I am all for finding a good bargain and finding great and less expensive alternatives to my favorite products! I love when I figure out a way to look IG fabulous without breaking the bank.
Today we’re going to discuss face primers.
Since starting my blog, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to work with lots of brands and try out their products. But I wasn’t always so lucky, and I love a good, inexpensive beauty hack. These were some great primer substitutes when I was building up my makeup kit.
The purpose of a face primer is to create a perfect canvas for your makeup to go on top of, therefore helping the makeup stay on and last longer. Some primers fill in pores and fine lines, while others have sebum absorbing properties. If you’re looking to fill in some deeper scars and marks, try Dermaflage.
Get this, I bet you probably have some wonderful face primers laying around in your bathroom cabinets!
Monistat Chafing Gel
YES! You read that right! This silicone based gel, used to help relieve body chaffing, is the same base as the beloved Smashbox Photofinish Primer. And for a fraction of the price. You can usually find this for under $10. Like I mentioned, it is silicone based, so it gives you that silky smooth slip to your skin. It helps to fill in fine lines and pores, so that your foundation can blend in easily across your skin. Try this cheaper alternative if you are a fan of silicone primers.
Milk of Magnesia
Yes, the stuff that you use to soothe upset stomachs. Not only will milk of magnesia help your tummy, but it’s also a great primer with super oil absorbing abilities.
This is a secret that professional makeup artists do not want to tell you!!!
Milk of magnesia, when used on your skin, sucks up your sebum, making it a great primer for very oily skin. I would avoid using this on areas with dry flaky skin though, as it can dry out your skin more. Apply with a cotton ball or your fingers, and enjoy having less oily and shiny skin throughout the day! I hear that this secret is getting out quick, and my makeup artist friends are having a hard time finding it in drug stores, so you can also try ordering online.
Aloe Vera Gel
If you don’t have super oily skin or are more on the drier side of things, try using 100% natural aloe vera gel (I like this one). Aloe vera has moisturizing and soothing properties. Smooth on your face with a cotton ball or fingers, and you will instantly feel that a cool, soothing sensation. It has SO many awesome properties to it. It’s anti-microbial to help kill bacteria and prevent pimples, and vitamins C & E help keep your skin hydrated. TIP: I like to keep my aloe vera gel in the fridge, to keep it nice and cool. Feels great in the summer months!
So, there you go. Those are some of the primer alternatives I’ve tried. Next time you’re on the market for a new makeup primer, make sure you don’t already have one in your meds stash :p
Do you have a secret primer potion that you’ve found or come up with? Let me know in the comments below!
Wanting a Primer Product to Cover Your Scars?
If you’ve got some deep scars that you want evened out and covered up before you put on your makeup, try a makeup filler like Dermaflage.
It is a product that is used BEFORE you put on your makeup. It is a silicone-gel consistency that you use to “fill in” the imperfection, and makes it flush with your skin. When you apply our regular makeup afterwards, you cannot tell that your scar was even there! Check these results out:
If you are looking for more than just a regular old primer that helps to disguise deep scars like pock marks, acne scars, surgical and medical scars, etc, I definitely recommend Dermaflage! Check out my full review here.
Thank you! Great information ? U also read somewhere that Vaseline could be useful as a primer. Is this true? Please keep up the useful and inexpensive DYI tips. My AMAZON basket is now full!!
Hi Jordana,
I wouldn’t use Vaseline as a primer as it slips and slides, it wouldn’t help the makeup last. It would help powder products “stick” more initially, but I can’t see the makeup lasting all day with Vaseline.
For the Aloe Vera primer, can you mix it with some of your moisturizer? Thank you so much for all of the helpful information.
I haven’t tried that. Try it and see what happens!
Do you mean Aloe Sunburn Relief Gel?
I would try something that is 100% aloe vera, like the one suggested. The ones you generally find at a drugstore are full of other ingredients.