Even if you have your makeup routine down to a science, there are still some tricky steps to navigate. How long to wait between primer and moisturizer? Should you opt for a cream or liquid bronzer? How does lip plumper even work? The good news is that we have answers, thanks in part to cosmetic chemist Ginger King. And in the case of pairing makeup primer and moisturizer, it’s delightfully straightforward.
That’s because understanding what goes into these formulas and how they interact with one another can help you determine the best way to use them—and, of course, get the best possible results. With that in mind, here’s how to layer them properly to ensure your makeup stays on point all day, every day.
How to layer primer and moisturizer
Typically, your moisturizer goes on first as part of your skincare routine. While your makeup primer might have some skincare properties, like the hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide in our Hydro Grip Primer, it’s still, technically, a makeup product. That’s also true when you’re working with a mattifying primer, such as Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer.
Ultimately, “the function of a primer is to [hold onto] your makeup and [in some cases,] make it a little matte,” Ginger explains. As a result, you’ll often find powders within mattifying formulas; Pore Eclipse has both blurring microspheres and moonstone powder, for example. When you apply it to clean, dry skin, the formula works its magic to control any shine that may arise throughout the day.
However, “if you apply primer on a wet surface, it's like making dough—think water and starch,” says Ginger. That doesn’t have a great feel on skin, and can ultimately lead to pilling. “So, wait until the moisturizer is dry,” she says. “Then, the primer can go on as a nice canvas.”
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How long to wait between primer and moisturizer
Ginger recommends waiting at least one minute after moisturizing before applying makeup primer. If you experience a doughy texture or any pilling, she says, then you’ve put in on too quickly.
Also worth keeping in mind is the compatibility of your primer, moisturizer, and foundation. “Since there are different types of product bases—oil-in-water, oil-in-silicone, water-in-oil, etc—you just have to know what you are playing with,” she says. “If you mix them together and they start pilling, then it's not a good match.” Our Vegan Milk Moisturizer was designed to work with each of our primers; it nourishes skin with a proprietary blend of vegan “milk,” while argan oil and squalane offer lasting moisture.
If you’re wondering where sunscreen stands in all of this, you’re not alone. “The last step in skincare application is physical sunscreen, as it forms a shield,” Ginger says. “Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV and turns into a lower energy wave to protect skin, so it doesn't matter when you use it.” Treat Hydro Grip Primer as a bridge between your skincare and makeup and layer it on after the last step of your skincare routine.
TL;DR: Apply your moisturizer, wait a minute. Put on your sunscreen, wait a minute. Apply your primer, then the rest of your makeup.
Meet the Expert:
Ginger King (she/her) is the founder & CEO at Grace Kingdom Beauty, a cosmetic product development firm in New Jersey specializing in helping create beauty brands from concept to launch. She has been the keynote speaker for brand launches and has spoken at various trade conferences on product development and In-Cosmetics on product innovation. Ginger is an often-quoted beauty expert and has been on radio and video chat with leading beauty magazines as well as a regular TV appearances on Good Day Sacramento. She has been quoted by over 35 top beauty magazines such as Allure, Self, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Shape, Teen Vogue, and Women’s Health.
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