How long to wait after sunscreen to apply primer for oily

Any skincare program has to incorporate sunscreen, which is non-negotiable especially for oily skin. It protects your skin from potentially aging UV rays. On makeup, though, oily skin benefits from a good primer to dull shine and smooth the canvas for foundation. The considerations then turn to: in what sequence and for what length of time should you apply these products?

This breakdown will help you find the perfect balance for oily skin between sun protection and makeup application:

Why is first sunscreen important?

Sunscreen should always come first in your makeup application regardless of type of skin. Here is the reasoning:

To offer optimal protection, sunscreen has to develop full and even coating on your skin. Applying primer over top could cause disturbance of this layer, thereby reducing the SPF efficacy.

Particularly mineral-based types of sunscreen take time to fully dry and penetrate into the skin. Too quickly use of makeup will trap the sunscreen and hinder this procedure.

Halflife of Sunscreen: The Waiting Game

The secret for oily skin is to start your makeup application in the middle between letting your sunscreen dry and Here’s a guideline:

Try to spend at least five minutes after applying sunscreen before working on primer. Most formulas gain from some drying time this gives.

With oily skin, consider waiting ten to fifteen minutes. This gives the sunscreen enough time to set and lowers the possibility of pilling—products balling up—when you apply primer.

Pro Tip: Generally speaking, oily skin produces too much sebum all day. To aid to further prevent shine, gently blot your face with a tissue after applying sunscreen but before primer. This removes any surface grease without disturbing the covering of sunscreen.

Indices of too little wait time

These are several signs you could have used primer too soon after sunscreen:

The most typically occurring indicator is piling. Not very well-stuck, the primer and sunscreen clump together and roll off the skin.

One possible reason your makeup seems streky or uneven is incomplete setting of sunscreen.

Choices in Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Look for non-comedgenic, oil-free sunscreen. These light-weight compositions are less likely to clog pores, which aggravates oily skin conditions.

Among the popular choices here are:

Though sometimes thicker, mineral sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection. Look for compositions labeled “mattifying” or “oil-control.”

Sunscreens for chemicals: Usually lighter and faster to absorb are these. Still, some people with sensitive skin could get irritated.

Making the Most of Your Primer

These basic principles for oily skin hold true once your sunscreen has dried:

Choose one meant especially for oily skin, mattifying primer. These primers contain elements that, by absorbing additional oil, help to regulate shine all day.

With your fingertips or a damp beauty blender, lightly apply primer in your T-zone—forehead, nose, and chin.

More tips for oily skin

To get excess oil and grime off your face, twice a day gently wash it with a gentle cleanser.

Frequent exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that could obstruct pores and add to shine. Avoid harsh scrubs, though, if you have oily skin to worsen it.

Keeping blotting pads on hand will assist you to absorb surplus oil throughout the day without compromising your makeup.

Creating the perfect calendar calls both time and trial-by-error. Pay great attention to how different products affect your skin; then, change your application technique and wait time as required. With some trial and error, even with oily skin, you may find ideal makeup look that lasts all day.