Can You Mix Primer With Foundation

Mixing primer and foundation has many benefits as it helps to make the foundation look more natural and last longer on the skin.

Many makeup lovers swear by this technique for a flawless face.

We all know that a makeup primer is supposed to keep our makeup in place and help it to last all day without flaking.

But if your makeup doesn’t seem to look right, then mixing your primer and foundation might give you a flawless face.

This article will discuss how mixing both products can create even better results than using either one alone. You’ll also find out how to add primer to your foundation for a flawless finish.

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Why you should mix your primer and foundation

This trick can make your makeup look more natural. Here are some benefits of using primer mixed with foundation:

To thin out your foundation

Do you have a full coverage foundation that makes your skin look cakey? If so, then this tip is for you!

Mixing your makeup primer and foundation together can help to thin out the heavy formula. You will achieve a more natural look by doing this instead of applying foundation alone.

This method works for cream foundations too.

A cream foundation tends to look cakey on the skin because it’s thicker than a liquid one. Mixing it with a lightweight primer can thin its formula. This also helps the makeup blend easily into the skin.

If you have a full coverage foundation you wish was lighter, try mixing it with your primer. In addition to giving you a sheer look, this trick will also help the foundation melt into the skin.

To make the foundation more dewy

Foundations that are matte tend to look dry on the skin. This makes it hard to wear a foundation when you have dry skin.

If you have a matte foundation that looks flaky on your skin, but you don’t want to get a new dewy foundation, then the solution is easy. Mix your matte foundation with a hydrating primer.

Oftentimes, hydrating primers contain all kinds of effective skincare ingredients, so when you combine these with foundation, you get a nice tinted moisturizer.

If you have dry skin, this small step will change everything for you. It will transform any ‘dry’ looking matte foundation into a glowy one. Adding a hydrating primer to your matte foundation will give you the best of both worlds – hydration and coverage.

Tip: You can also mix foundation with moisturizer to make it dewier. The difference between primer and moisturizer is that primers are the first step of makeup and moisturizer is one of the main step of skincare.

To make the foundation last longer

We all know that makeup primers can help the makeup last longer.

If your foundation keeps separating on your skin, try to mix it with a primer.

Many primers contain oil-control ingredients, which help to keep the makeup on longer without flaking.

Silicone-based primers have dimethicone or cyclomethicone in their ingredients list. Thanks to their smoothing formula, they can prevent the foundation from creasing in fine lines and wrinkles.

Mixing your foundation with a silicone-based primer can help it to blend better and last longer.

To lighten the foundation color

If you have a foundation that is too dark for your skin tone, mixing it with a primer may help.

Since the color of your primer is lighter than the foundation, it can be used to lighten the shade.

By mixing your foundation with a face primer, you can easily make your foundation more suitable for your skin tone by lightening the pigmentation of the foundation.

This trick will not work with a tinted primer that is darker than your skin tone. Choose a light or clear primer instead.

Tip: You can add a little water to your foundation to make it lighter.

How to mix primer and foundation

These simple steps will help you get the foundation that’s perfect for your skin tone and skin type.

Step1: Choose the perfect liquid or cream foundation

Pick your liquid or cream foundation depending on your skin type and the level of coverage you want. If you have oily skin, choose a matte foundation that helps to control oil throughout the day. For dry skin, opt for a hydrating formula. if you have big pores, choose a pore-minimizing foundation.

There are many liquid foundations that work well for large pores and dry skin, while other are more suitable for dry and mature skin.

Find your perfect shade match by identifying your skin tone (fair, light, medium, dark) and your undertone (cool, warm, neutral). This allows you to know whether your skin tone leans towards yellow or pink undertones.

Choosing the best foundation undertone is an essential step. Using a shade lighter than your skin tone can cause your makeup to look grey. On the other hand, choosing an incorrect undertone can make your foundation look pink.

Step2: Match your foundation and primer

Using two products together with different base ingredients might cause the foundation to separate and break.

It is generally believed that silicone-based primers can’t be mixed with water-based foundations.

This isn’t to say that a silicone-based primer will never work with a water-based foundation, but mixing these two products might not give you the best results.

This theory is not always accurate, and it might take some trial and error to know what primer and foundation combination will work the best.

If you’re looking to get started with mixing primers and foundations, start on your hands first. You will find that the mixture spreads well when it does not contain clumps. If it’s mixing correctly, the primer shouldn’t ball up or separate.

