When to Use Primer on Face: If you’ve ever wondered how to get your makeup to look smooth and last all day, understanding primer is key. Primer is one of those makeup steps that can totally transform your routine—but many people aren’t sure when or how to use it. Should you apply it under your eyes? Can you put sunscreen after primer? And do you need primer before BB cream?
This guide will answer all those questions and help you use primer like a pro so you get the flawless finish you deserve.
What Is Face Primer and Why Should You Use It?
Primer is a lightweight product you apply right after your moisturizer and before your foundation or BB cream. Its main job is to create a smooth, even surface on your skin so your makeup glides on easily and stays put longer.
Think of primer as your makeup’s best friend—it fills in fine lines, blurs pores, controls oil or dryness depending on your skin type, and creates a perfect base for your foundation.
There are different types of primers to fit your unique skin:
- Hydrating primers if your skin tends to be dry or flaky—they boost moisture and give your makeup a fresh, dewy look.
- Mattifying primers if you have oily or combination skin—they help control shine and reduce excess oil.
- Pore-filling primers if you want to smooth out uneven texture or large pores.
- Color-correcting primers if you want to balance redness, dullness, or sallowness before you apply foundation.
Choosing the right primer for your skin is your first step toward flawless makeup.
When Should You Use Primer?
You should use primer whenever you want your makeup to look smoother and last longer. Here’s when you definitely want to reach for it:
- Before foundation or BB cream, to create an even base
- On long days or special occasions when you want your makeup to stay fresh all day
- If you have oily or combination skin and need to control shine
- If your skin is dry or textured, and you want to prevent cakey foundation
- If you want to minimize the appearance of pores or fine lines
Even if you’re not wearing makeup, some primers work beautifully on their own to even out your skin tone and add a subtle glow or matte finish.
Also Read: How to Use Mousse Foundation: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Can You Use Face Primer Under Your Eyes?
The skin under your eyes is delicate and needs special care.
- Yes, you can use primer under your eyes—but only if it’s formulated for that area or labeled safe for sensitive skin.
- Choose lightweight, hydrating primers rather than heavy silicone-based ones, which can cause creasing or irritation.
- Apply just a tiny amount by gently tapping with your ring finger—don’t rub or pull the skin.
- Using primer here helps your concealer stay put longer and prevents it from settling into fine lines.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, patch test first or look for a dedicated eye primer.
Can You Use Sunscreen After Primer?
This is a common layering question—and here’s the most important tip:
- Always apply your sunscreen before your primer. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, so it needs to be the last skincare step before makeup.
- After moisturizing, apply your broad-spectrum sunscreen and wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to absorb.
- Then apply your primer, followed by foundation or BB cream.
- Applying sunscreen after primer can reduce the sunscreen’s effectiveness, so keep your layering in the right order: Moisturizer → Sunscreen → Primer → Makeup.
Should You Use Primer Before BB Cream?
BB cream combines skincare and makeup benefits, so you might wonder if primer is necessary.
- Using primer before BB cream is definitely a good idea if you want your makeup to last longer and look smoother.
- Primer evens out your skin texture and controls oil or hydrates, helping your BB cream apply better and stay fresh.
- If your skin is oily or you’re wearing BB cream all day, primer will help prevent it from sliding off.
- For dry skin, a hydrating primer paired with BB cream gives you a natural, glowing finish.
- If you prefer a minimal routine and your BB cream feels comfortable on its own, you can skip primer—just know you might lose some staying power.
Think of primer as your secret weapon to boost your BB cream’s performance.
Also Read: Can We Use Sunscreen Without Moisturizer?
How to Apply Face Primer Like a Pro
To get the best results, here’s how to apply primer:
- Start with clean, moisturized skin. Primer works best on hydrated skin.
- Use a pea-sized amount—you don’t need much. Too much can make your makeup slip.
- Warm the primer between your fingers and gently apply it, focusing on areas with pores, fine lines, or oiliness.
- Blend it in evenly without rubbing too hard.
- Let it set for a minute before applying foundation or BB cream.
- For under-eye primer, use just a tiny dot and tap gently.
When Should You Skip Primer?
Primer is amazing, but it’s not always necessary.
- If you’re going makeup-free or prefer a natural look, you can skip primer. A good moisturizer may be enough.
- If your skin is very sensitive or prone to breakouts, be cautious—some primers can irritate or clog pores. Look for gentle, non-comedogenic formulas or skip if unsure.
- If your moisturizer or tinted sunscreen acts like a primer, layering another primer might be overkill.
- If you don’t wear foundation or base makeup, primer might not add much benefit.
How to Choose the Right Primer for Your Skin
Your primer should match your skin type and concerns:
- For oily skin: Mattifying primers with oil-absorbing ingredients like clay or silica.
- For dry skin: hydrating primers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- For combination skin: use a balancing primer or apply different primers on different areas.
- For sensitive skin: fragrance-free, gentle primers with minimal ingredients.
- For redness or uneven tone: color-correcting primers with green, lavender, or peach tones.
Final Thoughts
Primer is your makeup’s best friend—it smooths your skin, controls shine or dryness, and helps your makeup last all day. Remember to apply sunscreen before primer, choose a primer that suits your skin, and apply it gently and sparingly.
If you want your concealer to stay put, try a lightweight primer under your eyes. And if you use BB cream, primer will boost its performance and wear time.
With these tips, you’ll create a flawless canvas every time you apply makeup. Ready to take your routine to the next level? Find a primer that suits you and see the difference yourself!
Also Read: Benefits of wearing sunscreen at night
FAQs
Do You Put Primer First, Then Moisturizer?
No, you should always apply moisturizer first and then primer. Moisturizer hydrates and nourishes your skin, creating a smooth base for primer. Primer goes on after moisturizer to create an even surface that helps your makeup apply better and last longer.
Can I Wear Primer Without Makeup?
Yes, you absolutely can! Primer can be worn alone if you want to even out your skin texture, reduce shine, or add a subtle glow. Some primers also have skincare benefits like hydration or mattifying properties, making them great for no-makeup days when you still want your skin to look polished.
Do I Need Foundation if I Use Primer? Can I Skip Primer if I Use Moisturizer?
Primer and foundation serve different purposes. Primer prepares your skin by smoothing texture and controlling oil or dryness, while foundation provides coverage to even out your skin tone. You can use primer without foundation if you want a natural look, but primer alone won’t cover imperfections.
Also, you shouldn’t skip primer just because you use moisturizer. Moisturizer hydrates, but primer creates the perfect canvas for makeup and improves wear time. For best results, use both.
Is Primer Good for Daily Use?
Yes! Primer can be great for daily use, especially if you want your makeup to look flawless and last all day. Just choose a primer suitable for your skin type—lightweight and hydrating for dry skin, mattifying for oily skin—and apply it after your moisturizer. On days you skip makeup, a primer alone can help smooth your skin and improve its appearance.
