How much primer do I need?

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.

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.

Who doesn’t want a fresh face of makeup that stays fabulous all day long? You might have thought this impossible in the past, but it can be done!

Face primers increase makeup longevity, minimise pores and discolouration, and create an even surface for easier makeup application.

Sounds great, right? Well, before you start slapping on the product, it is essential to ask yourself, ‘how much primer do I need?’ After all, knowing exactly how much makeup primer to use is vital, as the right amount ensures maximum benefits without clogging poresand looking like you’re wearing ‘too much’ makeup on your face.

How much primer do I need?
How much primer do I need?

What Does Primer Do for Your Face?

Every work of art needs a blank canvas, and this is precisely what primer does for your face. With every application, it creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup products, working to keep your foundation, concealer, eye shadow and more in place.

When working out how much primer you need, you can opt for different formulas to achieve various goals. For example, if you have oily skin or larger pores, then a mattifying primer will help smooth the skin, whereas a hydrating primer will work wonders for those with dry patches and uneven texture.

How Much Primer to Use on Your Face

We’re sure you have heard the phrase, ‘less is more’. By taking this approach to the way you wear your primer, you will never find yourself with congested skin or clogged pores. While these products offer a variety of skin benefits, wearing too much makeup on the face can reverse these effects. Therefore, primer should be used sparingly – opt for a pea-sized amount for each application.

Remember, how much primer you need depends entirely on your skin type and makeup goals, but resist the temptation to keep applying. A small amount will be more than enough to secure an even finish for your makeup.

How can I tell if I've used too much primer?

Using too much primer may make your skin feel clogged and coated. One of the main benefits of primer is a smooth skin surface for even makeup application. If you've applied too much, you may notice that your foundation grabs or clumps in certain areas.

Using too much primer may make your skin slippery and oily, especially if you're using a product containing silicones or hydrating ingredients. Be careful with colour-correcting primers, focusing on areas of discolouration. If you use too much of a green primer, you may look sickly.

How much primer do I need?
How much primer do I need?

How can I tell if I've used too little primer?

If you've used too little primer, you simply won't reap the maximum benefits. If you notice that your makeup isn't lasting any longer despite using a primer with extra hold, you may be using too little primer. Similarly, consider using a little more if your primer doesn't provide much hydration or glow. Pay close attention to how much primer you need, as this will considerably impact your overall look.

I'm using the right amount of primer, but it's still not reacting well with my foundation. Why is this?

You may want to reassess your product choice if you're using a pea-sized amount of primer and still see negative results. If you're using an oil-based primer, you should be using an oil-based foundation. Similarly, pair a water-based foundation with a water-based primer. Never mix the two, as the products can end up disturbing each other and give the impression of congested skin.

If you're getting good results from a primer, loading it up thick and fast on your skin may be tempting, especially if you want the extra hydrating or smoothing effects. However, always stick to a pea-sized amount to ensure even application of your makeup and rely on your skincare for help instead.

When using primer, it is crucial to know how much you will need and which primer will best suit your makeup. At Adore Beauty, we have a variety of classic smoothing and hydrating primers to choose from so that you can make the best decision for your skin.

Here are just some of our favourites that are suitable for all skin types:

How much primer do I need?

There is nothing ever quite like the original. The Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer from Napoleon Perdis is no different! Its gentle, moisturising, pre-makeup base helps to prepare the skin for the smooth, flawless application of foundation and other makeup products. Infused with Chamomile, Yarrow Extract and Vitamin E, this skin-nourishing formula not only soothes the skin but ensures your makeup will look and feel fabulous all day long. Perfect for any skin type, it has never been easier to create a complete look without wearing too much makeup.

How much primer do I need?

How much primer do I need?

Pack potent treatment into every step of your routine with Dermalogica Age Smart Skinperfect Primer SPF 30. The unique blurring formula is a great base for makeup and is gorgeous on its own. This Dermalogica primer product blends anti-aging treatment, complexion-perfecting, and sun protection all into one easy step. Used before makeup application or on its own, Skinperfect Primer smooths and blurs the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. You’re left with a gorgeous finish that lasts all day while fighting the visible signs of ageing.

How much primer do I need?

How much primer do I need?

Worried about wearing too much makeup on your face? Never fear, Benefit the POREfessional Pore Primer is here! Each application of this silicone-based face primer ensures that your pores are minimised and your skin refined with clogging or caking. It can act as a second skin, evening out your complexion and sealing off excess oil so that you can enjoy a flawless face of makeup for longer. Lightweight and oil-free, this perfecting primer is an ideal choice for those wondering how much primer they need, with its ability to create beautifully prepped skin every time.

How much primer do I need?

We offer an extensive range of primers to address every concern on Adore Beauty. Just remember to think about how much primer you need and use your winning choice sparingly!

How much primer do I need?
How much primer do I need?

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Filled with the usual things we know you'll love, and surprises you might not expect, it's real rewards, really simple.

Filled with the usual things we know you'll love, and surprises you might not expect, it's real rewards, really simple.

How do I calculate how much primer I need?

Primer only covers 200-300 sq. ft. per gallon, so you'll need slightly more primer than paint. Take your earlier total area and divide that number by 300 to get the minimum gallons of primer you'll need for one coat.

Is 1 coat of primer enough?

Depending on how strong or bold the previous color is, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat of primer. However, it is not necessary to over apply the primer with so many coats. As long as the primer applies uniformly over the previous color, then one or two coats should be sufficient.

How much primer do I need for a 12x12 room?

Calculate how much paint and primer you need by entering the dimensions of your room below. Optionally, include ceiling paint in your estimate. ... Paint Coverage Estimates..

How much primer should I use before painting?

You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color. In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects.