How To Apply Primer - What Is Makeup Primer? | Charlotte Tilbury (2024)

What is Primer: More Frequently Asked Questions

IS PRIMER MAKEUP OR SKINCARE?

It’s both! Primer is at an intersection between makeup and skincare; it combines the properties of both and is a perfect example of makeup and skincare going hand in hand. The primary role of a primer is to prep skin for makeup, so it can be categorised as a complexion product like foundation, concealer, or powder. However, many primers act in similar ways to serums or moisturizers, targeting specific skincare concerns and supporting skin health. Primers are often infused with skincare agents like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or even SPF, so a case can be made for primer being a skincare step, as well as a makeup step.

WHEN SHOULD I USE FACE PRIMER?

Face primer should be applied after moisturizer and before makeup. The purpose of a makeup primer is to smooth and blur the look of your complexion to prepare it for makeup application. You can apply primer at any time of day, whether that’s in the morning after performing your skincare routine or later in the day before applying your evening makeup look.

Tilbury Tip: You can also wear face primer without applying any other makeup, darlings. Just smooth your favourite formula onto your skin to give your complexion a beautifully blurred appearance.

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DO YOU PUT PRIMER ALL OVER YOUR FACE?

Yes – primer is best applied to your entire face to create the appearance of a more even-looking canvas. Think of your makeup look like a painting; your primer is the secret to smoothing out the look of skin before painting on makeup products like foundation, concealer, bronzer and blush. You can also apply primer to the ears and neck to prep these areas for foundation.

DO I NEED PRIMER BEFORE FOUNDATION?

I always recommend applying a makeup primer before foundation to get the smoothest, most flawless application. You can apply foundation without using a primer but creating a smoothing-effect barrier between your skin and makeup with primer will help the rest of your makeup to blend more seamlessly and can help to improve your look’s longevity.

Tilbury Tip: If you decide to skip primer in your makeup routine, be sure to prep your skin with a hydrating moisturizer. I never do makeup without applying a magical moisturizer like Charlotte’s Magic Cream or Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream – they’re my beauty secrets for smoother, plumper-looking skin! After applying your moisturiser with my Tilbury Tap facial massage technique, your makeup always looks better!

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DOES FACE PRIMER FILL IN WRINKLES?

No – the purpose of primer is not to fill in wrinkles, but rather to blur their appearance. Applying a makeup primer helps to smooth the look of the complexion and provides a flattering, blurring effect that bends and bounces light when it hits the skin. Primer can help to reduce the look of wrinkles, but it won’t fill them in, as such.

Tilbury Tip: To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, darlings, I recommend reaching for my award-winning Charlotte’s Magic Cream, an instant-turnaround moisturizer that visibly reduces the look of wrinkles in just 4 weeks!*

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T USE PRIMER BEFORE FOUNDATION?

When you apply foundation without primer, your makeup could be prone to creasing, caking, and separating. Primer helps to hydrate, smooth and blur the look of your complexion to create the most effective canvas for makeup. Without primer, skin may appear more textured and have a harder time meshing with your foundation. Primer can also increase the longevity of your look by creating a perfect canvas for makeup, whereas wearing foundation without a primer might result in a less successful wear time.

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CAN I SKIP PRIMER IF I USE MOISTURIZER?

Moisturizing your face with a magical moisturizer like Charlotte’s Magic Cream or Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream wonderfully preps the skin for makeup. You can absolutely apply makeup to moisturized skin and create a gorgeous makeup look, however, I always recommend following your moisturizer with a makeup primer to create a smoother-looking, makeup-ready complexion with a beautiful, blurred effect.

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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT BETWEEN APPLYING MOISTURIZER AND PRIMER?

Once you have applied your moisturizer, it’s best to wait until it has fully absorbed into your skin before applying your primer. You can tell when moisturizer has absorbed by lightly tapping on your skin – if it continues to feel tacky, then it’s best to wait a few more moments before applying your primer. It shouldn’t take more than 3 or 4 minutes for your moisturizer to fully absorb, and for an ultra-light gel moisturizer it may take even less time.

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HOW LONG TO WAIT BETWEEN PRIMER AND FOUNDATION?

Your primer requires a similar process to your moisturizer; after applying face primer, let it sink into your skin before reaching for your favourite foundation. Give your primer a couple of minutes to absorb, then once it no longer feels tacky to the touch, apply your foundation over the top and effortlessly buff and blend it into primed skin.

Tilbury Tip: If you’re in a pinch darling, I recommend reaching for a handheld fan to help speed up this process.

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