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Quick answer: our SPF50 Primer is your sun protection step and belongs in every morning routine. After it, add a makeup primer only if your skin needs one: our Grip Primer for a dewy, gripping base on normal to dry skin, or our Oil & Sweat Block Makeup Primer for oily areas that shine or break down during the day. Not every foundation needs a primer.
Understanding what a primer does
A primer sits between your skincare and your foundation. Depending on the formula, it can help makeup grip, keep oily areas matte for longer, or smooth the look of texture. The right choice depends on your skin type and on the foundation you wear.
Our SPF50 Primer is different from the other two. It is a liquid sun protection primer, so think of it as part of your skincare: you wear it every morning whether or not you wear makeup.
The science behind it
Sun protection only works when you use enough of it and reapply it. The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying sun protection about 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours, or after swimming or sweating [1]. It also explains that no product blocks 100% of UVB rays, which is why shade and a hat still matter [2]. Read the label to understand the SPF and broad spectrum protection a product gives [3].
Oil on the skin can break down makeup over the day, which is why oily areas often benefit from an oil-controlling primer, while dry skin can look patchy if the base is too matte. Moisturisers help reduce water loss from the skin and form a base for makeup [5].
Which of our primers may help?
SPF50 Primer: every morning
Our SPF50 Primer is a liquid primer with SPF50. Apply it after our moisturiser and before foundation, at the full amount on the label, and let it settle before your next step. Never skip it or use less to make your makeup sit better.
Grip Primer: a dewy, gripping base
Our Grip Primer is a gel primer with hyaluronic acid. It gives a dewy base that helps foundation grip, which suits normal and dry skin and works well under our 48HR Matte Transfer-Proof Foundation when skin is on the drier side.
48HR Matte Transfer-Proof Foundation
Matte, full coverage transfer proof foundation for oily to combination skin Quick setting, designed to resist transfer onto clothes once set Waterproof,…
Oil & Sweat Block Makeup Primer: oily areas
Our Oil & Sweat Block Makeup Primer is made for skin that gets shiny or sweaty. Apply it only where you need it, usually the forehead, nose and chin, and wait 4 minutes before applying foundation.
Step-by-step application guide
- Cleanse with our Gentle Teen + Adult Face Cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply your serum. Skip acids and retinoids right before makeup.
- Apply our moisturiser for your skin type: our Advanced Hyaluronic Acid Gel Moisturiser for oily skin, our Advanced Day & Night Cream for normal to dry skin, or our Thick & Creamy Advanced Day & Night Cream for dry or mature skin.
- Apply our SPF50 Primer at the full labelled amount and let it settle.
- If you need one, apply a thin layer of our Grip Primer, or our Oil & Sweat Block Primer on oily areas only. Wait 4 minutes after the Oil & Sweat Block Primer.
- Apply your foundation in thin layers.
Practical tips
- Use a thin layer of primer. Too much product under foundation can cause pilling.
- Give each step time to settle before the next one, and press products in rather than rubbing.
- Combination skin can use both makeup primers: the Grip Primer on drier areas and the Oil & Sweat Block Primer on the T-zone.
- Reapply sun protection every two hours when you are outdoors [1].
Do’s and don’ts
- Do wear our SPF50 Primer every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Do match your makeup primer to your skin type.
- Don’t reduce or skip sun protection to fix pilling. Simplify other steps instead.
- Don’t layer thick products before a quick-setting foundation.
- Don’t rub primer in hard; press it in gently.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a primer with every foundation?
No. Our SPF50 Primer is for sun protection and should be worn daily. A makeup primer is optional and depends on your skin type and foundation.
Which primer is best for oily skin?
Our Oil & Sweat Block Makeup Primer, applied to oily areas. Wait 4 minutes before foundation.
Which primer is best for dry skin?
Our Grip Primer, over our moisturiser and SPF50 Primer.
Is your SPF50 Primer available as a cream?
No. We currently sell our SPF50 Primer as a liquid only.
How often should I reapply sun protection?
Every two hours when you are outdoors, and after swimming or sweating [1].
Before you start
Please patch test first: apply a small amount to a small area on the inner arm twice daily for 7 to 10 days. If you notice redness, itching or swelling, stop using the product.
Testing a new product on a small area first is a sensible way to check how your skin reacts [4].
Find your primer
Each primer has its own product page with full details. If you are unsure which suits you, an agent can help you choose.
Where to buy
Get advice from an agent near you.
You can order through a Mooiste Meisie or Umuhle Cosmetics agent near you, using our Agent Finder, or directly from our online shop. Both options give you the same products, so choose whichever suits you best. An agent can also help you choose shades and build a routine.
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Sources
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to apply sunscreen.AAD.org ↗
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs.AAD.org ↗
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to read sunscreen labels.AAD.org ↗
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to test skin care products.AAD.org ↗
- DermNet. Emollients and moisturisers.DermNet ↗
Questions about this story?
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- Bubbles Nair
I’m using latte foundation , I need more nd primer I’m love this foundation
