Avoid This Common Mistake: Do You Put Sunscreen on Before or After Primer?

Does Primer or Sunscreen Go First 

make a significant difference in their effectiveness. Two essential products that often find their way into daily routines are sunscreen and primer. But do you put on primer before or after sunscreen? In this article, we will explore the best sequence for applying these products to ensure your skin is protected and your makeup looks flawless.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Before delving into the primer-sunscreen conundrum, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. Sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful UV rays, which can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. It forms a protective barrier on your skin, shielding it from UVA and UVB rays.

The Role of Primer

Primer, on the other hand, is a makeup product that helps create a smooth canvas for your makeup application. It minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture, making your makeup look flawless and stay in place longer. Primer comes in various forms, including silicone-based and hydrating formulas, catering to different skin types and concerns.

The Right Order of Application

Now that we've established the importance of both sunscreen and primer let's answer the burning question: should you put on primer before or after sunscreen?

1. Sunscreen First

The consensus among skincare experts is to apply sunscreen as the first step in your morning routine, right after cleansing your face. Here's why:

a. Sunscreen needs direct contact with your skin: Sunscreen works by forming a protective barrier on your skin. To be effective, it must adhere directly to your skin. Applying primer first can create a barrier that prevents the sunscreen from making proper contact with your skin, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

b. Primer can contain ingredients that affect sunscreen: Some primers may contain ingredients like oils or silicones that can dilute or destabilize your sunscreen's protective properties. By applying sunscreen first, you ensure its integrity.

c. Preventing makeup from interfering: When you apply sunscreen after primer, your makeup can disrupt the sunscreen's even distribution. This may result in uneven protection, which defeats the purpose of wearing sunscreen in the first place.

2. Primer Second

If you absolutely must use a primer in your routine, it's recommended to apply it after your sunscreen has had enough time to set. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

a. Sunscreen should be your primary focus: Since sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays, it should take precedence. Applying primer immediately after sunscreen may interfere with the sunscreen's effectiveness.

b. Allow sunscreen to absorb: Giving your sunscreen some time to absorb into your skin ensures that it forms a protective barrier. Applying primer immediately can disrupt this process.

c. Choose the right primer: Opt for a primer that complements your sunscreen and makeup. Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic primer that won't clog your pores or interfere with your sunscreen's effectiveness.

In conclusion, the order in which you should apply primer and sunscreen is clear: sunscreen should always come first. Prioritizing sunscreen ensures that your skin is adequately protected from the sun's harmful rays, and it also lays the foundation for a successful makeup application. If you still want to use a primer, make sure to apply it after your sunscreen has had time to set, allowing both products to work harmoniously for a flawless and protected complexion. Remember, sunscreen is your skin's best friend, so never skip this essential step in your skincare routine.