Do You Really Need a Primer? The Truth About Makeup Prep

How many times have you bought a primer thinking it was the missing puzzle piece to flawless makeup, only to find… nothing changed? Or worse, your makeup slid right off by lunchtime? You’re not alone. Primers have become the it product in beauty routines according to influencers, but here’s the truth: you probably don’t need one. In fact, I rarely use primers in my kit, and here’s why.

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Why Primers Became the “Must-Have” Product

Primers were marketed as the magical barrier between your skin and makeup—promising longer wear, smoother skin, and blurred pores. But here’s the kicker: if your skin doesn’t need that extra layer, primers can actually do more harm than good.

And here’s the thing: most professional makeup artists don’t even use them. Yep, you read that right. Primers aren’t some secret pro tool—they’re a trend that took off mostly because of influencer marketing. Influencers made primers look like an essential step in your routine, but in reality? They’re often just extra clutter in your makeup bag.

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When Primers Can Help (But Only Sometimes)

I’ll admit, there are moments when primers come in handy:

• Oily Skin: If you’re prone to shine, a mattifying primer can help control oil. But—and this is important—you have to pick the right one.
• Texture or Large Pores: Some silicone-based primers smooth texture beautifully. But beware—if your skin doesn’t play well with silicone, it can cause makeup to separate or slide right off.
• Special Occasions or Photoshoots: Sometimes, for all-day wear under hot lights or a long event, a primer can add that extra insurance.

But even in these cases, I still tread lightly. Because…

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Why I Don’t Use Primers in My Makeup Kit

For the vast majority of my clients, primers just aren’t necessary. Here’s why:

• Good Skin Prep > Primer: Hydrated, well-moisturized (and well taken care of) skin creates the perfect canvas. If your skin is balanced and exfoliated, your makeup will naturally sit better.
• Quality Foundation & Concealer Do the Heavy Lifting: When you’re using products that are designed to perform (and match your skin type), they don’t need a primer to “boost” them. Trust me—good foundation is worth more than any primer.
• Primers Can Actually Cause Issues: Silicone-heavy primers can make makeup slip off if your skin is oily. Plus, they can sometimes cause breakouts or irritation for sensitive skin types.

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The Spackle Effect: How Primers (and Even Some SPFs) Can Clog Pores

Here’s the thing about primers: their job is literally to fill in pores and fine lines to create that smooth, flawless base. Sounds great, right? But think of it this way—if you’re not careful, you’re basically stuffing those little pore holes with spackle.

And we all know what happens when you don’t clean out spackle—it hardens, builds up, and causes problems underneath. The same goes for your skin. If you’re using heavy, silicone-based primers (or even certain SPFs with pore-clogging ingredients) without proper cleansing, you’re practically inviting clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.

The worst part? Many people layer primer and foundation, thinking more is better—but that can just trap everything underneath, especially if your skin isn’t prepped correctly or the product isn’t compatible with your skin type.

The Better Alternative to Primers

Instead of reaching for a primer, focus on these steps:

1. Cleanse, Exfoliate & Moisturize: Clean, hydrated skin holds makeup better than any primer. Use a moisturizer that suits your skin type—lightweight for oily, richer for dry skin.
2. Choose the Right Foundation: Match your foundation to your skin’s needs. Oily skin? Go for oil-free, matte formulas. Dry skin? Hydrating, dewy foundations will do the trick.
3. Set Strategically: Use setting powders or sprays only where needed—like the T-zone for oily skin or under the eyes to prevent creasing.

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The Bottom Line: Trust Your Skin, Not the Hype

At the end of the day, primers aren’t a bad product—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all miracle either. For most of us, good skin prep and the right foundation are more than enough. So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the beauty “rules,” take this as your permission slip to skip the primer and focus on what really matters: loving the skin you’re in and letting your makeup enhance it.