Sunscreen Before or After Primer: Which Comes First?

August 06, 2025

By Roxxane Joiner

Should you use sunscreen before or after primer? This is the beauty debate that’s sparked many a group chat and Google search. While it may seem like a relatively minor detail, how you layer primer and sunscreen can have a significant impact. Not only can it affect how well your makeup wears, but it can also influence the effectiveness of your skincare. Getting the order wrong could lead to foundation that slips and slides or even compromise the protection your sunscreen offers. Understanding how to use sunscreen and primer together can make all the difference in achieving a flawless makeup look while maintaining your skin’s healthy appearance. Keep reading to discover the answer to your most pressing beauty question.

Understanding the Roles of Sunscreen and Primer

Before we dig into whether you should apply primer before or after sunscreen, let’s take a moment to go over the roles of both products. Understanding what sunscreen and primer do makes it easier to see exactly how each one should slot into your routine.

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sun damage. It can help prevent sunburns, visible signs of premature aging, and even certain types of skin cancer. How sunscreen protects your skin depends on the type—chemical or mineral. Chemical sunscreens work by creating a shield against the sun’s rays, while mineral sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays. Face primer, meanwhile, is a product that bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. It’s designed to prep your skin for your face makeup. The right formula can visibly smooth skin texture, make your pores look less noticeable, and help makeup last longer.

Sunscreen vs. Primer: Which Comes First?

To properly protect your skin and prep for makeup, you should use sunscreen before primer. Sunscreen is most effective when applied after cleansing and moisturizing your face, but before layering on any makeup products. It’s the final step in any good daytime skincare routine. Make sure to use a sunscreen that plays well with makeup, like the Kiehl’s Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide. The sunscreen-serum hybrid is specifically formulated to protect against sun damage like sun spots and help visibly correct early signs of aging.

After you apply your SPF, give it a few minutes to absorb, and then you can move on to priming your skin. Primer should be the first step in your long-lasting makeup routine. It works best when layered directly under the rest of your makeup, allowing it to better grip to your foundation and other products. One of our favorite options for primer is Maybelline’s Poreless Jelly™ Up To 24HR Hydrating Blur Primer. It extends the wear time of makeup, provides up to 24 hours of hydration, and visibly blurs pores. Plus, it layers well and doesn’t pill.

4 Tips for a Seamless Application

Now that you know whether to apply sunscreen before or after primer, you can focus on how to perfect your application of both products. Here are a few tips to try: Match sunscreen and primer formulas. Not every product will pair well together. Consider your desired finish when picking your primer and sunscreen. If you want a matte makeup look, for example, match a velvety primer with a mattifying sunscreen. For a glowy look, choose products with a radiant finish instead. Think about the texture and consistency of your products, too. Picking ones that are similar (like two lotions or two gels) will make for a more flawless application. Opt for lightweight products. Heavy primers and sunscreens can be prone to pilling. Look for lightweight formulas that will layer well and feel weightless on your skin.

• Wait between steps. If you immediately start smoothing primer on top of sunscreen, your SPF might rub off. Take your time and let your sunscreen absorb for three to five minutes before applying primer. You also want to give your sunscreen enough time to start working—at least 15 minutes—before going outside.
• Try a combo primer and sunscreen. Sunscreens that are designed to also prime your skin can help streamline your routine. We love the multitasking It Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face SPF 50, which offers daily sun protection, helps hydrate skin, and preps it for makeup. The Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer is another great pick. In addition to helping protect your skin, it hydrates and comforts your complexion, leaving it with a healthy-looking glow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I use a mineral or chemical sunscreen before primer?

Whether you should use mineral or chemical sunscreen before primer comes down to your preferences and needs. Mineral sunscreen is often better for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, it can be thicker, so some formulas may not layer well with primer. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, is typically lightweight and blendable but may not suit all skin types.

How long should I wait after applying sunscreen before using primer?

After slathering on sunscreen, it needs a few minutes to sink into your skin. Wait around three to five minutes before applying primer to avoid disrupting your SPF and impacting its effectiveness.

What is the correct order for makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizer?

The correct order for applying beauty products is skincare (including moisturizer), then sunscreen, and, finally, makeup. For your skincare routine, it’s best to layer formulas from lightest to heaviest. Start with face wash, then apply any serums, and follow with moisturizer. Next, put on your sunscreen and primer. After, you can complete your makeup routine. We like doing face, eye, and lip makeup, in that order, but there’s lots of room for you to play around and experiment with what works best for you.

Can I use a primer with SPF instead of sunscreen?

Upgrading to a primer with SPF can be a great way to boost your sun protection routine, but we don’t recommend using it in place of regular sunscreen. Often, makeup products with SPF don’t offer enough protection on their own.

How can I reapply sunscreen over makeup during the day?

The easiest ways to reapply sunscreen over makeup are with a SPF setting spray, powder, or stick. These formulas can layer on top of makeup without smudging or disrupting your look. Gently press or mist the product onto your skin, taking care to reapply at least every two hours (more often if you’re swimming or sweating).