Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. But it’s also important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
So, which should you apply first: primer or sunscreen? Here’s what you need to know.
It’s best to apply sunscreen before applying your primer or anything else on top of it. This is because sunscreen takes several minutes to sink into the skin (and can’t be washed off like some other products).
Applying a primer first will keep the sunscreen from sinking in, which could cause uneven protection or an incomplete SPF rating.
For sunscreen to work correctly, make sure you apply enough for full-body coverage and reapply throughout the day.
If you apply your makeup first, there’s always a risk that you’ll find out later that your skin was not properly protected from the harmful UV rays which can cause sunburn. That’s why it’s best to apply sunscreen first, before anything else.
To avoid any problems, try using something like this – a water-resistant or all-natural sunscreen – that doesn’t interfere with your makeup. That way, you can be sure that your skin is safe all day long.
Applying your sunscreen before primer
To properly apply your sunscreen, start by cleaning your skin. You can do this with a mild soap or cleanser that won’t dry out the skin. Dry the skin before applying sunscreen.
Make sure you apply enough sunscreen to cover your whole body – even hard-to-reach areas like your back and shoulders.
You then need to wait a little while to allow the sunscreen to sink in before applying anything else over it.
Some people also recommend using a sunscreen stick under the eyes to prevent sun damage around the delicate area. This is because it’s harder for sunscreen to penetrate through the skin here due to its smaller pores and protective eyelid.
Once the sunscreen is dry, you can apply your primer.
Applying your Primer
With the heat and humidity of summer, you want your makeup to last as long as possible. A primer will provide that barrier between skin and any sunblock applied so all of it stays in place.
Applying primer will allow it all to stay in place and not rub off during a sweaty, hot day of summer.
A sweatproof/waterproof formula is important for protecting against harmful rays that can damage skin cells over time.
For full coverage, apply primer to your whole face and then dust on a thin layer of setting powder.
There are a lot of different primers on the market, but finding one that works for you can be difficult. The perfect primer will make your skin look smoother and more even-toned without any pores or imperfections showing up.
The two primers I found work amazingly well are this one from Rimmel and this Vegan, Cruelty-free primer from Hourglass.
If you use a primer on top of your sunscreen, make sure there are at least 15 minutes in between the application of each
Remember, you want to make sure that both products can be completely absorbed into the skin before applying more products on top. This is because the last thing you want is for some areas to have no protection or the right amount of protection while other areas have too much.
Also, make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients in your sunscreen or primer before using them as it could cause a dangerous reaction on the skin that’s exposed to prolonged sun exposure.
Will primer clog pores?
Do you ever wonder if your primer is clogging your pores? You’re not alone. A lot of people are worried that their primer is causing them to break out, but the truth is that most primers are actually good for your skin.
A good primer can do wonders for the appearance of your skin. It can help with oil control, leaving your skin looking less shiny and blotchy.
Primers also even out the skin tone by adding a smooth surface to work makeup on- minimizing pores is just an added benefit.
If you’re worried about your primer causing acne, look for a primer with a formula that’s non-acnegenic – like this one with blemish control. This means it has been tested and won’t clog pores.
You also want to make sure you let the primer you choose to dry completely before applying other makeup or sunscreen because wet products are more likely to clog pores.
Final Thoughts
Whichever product you choose, just make sure that they both provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays by checking the label for a good SPF 30+ rating.
When it comes down to it, don’t stress about which product goes first – as long as both of them offer broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, you know you’re getting the best coverage possible for beating those summer sun rays.
