also helps to create a barrier on the skin’s surface, protecting it from external factors such as pollution and sun exposure.

Moisturizers come in various forms such as lotions, creams, gels and oils. They can be tailored to suit different skin types – dry, oily, combination or sensitive. It is essential to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type to ensure that it provides adequate hydration without causing any irritation.

The Purpose of Primer

Primer is a makeup product used after skincare products but before foundation. It acts as a base for your foundation, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. The primary purpose of primer is to fill in pores, wrinkles and fine lines on the skin’s surface, creating an even texture and blurring imperfections.

Apart from creating a smoother base for makeup application, primers also help to control excess oil production, extend the longevity of your makeup by preventing creasing or fading throughout the day, and some even have color-correcting properties.

Benefits of Using Moisturizer Before Primer

The general consensus among makeup artists and beauty experts is that moisturizer should be applied before primer. The reason behind this is that moisturizer helps to nourish and prep the skin for makeup application, ensuring a smooth and hydrated base.

When you apply primer onto a well-moisturized face, it helps to prevent the primer from being absorbed into the skin, allowing it to sit on top of the moisturizer. This creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing any clogging of pores or irritation.

Another benefit of using moisturizer before primer is that moisturizer can be used all over the face, including areas where you don’t want to use primer. For example, if you have dry patches around your nose or mouth, using a hydrating moisturizer in those areas can help to prevent flakiness or patchiness when foundation is applied.

Benefits of Using Primer Before Moisturizer

Some people argue that using primer before moisturizer is more beneficial as it creates a smooth canvas for better absorption of skincare products. However, this practice may not suit everyone’s skin type.

For oily skin types, using a mattifying or oil-controlling primer before applying moisturizer can help to keep excess oil at bay throughout the day. It also allows you to control where you apply your moisturizer, avoiding any areas where you don’t want extra moisture.

Using a color-correcting primer before applying moisturizer can also be beneficial if you have specific concerns such as redness or dullness. The color-correcting properties in some primers will help to neutralize any discoloration on the skin’s surface, providing an even tone before applying skincare products.

What Goes First – Moisturizer or Primer?

The debate between whether moisturizer or primer should go first in your makeup routine will continue. However, the general rule of thumb is to apply moisturizer first, followed by primer, before any other makeup product. This practice will provide maximum benefits from both products and ensure an even application of makeup.

Every person’s skin type is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you. It is essential to try different methods and observe how your skin responds to determine what suits you best. Ultimately, the most crucial factor in achieving a flawless makeup look is ensuring that your skin is well-hydrated and nourished before applying any makeup products.

Understanding the importance of using moisturizer and primer

Maintaining healthy and glowing skin is a top priority for many individuals. A proper skincare routine plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. When it comes to prepping your skin for makeup, using a moisturizer and primer are often essential steps. But the question arises, what goes first out of the two? Does it really matter which one you apply first? In this article, we will delve into the importance of incorporating both moisturizer and primer into your makeup routine and answer the age-old question – what goes first, moisturizer or primer?

Both moisturizer and primer serve different purposes when it comes to preparing your skin for makeup. Moisturizer hydrates your skin and locks in moisture while primers create a smooth base for your makeup to adhere to. Without proper hydration, your makeup can appear cakey, flaky, and uneven on the skin. On the other hand, using a primer creates a smooth canvas for your foundation to glide on effortlessly.

The science behind proper skincare order

Before we dive into the correct order of application, let’s understand why it’s essential to have a specific sequence in our skincare routine. Our skin has different layers with varying thicknesses and compositions. The outermost layer is called the stratum corneum, consisting of dead skin cells that act as a barrier against environmental aggressors such as dirt and pollution. When we apply skincare products on our face, their molecular size plays an important role in determining how deeply they can penetrate our skin.

The general rule is that skincare products with smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into our facial layers while larger molecules only reach the outermost layer of our skin. Keeping this in mind can help us understand why there is a particular order in which you should apply your skincare products.

