Do You Apply Primer or Moisturizer First?

Face primer and moisturizer are both important—we’d argue essential—elements of proper skin prep. If you’ve never used primer before, you may be wondering whether it’s best to apply primer or moisturizer first. And we wouldn’t fault you for that: the two products, after all, can look pretty similar. But while there’s some flexibility in the proper order of application for products like blush and bronzer, that’s not the case where face primer and moisturizer are concerned. No matter what look you’re hoping to create, you should always apply moisturizer before primer (yes, always). 

If you’re wondering why that’s the case, you’ll want to keep reading. Below, we’ll explain what makeup primer is, what it does, and how to use primer to create the ideal canvas for your makeup application. Plus, we’ll clue you in on a few of our favorite primers, offer tips on choosing the right primer and moisturizer for your needs, and more.

Is Primer the Same As Moisturizer?

Face primer and moisturizer are different products with different purposes—even though they may look (and in some cases, even feel) similar. This is true even if the primer you choose is a moisturizing or hydrating primer. These products, while hydrating, aren’t meant to replace your daily moisturizer. Rather, they’re designed to be used after moisturizer, to give your skin an additional boost of hydration and help prep your skin for a seamless makeup application. (Consider it as supplemental moisture rather than the sole source of hydration your skin needs to look and feel its best). Keep reading to learn more about the differences between face primer and moisturizer.

What is moisturizer?

Moisturizer, as the name suggests, is a type of skincare product designed to help moisturize and hydrate your skin. Moisturizers can come in an array of formats, from lightweight lotions to thick, rich creams, and are a cornerstone of any effective skincare routine. Generally, they’re meant to be applied twice daily—once in the morning (after serum but before SPF) and once in the evening, usually as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. 

In addition to hydrating your skin, many moisturizers are designed to target skin concerns like dullness, dark spots, or visible fine lines and wrinkles. When choosing one, it’s best to seek out a formula designed for both your skin type and concerns (more on that in a bit). 

What is makeup primer?

Primer is a makeup product designed to give your makeup an even base for a smooth application and help it last longer. The best way to think of primer is as a barrier for your skin and your makeup products. 

If you’re still wondering “What does primer do that moisturizer doesn’t do?” the answer is, a lot. Depending on the formula, makeup primer can help mattify shine, minimize the appearance of pores, or help reduce discoloration. Many, as mentioned above, also help hydrate the skin. If hydration is what you’re after, we suggest trying the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. This illuminating primer does it all—it helps hydrate the skin, preps it for makeup, and adds a subtle, natural-looking glow perfect for kicking off a dewy or glowy makeup look.

Should You Apply Primer Before or After Moisturizer?

Let’s dive a little deeper into the question that brought you here (namely: What goes first, moisturizer or primer?). As mentioned, the answer is simple: moisturizer should always go before primer. The purpose of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture and help keep dryness at bay. Primer, meanwhile, readies your skin for a seamless makeup application. If you were to apply your products in the reverse order, you’d likely find that your moisturizer doesn’t hydrate your skin as effectively as it could. Following the wrong order could also result in your makeup pilling or sliding off your face entirely—and even if you managed a solid makeup application, it wouldn’t last as long as it would have if you applied primer after moisturizer. 

An easy way to remember the right order is to separate your products into two separate routines. Moisturizer is skincare—so it should always be the last step in your skincare routine (unless it’s daytime, in which case, you should end your routine with sunscreen). Primer, meanwhile, is a makeup product, and it should always be the first step in your makeup routine. 

Once you’ve got your moisturizer and primer on, you’re ready to start applying makeup. For a quick flushed look that’ll show off the skin you just prepped, try the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush, which offers a buildable flush of color with a dewy or glowy finish, depending on the shade you choose.

How Long Should You Wait Between Applying Moisturizer and Primer?

A big part of achieving a great makeup application is knowing how to apply makeup primer properly. To ensure the best results, you should wait for a few minutes if you have time between smoothing on your moisturizer and sunscreen and applying your face primer. This allows the moisturizer to fully absorb into the skin and give it the nourishment it needs to look and feel its best. 

If that feels like too many steps to follow on busy mornings, consider swapping out your go-to sunscreen for the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. The broad-spectrum formula helps protect the skin from damaging UV rays and primes well for makeup—plus, it boasts an invisible formula that blends seamlessly without leaving behind a white cast. 

Editor’s tip: As it’s wise to wait a bit between applying your moisturizer and primer, you should also allow your primer time to dry down before applying the rest of your makeup. We suggest letting the primer sit for at least 30 seconds—or until it’s no longer “tacky”—before reaching for your foundation and concealer. 

How To Choose the Right Primer and Moisturizer for You

When choosing the right primer and moisturizer for your skin type, it's important to consider your specific needs—with both products, different formulas have different benefits. We’re breaking down a few of our favorite products in both categories, below.

Oily or blemish-prone skin

Those with oily skin tend to do best with lightweight, water-based moisturizers that hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream, which is suitable for all skin types and tones. Likewise, we recommend opting for a lightweight primer that won’t clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. Try the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter, which instantly reduces excess shine and helps rebalance skin over time.

Dry and sensitive skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you’ll need products that provide deep nourishment and help boost your skin’s hydration. Most moisturizers will do this—that’s the point—but we’re fond of the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which provides up to 48 hours of hydration and is gentle enough for all skin types. For primer, we suggest opting for a gentle formula that helps balance out your skin tone. The L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser helps neutralize redness (a common concern for those with dry, sensitive skin) on fairer skin. If you have a deeper complexion, try the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer.

Mature skin

Mature skin often comes with its own set of concerns, such as uneven skin texture and tone. It can also be prone to dryness, which is why choosing the right moisturizer is a must. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, which contains hyaluronic acid, pro-retinol, and vitamin C alongside broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. When priming your skin for makeup, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer. It’s infused with a 1% blend of lipo, alpha, and beta-hydroxy acids and helps smooth the skin—both instantly and over time. 

Next Up: Should You Apply Moisturizer or Sunscreen First?

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris