Primers have become a staple in many makeup routines, helping to create a smooth base for foundation and prolonging the wear of makeup. However, if you’re looking to switch to more natural products, you might wonder about natural primers. This article explores both DIY and store-bought options for natural face primers, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your beauty routine.
Why Choose a Natural Primer?
Choosing a natural primer can be beneficial for your skin and overall health. Natural primers often contain fewer chemicals and synthetic ingredients, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they typically have less impact on the planet due to fewer harmful substances in their formulas.
Expert Insight: “Nature provides us with an abundance of ingredients that can nourish and prepare our skin for makeup. Aloe vera, for example, is a hydrating powerhouse that can soothe inflammation and create a smooth base.” – Dr. Ava Shamban, Board Certified Dermatologist (Source: Dr. Ava Shamban)
DIY Natural Primers
Creating your own natural primer at home can be simple, cost-effective, and customized to suit your skin type and needs. Here are a few DIY options you can try:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s an excellent primer for dry and sensitive skin, providing a smooth canvas for makeup application.
How to Use: Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to your face after cleansing and moisturizing. Allow it to dry completely before applying your foundation.
Personal Anecdote: I started using aloe vera gel as a primer during a particularly harsh winter when my skin was dry and irritated. Not only did it provide a soothing effect, but it also helped my makeup stay put throughout the day.
Rosewater
Rosewater acts as a gentle toner and primer. It helps to tighten pores, reduce redness, and provide a refreshing base for makeup.
How to Use: Spray rosewater mist on your face after moisturizing and before applying foundation. Allow it to absorb into your skin.
Expert Insight: “Rosewater can act as a natural primer due to its hydrating and astringent properties. It helps to tighten pores, soothe inflammation, and create a smooth canvas for makeup application.” – Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist (Source: The Telegraph)
DIY Aloe Vera and Glycerin Primer
This combination helps to lock in moisture and create a smooth surface for makeup application.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon of glycerin
- 1 teaspoon of rosewater
How to Use: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Apply a small amount to your face and let it dry before applying makeup.
Store-Bought Natural Primers
If you prefer the convenience of store-bought products, there are plenty of natural primers available that are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and parabens. Here are some popular options:
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer
This primer is made with organic ingredients like aloe leaf juice, coconut alkanes, and glycerin. It helps to smooth the skin and provides a radiant base for makeup.
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe leaf juice, coconut alkanes, glycerin.
Expert Insight: “If you’re looking for a store-bought natural primer, consider options with ingredients like green tea extract, chamomile, or vitamin C. These ingredients offer antioxidant protection and can help brighten and soothe the skin.” – Katey Denno, Celebrity Makeup Artist (Source: The Cut)
100% Pure Luminous Primer
Formulated with light-reflective pigments and vitamins, this primer provides a luminous finish and helps to nourish the skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, green tea extract, vitamin E.
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation
While primarily a foundation, this product can double as a primer for those looking for a minimal makeup look. It’s formulated with coconut oil and castor seed oil to provide hydration and a smooth base.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, castor seed oil, beeswax.
Natural Ingredients to Look For
When choosing a natural primer, look for ingredients that offer specific benefits for your skin type:
- Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the skin.
- Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant protection and helps to calm the skin.
- Chamomile: Soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
- Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and promotes an even complexion.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin.
Benefits of Natural Primers
Hydration
Natural primers often contain hydrating ingredients that help to keep the skin moisturized throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin, as it prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches.
Study Insight: A study published in Skin Research and Technology found that aloe vera gel significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function, supporting its use as a natural primer for a smoother makeup application.
Soothing Properties
Ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile are known for their soothing properties, making natural primers a good choice for those with sensitive or irritated skin.
Environmental Impact
Natural primers typically have a smaller environmental footprint compared to their synthetic counterparts. They often come in eco-friendly packaging and contain biodegradable ingredients.
How to Incorporate Natural Primers into Your Routine
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin Start with a clean face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue. This helps the primer to adhere better and creates a smoother base.
Step 2: Moisturize Apply your favorite moisturizer to ensure your skin is hydrated. This is especially important if you’re using a mattifying primer that can sometimes dry out the skin.
Step 3: Apply the Primer Using your fingers or a makeup brush, apply a small amount of natural primer to your face. Focus on areas where you have larger pores or fine lines.
Step 4: Let it Absorb Allow the primer to fully absorb into your skin before applying foundation or other makeup products. This ensures that the primer has time to create a smooth base.
Step 5: Apply Foundation Proceed with your foundation, concealer, and other makeup products as usual.
Conclusion
Natural primers offer a wonderful alternative to traditional primers, providing hydration, soothing properties, and a smoother base for makeup. Whether you opt for a DIY primer made from aloe vera and glycerin or a store-bought product with green tea extract and vitamin C, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
On days when I want a minimal makeup look, I often skip foundation altogether and use aloe vera gel as a primer. It gives my skin a fresh, dewy glow and keeps it feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Experimenting with natural primers can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do they offer a range of skin benefits, but they also align with a more eco-conscious and health-conscious lifestyle. Always remember to choose products that suit your skin type and preferences, and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you.
