Can Sunscreen Be Used as a Primer?

Sunscreen is arguably the most important step in any daily skincare routine. It’s the best way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can accelerate the visible signs of aging and increase your risk for skin cancer. If you choose the right formula, sunscreen can also work as a primer under makeup.

Primer is a base product that helps prep the skin for the application of makeup. Formulations vary, but primer can help smooth uneven skin texture, minimize the appearance of pores, improve hydration, and control shine to keep your makeup looking fresher for longer.

By choosing the right sunscreen formula, you might be able to skip primer entirely without compromising your results. Tinted sunscreen works particularly well as a makeup primer. The tint helps counteract any white cast left by the sunscreen that might clash with your foundation shade.

You should always apply sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine. That means sunscreen goes before primer, which is generally the first step in a makeup routine. And don’t forget to apply moisturizer before sunscreen.

When you’re planning to apply makeup, it’s wise to give your sunscreen time to set first. Wait 10 to 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before putting on primer, if you’re still using it, and makeup. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and dry down, so it creates a smooth foundation for your makeup instead of mixing together with it.

All sunscreens are not created equal. As with any product in your skincare routine, it’s important to shop for your skin type. It’s also wise to make sure none of your products will interact poorly or impede the effectiveness of each other.

If you’re planning to swap sunscreen for primer, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Consider your skin type first and foremost. Making sure your skin is healthy and balanced before applying makeup helps ensure a flawless finish and all-day comfort, so choose a sunscreen that’s suited to your skin type.
• Choose a formula compatible with your foundation. If you’re using water-based foundation, opt for a similar sunscreen formulation. Oil and water don’t mix, and choosing incompatible products could cause your makeup to slide or apply unevenly.
• Think about the desired finish. Do you want your skin to look fresh and dewy? Or are you trying to control shine? The sunscreen you use in place of primer should match your desired finish. Choose mattifying sunscreen to control shine and a hydrating formula to get that radiant glow.
• Opt for tinted sunscreen. Whether you’re going with a universally tinted product or something shade-specific, a little tint makes it easier to blend sunscreen with foundation. If you’re using mineral sunscreen, the tint may also help counteract any white cast from the active ingredients.
• Select sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This is the minimum sun protection factor recommended by dermatologists. If you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, you’ll have to do it over your makeup so it’s wise to start with a strong foundation of protection.

Keep in mind that you can still apply primer over sunscreen, should you need to. If you have larger pores on your nose, for example, you might still apply a little pore-filling primer in that area. For oily skin types, a little mattifying primer on the T-zone can help control shine.

Sun damage from ultraviolet radiation is cumulative, so prevention is preferable to treatment. For makeup wearers, a primer that protects could be a better way to go than a standard primer. Using sunscreen in place of primer gives your skin the sun protection it needs while also readying your skin for the application of makeup.

Not sure where to start? Check out our recommendations for the best tinted sunscreens.

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