Whether you’re brushing on a little highlighter before heading to the office or pulling out all the stops for a night on the town, smooth and supple skin is the best foundation. A simple cleansing and moisturizing routine goes a long way in keeping your skin healthy but when it comes to setting the stage for a stunning look, you might be missing a step if you don’t use makeup primer.

If you’ve never applied face primer before, you may be wondering what it is and whether it’s truly necessary. After all, your moisturizer provides all the same benefits. Or does it?

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the benefits of makeup primer, discuss whether moisturizer makes a suitable substitute, and offer tips for prepping your skin for flawless makeup application.

When it comes to looking your best, there’s no substitute for healthy skin. If you want to update your appearance with a little makeup, however, applying primer first can help prepare your skin for smooth application with long-lasting results.

The effects of a good makeup primer are subtle but significant. Primer can help smooth out fine lines, minimize the appearance of large pores, and even mattify shine. Some primers deliver a boost of added hydration or work to correct discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Perhaps most importantly, primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup products you apply. This barrier protects your skin and extends the lifespan of your look , preventing your makeup from going flakey or cakey.

While face primer is optional, moisturizer is essential. It’s designed to be applied directly to the skin after cleansing to help restore hydration . A good  moisturizer  will also boost your skin’s ability to retain moisture, protecting it from dryness and environmental damage.

If you think of makeup as the paint that creates a beautiful work of art, your skin is the canvas. Primer helps ensure that the paint glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly, but even the most skilled application can’t overcome a damaged canvas.

No matter your makeup habits, daily moisturization is a must. Like primer, moisturizers come in a variety of formulas, ranging from thick creams to lightweight gels and serums. Some moisturizers contain ingredients to address specific skin concerns like acne scars, age spots, sensitivity, and dryness. 

Moisturizer and primer may be two different products, but it’s possible to achieve the desired effect without having to apply both. The key is to develop a daily skincare routine that works for you and your skin. When your skin is healthy and moisturized, you may not need primer to help your makeup go on smoothly.

Here are three reasons moisturizer makes a good substitute for makeup primer:

1. It helps smooth out fine lines and freshen your complexion . Makeup applied over dry skin may clump or flake. By boosting your skin’s hydration, moisturizer helps create a smoother, more even surface for makeup application.

2. It protects your skin against dehydration and damage . Moisturizer supports your skin’s ability to retain moisture, improving its ability to resist the effects of environmental damage and prolonged makeup wear.

3. It helps keep your makeup from melting or getting cakey . By maintaining adequate hydration, moisturizer helps prevent your skin from drying out and producing excess oil that might cause your makeup to slide or cake.

If you’re struggling with severe dryness, discoloration, or visible signs of aging, your skin might benefit from an intensive moisturizing treatment. Shop for  face masks  on Exclusive Beauty.

In the realm of skincare products, moisturizers tend to be pretty low-maintenance. But there are a few simple things you can do to maximize the shelf life of your moisturizer (both before and after you open it):

• Store it in a cool, dry place . Keep your moisturizer out of direct sunlight and consider keeping it in a cabinet instead of on the vanity in your bathroom where it might be exposed to moisture.

• Check the package for a “period after opening” indication . Many brands indicate on the package how long the product is good for after being opened. It’s usually printed as a number followed by the letter M (e.g. 3M, 6M, or 12M).

• Make note of when you open it . The expiration date generally applies to the unopened product. If you aren’t sure you’ll use the product within 6-12 months, consider writing the date you opened it on the container.

Don’t dip your fingers into the jar . For products in tubs or jars, use a small spoon or spatula to dip into the product instead of your fingers. This helps prevent bacteria and oil on your hands from contaminating the product.