Primer and Foundation, Together: Find Your Perfect Combo (2024)

Primer and Foundation, Together: Find Your Perfect Combo (1)

Makeup doesn’t always get along. You learned the hard way to keep the concealer far away from the highlighter, like fighter fish in your makeup bag. But what about foundation and primer? If your combo of choice left you with a gravelly texture or a shade of beige you didn’t even know existed, you might just need a few tips from Cristina Bartolucci, chief creative director of NYX and co-founder of DuWop.

According to Bartolucci, there are two basic methods for using these two products together: one is primer first with foundation layered on top, and the other is actually mixing your primer and foundation together. “It all depends on the results you’re looking for. Primer works on the principle of layers, so if you want that full effect, you need to do it in steps,” says Bartolucci. But that doesn’t mean she never mixes. “That method is great if you want lighter coverage. Modern primers have all sorts of great skincare ingredients and wonderful textures. Mix them with makeup and you get a super-charged, tinted moisturizer that can work beautifully.”

Here are the basic steps for getting both methods right, plus some primer FAQs.

Method 1: Primer, Then Foundation | full coverage

1: Apply primer in a thin layer all over the face, then smooth and fill.
2: Let it set for just a minute.
3: Lightly dot and blend foundation only where you need it (on the cheeks, forehead, chin); you don’t need to coat the whole face.

Method 2: Primer + Foundation, Mixed | lighter coverage

1: In the palm of your hand, mix your primer and foundation with your other index finger. A fifty-fifty combo will give you the effect of a light, tinted moisturizer. Bartolucci likes 2/3 foundation to 1/3 primer for a medium coverage effect.
2: When it’s well-blended, dot the mixture onto your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, then blend well. Avoid rubbing large amounts all over your face—it might turn mask-like.
3: If your primer made the finish more dewy than you wanted, dust translucent powder to set. If your primer contains a mattifier, you can skip this step.

When shopping for primers and foundations, how do we know what will work best together?

“You have to experiment. There’s a theory you should never mix silicone- or water-based products with oil-based products, but this isn’t always true. It’s about how much of one ingredient is present and how the pigments are suspended in the formula.” (At the makeup counter, Bartolucci recommends mixing small amounts of tester primer and foundation on your hand. You’ll be able to tell immediately if the combination spreads smoothly.)

Do you have suggestions for good matches of primers and foundations?

“If your skin is dry, try Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer. It works with most textures of foundation and provides just enough moisture to make the foundation glide on without looking oily.”

What about “High Definition” products?

“Always match an HD primer with an HD foundation. Otherwise, you don’t get the full benefit of the technology.” For example, if you use Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation, pair it with Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer.

Can silicone-based primers alter the texture of certain foundations?

“Foundations that are really delicate, like Vincent Longo's Water Canvas or Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua, might break up when applied over a heavy, silicone-based primer.” If your usual base is a light formula, Bartolucci recommends Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Photo: Emma Kim / Image Source

Primer and Foundation, Together: Find Your Perfect Combo (2024)

FAQs

Primer and Foundation, Together: Find Your Perfect Combo? ›

​ The key is to make sure the primer you select complements your foundation. For instance, if you have a silicone-based primer and a water-based foundation, your foundation could "pill" on top of the primer, says Trop. "If you have a silicone-based primer, it's best to use a silicone-based foundation on top," she says.

How do I match my primer to my foundation? ›

​ The key is to make sure the primer you select complements your foundation. For instance, if you have a silicone-based primer and a water-based foundation, your foundation could "pill" on top of the primer, says Trop. "If you have a silicone-based primer, it's best to use a silicone-based foundation on top," she says.

Can I mix primer and foundation together? ›

Mixing your primer and foundation together is a great way to save time as you apply your makeup while also ensuring your foundation stays put all day long.

Does primer have to match your foundation? ›

Your primer should always match your skin type and foundation,” says makeup artist Marina Andersson. She is one of only a few Scandinavian makeup artists we spoke to who lean on primer to prolong the longevity of a look both on the red carpet and in real life.

How to do makeup with primer and foundation? ›

How to Apply Primer: Step-by-Step Guide
  1. As with any beauty product, skincare always comes first. ...
  2. Apply a small amount of primer with your fingers or a makeup sponge in a thin, even layer, avoiding the eye area (unless you're using eye primer!).
  3. Wait a few minutes for the primer to set before applying foundation.
Aug 18, 2021

Which primer is best before foundation? ›

“Usually a thicker, silicone-based primer is a better choice for full coverage looks as it helps to smooth out the skin's texture, while a lighter and more fluid primer is better for more natural, sheer, or glowy makeup looks,” says makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran.

Do you put primer all over your face before foundation? ›

Not applying primer all over the face.

Greenberg says that if you don't put primer everywhere you're planning to put foundation, you're asking for trouble. Some of your makeup will go on more evenly than the rest, and some will probably wear off more quickly, creating a patchy, uneven mess.

Why does my foundation look patchy even with primer? ›

Not prepping the skin right

Dehydrated skin is one of the main reasons that result in a patchy foundation look. It could look like something is peeling off on your face. Excessively oily skin on the other hand can result in makeup to split on the face and appear patchy.

Does primer go on before or after moisturizer? ›

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 in moisture to keep dryness at bay. If you apply primer first, you run the risk of sporting dry, lackluster skin.

What happens if you don't use primer before foundation? ›

Without a primer, your foundation will begin to melt after a few minutes. However, using a primer helps you mattify your makeup. Primers seal the pores and prevent the production of oil on the skin which further helps your skin stay flawless and oil-free for a longer period of time.

Do you put primer under eyes? ›

As we mentioned above, under-eye primer will keep your makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. If you find yourself having to use your finger to smooth out creased under-eye makeup on the regular, it's time for you to start priming under your eyes. Use an under-eye primer if…you want your makeup to stay put.

Do you put primer on your eyelids? ›

Primer creates a base for the eyelids, absorbing excess oil and allowing for an even surface to apply makeup. Without primer, greasy eyelids can cause eyeshadows to get a creased effect throughout the day, create a patchy and uneven application or even disappear entirely in a matter of hours.

Should primer be the same color as foundation? ›

Addressing Specific Skin Issues

You can choose a primer in the same color as your foundation color to even out your skin, or use a specific color-correcting primer. Green makeup primer will reduce redness. Whether you have a sunburn or just struggle with an overly rosy complexion, the green will help balance the red.

How do I know my primer color? ›

“Get on the internet, google a color wheel and start there. Opposites on the color wheel are the easiest way to determine the shade you need. For example, if you're trying to hide your rosacea or your pink cheeks, grab a green primer.”

How do I choose a primer color for makeup? ›

"Think of the color wheel: Colors that are opposite from one another will help cancel the other out," says makeup artist Molly R. Stern. For example, if you're battling redness, go for a green primer. A purple one gives sallow (yellow) tones the knockout.

How do you know what base your primer is? ›

There are two types of primers, water-based primer and silicone-based primer. To find out what the base is look at the back of your primer and see what ingredients it has. If you see words ending in -cone,-methicone, or -siloxane in the first few ingredients then the primer is silicone-based.

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