DIY Makeup Primer: Is it Worth the Work to Make Your Own Primer?

Posted by Elizabethmott on September 09, 2024

There’s no denying the role of makeup primer in helping you create a long-lasting face. It has other benefits too, from hydrating dry skin to addressing excess oil, brightening your complexion, and more.

But maybe the thought of another addition to your Korean skincare routine has you looking for ways to cut costs. So, can you make your own makeup primer? Perhaps a better question - SHOULD you try DIY makeup primer?

The truth is, the time and effort that goes into creating makeup primer is really not worth it. Plus, you’re putting yourself at risk of inconsistency since you’re not a professional makeup formulator.

Don’t leave anything to chance if you want to always look your best. Get a tried and true solution like our Korean primer here at Elizabeth Mott! Our cruelty-free solutions are one of the best ways to harness the power of Korean beauty.

That being said, we’ll still show you how to make your own makeup primer below if you’re passionate and committed to trying this out. Let’s get into it!

Can You Make Your Own Makeup Primer?

First things first, can you make your own makeup primer? Sure - it’s possible. Perhaps even appealing. After all, you could save money and customize the solution to meet your specific needs!

Common DIY primer recipes often include ingredients like aloe vera gel, glycerin, coconut oil, and essential oils.

These are easily accessible, and you can follow a simple DIY makeup primer recipe that not only serves as a smooth base layer for the rest of your makeup routine but also provides benefits ranging from hydration to illumination. Here are all the reasons you might consider DIY primer for makeup:

Cost-Effective: You can create a functional primer for a fraction of the price of commercial options, especially if you already have the ingredients at home.
Customization: If you have oily skin, you can add mattifying ingredients like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If you have dry skin, you might incorporate more hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid or shea butter. The possibilities are endless!
Natural Ingredients: Those who prefer clean beauty products want to control exactly what goes into their makeup base. This way, you can avoid potentially harmful chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances that might irritate sensitive skin.

While making your own primer can be a fun and creative project, it's important to note that DIY options might not match the performance and consistency of professionally formulated primers.

Plus, you can find affordable, tailored face primer varieties crafted from natural ingredients here at Elizabeth Mott - so why bother with the hassle of DIY makeup primer at that point?

We’ll touch on a few other reasons why making DIY primer for makeup may not be worth it shortly. But first, let’s show you what goes into how to make makeup primer yourself.

How to Make Your Own Makeup Primer

While learning how to make your own makeup primer isn’t necessarily difficult, it’s more work than it’s worth in the end. That being said, here’s how to make makeup primer DIY.

Ingredients

Since you’re likely not an expert in the field of makeup formulations, we’re going to share a simple DIY makeup primer recipe - here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Aloe Vera Gel: The base of the primer. It provides hydration and a smooth surface for makeup application.
Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping your makeup adhere better and last longer.
Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil: Adds moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing dryness. Use sparingly, especially if you have oily skin.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Helps absorb excess oil and gives the primer a mattifying effect, ideal for controlling shine.
Optional Essential Oils: For added benefits like soothing or anti-inflammatory properties, you can include a drop or two of lavender or tea tree oil, but be cautious with essential oils if you have sensitive skin.

We can’t stress this enough - make sure you’re sourcing high-quality ingredients. Otherwise, you’re going to be disappointed in the end result.

Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve got all your ingredients on hand it’s time to get to work. Here’s how to make makeup primer DIY:

Prepare the Base: Start by combining 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of glycerin in a small, clean bowl. This will form the base of your primer, providing hydration and a smooth texture.
Add Oils: If you have dry skin or simply want extra moisture, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or jojoba oil. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Skip this step or reduce the amount of oil to prevent excess shine if you have oily skin.
Incorporate Mattifying Agents: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the mixture. These ingredients help absorb oil and give your skin a matte finish, which is particularly beneficial if you have oily skin. Mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. Similar to the last step, you can skip this step if you don’t have any issue with excess oil.
Optional - Add Essential Oils: You can include 1-2 drops of essential oils like lavender for its soothing properties or tea tree oil for its anti-inflammatory benefits, although this is not necessary. Stir well to incorporate these oils evenly into your primer.
Store the Primer: Transfer the mixture into a small, airtight container. Your DIY primer for makeup should be kept in a cool, dry place and used within a few weeks, as it does not contain preservatives.

There you have it, your own DIY makeup primer! Now, you can apply a small amount to your face after moisturizing and before applying makeup. Focus on areas where you tend to get oily or where your makeup usually fades quickly.