Foundations that are lightweight, like this water-based foundation, might break up if mixed with a heavy silicone-based primer. If your foundation has a light formula, avoid mixing it with a thick primer and opt for a lightweight formula instead.

Step 3: Mix the the foundation and the primer

To get a light moisturizer effect, start by using a fifty-fifty combo of primer and foundation.

For more coverage, we like to use 2/3 foundation to 1/3 primer.

Mix the two products on the back of your hand or use a mixing plate.

The mixing plate is designed specifically for this purpose, but use your hands if you’re in a hurry.

The warmth of your fingers helps the two products to mix and blend better on the skin. You need to make sure your hands are clean before starting to mix.

On the other hand, using a mixing plate can be more hygienic. Add the two products and use a spatula to mix until the product is thoroughly blended.

Mix them until you get a consistency and color that is uniform.

It is possible to experiment with the ratio and see what works best for you.

It all depends on the level of coverage you want. Use the same amount of primer and foundation for light coverage.

Apply more foundation than primer to achieve medium to full coverage.

Step 4: Apply the foundation

Blend the foundation on your skin using a regular foundation brush or a makeup sponge.

Makeup brushes give the skin more coverage. They absorb less product than makeup sponges.

Beauty sponges are great for getting natural light coverage. It helps spread the foundation evenly over the skin without leaving streaks behind and gets rid of any excess product, so it doesn’t look cakey throughout the day.

Start with a small amount of foundation, so it doesn’t look heavy when you apply it to your skin. Add more to the areas where you need more coverage.

Step 5: Set it with powder

For a long-lasting look, set your foundation with a loose or pressed setting powder.

If you have oily skin, use an oil-absorbing setting powder. It helps to mattify the skin and control shine during the day.

If you have dry skin or fine lines, use a lightweight setting powder that doesn’t accentuate wrinkles or dry patches.

Best primers to mix with foundation

Choosing the wrong primer can cause your foundation to look worse. These are some of the best primers that can be mixed with foundations. They are lightweight and easy to blend. Choose a mattifying or illuminating primer depending on what’s the look you’re going for.

Rimmel stay matte primer

Check Price On Amazon

This primer has a very lightweight formula that can be easily mixed with a silicone-based foundation. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin, and it helps to control oil throughout the day.

It helps to minimize the look of the pores thanks to its silky formula.

It creates a smooth and silky finish that can last all day, and it’s also very reasonably priced.

Tip: you can also apply this primer on top of foundation for a poreless looking skin.

Hourglass veil mineral primer

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price On Sephora

Check Price On Ulta

This primer has a silky, smooth formula that blends easily with foundations. It extends the wear time of your makeup without making your skin feel heavy.

It’s also oil-free, and it helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

It provides a broad spectrum SPF 15 protection but make sure you always apply a separate sunscreen first before going outside in the sun.

That’s because you’d have to use a lot of makeup to get the same level of protection as regular sunscreen.

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer

Check Price On Amazon

Check Price On Sephora

Check Price On Ulta

To get the look of smooth skin, you can use this oil-free primer from benefit. It has a lightweight formula that mixes easily with foundations.

It helps hide large pores and skin texture while providing a flawless finish. It’s also oil-free, and it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It’s one of the best primers for oily and combination skin.

L’Oréal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Face Primer

Check Price On Walmart

Looking for a primer that will give you a healthy glow? Check this unique one from l’Oréal.

This primer has a lightweight formula that gives the skin a luminous glow. It has a smooth silicone-based formula that feels lightweight on the skin.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a natural or glam look, this primer is perfect if you have dry or combination skin. It helps to keep your makeup looking fresh all day long. Plus, the price is very reasonable.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Illuminating Primer- Always An Optimist Collection

Check Price On Sephora

This water-based primer is silicone-free, and it has a weightless formula that can be mixed with a water-based foundation. It helps to smooth, hydrate, and illuminate the skin, making it an excellent primer for dry skin.

If you’re looking for a lit-from-within glow, this primer is worth trying.

TIP: Some foundations come with a built-in primer for faster application. For more suggestions, check our guide on the best foundations with primer.

Can you mix a green primer with foundation

Yes, a green primer can be mixed with foundation. Green reduces redness, and green primers help reduce the look of red spots, rosacea, or broken capillaries.

Start by mixing a small amount first and blend until the foundation has an even consistency. Some primers might ball up or separate, so choose a lightweight formula to start with.

This green primer has a silky formula that might go well with many foundations. It also helps to minimize the pores, making it an excellent choice for oily skin.