Like moisture, dry skin tends to absorb makeup more quickly, so a hydrating face primer is of the essence.
When you have dry skin, you need all the help you can get to fight flaking, irritation, and that tight, uncomfortable feeling. Hydrating makeup primers can help keep parched and dehydrated skin feeling soft.
“Primer is an essential step to make your makeup last and it acts like a protective barrier for your skin. The end result is more flawless, especially with primers that combine skincare and moisturising benefits,” says celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni.
Now it's time to answer the age-old question—should you apply primer or moisturizer first? The truth is, you should always apply moisturizer before reaching for primer (seriously, always)! As we mentioned above, the purpose of a moisturizer is to lock your skin with long-lasting moisture to keep dryness at bay.
Moisturizer and primer are two different products so using a moisturizer as primer won't give the same effect as a real primer. Depending on your skin type, you can skip primer and use moisturizer. If you have uneven texture or big pores, you need a pore-minimizing or smoothing primer like this affordable one.
But when it comes to primer versus moisturizer, remember moisture comes first. Aptly named, primer does just that—primes the skin for makeup application. Primer creates an ideal canvas to hold onto your makeup and keep it looking fresh all day long.
Can you wear primer without makeup? Um, hell, yes you can! If you're using a water-based primer, you're basically just adding another layer of moisture to your skin (and maybe even some color-correcting or brightening powers, depending on the formula you get), which is always a plus.
Primer can be used to enhance many parts of your beauty routine, including your eyes, face, lashes, lips, and nails. Face primer, for example, can be used to smooth out pores, create a base for long-lasting makeup, manage oily skin, or prevent excessive shine, explains Perreux.
So why does your makeup look dry and bad? The answer is simple! It's all in the application process and the combination of products you are using. Applying a full coverage foundation on dehydrated skin or using the wrong primer can make your foundation look flaky.
A dab of Vaseline on your wrists and neck can work like a fragrance primer, cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson says, because it prevents scent molecules from evaporating as quickly as they would on bare skin.
A few spritzes can be used to prep skin for makeup, and even to freshen makeup after a long shoot. Bhatty swears by its refreshing, softening, brightening, and toning effects. If you don't feel like dropping a ton of money on a priming spray or refreshing mist, rosewater works wonders.
For a makeup primer that creates a flawless makeup look while also having some skin conditioning benefits, look no further than Squalane Oil. The right facial serum or facial oil can also be used as an under makeup primer.
Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer. In many cases all you'll need to do is spot-prime any bare areas that need to be addressed before applying your finish.
There are so many reasons why one would choose to apply foundation over a perfectly primed face. But can you wear primer without foundation? Of course, you can… and it even feels better to a great degree. You can wear it not only without foundation, but without blush or other makeup, too, and still look gorgeous.
You can absolutely use a primer without makeup! They are fantastic for that “I'm not wearing any makeup” makeup look. They offer a smooth complexion without the heaviness of foundation, and they neutralize redness from acne and irritation.
It's worth pointing out that the newest primers don't just smooth skin, keep makeup in place, and blur pores to near invisibility. They can also brighten, fade fine lines and wrinkles, target acne, and add tons of moisture. Some can even give skin a temporary face-lift, all without feeling heavy.
Did you know coconut oil works as the perfect primer for a foundation? Simply dab some on your face, let it soak in and then apply your tinted moisturizer or foundation. You will notice how much smoother and longer your makeup stays on.
Regular use of rose water will keep the skin free of extra oil and help prevent problems like blackheads, whiteheads, acne and pimple. Using rose water as toner is better than using chemical based toners which might dry out the skin. Rose water has soothing properties and can be used as an all-natural skin toner.
The short answer is "it goes after cleansing," according to Amy Wechsler, a dermatologist based in New York City. She recommends including toner in both your day and night skin-care routines. To get more specific, you should use toner after you double cleanse and exfoliate your skin, both Cho and Chang agree.
Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness.
Vaseline doesn't sink into the skin like a normal lotion—it literally just creates a coat of jelly that sits on top of the skin.
According to researchers , petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturizers on the market. It works by sitting on top of the skin, where it forms a barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin. Vaseline can be used as an everyday moisturizer for very dry skin.
Try a moisturizing cream rather than a lotion (creams are thicker and more hydrating). Depending on your level of dryness, beauty vlogger Alexendrea Garza recommends using face oil packed with hydrating nutrients like vitamin E under your moisturizer to keep your makeup from looking cracked or flaky.