I have been sitting on this blog post for a number of weeks now, simply because I wanted to give the product a real go before publishing my honest opinion.
Most you will probably heard of, and even tried, the Nivea Aftershave Balm as a primer by now as the tip has been floating around the blogosphere for some months. After trying several primers in the past which never truly fulfilled my needs, I was skeptical of the claims bloggers were making about this ‘wonder product’. There was only one way to find out if the rumours were true and I went out and bought a bottle for myself.
Nivea is a native of Germany so luckily for me I was able to pick up a bottle of the balm for little more that €3 at Rossmann. The bottle is a pretty decent size and has already lasted a month, and that is with use practically every day. I have used it with both the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation and Clinique Repairwear. Both foundations lasted much longer than usual when applied over the balm. After a complete working day, or a weekend day spent walking, shopping, etc, my make up is still as good as when I put it on in the morning. Everything stays in place and all I suffer from is a little bit of fall off on the nose (makeup never sticks to my nose no matter what I do so I am more than happy to experience just a little fall off).
The aftershave balm applies smoothly and evenly and actually helps to apply the foundation in the same manner. One thing I do recommend is only using a little if the product. A little goes a long way and you will find out this once applying it to your face. I applied too much on my first application and although it kept my foundation in place, oil did come through leaving me with a more shiny face than I wanted.
Overall, this is a great alternative to expensive primers. It does exactly what a primer should so and is an extremely affordable price.
Have you tried the Nivea Aftershave Balm as a primer before? What did you think?
Joyful Antidotes 
Would never have thought have doing this. Primers (especially a good one) usually cost a lot more than €3 so I will definitely give this a go!
Oh wow I hadn’t heard about this before but I do love a good thrifty alternative 😉 xx
It is the best primer I have ever used. You should seriously give it a try.
I’m going to have to try this, will be stealing it from my husband, makes a change 😉
Haha, yes that is true. Let me know what kind of experience you have with it.