How to Moisturize Before Makeup

Co-authored by Daniel Vann

Last Updated: February 16, 2022 References

Moisturizer prevents your foundation from looking caked-on, and keeps your skin healthy underneath your makeup. Choosing the right moisturizer depends on your skin type as well as on the other products you are using.

Part 1

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Choosing a Moisturizer

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Choose a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. You can get moisturizer oil-free, extra heavy, or anywhere in between. Oil-free or light moisturizers are best for people with oily, combination, or normal skin. Heavier moisturizers are often necessary for dry skin, but they can be a slippery base for makeup.^{[1]
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- Heavy moisturizers add a dewy effect to your appearance. Avoid using dewy foundation on top of that, which can overdo it.
- You don't need to use the same moisturizer across your whole face. If you get dry patches in certain areas, use a heavy moisturizer on those spots.
Foundation for dry skin usually has moisturizer in it already. If you plan to use this type of foundation, stick to a lighter moisturizer than you normally would.

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If you find it difficult to put on makeup after moisturizer, try this 2-in-1 option. This product moisturizes your skin, while still providing a base that helps your makeup stay in place longer.
The thin skin around your eyes tends to dry out easily. If your eye makeup often cracks, look for a moisturizing under-eye primer as well. Although some facial primers are safe for the eye area (check the label), an under-eye primer is less likely to irritate this sensitive area.
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Remember to wear sun protection. Anytime you expect sun exposure (even on an overcast day), one of the products on your face should have sun protection. This could be your moisturizer, or your foundation.^{[2]
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- Aim for a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15.

Part 2

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Moisturizing

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Wash your hands and face. Scrub your hands to avoid transferring anything to your face. Wash your face with water or your favorite facial cleanser.^{[3]
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- Don't scrub your skin raw; just wipe gently.
Dab on a small amount of moisturizer with your fingers. Spread outward and pat in the moisturizer with your fingers. Repeat until your face is covered, without putting any excess moisturizer on your skin.^{[4]
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The moisturizer needs some time to form a smooth, even surface over your skin. Wait anywhere from five to thirty minutes before putting on makeup, or you may struggle with uneven application or even acne breakouts.
If you haven't already put on moisturizing primer, you'll need a layer of primer so your makeup can stay on.^{[5]
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Do your makeup. You can now put on makeup as you normally would. If you still encounter problems, here's a little troubleshooting advice:
- If your makeup has trouble staying in place, you may not be using enough moisturizer (or you may need to use a primer).
- If your makeup ends up mixing into the moisturizer when you apply it, decrease the amount of moisturizer or wait longer between moisturizer and makeup.

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Can you put makeup on with dry skin?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

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No, your skin has to be drenching wet. It's a super common misconception, but your skin has to be totally soaked. You cannot apply makeup to dry skin, period.

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What's the point of a tinted moisturizer?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

It's just an easier way to get some color while you're moisturizing your skin. That said, if you're using a tinted moisturizer instead of getting your face wet, you're not going to get the result you want.

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Will moisturizing improve the look of my makeup?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

Absolutely. You can't get beautiful, vibrant colors to hold or stay if your skin isn't well-hydrated. Any color you put over dry skin is just going to dissipate or fade.

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Tips

You can use some unscented carrier oils instead of moisturizer. Jojoba oil is one popular choice.

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Warnings

Avoid getting moisturizer in your eyes. If you do, hold the eyelid open and place under lukewarm, running water for three minutes. This is not usually serious, but seek medical attention right away if your eyes are still burning, painful, or tearing up after an hour.

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