Let’s talk primers (aka the unsung heroes of flawless makeup). I know some of you might skip this step in your routine, but girl… trust me, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re just starting out, or if you’re a total makeup pro, there are a bunch of primer mistakes you could be making! And these tiny slip-ups can low-key mess up your whole vibe.
I don’t want that for you. You don’t want that for you. So let’s make sure you’re not making these common primer mistakes anymore! Here’s the tea:
You’re Not Prepping Your Skin (Yes, That Includes Moisturizing🤦♀️)
Okay, listen up because this is where a lot of people go wrong from the jump. If you think primers are a one-and-done solution to smooth everything, think again. You have to moisturize before applying your primer — like, it’s not an option, sis.
Think of it like (okay, don’t punch me, I had to say it 😜) this: Just how you wouldn’t try to paint a picture on dry, cracked paper, you don’t want to apply your makeup on crusty, patchy skin. Ew.
Your primer should be the cherry on top of skin prep, not the whole sundae.
So, slap on that moisturizer! Even if you’re oily, there are lightweight moisturizers that won’t make you greasy or feel heavy. Trust me — your primer and your makeup will apply so much smoother. Anyone who thinks moisturizing isn’t a big deal probably doesn’t get that makeup can’t really hide flaky skin — it just highlights it 🥲.
Picking the Wrong Primer for Your Skin Type
Not all primers are the same, folks… and your poor skin knows this! Just because a primer is trending on TikTok doesn’t mean it’s your perfect match.
Knowing your skin type is the first step. Are you oily? Dry? Combo? Tell me because it matters! Using the wrong primer is like putting the wrong gas in your car. You wouldn’t do it, right?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Skin Type | Primer Type |
|---|---|
| Oily | Mattifying primer |
| Dry | Hydrating primer |
| Combo | Pore-filling primer in the T-Zone, hydrating for rest of the face |
| Sensitive | Non-comedogenic, soothing (like an aloe-based primer) |
Don’t just grab any random primer off the shelf or what your bestie recommends. Know your skin’s needs!
Skipping Primer Altogether 😳
Okay, okay, I get it. You might think… “Do I really need it though?” Uhm, yes boo. You could memorize every viral makeup trend and product hack out there, but if you skip the primer, you’re kinda sabotaging yourself!
Primers help your makeup stay on (without slipping and sliding) and create a smooth canvas. It’s like, if you’re going to spend 40 minutes beating your face, at least make sure it’s going to last through a full day of looking bomb, ya know?
Not to mention: Primers blur pores and make your makeup practically indestructible. And for those who cry at Billie Eilish lyrics – yup, it helps keep your makeup in place even through those emotional moments!
Applying TOO Much Primer (How…? Just How?)
This is real: I see way too many people slapping on waaaaay too much primer. One pump should probably be more than enough. Anything more… you’re just setting yourself up for disaster. More primer doesn’t equal better primer, capisce?
If you go ham with it, you might notice your skin feeling tacky or worse, your foundation will pill or get weirdly chunky. No, it’s not the foundation’s fault. It’s user error. Just a little primer gives you everything you need.
Pro tip: Apply it in small amounts, and blend it in gently. Think soft fingertips, not a full-on facial massage 😅.
Not Letting It Set (Patience, Boo)
Okay, you know when you slap on your primer and immediately go in with your foundation? Mistake! I get it — you’re ready to get your glam on, and waiting even 30 seconds feels like forever. But seriously, let your primer set.
Your primer needs a little time to do its thing: fill in your pores, smooth out uneven texture, and create that barrier between your skin and makeup. If you immediately go ham with the foundation brush, guess what? You’re just moving the primer around and your makeup won’t go on as smoothly. Patience always pays off with a flawless look (trust).
I would say a solid 60 seconds is golden — long enough to scroll through a few TikToks while it sinks in. Simple!
Not Using a Primer That Matches Your Foundation
Oil-based primers and water-based foundations don’t mix; it’s like trying to pair oil and water (get it? 😬). You’ll end up with foundation that just separates on your skin, and no one wants that blotchy mess!
If your primer and foundation don’t play nice together, your makeup will not last. Like, at all.
The fastest way to figure out if your primer and foundation are meant to be? Check the ingredients. If both are water-based, they’ll vibe. Same for oil-based. And if you’ve got silicone-based products, they work best together.
Here’s a quick trick: If you’re not sure the base of your products, check the ingredients. Anything with “-cone” in it (like dimethicone) probably means silicone-based. If you’ve got a product with this ingredient, make sure the other products you use are also silicone-based. Keep that makeup relationship drama-free, girl!
Using Silicone-Based Primers For EVERY Look
Okay yes — silicone primers are super popular, and fair! I get it. Silicone gives that blurred effect, fills in those pores like magic, and makes your skin feel super smooth. Butttt… it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
If you want a glowy or dewy look, silicone might be your enemy. The thing about silicone is that it creates a (kinda) matte layer; so if your skin’s naturally dry or you want a fresh, “I drink 2 gallons of water a day” vibe, maybe switch to a hydrating primer that will add back that glow and not mattify.
Tip: If you’re a dewy glow goddess, look for primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These give that glass-skin effect ✨.
Using Primer Only on Your Face — Helloooo, Neck and Chest!
Why do we always act like our face just ends at the jawline? 🙃 Please, honey, your neck and chest count too. If you’re priming your face for makeup but not extending down a little to your neck or décolleté, you may end up looking like you’re wearing a mismatched mask.
Nobody wants flawless skin just on their face with their neck letting the team down. They should be a package deal — take the extra 5 seconds to blend the primer down. Thank me later.
Not Adjusting Primer For Different Seasons
Here’s the secret: Your skin changes with the seasons. Maybe in the summer, your skin gets greasy and shiny, but during winter, it feels dry and tight — so keep your primer routine flexible!
For spring/summer months: You might want to reach for something mattifying or oil-controlling because the heat (and sweating, let’s be real) can make makeup sliding off your face real fast.
For fall/winter months: Hydrate! You need something moisturizing, or those dry winds will make your makeup look super patchy and flaky.
Tip: It’s totally fine to switch up your primer depending on the season (or your skin’s mood). One primer doesn’t fit all!
Not Using Specific Primers For Problem Spots
Primers are more than big-box “general” products. You can get targeted primers for problem spots like uneven texture, oily T-zone, etc.
Example: If you get really oily just on your nose and nowhere else, use a mattifying primer only on your T-zone. Then, layer something more hydrating on your cheeks or drier areas. No need to commit to one type across your whole face.
You’re Not Layering It With Your Sunscreen (Gasp!)
I swear, if you take ONE thing away from this post, it better be this: Don’t. Skip. SPF. EVER.
Sunscreen first, primer second. Always. No excuses, babes!
You know you need SPF to protect your skin from damage, like wrinkles and sunburns. But seriously, if you’re skipping the SPF step and thinking the primer has you covered — stop! Most makeup primers don’t have enough SPF, so please, for the love of skin health, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen under your primer.
Apply SPF liberally before your primer, let it absorb for a minute or two, then go in with your primer. I know some makeup bases supposedly have SPF in them but unless you’re applying a ton of foundation and baking yourself like a cupcake, it’s probably not enough.
Okay babes, that’s the lowdown. Stop messing up your primer game and get that face looking flawless. I’ve been there, messing up steps and looking at my face at the end of the day like… what went wrong?! Now you know what not to do 🙃.
Tag me in your makeup looks (seriously, I love seeing your glam), and let me know if you’ve been making any of these mistakes! Answer: probably. But that’s okay — we’re all learning, and that’s the fun part!
