What is the rule for foundation and primer?

Author: Alanna Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

You should only need a thin layer of primer before your foundation and concealer. Anything more can clog your pores or cause your makeup to look and feel heavy. You may also choose to top your primer and foundation with a light dusting of “Un” Powder, a lightweight finishing powder.

What is the correct order to put on makeup?

Here's Charlotte's step-by-step guide to applying each makeup product in the correct order for a MESMERISING beauty look for every occasion.
  1. STEP 1: PRIMER. ...
  2. STEP 2: COLOUR CORRECTOR. ...
  3. STEP 3: FOUNDATION. ...
  4. STEP 4: CONCEALER. ...
  5. STEP 5: POWDER. ...
  6. STEP 6: BRONZER & CONTOUR. ...
  7. STEP 7: HIGHLIGHTER. ...
  8. STEP 8: BROWS.

What goes first primer or foundation?

Primer definitely goes before your foundation. It's not a necessary step, but you could try a primer and see if it helps for you. Skin care is the most important step for a good face base - sometimes all you need is a moisturizer before applying your foundation. Best of luck with your makeup journey!

What are the basic rules of makeup?

FAQs On Basics Of Makeup
  • Begin with a moisturiser and primer to prep the base.
  • Apply foundation for an even tone and concealer to cover up dark spots and blemishes.
  • Lightly apply blush to the cheeks and a highlighter above the cheekbones for a natural glow.
  • Add dimension to your eyes with a liner, kajal, and mascara.

How long should I wait between primer and foundation?

To guarantee that your makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer, you should wait at least 30 to 60 seconds after applying primer before applying foundation and concealer. This will allow the primer to completely dry and become less tacky to the touch.

What Is Makeup Primer and DO YOU REALLY NEED IT?

What happens if you put primer after foundation?

You can also use a primer on top of your makeup to give your skin an instant pick-me-up during the day. Wonderglow is magic for refresing the look of your makeup. Or wearing face primer on its own will help to even the look of your skin tone and blur the appearance of blemishes for an everyday, naturally glowing look.

Can I skip primer if I use moisturizer?

Primer vs.

Moisturizer always comes before primer. If you're applying makeup during the day, you should start with a moisturizer, then sunscreen, then primer once the moisturizer and SPF have dried down.

What is the basic correction rule in makeup?

Violet, purple & blue – choose purple & violets to neutralize yellow tones, and blue corrects orange, so use to cover dark spots and camouflage fake tan. Take your time deciding on your correction strategy, and a good rule-of-thumb is to match the strength of color to how light or dark the skin tone is.

What is the best makeup primer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer, $42.
  • Best Firming: Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer, $29.
  • Best Glowy: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46.
  • Best Moisturizer: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38.

What is the best primer for mature skin?

A primer with mattifying properties like Milk's Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer is a solid pick to keep skin balanced without looking oily or overly dry. Once you've sorted the best primer for your skin type and level of makeup wear, round out your routine with one of the best concealers for mature skin.

Does concealer go under or over foundation?

After you've finished with foundation, place a tiny dab of concealer on your makeup sponge or concealer brush & dab it into your under eye area & on any blemishes, age spots, or imperfections you want to cover. Pat the product in gently.

How to do proper makeup step by step?

12 Makeup Steps for a Proper Application
  1. Prep your skin with skincare and SPF. ...
  2. Start your makeup application with a primer. ...
  3. Color-correct if needed. ...
  4. Apply your foundation. ...
  5. Add concealer as needed. ...
  6. Apply bronzer, highlighter, and blush. ...
  7. Fill and tame your brows. ...
  8. Apply eyeshadow.

Should concealer be lighter than foundation?

MYTH: You should always use a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Truth: If your goal is to brighten dark circles, then yes, choose a lighter concealer. But for blemishes or scars, you need a yellow-based shade as close as possible to that of your foundation.

How do I make my foundation look flawless?

Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks. “I like to press foundation gently into the skin. The warmth of the fingertips helps to make the skin and foundation melt together and appear as one,” says Florrie.

How to apply concealer correctly?

How to Apply Concealer in 6 Simple Steps
  1. Step 1: Cleanse the skin. For a smooth and even application of concealer, a cleansed and toned face is essential. ...
  2. Step 2: Hydrate the face and undereye area. ...
  3. Step 3: Prime the skin. ...
  4. Step 4: Assess where to put concealer. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply concealer. ...
  6. Step 6: Set with powder.

Is foundation supposed to be lighter or darker than you?

Your foundation should ideally not be lighter or darker than your skin—you want to find a perfect match. If you only have a lighter foundation on hand, however, you may be able to make it work by adding warmth and depth with bronzer and contour, respectively.

In what order should I apply makeup?

  1. Here's the order for applying makeup products: Primer:
  2. - Smooths skin and helps makeup last longer. Foundation:
  3. - Evens out skin tone. Concealer:
  4. - Covers blemishes and dark circles. Setting Powder:
  5. - Sets foundation and concealer. Eyebrows:
  6. - Fill in and shape. Eyeshadow:
  7. - Adds color to eyelids. ...
  8. - Defines eyes.

What color cancels out dark circles?

Dark circles tend to have a bluish undertone, so shades of peach and orange are ideal for canceling them out. Those with lighter skin tones should reach for a peach color corrector.

What is the first rule of makeup?

Step 1: Moisturizer. Before you begin applying your makeup, take the time to prep your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. Choosing the right kind of moisturizer for your skin is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

How long should I wait to apply foundation after moisturizer?

How long should you wait to apply foundation after moisturiser? After applying moisturiser, it's generally recommended to wait a couple of minutes before applying primer or foundation. This allows the moisturizer to absorb into the skin, creating a smooth base for application.

How to apply primer on face step by step?

How to Apply Face Primer: A Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Pick Your Makeup Primer. ...
  2. Prep The Skin. ...
  3. Clean Hands Are Key. ...
  4. Squeeze Out No More Than You Need. ...
  5. Focus on Areas You Want to Smooth the Most. ...
  6. Allow the Primer to Set Before Continuing.

What happens if you put moisturizer over primer?

Primer, meanwhile, readies your skin for a seamless makeup application. If you were to apply your products in the reverse order, you'd likely find that your moisturizer doesn't hydrate your skin as effectively as it could.

Previous article
What size spray tip for masonry paint?
Next article
What's the difference between regular Tide and simply Tide?