Primer is vital to the makeup look you are trying to pull off as it provides a smooth base for the rest of your makeup to adhere to. It helps your signature look stay with you throughout the entire day, as well as hide any imperfections you might want to hide from the public's eye. When you run out of primer it can seem like the world is ending, but luckily, there are several other products you can use as an alternative.
We have compiled a list of these alternative primers for you to consider when the worst happens. Some may work better than others as everyone's skin is different. Keep reading to learn about ten things you can use instead of primer!
10 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great for a lot of things, and one of those is to use it as a face primer. It is not only healthy for your skin, but it will give you a natural glow that other primers don't. There are some people with sensitive skin who say it clogs pores and makes them break out with acne, but this comes down to knowing your skin type.
It is also recommended you mix it with your foundation to infuse this primer in with the liquid as some have reported greater success using this method.
9 BB And CC Creams
BB and CC creams are generally used to cover imperfections like a concealer, but they are infused with added benefits. This is why it makes for the perfect primer because it smooths your skin, hides any discoloration, and has the added benefit of a moisturizer or sunscreen.
You should research what brand to use before trying as some are thicker than others and can cause pores to clog due to their density. Some recommend mixing it with a foundation before using or switching to a powder foundation due to its integrity.
8 Nivea After-Shave Balm
This product can usually be picked up for less than $6 at your local drugstore, and weirdly enough it works as a primer. All you have to do is rub it on your face before applying foundation and let the balm do the work.
It isn't the best there is, but it still does the job remarkably well. The only downside is that it is scented, so you will smell like a man and it might make more sensitive skin types break out. Users have reported that it works best on dry skin as it replenishes it with moisture and calms any irritated spots.
7 Milk Of Magnesia
This product is actually a laxative, but it does more than help you go. It makes for an affordable primer that helps your makeup last all day. It might seem strange, but there are several celebrities who swear by it for all of their makeup needs. It works best on oily skin as it sops up any excess grease and tightens your pores for a smoother look.
You want to shake the bottle before using it, then spread a thin layer over your face. The goal is to rub it in until it can no longer be seen because you don't want to look like a chalky white ghost. You won't believe the results and the positive effect it has on your skin after you start using this product religiously.
6 Lacto Calamine Lotion
This product is generally used on the skin as a daily lotion, but it also works great on your face as a primer. There are different types depending upon your skin type, but many choose to use the one created for oily skin.
It is not hard to rub it into your skin and the positive effects it has will be almost instantaneous. This is also a great buy because it acts as a sunscreen and even hides any imperfections you might be sporting on your face.
5 Grease-Free Sunscreen
It is a common struggle for women to decide if they want to protect their skin with sunscreen or apply their makeup. The normal greasy sunscreen doesn't really allow for both, but a grease-free sunscreen changes the game.
These sunscreens don't leave behind the ugly glow and when applied have more of a matte finish. It will provide a barrier between you and the harmful rays of the sun, and most even have a built-in moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and fresh.
4 Aloe Vera Gel Mixed With A Moisturizer
Some people use these two products individually as primers, but the best way to create the ultimate product is to mix them together. The moisturizer gives you that protective and hydrating barrier, while the aloe vera works to reduce acne and inflammation.
The end result is a substance with enough sticky properties to hold onto your makeup that is working to make your skin even better throughout the day. It has been praised by people with dry and oily skin, so you can rest assured this is one primer that will work for you.
3 Deodorant
If you have issues with your face growing shiny halfway through the day, then you might want to trade your primer for a deodorant stick. These not only add a scent to your face but prevent you from sweating like a dog when the summer heat hits you. The best types to use are those with all-natural ingredients that won't harm your skin.
Some are made with metals or are untested on faces, which can lead to mild irritation or worse. It doesn't work for everyone and the results vary based on the deodorant, so this is one primer you might need to figure out through trial and error.
2 Rub An Ice Cube
It probably seems ridiculous to rub an ice cube over your face every morning, but somehow it works as a primer. Ice has been used to shrink pores and using them on your face before your foundation does just that.
It allows your skin to naturally smooth out any bumps or imperfections as it tightens dues to the application of the cold cube. The only questionable thing about this is that it doesn't have any ingredients to help your primer stay in place, but decreasing pore size does help with the application.
1 Anti-Chafing Cream
This is another drugstore product that makeup gurus have discovered can double as a primer. It contains all of the same basic ingredients as a primer, and the only big difference is the price tag on the box. The only problem people have with this alternate primer is that it seems a bit oilier than their usual brand and it is easy to go overboard.
Many people also neglect to wait the 60 seconds for this cream to dry on their faces. The effects vary from person to person, but some say their pores look smaller and their makeup lasts longer when they use this product.