The correct order: Moisturizer followed by Primer

Now that we understand the importance of using moisturizer and primer let’s break down the correct order of application. According to skincare experts, the correct order is to apply a moisturizer first and then proceed with a primer.

The reason for this is simple – you want your skincare products to have maximum absorption before adding another layer on top. By applying your moisturizer first, you allow it to fully penetrate into your skin, providing hydration and prepping your face for makeup.

The benefits of using a moisturizer before a primer

Using a moisturizer before a primer has numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides hydration and nourishment to your skin, preventing dryness, flakiness, and unevenness that can be caused by makeup. Secondly, it helps create a smooth surface for your primer to work on. Thirdly, using a moisturizer can improve the overall health of your skin in the long run by strengthening its natural barrier function.

Exceptions to the rule

While using moisturizer before primer is the general rule of thumb when it comes to prepping your skin for makeup, there are exceptions. Some individuals with oily skin may find that applying their primer before their moisturizer helps control excess oil production throughout the day. This works because primers contain ingredients that can also serve as mattifying agents.

Moreover, some individuals may find that using both a moisturizer and primer together makes their makeup feel too heavy or greasy. In such cases, they may choose to skip either one or opt for lightweight alternatives such as serum-based primers or gel-based moisturizers.

In conclusion, when it comes to what goes first – moisturizer or primer – it’s essential to follow the correct order of application for optimal results. Applying a moisturizer first allows it to fully penetrate into your skin and provide hydration while creating a smooth base for your primer to work on. However, it’s important to note that every individual’s skin is unique, and some may need to adjust the order based on their specific skin type and preferences. Ultimately, the key is to find what works best for your skin and stick with it for healthy and glowing skin.

Q: What is the correct order to apply moisturizer and primer?
A: The general rule is to apply moisturizer first, followed by primer.

Q: Why should I apply moisturizer before primer?
A: Moisturizer provides hydration and nourishment to the skin, allowing for a smoother application of makeup products. Primer helps to create a smooth canvas for makeup application, so it should come after moisturizer.

Q: Will my makeup still last if I apply primer before moisturizer?
A: No, applying primer before moisturizer will not allow for a strong hold of your makeup products. Moisturizing first creates a hydrated base for your makeup to adhere to.

Q: Can I mix my moisturizer and primer together?
A: It is not recommended to mix these products together as they have different purposes. Mixing may alter their effectiveness and impact their ability to provide proper hydration or smoothness.

Q: Should I wait for my moisturizer to absorb before applying primer?
A: Yes, it’s important to allow your moisturizer enough time (around 5-10 minutes) to fully absorb into the skin before applying any other products. This will ensure that your skin is properly hydrated and ready for makeup application.

Q: Can I use a tinted moisturizer instead of a regular moisturizer before applying primer?
A: Yes, you can use a tinted moisturizer as long as it provides enough hydration for your skin type. However, keep in mind that tinted moisturizers may also contain priming properties, so you may not need an additional primer product.

In conclusion, the question of what goes first, moisturizer or primer, is a common one in the beauty world. After examining various factors and considering professional recommendations, it can be concluded that the order of application should ultimately depend on an individual’s skin type and specific product preferences. However, for most people with normal to dry skin, moisturizer should be applied before primer to ensure proper hydration and smooth skin texture for makeup application. On the other hand, those with oily skin may benefit from applying a mattifying primer before moisturizer to control sebum production and prevent makeup from sliding off. Overall, it is important to understand the purpose and benefits of both moisturizer and primer in preparing the skin for makeup. Finding the right combination of products and determining the right order of application can result in a flawless and long-lasting makeup look. It is also essential to regularly review and adjust one’s skincare routine based on changes in weather or personal skin concerns. By understanding how different products work together, individuals can achieve their desired results while maintaining healthy skin. Remember to always listen to your own unique needs and preferences when choosing between moisturizer or primer first – there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this common question in the world of beauty.