Primer is an essential makeup product that helps your makeup stay on all day, prevents oiliness, and minimizes pores. Many people are confused about whether it’s better to apply makeup primer before or after sunscreen, and we will answer that question in this blog. So, let’s get into it.
Is primer good for the skin? Is makeup primer before or after sunscreen? Before we soar into answering those questions, we first want to know what a primer is.
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So, what is primer?
Primer is a beauty product that is used to prepare the skin before makeup application. It helps smooth out wrinkles and pores. And it will keep your makeup on all day. And it also stops your skin from looking oily. Primers are available in a number of distinct options. Such as serums, gels, and liquids. In the world of makeup primers. There are a lot of alternatives available for skin types and preferences.
Primer: Good for Skin?
The answer is both yes and no. It depends upon what type of primer you are using and what ingredients it has. Some primers have ingredients that can be great for your skin. And some can be harmful to your skin. If you have sensitive skin or are concerned about what elements are on your products, make sure to test the ingredients listed earlier than purchasing a product.
Ingredients in primers can both be useful or harmful for your skin. Some substances can be useful on your skin, which include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These elements can help your skin look smoother and more hydrated. Other substances, which include parabens and perfume, may be dangerous to your skin. Parabens are preservatives that have been connected to most cancers, and their fragrance can aggravate pores and skin.
Common Myths About Primer and Sunscreen Application
While applying makeup, the order in which you follow your products can make a difference in both the benefit of your skincare and the stay of your makeup. However, there are numerous myths about the application of primer and sunscreen, which could lead to confusion. Here, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about primer and sunscreen application that will help you acquire the best consequences.
Myth 1: Primer Can Replace Sunscreen
One of the most common myths is that primer can replace sunscreen, especially if the primer contains SPF. While a few primers do offer sun safety. And they may not be a substitute for sunscreen. The SPF in primers is normally no longer excessive enough to provide protection against dangerous UV rays. Moreover, the amount of primer implemented is usually less than what is needed for powerful sun protection. Sunscreen needs to be applied as a separate step to ensure your skin is nicely protected from sun damage, rapid skin ageing, and the risk of skin cancers.
Myth 2: The Order Doesn’t Matter
Another common wrong fact is that the order in which you apply sunscreen and primer doesn’t matter. In fact, the order is essential. Sunscreen should always be applied before primer. Applying sunscreen after primer can interfere with the sunscreen’s capability to shape an even and protective layer on your skin. If the sunscreen is applied on top of the primer, it cannot adhere well, reducing its effectiveness and leaving skin vulnerable to UV damage. Always first use sunscreen and then primer.
Myth 3: Sunscreen Will Always Be Applied Last
Opposite to this myth, sunscreen should not be the last step in your skincare or makeup routine. This myth starts from the point that sunscreen is a protective barrier and should seal everything in. However, sunscreen is most beneficial when applied directly to clean, bare skin. Applying primer after sunscreen allows the primer to create a smooth base for your makeup without harming the protective layer of sunscreen. This order makes sure that both your skincare and makeup products work effectively.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need Sunscreen Indoors or on Cloudy Days
It’s crucial to discuss the myth that sunscreen isn’t important indoors or on cloudy days. UV rays can penetrate and reach your skin. And it is also applicable even when you’re inside. Also, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. So sunscreen is important regardless of the weather. Always apply sunscreen daily, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, to protect your skin from UV damage.
Makeup Primer Before or After Sunscreen?
The discussion over whether to apply primer before or after sunscreen is very common in the beauty world. However, both dermatologists and makeup artists—agree on the correct sequence to ensure optimal skin protection and makeup application. Let’s get into the expert suggestions and understand why the order matters.
Expert’s Suggestions
Dermatologists and makeup artists universally recommend applying sunscreen before primer. Sunscreen is a very important step in any skincare routine. As it protects your skin from the harmful UV rays. And that can cause premature ageing, sunburn, and even skin cancer. For sunscreen to provide effective protection, it needs to be applied directly to clean skin, which can form an even, protective barrier.
Makeup artists also support this order because it ensures that your makeup base is smooth and long-lasting. By applying primer after sunscreen, you can create a flawless canvas for your foundation and other makeup products without compromising the sunscreen’s effectiveness.
Primer Before Sunscreen: The Risks
Applying primer before the sunscreen may seem harmless. But it can actually reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Primer is made to create a smooth surface for the makeup. It often contains the ingredients like silicones that can create a layer on the skin. If you apply sunscreen over primer, this barrier can stop the sunscreen from fully getting into the skin, which can create uneven protection.
This uneven absorption can result in patches where your skin is not properly protected from UV rays, which increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Also, the primer can change the texture of the sunscreen, which can cause it to pill or become uneven, which can affect and lead to wearing off your makeup.
Sunscreen Before Primer: The Benefits
Applying sunscreen before the primer offers various benefits, both for skin protection and makeup application. When sunscreen is applied first, it can absorb the skin properly, which protects your skin completely from UV rays. This will also allow the sunscreen to create a smooth and even surface on which you can apply the primer.
Once the sunscreen has been absorbed, applying primer over it helps to lock in the sunscreen’s protective layer and also provides a smooth base for your makeup. This method ensures that your makeup lasts longer, looks better, and, most importantly, that your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
In summary, the correct order is clear. And always apply sunscreen first, then the primer. This sequence not only ensures your skin is properly protected but also helps you achieve a flawless makeup look that lasts all day.
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