Customizing for Different Skin Types

Every skin type has its own unique needs for primer. While the DIY makeup primer we’ve suggested above is a good starting point, you might want to tailor it to your specific goals:

For Oily Skin: Increase the amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to further control oil and shine. Consider skipping the oils or opting for non-comedogenic options like jojoba oil to avoid clogging pores.
For Dry Skin: Add a bit more coconut oil or jojoba oil to the mix, or consider adding a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum for an extra hydration boost. Avoid too much cornstarch since it will likely dry out your skin.
For Sensitive Skin: Stick to the basics of aloe vera gel and glycerin. Avoid essential oils in favor of ingredients known for their soothing properties, like chamomile or cucumber extract.
For Combination Skin: You might need more than one primer! Ideally, you’d apply different formulas to different areas of your face. Use the mattifying version on your T-zone and the more hydrating formula on your cheeks and other dry areas.

Now that you know how to make your own makeup primer, it’s time to get to work and see what you’re able to come up with. But before you do, hear us out - you’re probably better off leaving this to the professionals.

Is DIY Makeup Primer Really a Good Idea?

We said from the start that DIY makeup primer is rarely a good idea, and you might already be starting to see why from the detailed process that goes into learning how to make your own makeup primer. There are four reasons this is not the best idea…

Inconsistency in Results

Professionally formulated products are the product of years - if not decades - of research. They also undergo rigorous testing to ensure uniformity. In contrast, DIY primer for makeup can vary dramatically from batch to batch.

The quality of ingredients, the exact measurements used, and how well they are mixed can all impact the final product's effectiveness. This can lead to issues like uneven application, poor makeup adherence, or even skin irritation.

Time and Effort

Let’s be honest - you’ve got better things to do than play chemist in your bathroom! From sourcing ingredients to measuring them accurately, mixing them to the right consistency, and testing the product on your skin, there’s so much that goes into this process.

Those with busy schedules are far better off spending a few extra dollars on an expertly crafted solution and focusing their attention elsewhere, whether that’s other chores around the house or just getting some time to relax.

There’s also the concern of trial-and-error with DIY primers. You might find yourself having to start from scratch a few times to find the perfect formulation.

Short Shelf Life

Since homemade primers typically lack preservatives, they are prone to bacterial growth and spoilage. Most DIY primers should be used within a few weeks, meaning you’ll need to remake them frequently.

Thinking back to the time commitment associated with these DIY solutions, it really starts to add up. Plus, accidentally using a spoiled product can lead to skin irritation or breakouts. That’s the last thing you need!

The Safety Side of Things

Perhaps most importantly, you might unintentionally create a product that irritates your skin or exacerbates existing conditions. For instance, using essential oils without diluting them properly can cause allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin types.

Professional brands have multiple layers in place to ensure safety and efficacy, but your DIY makeup primer is a bit of a crapshoot. Even if you followed what you believe to be a safe recipe, there’s no telling what you’re actually getting.

Save Yourself the Time and Hassle While Ensuring Stunning Results With Elizabeth Mott!

We get it, creating your own DIY makeup primer sounds like a fun way to save some money and enjoy a sense of fulfillment. But with tried and tested solutions like ours just a few clicks away, why bother?

Elizabeth Mott is the most trusted vegan Korean skincare brand online. What sets us apart is that we’ve taken the magic of Korean skincare and tailored it to meet the unique needs of Americans.

Because we’ve partnered with the best Korean factories to create our custom formulations, you’re getting the cruelty-free Korean skincare products you deserve at an affordable price.

We have a primer for every face, too. Here are some of our most popular:

Color correcting primer: Instantly neutralize redness and achieve a flawless, even skin tone. Infused with nourishing ceramides and cica to not only perfect your complexion but deeply hydrate and soothe for a beautifully smooth finish

Blurring face primer: Achieve a perfectly smooth and protected complexion. It primes, blurs, and shields your skin with SPF 30 in one easy step. The lightweight, velvety formula melts into your skin, minimizing pores and fine lines while locking in moisture.

Illuminating face primer: Get that coveted “lit from within” glow and create the ultimate base for a radiant, smooth complexion. The hydrating formula not only enhances your makeup’s staying power but leaves your skin looking naturally luminous and poreless.

We have so much more than primer, too. From Korean mascara to Korean hair care, this is your one-stop the best Korean beauty products online. Shop our most popular collections below:

Bringing Our DIY Makeup Primer Guide to a Close

As we wrap up this guide to DIY primer for makeup, we want to remind you that just because you can make your own makeup primer, doesn’t mean you should. You’ll face challenges like inconsistency, short shelf life, and potential safety concerns.

Now that you know how to make makeup primer DIY, though, the choice is yours. With tried and true solutions waiting for you here in our catalog, why bother?

Find additional resources in our blog like why is Korean skincare so popular, and is snail mucin good for oily skin? We’re here to empower you not just with the best products but also helpful tips to bring out your skin’s full potential.

Speaking of which, do you need primer for makeup still? Look no further. The tailored, natural solution you need is just a few clicks away. Get it right the first time with Elizabeth Mott's primers - your shortcut to a flawless complexion without the hassle of DIY!

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