If you’ve run out of your makeup primer, there are other alternatives too that are tried and tested by beauty enthusiasts.
The substitutes for makeup primer include Deodorant, Aloe vera gel, Chafing gel, BB cream, Milk of magnesia, and vagisil.
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What is makeup primer and its benefits?
Makeup primer is what you put on your face before proceeding with your makeup. It is available in either a gel, cream, or liquid formula. Its main purpose is not to let your foundation stick to your dry patches, settle in your creases, and cake your overall makeup. In a nutshell, it hides, blurs, and evens out any of your skin imperfections.
Using a makeup primer has several benefits. First, it creates a smooth base for whatever makeup product you’ll use after. Second, it lets other products easily glide on your face. Also, a primer holds on to your makeup to make it last longer and keeps greasiness at bay for a mattified look.
Substitutes for makeup primer
Deodorant
Using antiperspirants will not only prolong the duration of makeup. It will also stop the sweating through the foundation, often seen during the summer season that results in melting your makeup. However, make sure to choose a deodorant that has natural ingredients and no artificial fragrance. Otherwise, it may harm your skin and cause irritation. It is great for people with oily skin.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is one of the great alternatives for a makeup primer. It is a natural ingredient and, when used before makeup, helps to minimize your pores, smooth the surface and hydrate the skin. Along with these, it also offers many skincare benefits. It soothes redness and gives a dewy finish without making your face oily. All skin types can use it as a primer, but it is especially great for dry and combination skin.
Chafing gel
Flaky makeup is a constant worry for makeup lovers. But anti-chafing gel as a face primer wards off exactly that— flakiness. The Moistant chafing gel is the most recommended option. Unlike most face primers, it is inexpensive and contains dimethicone, the same ingredient that is also found in primers. It is a form of silicone that is great for hiding skin imperfections such as wrinkles and pores. Plus, it is non-irritating as the product is intended to be soothing on the skin.
BB cream
The reason why BB cream works great as a face primer is because it acts as a moisturizer, and its main job is to hide imperfections, whether it is blemishes or discolorations. Choose a lightweight one and apply just a few drops as overloading it can turn your overall makeup look cakey.
Some choose to mix it with their foundation or opt for a powder-based foundation after applying a BB cream as a face primer.
Vagisil
Just like chafing gel, Vagisil also contains dimethicone— a silicone-based polymer also found in primers to hide uneven skin tone and fine lines. Although Vagisil’s main function is to fight yeast infections, it is also an effective alternative for primers. The product also helps to create a smooth base for your foundation.
Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia is essentially a laxative, but when used as a primer, it keeps your makeup intact and doesn’t let it slide off. It works as a wonder for oily skin as it soaks up excess oil, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls shine.
The best way to apply this product is to first shake the bottle and then apply a thin layer over your face. Make sure to rub it well until it dissolves into the skin and you can no longer see it.
FAQ
What are the most common primer mistakes?
When applying a makeup primer, the most common mistake people make is not waiting long enough before putting on your foundation. It is recommended that one should wait for a full minute to let your primer dry and set to your skin and then continue with the makeup.
The second mistake is to choose a primer that isn’t fit for your skin type. For example, people with dry and combination skin should opt for hydrating formulas, whereas oily skin people should look for a mattifying formula.
Do you really need a makeup primer?
Using a makeup primer or not depends upon you. If you feel the foundation you use doesn’t stay long, then a primer will help a lot in this area. However, if you are wearing makeup for a short amount of time, you may choose not to wear it.
How much makeup primer do I need?
Applying too much primer can affect your overall makeup look adversely as your foundation will then slide instead of melting into your skin. Hence, it is advised to use only a pea-sized amount and create a thin layer over your face.