Although using sunscreen is crucial for skin protection, it can be challenging to determine the ideal sequence for applying skincare and makeup. The majority of us apply sunscreen and primer without deliberating whether to apply the sunscreen or the primer first.
It’s a mistake, that! Depending on what products you put on top of one another and in what order, your sunscreen’s efficacy may be influenced. By applying sunscreen in the wrong order, you can be missing out on some important advantages. So, should sunscreen be applied first or after primer?
How Does Makeup Primer Work?
An undercoat of your skin’s makeup is called primer. It is used to improve the adhesion of powder, foundation, and concealer to the skin, resulting in greater coverage from a smaller amount of makeup.
Before foundation or tinted moisturizer, but after moisturizer, you apply makeup primer.
Depending on the aesthetic you want to create when applying makeup, makeup primers can be either clear or colored (for example: if you want more coverage with less foundation).
In order to achieve matte face before applying foundation, some primers can also aid in oil management if you have oily skin. In order to select a primer that will work with your skin type, be careful.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
Understanding how the sun affects your skin is essential before we delve into the specifics of what sunscreen is and how it functions.
The sun produces UVA, UVB, and UVC ultraviolet radiation. The shortest wavelength of ultraviolet light from the sun that reaches earth is called UVB. UVB rays harm skin cells by creating free radicals (unstable chemical compounds). Numerous problems, including early aging, wrinkles, and drooping skin, can be caused by these free radicals.
Even though UVA photons with a longer wavelength do less harm, they can nevertheless develop dark spots or hyperpigmentation on your face.
Applying sunscreen before stepping outside into the sun is the most efficient strategy to shield oneself from these hazardous rays. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical block.
Chemical blocks absorb UV rays before they reach your epidermis, whereas physical block sun protection solutions use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to bounce UV rays away from your skin (the top layer of skin).
Most experts concur that when it comes to blocking both short wave UVA radiation and long wave UVB light, physical barriers are superior to chemical ones. So make sure you’re wearing the best possible protection to keep your skin safe.
Should You Apply Sunscreen or Primer?
Protect yourself from the sun before beginning your summer cosmetic look of the day! It’s time to resolve the age-old debate over whether sunscreen or primer should be applied first. In actuality, you must always use sunscreen before applying primer (seriously, always).
A sunscreen’s primary functions are to moisturize your skin and protect it from damaging UV radiation, as was previously discussed.
Applying primer first increases the chance of having dull, dry skin. If applied improperly, primers can detract from your entire makeup appearance because they are not designed to hydrate skin, which is the last thing you want.
Nothing is worse than spending hours perfecting your makeup only to discover that you neglected to shield your skin from UV rays, which can exacerbate existing creases and lines.
Prior to applying your primer, you should give your sunscreen some time to fully absorb into the skin.
How to Apply Sunscreen and Prime
It’s time to put your knowledge to use now that you know for sure whether you should apply moisturizer or primer first. Follow this procedure step by step.
1. Cleanse Your Skin First
Your skin should be perfectly clean before applying moisturizer. In the end, you don’t want to moisturize your face when there are still pollutants, oil, and debris on the skin’s surface. Hence, begin with a cleansing session.
Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, which is made with charcoal and three-pure clays to purify skin for a balanced and fresh appearance.
2. Applying Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is the next stage, which you’ve been looking forward to. Make sure the formula you’re using is appropriate for your skin type. If you have oily or normal skin, try the lightweight yet moisturizing L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, and if your skin is on the drier side, try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 for added moisture.
3. Bring on the Primer
Applying makeup primer is obviously the next step. You already know that using a face primer will help your makeup apply evenly and last all day. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer to create a luminous base for the remainder of your makeup after your moisturizer has had time to soak.
If you favor a matte skin tone To help combat shine, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. You can now proceed with applying your actual makeup after applying your primer.