9 DIY Makeup Primers that Actually Work (and Save you Money!)

Makeup primer doesn’t have to be expensive.

You can hack a flawless makeup base at home by creating your own facial primer.

Create your own diy makeup primer using one of these easy recipes below!

 

9 DIY Makeup Primers that Actually Work (and Save you Money!)

*Warning/Caution:  If you have sensitive skin, or other skin issues be cautious about the ingredients included in your DIY primer.  Don’t use products that will irritate your skin.  Also, only purchase ingredients from trusted retailers and sellers.  

 

DIY Tinted Makeup Primer

Create your own tinted makeup primer using your favorite foundation product.

You can use this DIY Tinted Makeup Primer on its own, or as a base for full makeup application.

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
• One teaspoon of facial Moisturizer
• 2 -3  drops of Liquid Foundation
• A small bit of Loose powder

Instructions: 

Combine (in a bowl or container) One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, One teaspoon of facial moisturizer, 2-3 drops (or pumps) of liquid foundation, and a few shakes of loose powder.  Store in air tight container or bottle with pump.

Tip: Try to use clear aloe vera gel, the green kind will still work but it may alter the tone of your makeup primer slightly.

 

DIY Hydrating Makeup Primer for Dry Skin

Give your skin all the hydrating it needs with this DIY Hydrating Primer.  Perfect for dry skin types and for cold weather months.

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon Aloe Vera gel
• One teaspoon Glycerin (vegetable glycerin)
• Facial Moisturizer (About 1 teaspoon)

Instructions:  

Combine (in a bowl or container) One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, One teaspoon of glycerin, and about 1 teaspoon of your favorite facial moisturizer.  Store in air tight container or bottle with pump.

Tip:  Use facial moisturizer instead of body moisturizer as they have slightly different 

 

DIY Makeup Primer Water Spray

Primer water spray is super popular for makeup lovers who want a lightweight and easy to store primer option.  Plus, its a dupe for popular makeup primers like the Smashbox Primer Water ($14 – $30).

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Glycerin (vegetable glycerin)
• 5 tablespoons Witch Hazel Toner (or Hydrating Toner water)
• 7 tablespoons Distilled Water (or more)

Instructions:  

Combine (in a re-useable spray bottle) 3 tablespoons of Glycerin, 5 tablespoons of Witch Hazel (or Hydrating Toner), and 7 tablespoons of Distilled Water.  Mix until primer looks clear like water.  Store in spray bottle, and keep in a cool, dry place.

Tip: You can use Spring water for DIY Primer Sprays as well but stay away from faucet/sink water as it may contain unknown minerals. 

DIY Makeup Primer for Oily Skin

Use this DIY Makeup Primer for Oily Skin.

This facial primer reduces the appearance of pores, and keep your makeup on all day long!

Adding a matte foundation and loose powder is the secret to this classic DIY primer recipe!

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
• One teaspoon of facial Moisturizer
• 2 -3  drops of Mattifying Liquid Foundation
• A small bit of Loose Powder (or more up to 1 teaspoon)

Instructions:  

Combine (in a bowl or container) One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, One teaspoon of facial moisturizer, 2-3 drops (or pumps) of a matte liquid foundation, and a few shakes of loose powder.  Store in air tight container or bottle with pump.

Tip: Use a label or marker to indicate when your DIY primer was created.  This way you can keep track of when it expires (consider discarding after about 6 months).

 

DIY Makeup Primer Water Spray for Acne Prone Skin

If you tend to get oily throughout the day or have acne prone skin, try this DIY makeup primer water recipe.

The addition of tea tree oil helps balance oil production.

Warning: Putting essential oils on your face is controversial (and promoted by way too many MLMs), so do this with caution.  You can also use your favorite facial oil in place of the essential oil. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Glycerin (vegetable glycerin)
• 5 tablespoons Witch Hazel Toner or Hydrating Toner water
• 7 tablespoons Distilled water (or more)
• 3 drops Tea Tree Oil ( for acne control and oily skin )

Instructions:

Combine (in a re-useable spray bottle) 3 tablespoons of Glycerin, 5 tablespoons of Witch Hazel (or Hydrating Toner), 7 tablespoons of Distilled Water, and 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil.  Mix until primer looks clear like water.  Store in spray bottle, and keep in a cool, dry place.

Tip: Although tea tree oil is a popular product for oily and acne prone skin, other essential oils (ie. lavendar, lemon, etc.) may irritate the skin.  Use essential oils with caution.

 

DIY Rose Water Primer Spray

Rose water is a popular beauty concoction for its gentle, soothing hydrating properties.

Create this DIY Rose Water Primer Spray if you are looking for a natural primer that doesn’t break the bank.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Glycerin (vegetable glycerin)
• 5 tablespoons Rose Water Toner
• 7 tablespoons Distilled Water (or more)

Instructions:

Combine (in a re-useable spray bottle) 3 tablespoons of Glycerin, 5 tablespoons of Rose Water Toner (or other Hydrating Toner), and 7 tablespoons of Distilled Water.  Mix until primer looks clear like water.  Store in spray bottle.

Tip: If you aren’t into rose water try a toner formulated with cucumber, coconut, or hyaluronic acid.

 

DIY Glowy Makeup Primer

Illuminating Makeup Primer is a must for that glowy, dewy skin look.

Use this DIY recipe as a base before makeup application or by it self to shine bright like the diamond you are!

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
• One teaspoon of facial Moisturizer
• 2 -3 drops/pumps of Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• 2 – 3  drops of Liquid Highlighter

Instructions:

Combine One tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel, One teaspoon of your favorite moisturizer, 2-3 drops (or pumps) of sunscreen and liquid highlighter.  Mix until primer is completely combined.  Store in spray bottle.

 

DIY Makeup Primer with SPF

If you want SPF protection with your DIY makeup primer try this recipe!

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
• One teaspoon of facial Moisturizer
• 2 -3  drops of Liquid Foundation
• 2 -3 drops/pumps of Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• A small bit of loose powder

Instructions:  

Combine (in a bowl or container) One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, One teaspoon of facial moisturizer, 2-3 drops (or pumps) of liquid foundation, and Sunscreen, then add a few shakes of loose powder.  Store in air tight container or bottle with pump.

Tip:  Be sure to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30!

Read: American Academy of Dermatology Association Sunscreen FAQ

 

DIY Makeup Primer Without Aloe Vera or Glycerin

If you don’t have Aloe Vera gel or Glycerin at home, or you don’t have time to pick some up, try these products as a quick and easy makeup primer.

Options when you cant make a DIY Makeup Primer:

• BB Cream or CC Cream
• Tinted Moisturizer
• Your favorite facial Moisturizer (sometimes hydration is all you need!)
• A light layer of loose setting powder or pressed powder (works great for oily and combination skin types)
• Hydrating Toner Water

 

The downside to making your own makeup primer

DIY makeup primers are a great way to experiment with beauty products without a lot of risk.

Once you find a diy face primer recipe that works for you, its easier to find a good primer in store that gives you similar results like a smooth surface, or excess oil absorption, or an overall good base.

Consider this before DIYing your primer:

• A homemade primer may use more of your household products
• Homemade makeup primers may not have a good “shelf life” due to natural ingredients
• Making your own primer, may not give the same results as a store bought makeup primer

The good news is that making your own makeup primer is easy, and uses simple ingredients!