Cassie’s cautious: Hi Beauty Brains, wonderful site- I check it everyday! Today I have a question regarding using Monistat chafing gel as a primer for your makeup. I frequent other makeup blogs and one girl swears by this product as her makeup primer. She says the texture is the same as the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, as well as the Camellia Rose Skin Soothing Primer. It’s definitely a nice cheaper alternative to expensive primers. I’m concerned about trying something that it was not designed. What do you think about using Monistat Chafing Gel as face primer?
The Right Brain’s reassuring:
You’re smart to be cautious about proper product usage, Carrie, but in this case there seems to be little cause for alarm. This Monistat formula looks very suitable for use as a make up primer.
What are makeup primers?
Makeup primers are used to lay down a nice smooth surface that powders can evenly adhere to. And when it comes to forming smooth surfaces, it’s tough to find better ingredients than silicones. There are TONS of silicones to choose from but here are a couple of key ones:
Dimethicone: Forms a water proof barrier. Can feel heavy if not properly formulated.
Cyclomethicone/cyclopentasiloxane: Very lightweight spreading agent. Mostly evaporates after you’ve applied it.
Dimethicone cross polymers: These are dimethicone combined with another molecule and they can have many different properties depending on what that other molecule is. One type of cross polymer gives the powdery smooth finish that Monistat talks about.
Does Monistat make a good make up primer?
Let’s take a look at the main ingredients in Monistat as compared to makeup primers like the ones Carrie asked about.
Monistat Chafing Gel
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica
Cyclomethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer
Camellia Rose Skin Smoothing Primer
Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Squalane
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Considering the similarity in ingredients, it’s not surprising that some women say Monistat performs well as a primer. It’s got the right kind of silicone goodies so if you like the way it works on your skin with your make up, there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with using it on your face. Especially if it’s cheaper!