How to Apply Foundation Primer

An easy guide to achieving a flawless look with foundation primer

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo

Last Updated: August 23, 2024 Approved

Though many skip applying primer, considering it a non-essential step, taking just a few minutes to add it to your makeup routine can make a huge impact on your finished look. Primer smoothes the surface of your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores, evens your skin tone, and helps your makeup stay put and smudge-free all day. This article will help you choose the right primer and how to apply it properly.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Primer

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1
Decide what you want your primer to accomplish. Are you most concerned with wrinkles and fine lines? Discoloration? Toning down shine on oily skin? There are tons of primers on the market, so take the time to examine your skin and think about what will work best for you.^{[1]
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Research source} Check the labels or research online to find the primer that will fit your unique needs.
- If you are worried about enlarged pores or wrinkles, search for pore-reducing and anti-aging primers.
- Primer should always be used if you are going to airbrush your makeup.^{[2]
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Evaluate your skin and decide if you need a color correcting primer. If you have dark spots on your skin or dark circles under your eyes, redness, or sallowness, you can find a color-tinted primer that will neutralize the discoloration. Complimentary colors cancel each other out, so if you have a red or ruddy skin town, the color opposite red on the color wheel (green) will neutralize the red.
- Keep in mind you don't necessarily need to use a color-correcting primer at all. You can absolutely use a primer that goes on clear.
- Primer with a greenish tint can correct extreme redness. This is especially helpful if you get a sunburn on your face.^{[3]
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- Yellow primer works for a light red or pinkish complexion.^{[4]
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- If you have bluish dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or bruising, try orange or peach-tinted primer.^{[5]
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- If your skin is yellowish or sallow, try a lavender tinted primer.
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Figure out your skin type--oily, dry, or normal? Primers have different ingredients, weights, and textures that will work better with different skin types.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.} If you're not sure what kind of skin you have, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it air dry. How does your skin feel after 15-20 minutes?
- If your face feels moist or oily, you have oily skin. Try a mattifying primer to tone down shine and soak up the oil.^{[7]
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  Research source} Primers with salicylic acid also absorb excess oil.
- If your skin feels tight or dry, you have dry skin. Look for a gel-based or illuminating primer that won't dry out your skin.^{[8]
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- If your skin feels soft and clean, you have normal skin. Experiment with different primers to see what feels best and gives you the effect you want.
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Check to see if your foundation is oil- or water-based. You want to choose a primer that has the same base as your foundation so they don't repel each other. Also pay attention to whether or not the foundation has silicone, as this can sometimes interact poorly with oil-based foundations and make them appear spotty.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- When trying out a primer, ask for a sample first and try some on your hand. Once it is dry, apply a little of your foundation. If the foundation goes on smoothly, then you know your foundation and primer can work together.^{[10]
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- Patch-test any silicone-based primers before putting them on your entire face--some people with sensitive skin have allergic reactions to silicone.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Prepping Your Face

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It's important to remove all dirt and impurities from your face before you begin covering it with makeup. Equally important: clean your hands. You may be applying your primer and other makeup with your fingers, so you don't want to be spreading dirt on your face, either.
2
Apply moisturizer. Primer is not a replacement for moisturizer, and you should not skip your moisturizer for fear that it will be too heavy. Moisturizer nourishes your skin and keeps it healthy and, while some primers may have moisturizing properties, their main purpose is to make your foundation last.
- Make sure you allow your moisturizer to sink in and dry completely before you begin to apply primer. If your skin feels dewy, wait a few more minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed.

Part 3

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Applying the Primer

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Using too much primer can cause your foundation to pill or clump, and you really shouldn't need more than a pea- or raisin-sized dab to cover your face and neck.^{[11]
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Apply the primer to the center of your face and use gentle, circular motions to blend it outwards. The motion should be similar to the one you use when applying your moisturizer. Work the product evenly into your skin so you get smooth, even coverage. Make sure you blend it up to your hairline and over your neck as well.
- Don't forget the skin around your eyes. If you aren't using a separate eyelid primer, then very gently pat the primer onto your lids so your eye makeup will stay on and really pop all day.
- Use your ring and middle finger to gently spread the primer over your face. You can use sponge or makeup brush as well, but it's not necessary.^{[12]
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- Apply a thin coat of primer over dry lips to keep your lipstick looking bold and to keep it from settling into fine lines around your mouth.^{[13]
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3
Allow the primer to dry completely. This should only take a few minutes. Some people choose to skip foundation altogether, especially if they're just looking to minimize the appearance of their pores or add brightness to their complexion. Otherwise, you can apply your makeup as normal.
- Apply a light layer of foundation and build up if you need more. The presence of primer means you will actually end up using less foundation.
- Your foundation should glide on smoothly and should not settle into creases or wrinkles, as it would without primer.
- Once you've applied your foundation, you may want to set it with a quick dusting of translucent powder. If your primer and foundation are silicone-based and oil-based, this can help keep your makeup from smudging.

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Question

Can you mix your foundation and primer?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, you can mix foundation and primer. In fact, some makeup artists recommend doing this to make sure your face is covered properly without looking "caked on" and to ensure that your makeup lasts longer. It also helps you save some time during your makeup routine!

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Question

What does primer do to your face?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Primer is used to create a smooth surface on your face before adding makeup. It can also be used just on its own, to create the appearance of a smooth surface. Primer helps to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and other blemishes and it can help to even out skin tone. Another benefit is that it keeps your makeup in place, without smudging, so your made-up face will last longer.

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Question

Can you use primer on its own?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

If you like the effect that primer gives your skin (smoothing it out evenly, etc.), then it’s fine to wear it on its own. It’s often used to good effect for a natural or "no-makeup" appearance.

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