As more and more skin care and makeup products come onto the market, it can be confusing to decide what your skin needs. Especially confusing is the difference between moisturizer and primer.

A moisturizer is a skin care product that hydrates and moisturizes skin, and helps skin retain essential moisture throughout the day and/or night. This helps keep skin from drying out, and can help keep skin looking youthful, healthy, and luminous. Moisturizers may be used underneath makeup or on their own, and may be used during the day, night, or both.

A primer is a cosmetic product applied as the first step of a makeup routine directly to the skin, typically before foundation is applied. Primers may be applied on top of moisturizer, or on top of bare skin.

Primers have many different functions, one of which may be moisturizing skin. Those with dry skin may choose a moisturizing primer, which is quite similar to a moisturizer, however is typically thinning in consistency so as not to interfere with foundation application. Other primers may be designed to control oil production, blur or fill in the appearance of pores, correct uneven tone, add radiance to skin, or help foundation last longer on the skin.

In essence, “primer” is an umbrella term that encompasses many different types of products that are intended to enhance makeup application and wear. In contrast, moisturizer is strictly a skin care product designed to nourish and hydrate the skin, whether or not makeup is applied on top.

In addition, primer is typically only worn during the daytime. It is ill-advised to wear primer at night, as makeup should be removed before bed, and there is little reason to wear primer if makeup is not on top. Some primers, such as those with heavy silicone or dimethicone content, may have a tendency to clog pores in acne-prone skin. In contrast, moisturizer is frequently worn at night, to benefit skin throughout the night.

Some makeup users prefer not to use a primer, and instead use a simple moisturizer underneath makeup. In these cases, moisturizer may be used as a “primer.” This can be beneficial to those with extremely dry skin, especially if hydrating primers have failed to adequately moisturize skin.

As always, everyone’s skin is different. You may find that a particular primer makes your makeup apply well, and another does not. Others may prefer to use a simple moisturizer underneath makeup. Others will decide not to wear makeup at all. At the end of the day, find what works for you. What works for someone else may not be right for your skin type or makeup preferences. Go with what you enjoy most!

Do you prefer primer or moisturizer underneath your makeup? Comment below and let us know!