A good makeup primer can make all the difference when it comes to how your foundation looks and lasts. Among the many types available, silicone-based primers are especially popular for their smoothing, blurring, and long-wearing benefits.
On the flip side, the said smoothing and blurring benefits don’t always work out for every single skin type and makeup look. To save you the disappointment, here’s what you can expect from silicone-based primers and the best ones to try!
What Is a Silicone-Based Primer?
A silicone-based primer is a type of makeup primer that primarily uses silicone ingredients such as dimethicone or trimethicone. These compounds create a breathable layer over your skin that fills in fine lines, blurs texture, and creates a silky base for makeup.
Benefits of Silicone-Based Primers
Contrary to other types, such as water-based primers, silicone-based primers have a velvety, silky feel and they have almost like a filler effect on the skin.
They help blur out large pores and minimize their appearance, smooth out uneven skin texture, and fill in fine lines and wrinkles. They create the perfect base for applying foundation evenly.
Additionally, they’re incredibly helpful in mattifying skin, and reducing shine on oily skin. Plus, silicone-based primers generally tend to be more resistant to water and sweat.
This makes them ideal for summer makeup. Needless to say, as a makeup primer, a silicone-based primer will also help your makeup look smoother and extend its wear.
Who Should Use It?
While silicone-based primers are great on paper, there’s a catch. First of all, if you have oily skin, combination skin, large pores, or uneven skin texture, or you simply like matte makeup, go for it! A silicone-based formula will elevate your makeup game significantly.
However, silicone-based primers can look flaky on dry skin as they can emphasize dry patches. Additionally, some skin types, such as acne-prone, or sensitive, might react to silicones and experience breakouts.
While silicones don’t necessarily clog your pores, some primers can, and also, some people just don’t like the feel of silicones on the skin, especially those who don’t like to layer makeup. So keep these in mind!
If you’re curious to know what’s out there, below are some of my all-time favorite silicone-based primers.
Best Silicone-Based Primers
1. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
This was one of the first silicone-based primers I’ve ever used for my large pores and I’m generally not a huge fan of daily primer wear! In spite of that, it’s been a staple in my makeup bag because it’s shockingly effective! A tiny amount is enough to draw an invisible curtain on pores, creating the smoothest skin ever to layer foundation on! It’s pore-minimizing, mattifying, and wrinkle-blurring and a summer makeup must-have! This is a hardcore primer in action and I don’t use these types of primers alone when I’m not wearing makeup.
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan
2. Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Another cult classic is this formula. This one is a putty primer that feels cream to powder. You can actually feel the silky formula as you put it on the skin. It’s not gel-based, so there’s no dry-down time or stickiness to it. It’s like the lightest, soft-matte finish balm. It doesn’t feel heavy or silicone-y on the skin. And because of that, it’s super skin-friendly, making it easy to use all over the face even without makeup, which isn’t as easy with gel-based, tacky formulas.
Size: 0.7 oz/20 gr
Good To Know: Non-comedogenic, cruelty-free
3. Clarins Instant Smooth-Perfecting Touch Face Primer
And speaking of blurring primers that can be used all over the face, this is another favorite of mine that I love to slather on! And I love it especially since I’ve gotten fine lines and wrinkles, which make it difficult to achieve flawless makeup with foundation. This one almost melts with the heat of your fingers but leaves a satin silky feel on the skin as in matte but not super dry or flat.
Size: 0.5 oz/15 ml
4. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Pore Minimizer Primer
One thing you should know about blurring primers is that the more blurring the formula, the less skin-focused it is. So there’s a trade-off. This one falls under the first category, which means it has a silky, super smooth consistency that instantly softens and neutralizes skin texture and mattifies the complexion. And that’s why this is best used only on problem areas like enlarged pores, or simply the center of the face or for preventing foundation creasing in smile lines. It’s very much like putting a filter on the face!
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
5. Erborian Glow Cream Illuminating Primer
On the other end of the spectrum is this primer that multi-tasks because it’s not full to the brim with silicones. Unlike other mattifying primers, this one has a luminescent finish, allowing you to achieve smooth skin without looking completely matte. It’s also made with hydrating ingredients, so it even helps hydrate the skin and can be used without makeup too. That’s why I can comfortably use it all over my face without having to deal with a heavy, occlusive feel that sometimes comes with pure silicone primers. Plus, it pairs well with all types of foundation.
Size: 1.7 oz/45 ml
So this is what you can expect from silicone-based primers and my all-time favorites. Silicone-based primers are great for creating a flawless base, especially if you struggle with excess oil, large pores, or uneven texture. I’d recommend going for a skincare-infused formula if you’re looking for something to wear every day and going for something like Make Up For Ever’s formula for a full-glam, flawless makeup look. But take a minute and scroll down for some application tips for the best results.
How to Apply a Silicone-Based Primer
Application can make or break your makeup, especially when you’re using a silicone-based formula. Here’s the best way to apply a silicone-based primer to avoid a heavy feel, makeup pilling, and flakiness.
- Start with clean, well-moisturized skin. Silicone-infused primers don’t usually hydrate or moisturize your skin and sometimes can even make your skin look drier. So skin prep is essential!
- Use a small amount because too much can make your foundation pill or even look cakey! A tiny amount is enough for the entire face. When in doubt, only apply the primer on problem areas such as pores or the nose.
- Don’t rub your primer all over the skin because a silicone-based primer has a skin-filling effect, which requires you to press and dab it into the skin instead of smearing it all over. Gently press the formula into the pores to smooth their appearance.
- Give it a few minutes for your primer to settle before moving on to the foundation. Otherwise, you can move around the product and your makeup may not look as good.
- Don’t forget to pair your silicone-based primer with a silicone-based foundation to avoid foundation separating. A water-based formula might not mix well with a silicone-based formula.
FAQs
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