Does Moisturizer Go On Before Primer?

Creating the perfect skincare routine feels impossible at times without a bit of help. Are you stuck on which product, moisturizer or primer, should be applied first? We have done plenty of research to find you the answer. Let's check this out.

When it comes to applying moisturizer and primer to your skin, make sure to apply moisturizer first. Your primer should be applied to your skin before using makeup but after your skincare routine has been completed. Moisturizer works to lock in any moisture and keep your skin feeling hydrated, while primer works to mattify and set your face for foundation or any other makeup you are using. Moisturizer should be last in your skincare routine, while primer should be first in your makeup routine.

As we get started, we will share the best ways to get your skin glowing and even tag some of our favorite products. Using both a moisturizer and primer is key to radiant skin and should be products everyone includes in their daily regimen. With all this said, let's dive deeper into this topic.

Moisturizer Vs. Primer

Before we even get into a skincare routine, it's best to know precisely what both of these products do. Finding yourself not understanding your skincare can cause a ton of unnecessary damage and irritation to your face and even end up wasting your money.

Moisturizer

The sole purpose of using a moisturizer is to hydrate your skin and heal any dryness or damage it may have. Moisturizers do this by holding water in your skin's outer layer and essentially create a coating to protect your skin from pollution and other harmful toxins. It is recommended that you find a moisturizer with sunscreen included to protect yourself from UV exposure.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Oil-Free Lotion With SPF

Here is a moisturizer from CeraVe that promises to be oil-free and includes SPF 30. This product is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores and can be used both morning and night.

Click this link to view this moisturizer on Amazon.

Primer

Applying a primer to your face before using makeup is key to getting a smooth finished final look. Primer works to fill in your pores and protect your skin by creating a barrier between your makeup and even helps hide acne and dark spots. Many of us don't even realize the importance of primer and how big of a difference it makes when applying makeup.

e.l.f. Hydrating Long-Lasting Matte Face Primer

Here we have a long-lasting and mattifying face primer from e.l.f. that promises to give your makeup a professionally done look. This product is infused with vitamins A, C, and E and is both cruelty-free and vegan.

View this matte primer on Amazon here.

How Do You Choose A Face Moisturizer?

Choosing the right face moisturizer will depend on your skin type and what ingredients you prefer. It is suggested to select a non-comedogenic product that includes at least SPF 20 to protect your skin from the sun. Moisturizer should protect and hydrate your skin, so make sure to keep an eye out for those terms while shopping. We also suggest choosing a vegan or dermatologist recommended product because they are better for your skin.

To summarize, here is a list of criteria you should keep in mind while choosing your moisturizer:

• Non-comedogenic
• SPF 20 or higher included
• Should promise to protect and hydrate skin
• Vegan ingredients, for all-natural cruelty-free ingredients
• Dermatologist recommended

What Are The Best Types Of Face Moisturizers?

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a moisturizer, which type is best for your skin? As we suggested above, looking for clinically tested and UV protective products will be the best for your face. A few brands with our favorite moisturizers include Cetaphil and Neutragena that will have your skin glowing in no time.

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With SPF 30

Here is a highly rated moisturizer from Cetaphil that is perfect for oily skin. This product promises to control oil and shine and is also paraben and fragrance-free.

Check out this moisturizer on Amazon here.

Neutragena Oil-Free Long Lasting Daily Moisturizer With SPF 35

Here we have another recommended moisturizer from Neutragena that is long-lasting and UV protecting. This product is non-comedogenic and promises to last up to 12 hours after application.

View this dermatologist-recommended moisturizer on Amazon here.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30

Here is a moisturizer from Aveeno that promises to fight signs of aging and hydrate your skin. This product has been clinically tested and is both hypoallergenic and oil-free.

Check it out on Amazon by following this link.

Is A Face Primer Necessary?

Although some may not want to believe it, face primer is essential. Using a primer before makeup on your skin will essentially create a smooth canvas for you to work on and will end up looking much better than skin without it. Primer also works to create a base for your makeup, so it doesn't smudge or run during the day. We suggest choosing a matte primer with moisture included.

Elizabeth Motte Thank Me Later Matte Base Primer

Here we have a matte pore minimizing primer from Elizabeth Motte that is perfect for oily skin. This primer promises to hide fine lines and wrinkles and is also cruelty-free.

View this primer on Amazon here.

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Matte Finish Primer

Here is another primer from e.l.f. that is matte finishing and mineral-infused. This product has a velvety base and is 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

Check out this vegan primer on Amazon here.

Glossiva One Step Skin Tone Brightening Color Correcting Primer

Here we have a skin brightening and color-correcting primer from Glossiva that will bring your makeup to the next level. This primer contains 15 different minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and applies with a matte finish.

View this color-correcting face primer on Amazon here.

Can You Use Moisturizer As A Primer?

When it comes down to using a moisturizer as a primer, we recommend finding a middle ground. There are alternatives to traditional primers that will feel softer and more moisturizing compared to matte options. We suggest going with a water-based primer or one that includes moisturizer if you want a more dewy look. Something to look out for in your primer is an oil-free ingredient list, so your skin doesn't feel clogged or greasy.

What Is A Moisturizing Primer?

For those wanting a smoother and more hydrating primer option, moisturizing primer is the way to go. Moisturizing primer is typically a cream or water-based product that works to hydrate and fills in pores, so your makeup applies evenly. This product should be used after a regular moisturizer has already been applied to your skin before your makeup.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Face Cream And Moisturizer

Here is a cream-based moisturizing primer from Embryolisse that is an excellent alternative to traditional primers. This product is made with soy, shea butter, beeswax, and aloe to soothe skin and create a base for your makeup.

View this moisturizing primer on Amazon here.

wet 'n wild Photo Focus Coconut Water Primer

Here is another moisturizing primer from wet 'n wild that promises to hydrate and smooth skin. This primer is water-based and PETA-certified as 100% cruelty-free.

Check this primer water out on Amazon by clicking here.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

Here is a moisturizing primer from NYX that promises to smooth out pores and hydrate your skin. This primer lasts up to 16 hours and is certified cruelty-free.

View this primer on Amazon here.

Our Final Thoughts

According to all we have read, applying moisturizer before your primer is the best way to go. Our skin is highly delicate and needs to be treated kindly by the products we decide to use, so checking ingredients is crucial. Making sure to buy a moisturizer that includes SPF is also key to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Finding the perfect primer to use before doing your makeup is also important and will help minimize pores and imperfections of your face's skin. No matter what, remember to look out for dermatologist recommended and cruelty-free products when buying new skincare and enjoy your hydrated new look!

Want to read up on even more skincare advice? Check out these related posts!

Can Sunscreen Replace Moisturizer? [And Vice Versa]

How Long Does It Take For Moisturizer To Absorb?

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