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Is Primer Bad for your Skin – Is Using Primer Before Makeup Harmful to your Face?

Published Categorized as Makeup Tips

If you rely on makeup primer to create the perfect canvas for applying your foundation and makeup, you may be wondering, “is primer bad for your skin?” You likely know about the benefits of using primer, such as smoothing your skin, filling in pores, evening out your skin one, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helping your makeup last longer, but is the primer you use every day actually harming your skin? Read on to learn more about primer and whether it is bad for your skin.

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TULA Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer | Smoothing Face Primer, Evens the Appearance of Skin Tone & Redness, Hydrates & Improves Makeup Wear | 1 fl. oz.

Is primer bad for your skin?

So, let’s get right to it: is primer bad for your skin?

The answer is that it can depend on your skin type and the type of primer you choose.

Many makeup primers may clog pores since they are made using silicone.  If you have acne-prone skin, using a makeup primer that clogs your pores could make your acne worse.

However, you don’t have to give up on primer altogether.  Rather, look for a non-comedogenic primer that won’t clog pores, such as the Master Prime Primer from Maybelline New York.

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer, Blur + Smooth, 1 Fl Oz (1 Count)
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In some cases, primer can make skin oilier.  If you have oily skin, you’ll want to choose an oil-free primer like Revlon’s Photoready Perfecting Primer.

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer, 0.91 Fluid Ounce
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If you have dry skin, keeping your skin hydrated should be a top priority.  For this reason, look for a primer that offers a more creamy and hydrating formula, such as e.l.f.’s Hydrating Face Primer.

e.l.f., Hydrating Face Primer, Lightweight, Long Lasting, Creamy, Hydrates, Smooths, Fills in Pores and Fine Lines, Natural Matte Finish, Infused with Vitamin E, 0.47 Oz
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Is not using primer bad for your skin?

While primer may have some downsides, there are also some possible downsides associated with not using primer. What happens if you don’t use primer?

It can depend on your skin type and the other makeup products you use.  Without a primer, however, the other makeup you apply may clog your pores.  If you are worried about this, always start with a non-comedogenic primer.

Another downside to not using primer is that your makeup may not last as long.  Primer works to create an ideal canvas for applying your foundation, and it can help it last longer.  Without primer, you’ll lose this benefit.  Foundation alone also isn’t as effective at evening your skin tone or reducing blemishes.  It really is all a balancing game and finding what works best with your skin and makeup needs.

RELATED: What is primer used for

Can primer protect your skin?

Yes, some primers may be able to protect the skin.  Primers with silicone can work to create a barrier over the skin which can prevent bacteria from entering the skin on your face.

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer 30ml
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Is it OK to use primer every day?

How often should I use primer?

While you can use primer every day, it may not be necessary to.  Depending on the makeup look you’re after, you might find that you don’t require primer, especially over your entire face.

In some cases, you may also decide to try a primer alternative, such as a BB cream, when you require lighter or more natural-looking coverage.

RELATED: BB cream vs primer

Do you put primer all over your face?

Yes, you can put primer all over your face to even the skin and create the ideal canvas for applying the rest of your foundation.

In some instances, you may not need to use primer over your entire face and may decide just to use it to cover some imperfections before applying foundation over the entire face.

There are also eyeshadow primers that are designed to prep your eyelids for eye shadow. These primers also keep your eye shadow lasting long.

Can I wear primer alone?

In some cases, you can wear primer alone.  This will depend on whether the primer you choose is pigmented to match your skin color or whether it is too white or green to look right on your skin.

Is Primer Bad for Your Skin: FAQs

Which is better primer or moisturizer?

Primer and moisturizers both serve very different purposes and can be used together. Moisturizers work to hydrate the skin and keep it from getting too dried out, while primers prep your face for the application of the rest of your makeup.  If you’re using both items together, always apply the moisturizer first and let it soak into your skin, then apply the primer.

Is primer and moisturizer the same?

No, primer and moisturizer are not the same.  Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated, while primers create a smooth and even canvas for makeup application.

Can I use moisturizer as primer?

Moisturizer is different than primer, so it won’t really work as a primer.  However, if your skin is even-toned, and you don’t have blemishes to cover up, or you are going for a more natural look, skipping primer and using only moisturizer may work for you. There may also be some moisturizing primers out there that you can use as primer, but not every primer can be

How do you apply face primer?

Applying makeup primer is not too difficult.  It should be put on after you have finished moisturizing your skin and before you begin to apply your makeup.  The best way to put primer on and get an even look is to use your fingertips.  Spread it evenly and smoothly around your face.  Once you have applied the primer, be sure to let it dry for at least one minute before you begin applying your makeup.

Do you really need primer?

No, you may find that you don’t need makeup primer, or at least not all the time.  If you want a more natural look, you can skip the primer.  Using a BB cream instead of primer may also be a good option for a lighter makeup look or times where you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.  Most BB creams also offer SPF protection and many are water-resistant.

How do I choose a primer?

Choosing the best makeup primer will look different for each user.  Be sure to keep your skin type in mind and look for a primer that matches your needs.  You should also determine whether you’d prefer more of a dewy or matte finish.

When should I use primer?

Since there are some advantages and disadvantages of using primer, be selective with when you reach for your primer.  If you are looking for full-coverage and need to cover up imperfections, that would be a good time to reach for your primer.  Other times, like when you want a natural makeup look or a dewy finish, may be times to skip the primer.

Is primer enough for makeup?

In some cases, you may find that simply wearing primer as your makeup is enough to achieve the look you’re after.  Be sure to choose a primer that matches your skin tone if you’re planning to wear it alone.

Is Primer Good for Your Skin? It Depends!

Primer definitely provides some benefits to our makeup routine and can improve the way our makeup looks and how long it lasts.

However, it may also clog pores or dry out the skin.

For these reasons, you’ll want to choose the best primer for your skin type and be a bit selective about when you choose to apply primer under the rest of your makeup.

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8 comments

  1. I didn’t know that about primers and I’ve found all of it really interesting, thanks for sharing!

  2. I loved it, it was so complete.
    I almost don’t use primer as I feel it makes my skin sweat a lot and wipes out all makeup, I always hydrate well before makeup so I don’t use primer.
    xo

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