How to Make Your Own Makeup Primers

 

1. Homemade Face Primer

There are a lot of homemade face primers out there, but this one works best for me!

Materials

• 3 Tbsp moisturizer or face lotion
• 3 Tbsp aloe vera (preferably clear, but the green will work)
• 1 ½ Tbsp foundation (that matches your skin tone)
• empty lotion bottle or crock (sterilized)

Directions

Mix together moisturizer, aloe, and foundation. (You can even include a few drops of sunscreen if you want!) Mix the solution with a clean spoon. When you’re ready to apply the primer, use a brush, your fingers, or a sponge.

Related: 13 Free and Simple Ways to Save Old Makeup

2. Homemade Eyeshadow Primer

Use equal parts foundation and lotion to make an eyeshadow primer that rivals an expensive department store brand. Seriously, my eyeshadow will last all day when I use this!

Materials

• ½ tsp foundation (that matches your skin tone)
• ½ tsp moisturizer or face lotion
• 1-5 toothpicks to mix
• Old eyeshadow container (washed and dried thoroughly)

Directions

Mix the foundation and moisturizer with a toothpick, and store the homemade primer in a repurposed cosmetic container. When you’re ready to use it, just apply the primer with a sponge, brush, or your finger.

Note: To avoid gross bacteria contamination, try to keep your fingers out of the storage container.

Bonus: Homemade Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup costs at least $10 for just a few ounces, but you can make your own for less than a dollar. The only ingredient that you probably don't have readily on hand is French green clay. This is a product used in resorts for facials—it’s great at absorbing dirt, oil, and bacteria. You’ll also need cornstarch, another ingredient commonly found in makeup, because it helps absorb oils.

Materials

• 1 part French green clay
• 1 part cornstarch
• a tiny pinch of baking cocoa for color (optional)
• Container

Directions

Wash out an old hand cream container to store your new makeup in. (Clean spice jars also work great.) Then, mix together equal parts of cornstarch and French green clay and, if you want, a pinch of cocoa to add a bit of color. Apply with a powder brush.

Note: Cornstarch has a shelf life of about a year, so keep that in mind as you mix up your powder.

Related: 23 Insider Hacks from a Sephora Employee