Can moisturizer replace primer?

For a basic routine, moisturizer can be your preparation step before makeup: the usual sequence is cleansing, treatment, moisturizer or sunscreen, then makeup. A separate primer is not part of that basic sequence, which leaves one fewer bottle auditioning for a permanent position. If your question is whether a moisturizer duplicates your favorite primer's results, that remains a separate, product specific question.1

How do I apply moisturizer before makeup?

  1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
  2. 2Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing.
  3. 3Apply moisturizer where your skin needs it.
  4. 4Include broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in your daytime routine. Moisturizer alone is not a substitute for sun protection.
  5. 5Apply your makeup after skincare.
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Which moisturizer should I choose?

  • For dry skin, start with a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. These thicker options add more moisture and preserve more water.
  • For oily skin, consider a lighter gel or skip moisturizer where it is unnecessary. Too much moisturizer can clog pores and contribute to acne in some people.
  • For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically covering the oily areas.
  • For otherwise normal skin with seasonal dryness, a lotion is often sufficient.
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Your moisturizer choice should follow your skin's dryness, not the number of vacancies on the bathroom shelf.2

What if moisturizer irritates my skin?

Avoid fragranced moisturizers if your skin is dry or sensitive. "Unscented" does not always mean fragrance free: fragrance can be used to mask other smells. Stop using a product that causes burning, itching, swelling, or a rash. Reactions can appear quickly or develop after repeated use, and an allergy can develop even after years without problems.23

See a dermatologist if dryness does not improve with moisturizing, or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging, or very irritating. Cosmetic allergy can be investigated with patch testing to identify the ingredient you need to avoid.23

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
  2. 2How to pick the right moisturizer for your skinaad.org
  3. 3Cosmetics Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatmentdermnetnz.org