Typically, primers and foundations go hand-in-hand in standard makeup routines. Primer is a great way to apply your makeup more evenly and make it last all day, but does wearing just primer have its benefits? What can you do when you want to skip the foundation but still achieve a dewy look?
Can you wear a primer alone? Absolutely. With the right application technique, it’s possible to utilize just primer and still look flawless. Wear primer alone for a glowy, natural look.
Primers are often packed with SPF and nutrients to help manage skin issues. If you want to learn more about primers and check out products that work best alone, read on.
Can You Use Primer as Moisturizer?
You can utilize a primer as a moisturizer. However, face primer isn’t meant to replace a moisturizer. You can choose from oil, liquid, or cream formulas depending on your makeup needs.
If you’re out of moisturizer, you can utilize a primer instead. However, think of it as additional moisture. Your traditional primer shouldn’t be the only source of hydration your skin requires.
Can You Wear Primer Daily?
Absolutely! You can wear primer daily without having to stress about damaging your skin. However, pay attention to the brand. Opt for a trustworthy brand when shopping for face primer.
Lastly, you shouldn’t wear a primer to bed unless your skin is cleansed. Most cosmetics aren’t meant for sleeping. Buy a high-quality primer that will also benefit your skin in different ways.
Can You Wear Primer to Bed?
It depends on how you wear it. Primers can damage your skin. However, if you’re using your primer for moisture on a cleansed skin, then it’s perfectly fine to wear a primer to bed.
How to Use Primer Without Foundation
If you’re wondering what to use instead of concealer and foundation, you can just use a primer. Primers have different purposes. Also, they’re not made equally.
A primer can be hydrating, color-correcting, mattifying, or radiant. You can determine what type of face primer would work best for your skin according to your skin type.
For instance, silicone primers work for oily skin because silicone helps to make a barrier on your skin and lock in moisture. Moisturizing primers, on the other hand, are hydrating and water-based. They deliver a radiant appearance. They make an excellent solution for dry skin.
If you’re someone who’s not into full coverage or needs a break from makeup but still want to look great and mattify your skin, then wearing a primer alone is perfect.
How to Apply Primer
Applying primer without foundation is much easier. You don’t need to be a professional makeup artist or have superior blending skills to apply the primer evenly.
Applying primer is similar to applying moisturizer. However, if you haven’t used either before, just follow the next straightforward steps and you will do just fine:
- First of all, apply moisturizer on freshly cleansed skin
Priming prepares your skin for makeup application while taking care of hydration at the same time. This step is very important because it provides a clean canvas.
- Wait for a few minutes, then apply your regular face primer
A couple of minutes after applying your moisturizer, you can begin priming your face. It will make it easy for you to put the primer evenly. Begin in the middle of your face (your nose).
Apply a small amount of primer (large dollop for dry skin and pea size for oily skin) and spread outward. Keep applying small amounts as required. Always apply it lightly if not sparingly.
- Give it some time to set, then proceed with your makeup routine
Give your primer a few minutes to set, then apply the rest of your makeup. Beauty experts highly advise against using a brush to apply your primer. Utilize your fingers instead. Utilize a brush only if you need to fill in pores or deep wrinkles. Utilize your fingers with a light patting motion.
To see a professional makeup artist apply primer, watch this video by Howcast. Just copy how you see her apply it to the model’s face (but on your own face, of course), and you’ll be good to go! She also talks about the different types of primers which is super helpful.
Buyer’s Guide: The Best Makeup Primer
Every primer is made differently. You can get color-correcting primers for discoloration, moisturizing for dry skin, mattifying for oily skin, and other 20 types, consistencies, and finishes.
However, all face primers boil down to 2 main types including water-based and silicone-based formulas. Let’s learn the differences between the two and determine which one is for you.
Water-based primer vs. Silicone-based primer
Silicone-based primers will give your skin a smooth and soft feeling. It enables your makeup to glide over your skin without getting into creases.
