Because apparently, we’ve entered a new era of “do what you gotta do to get that glow.”

You might’ve seen it blowing up on TikTok, in YouTube tutorials, or whispered about in makeup artist circles, people are swapping out their regular makeup primer for lube. Yep. Actual lube. As in, the product not originally designed for your face. Welcome to the internet.

But before you slather on anything overly slippery, let’s break it down: why are people doing it, what’s the science (and the scam), and whether you should jump on the trend or leave it to the chaos.

Why Are People Using Lube as Primer?

Two words: Silicone-based formulas.
Most primers – the ones that make your skin look airbrushed and your foundation glide on like a dream – are packed with silicone ingredients like dimethicone. Turns out, a lot of lubricants are too.

The theory? If it’s smooth, slippery, and silicone-heavy, it should work as a primer, right? Plus, lube is often cheaper than high-end primers. A standard bottle of lube can set you back £5–£10, compared to £30+ for a luxury primer. When the economy is fighting you and your makeup bag is crying, we get it, people are getting creative.

Lube vs. Primer: What’s Actually Different?

Here’s the tea:
While the texture might feel similar, primers are specifically formulated for your face. They’re built to control oil, blur pores, grip foundation, and sometimes even treat your skin with added skincare ingredients like SPF, hydration, or mattifying agents.

Lube? Not so much. It’s designed for… well, other things. It’s safe for skin, but it doesn’t have the oil control, longevity, or skincare benefits your face primer does. It’s literally not built to lock in makeup through a 10-hour shift or a sweaty night out. So while it might feel slick and look good for the first hour, don’t be surprised if your foundation starts slipping off faster than your DMs fill up on a Friday night.

The Results: Is It Worth It?

Short-term? You might get a dewy, glossy finish that photographs beautifully.
Long-term? Expect patchy makeup, clogged pores, and your glam basically ghosting you halfway through the day.

It’s a vibe if you’re doing a quick look, a creative shoot, or you’re experimenting at home. But if you need your makeup to last for a real event, a proper, pro-grade primer is still your best bet.

Our Verdict: Lube? Leave It (Off the face).

Listen, we’re all for breaking beauty rules, hell, the best trends are born that way. But when it comes to your skin, your makeup game, and your hard-earned coins? Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason.

Invest in a quality primer made for your face, and keep the lube where it belongs. Your makeup (and your group chat selfies) will thank you.

Thinking of leveling up your glam properly?
Find verified, pro makeup artists through the Backstage app – no experiments necessary.