CAN I USE MOISTURIZER AS PRIMER?
Moisturizer and primer are two products that a lot of people use, and regular usage of moisturizer and primer can help you enjoy a fantastic complexion and fabulously healthy skin. But what’s the difference, and is it possible to use a moisturizer as a primer? In this guide, we'll examine the similarities and differences between moisturizer and primer.
What is Moisturizer and What Does it Do?
Moisturizer is a skincare product that has the main aim of moisturizing or hydrating the skin. Hydration is really important for skin cells, and it's vital to keep your skin well-moisturized in order to promote general skin health and well-being. Hydrated skin feels softer and smoother, and it's also less likely to dry out and get scaley or crepey over time.
Many of the best moisturizers come with active ingredients that are designed to nourish the skin and help with general skin health, like vitamins and antioxidants. Westmore Beauty’s Cream to Water Moisturizer includes Hyaluronic Acid to plump and hydrate, Kakadu Plum to help promote collage production, and Niacinamide to visibly smooth and brighten. Moisturizers should be used on both your face and the body to hydrate the skin for a soft and supple texture.
What is Primer and What Does it Do?
Unlike moisturizers, primers are mainly considered cosmetic products that should beused in conjunction with other makeup items, like foundation and concealer. The main purpose of primer is to "prime" or prepare the skin for the application of other makeup products. They create a smooth base and often have additional cosmetic benefits like blurring fine lines and wrinkles, reducing visible redness, increasing the skin’s radiance, or simply ensuring your makeup lasts all day. Primers can also have moisturizing properties and may contain ingredients that help to boost water retention in your skin, helping it stay hydrated for longer.
Differences Between Moisturizer and Primer
Although primer and moisturizer have some surface-level similarities, below are the main differences between the two:
- Product Category - Primer is technically a makeup product, while moisturizer is considered a skincare product.
- Product Purpose - Primer is useful for giving your makeup an even and balanced base to help with a smooth application and longer wear time, while moisturizer is designed to hydrate the skin.
- Product Consistency - Primer tends to have a thicker consistency while moisturizers are often more liquid-like in texture.
Can You Use Moisturizer as Primer?
So, now we can return to our original question: Is it possible to use moisturizer as
primer? In some cases, moisturizers can be used in place of primers. If you are looking to simply hydrate the skin and provide a smooth surface for your makeup you can use moisturizer to achieve this. This is especially true when it comes to applying Body Makeup. Because primers are often used as targeted treatments for small surface areas, it is usually best to use a full-body moisturizer to prime the skin and help ensure a supple and hydrated appearance before continuing with makeup application. In this case, it is best to use a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that absorbs into the skin quickly and will not leave behind a greasy residue to ensure the body makeup can fully set and will not transfer onto clothes or furniture.
While moisturizer can be used in place of primer, you should not use primer in place of moisturizer. Primers are typically treating the surface of the skin to achieve a smoother base for makeup application. To ensure your skin is getting the hydration it needs for instant and long terms benefits it’s best to always use moisturizer in your daily skincare routine.
Should I Use Moisturizer, Primer, or Both?
In general, this will depend on your skin type, but most people are better off using both moisturizer and primer, rather than one or the other to reap the benefits of both products. Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and more hydrated thanks to the moisturizer, and your makeup will be easier to apply, thanks to the primer. When doing so you should always apply moisturizer first to replenish the skin then finish with primer application to treat the surface of the skin before continuing with your makeup routine.
Now that you’ve learned all about how and when to use primer vs moisturizer, check out the full line of Westmore Beauty products and makeup can help from foundation to finisher, lipstick to eye makeup and more.