Can You Use Primer Without Makeup? Here’s Our Honest Opinion…

Updated:

31 Oct 2023

I've worked in the Marketing Team at Adore Beauty for almost a year now and love love love skincare! I'm all about vegan products and 5 plus step skincare routines. Recently I've been growing out my coloured hair and focusing on strength/length with hair masks and treatments.

best primer for mature skin australia_woman in her 50s using finger to apply tinted primer to her cheek

We all know primers are a great way to make your makeup last all day and apply more evenly.

But, can you use primer without makeup? Can you use primer alone?

Primers are often packed with nutrients and SPF to protect the skin, plus additional ingredients to help manage skin concerns.

So, it makes sense why you'd want to slather your face in one, even on your foundation-free days. You can learn more about the many purposes of primer and the differences between concealer, foundation and primer to elevate your makeup looks.

Keep scrolling to find out why it's a good idea to wear primer alone for a finished, natural look, plus all our tips on using primer without makeup…

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Can You Use Primer Without Makeup?

Absolutely! If you are interested in experimenting with a no-makeup look, then using a primer alone is a great option. You can still experience the soothing benefits of the product that work to reduce redness and irritation. Using primer without makeup can also let you enjoy the subtle glow it brings to your complexion.

So, while this approach may seem unusual, it is worth trying. Many people use a primer to extend their makeup, but there are several occasions when primer without foundation and concealer works just as well.

For more tips on using primer without makeup, take a look at our guide for when to use primer and shop online.

Here Are Our Top Picks

If you want to try using a primer alone, here are some of our recommendations to get you started!

Luminous Hydration

M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream

$80.00

4.6 of 225 reviews

Boost natural radiance with an illuminating primer, which can add a natural-looking glow to your skin, even if you aren't wearing foundation on top. A lightweight formula that promotes luminosity and radiance, this brightening face cream is infused with antioxidants, botanicals and nutrient-rich vitamins. Designed to banish dull, flat or tired skin, this unique brightening moisturiser will smooth, improve clarity and hydrate skin. Available in pink, peach, silver and gold, this cream can be used on all skin types.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer 30ml

Control Oily Skin

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer 30ml

$69.00

5 of 1 reviews

Are you tired of shiny skin and compromised foundation? A mattifying primer helps to control oil and reduce shine, whether you wear it alone or with makeup. We recommend this super mattifying formula. Tame the shine to keep your makeup looking flawless throughout the day. MAKE UP FOR EVER Shine Control Primer reduces the appearance of pores, evening out the skin tone while preventing shine from making an appearance throughout the day.

Hydrate Dry Skin

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml

$120.00

4.6 of 351 reviews

Whilst you can pack your skincare routine with hydrating products, there's no harm in using a moisturising primer for that extra kick. In fact, when using primer without makeup, this extra hydration can create a radiant glow for your complexion without relying on foundation or bronzer products. This formula is packed with moisture-rich ingredients and vitamins to condition dehydrated skin. Available in 50ml and 15ml, this best-selling formula contains vitamins C and E to help protect the skin. Carrot extract and vitamin A complex help smooth out and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Add a Natural Tint

Using tinted primer alone without makeup can soften the look of hyperpigmentation and even out skin tones. We recommend this formula, which provides minimal coverage and smooths skin's texture for a flawless but natural finish without relying on heavy foundation or concealer. Plus, broad-spectrum protection keeps skin safe from those harsh UV rays!

Smudge Proof Results

theBalm Anne T. Dotes Eye-Shadow Primer

$22.99

4.3 of 67 reviews

Even eyelid discolourations with a tinted eye shadow primer. If you prefer to skip coloured eye shadow, you can use a tinted eyelid primer alone to even out your eyelids for a fuss-free, no-makeup look. This formula combats redness with yellow hues and make your eyes look refreshed. Light-reflecting particles help brighten and enhance the skin creating a smooth, smudge-proof canvas.

Benefit They're Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer

Condition Your Lashes

Benefit They're Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer

$53.00

4.8 of 73 reviews

It's always important to be gentle around your eye area. Frequent mascara use and removal can weaken eyelashes. Use a conditioning lash primer to nourish and strengthen lashes, even on no-mascara days. Tinted lash primers such as also provide subtle definition and colour. With a light and nourishing formula, this lash primer lifts, separates and conditions to maximise lash definition. Available in two sizes.

Are There Any Primers I Should Avoid Wearing Alone?

Whilst there won't be any adverse side effects of using any primer on its own, certain products are intended to work specifically with makeup, such as foundation and concealer.

This is because they work specifically to keep your products in place for longer so you can enjoy a fresh, even look all day.

When using a primer without foundation or similar makeup products, the primary advantage of the formula is made irrelevant. Basically, you won't necessarily benefit from wearing these primers alone.

This goes double for primers with SPF - make sure you're wearing proper sunscreen underneath them, because even with a primer with a high SPF level, you're probably not applying enough to get the full sun protective benefit.

Primers formulated solely to ease makeup application and extend its wear offer little benefit to the skin. If you're using a primer on its own, it's best to use one that has its own additional perks.

*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.

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