Silicone-based primer also forms a protective shield over your face, locking in moisture to keep your skin well-protected and hydrated. You can recognize silicone primers by the ingredients (Cyclopentasiloxane, trisiloxane, polysilicon, dimethicone, etc.
If you don’t notice ingredients that end in -siloxane or -cone, it’s probably a water-based primer. Water-based primers make your skin feel hydrated.
They’re lightweight and don’t have any of the skin-smoothing properties as silicone primers. Experiment with both and use the one you like better.
The 3 Best Primers To Wear Alone (And Video Reviews!)
If you’re sick of wearing makeup or want to experiment with skincare products, wear face primer alone. It’s incredible under and without any makeup.
Wearing primer alone is very hydrating and provides a subtle glow. However, finding the best primers to wear alone can be difficult, so let’s do it together.
1. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
You can kiss your pores goodbye with the instant pore eraser primer by Maybelline. If you want to give your face the ideal makeup base, opt for the Maybelline primer.
It will erase the appearance of pores in seconds leaving your skin with a matte finish. The primer can be worn both under the foundation for a long-lasting makeup effect and alone.
It’s highly recommended by makeup experts because it acts as a moisturizer at the same time. The best part? You will get a smooth, flawless canvas over which to apply makeup every single time.
Your skill will look poreless and matte! If you’re looking for a face primer that will make your skin appear and feel like baby skin, look no further than this product. It’s also affordable.
Lastly, I always recommend removing your makeup, including your primer, with Garnier Micellar water. It works as both a facial cleanser and makeup remover. It’s suitable for all skin types.
Pros:
- Pore-blurring
- Natural, matte finish
- Suitable for all skin types
- The best silicone primer on a budget
- It does give you “baby skin”
- Non-comedogenic
- Light-coverage
Cons:
- Very slick and oily
Video Review:
If you’re still not sure if this is the right product for you, check out this review by Nicole Guerriero. I went ahead and skipped to the part of the video where she actually reviews the product (to save you some time and effort), but feel free to watch the entire video from start to finish.
2. Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer
Another face primer that’s worth your time and money is the Photoready Perfecting primer by Revlon. It makes a great choice for people who aim for a flawless, airbrushed look.
The primer is lightweight. It has a pink-tinted formula that illuminates skin and softens the imperfections to make the ideal canvas for makeup. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and talc-free.
And here’s the kicker: It works on all skin types to help your makeup stay intact all day long. Hooray!
Start by applying in the center of your face and blend outwards until the primer is invisible on your face. You can wear it both under the foundation to enhance your makeup and alone.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly face primer
- A fabulous primer that’s perfect to wear alone
- A wonderful base for makeup
Cons:
- Not for sensitive skin
Video Review:
If you’re still not sure if this is the right product for you, check out this review by THE ACNE CHANNEL. She talks a bit about other primers at the beginning of the video, so once again, I skipped ahead to the actual review for you!
3. e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
Last but not least, we have the hydrating face primer by e.l.f. This primer provides a flawless and smooth canvas for long-lasting makeup application but also takes care of your skin.
It’s made with grape and Vitamins E, C, and A and makes a great option for people who have large pores or want to illuminate their skin before applying makeup. It’s ideal for all skin types.
If you opt for this primer, your face will get transformed into a flawless canvas in seconds. What we love about this product is that it’s cruelty-free and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
Pros:
- Affordable daily primer
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- It doesn’t contain phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone
- Great primer for great coverage
- Excellent for irritable skin
Cons:
- Not for oily skin
Video Review:
For all you ladies with dry skin, check out this review by Diana Susma. Of all the videos I watched, this one seemed the most helpful for those of us with extra dry, irritable skin. If that describes your skin situation, then click play!
Final Thoughts
Can you wear primer alone? Of course! However, opt for a high-quality face primer that will also benefit your skin. Hopefully, this article has helped you choose the best primer for you.
Do you have a favorite primer yet? If so, feel free to share your suggestions, tips, and tricks, or questions in the comments section down below. We would be happy to hear your thoughts!
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