How Long Does Primer Last? Storage, Expiration, Pros, And Cons

How long does primer last? Primers are underneath eyeshadow, foundation, tinted moisturizer, and mascara to create an extra layer between your skin and makeup.

Priming products are predominantly used to create a soothing effect that enhances makeup coverage by smoothing the skin’s surface and helps your makeup stay last longer.

So, how long does primer last?

Face primer can last anywhere from 12 months to 24 months while eyeshadow primers will usually last for about 6 months, some even up to 12 months.

Note: Ensure you are using a water-based and oil-free primer so it can keep your foundation and BB cream intact.

Also, use a premium and lightweight oil-free foundation to avoid creasing or a cakey look.

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How Long Does Primer Last After Opening?

After opening, the primer lasts about 24 months.

This is because the primer is prone to moisture, heat, and air.

So, once the primer is opened, keep it according to the storage rules.

How Long Does Primer Take To Dry?

Primer takes between 60 seconds to dry on average.

Most manufacturers advise waiting for your primer to “set” before slathering on your foundation and concealer.

Does Primer Expire?

Primer does expire like regular makeup, and it has a much shorter shelf life.

Most unopened primers have a storage life of two years,

However, when opened they can last for about 12 months if stored in the right manner.

How Long Does Primer Last After Expiration Date?

While it can be tempting to hold on to your primer for as long as possible, they do have expiration dates no matter whichever brand you are using,

So, ignoring the date can invite several skin infections.

How Long Does Primer Last Unopened?

Generally, if properly unopened and stored in a cool, dry place, the primer should last for 2 to 3 years.

12 Best Alternatives For Primer

Primer is vital to the makeup look you are trying to pull off as it helps your signature look to stay with you throughout the entire day,

As well as provides a smooth base for the rest of your makeup to adhere to while covering any imperfections you might want to hide from the eyes of the public.

Running out of this very vital tool can be quite frustrating,

But luckily, there are a series of other products you can use as a substitute.

A list of primer alternatives has been compiled for you to consider when the worst happens.

As everyone’s skin is different some may work better than others.

So use the one that best suit your skin type.

1. Zinc oxide

With Zinc Oxide you no longer have to spend a fortune on purchasing primers.

Zinc Oxide works very well when applied before makeup.

Besides just Priming the skin, it has numerous benefits like moisturizing the skin and creating a barrier from pollutants, and harmful UVA and UVB rays as well.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil does a lot of things, and one of those is being used as a substitute for face primer.

Not only does It give you a natural glow that other primers don’t, but it is also healthy for your skin.

It is recommended you mix the coconut oil with a bit of foundation as some have reported greater success using this method.

This alternative should not be used by people who have sensitive skin as it will clog the pores and makes them break out with acne.

3. BB And CC Creams

BB and CC creams have the added benefit of a moisturizer or sunscreen and they work great as a primer.

They make the perfect primer alternative because they smooth the skin, cover imperfections, and hide any discoloration.

Research the brand that is suitable for your skin type as some are thicker than others and can clog your pores,

Also ensure not to overload the cream just a couple of drops should be used and spread it on your face using your fingertips

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4. Nivea After-Shave Balm

Weirdly enough this product has a high concentration of glycerin that works as a binding agent making it very effective as a primer.

It might not be the best alternative but it still does the job remarkably well, all you have to do is to rub it on your face before applying your foundation.

The only disadvantage is that it is scented and designed to moisturize and soothe men’s skin after shaving,

So you will likely end up smelling like a man and it can cause sensitive skin types to break out.

5. Milk Of Magnesia

Yes, this is usually used for constipation purposes, but it does more than that.

It might seem strange, but it is an affordable Primer substitute that helps your makeup last all day.

It is best on oily skin because it tightens your pores and sops up any excess grease for a smoother look.
Shake the bottle before using it, then dip a small cotton ball in this magic milk and spread a thin layer over your face.

Gentle massage it in until it can no longer be visible.

You can now apply your foundation afterward.

6. Grease-Free Sunscreen

A Grease-Free Sunscreen solves the common struggle women have to undergo in deciding if they want to apply their makeup or protect their skin with sunscreen.

This is because a grease-free sunscreen plays both roles as it provides a barrier between your skin and the harmful rays of the sun

While keeping your skin healthy and fresh with its built-in moisturizer.

The interesting aspect of using these sunscreens is that they don’t leave behind the ugly glow when applied and they have more of a matte finish.

7. Lacto Calamine Lotion

Although generally used on the skin as a daily lotion, this product also works great on your face as a primer.

There are different types meant for different skin types, but the best to use is the one created for oily skin because it has a stronger hold on makeup.

It easily rubs into the skin and the positive effects it has will be almost instantaneous.

Its added benefit is that it hides any imperfections you might be sporting on your face and even acts as a sunscreen.

8. Aloe Vera Gel Mixed With A Moisturizer

These two products can be used individually as primers, but mixing them is the best way to create the ultimate product.

Mix a dollop of pure aloe vera gel with a teaspoon or two of moisturizer (the result is a substance with enough sticky properties to hold onto your makeup) then apply.

Aloe vera gel will soothe redness and reduce acne and inflammation while the moisturizer gives you that hydrating and protective barrier.

9. Deodorant

Trading your primer for a deodorant stick not only adds a scent to your face but also prevents you from sweating like a dog when the summer heat hits you.

The best types of deodorant to use are those made with all-natural ingredients that won’t cause harm your skin.

Some are untested on faces or made with metals, which can lead to mild irritation or worse.

Deodorant doesn’t work for everyone and the result varies based on the brand used,

So this is one primer alternative that you might need to figure out through a trial and error method.

10. Rub An Ice Cube

Rubbing an ice cube on your face before your foundation shrinks pores

Due to the effect of the coldness and allows your skin to naturally smooth out any bumps or imperfections.

The only is that it does not contain any ingredients that will help your primer stay in place, but decreasing pore size does help with the application.

11. Anti-Chafing Cream

This is another drugstore product that makeup gurus have discovered to contain all of the same basic ingredients as a primer.

Don’t forget to wait for 60 seconds for the cream to dry before applying your foundation.

12. Aloe Vera

Using 100 percent Aloe Vera gel will help moisturize your skin leaving instant cooling and fresh effects on your face.

Do You Ever Need 3 Coats Of Primer?

Most primers these days are silicone based, so only a pea-sized amount is needed for an entire face application.

Using too much will make your face look greasy.

How To Tell If Primer Is Bad

Just like a rotten smell is used to detect that the food in your refrigerator has gone bad,

There are also a few key signs that primer has gone bad.

Color changes usually accompany a primer that has gone bad.

Throw away the product if you notice changes in smell, color, and texture.

How To Make Primer Last Longer

Here are some tips to make your makeup primer stay longer:

Firstly, apply a moisturizer and let your skin dry for a few minutes before introducing your primer.
Start at the center of your face by applying just a light layer of primer, and dabbing it in with your makeup sponge or alternatively your fingers.
Give the primer a few minutes to dry before applying your foundation.

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Conclusion

Primers are the photoshoot of makeup, not only do they provide a smooth effect that enhances our makeup,

But they also help strengthen the bond between your skin and makeup.

This is because they are often made with waxes and silicone-based polymers.

Just like most makeup products, we have different primers to suit different skin types.

Some of the primers help to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, while others are used to brighten or color-correct.

Remember, how long does primer last?

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