Primers have become a staple product in many of our makeup routines and for good reason. Creating the perfect base for your makeup and working to extend wear time, primers smooth and soften the skin and allow any products you apply on top to adhere perfectly to your complexion and stay in place.
Many priming formulas include silicone, derived from Silica. Fluid and slightly tacky, silicone leaves the skin feeling smooth, soft and offers slip which allows your makeup to glide on top. It is also known to improve the appearance of scars and texture as it creates a silky veil which sits on top of the skin.
Are silicone primers bad for skin?
Although the texture of your primer is very much down to personal preference, many makeup artists and beauty lovers are turning away from traditional silicone-infused formulas in favour of silicone-free primers.
As silicone primers create a veil over your skin, they can trap dirt, sebum and impurities and suffocate the skin slightly which can in turn lead to the formation of blackheads and breakouts. As a result, silicone-free primers are becoming increasingly popular with water-based primers being one of the most common forms.
6 best silicone-free primers
Whatever your skin type, a silicone-free primer could make the perfect addition to your everyday makeup routine. We have selected six of our favourite formulas to help you find the best silicone-free primer for you.
Which are the best silicone-free primers?
- Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
- MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance
- Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting
- Filorga Pore-Express Regulating Primer
- PÜR Colour Correcting Primer - Hydrate & Balance
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Infused with Coconut Water, the skin-reviving Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer works wonders on tired, lacklustre skin.
Working to soothe and refresh your complexion, the cruelty-free and vegan formula can be worn alone or under makeup to create a healthy, dewy skin finish. Skin is left silky smooth and visibly more plump and radiant.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
Refresh and prep your skin in one simple step with the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. Misting your skin with a veil of moisture to create a smooth and hydrated canvas for makeup, the ultra-fine spray absorbs instantly into the skin and energises the complexion with a blend of revitalising electrolytes.
Free from parabens, silicones and oils, it works beautifully on all skin types.
MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance
Enriched with a dose of Caffeine to calm the skin, MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance has been developed specifically for oily and combination skin types to restore balance and create the perfect, smooth base for makeup application.
The silky-gel emulsion formula glides onto the skin and helps your foundation, concealer and powders to apply more seamlessly. Illuminating pearl powders in the formula also create a beautiful soft radiance which leaves skin with a healthy glow.
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting
Add a divine luminosity to dry, lacklustre skin with The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting from Kevyn Aucoin. Moisturising, protecting and illuminating, the luxurious formula can be used as a radiance-boosting primer or as a highlighter to add a beautiful glow to your complexion.
Infused with Jojoba, Honey and Bearberry, the emulsion creates a lit-from-within glow and perfect preps your skin for makeup.
Filorga Pore-Express Regulating Primer
Perfect for those who struggle with the appearance of enlarged pores and excess sebum production, Filorga Pore-Express Regulating Primer works to balance and even out oily and combination complexions to enhance makeup application.
Enriched with a potent blend of ingredients which work wonders on problem-prone skin, including Niacinamide, the weightless and breathable formula helps to keep skin clear all while creating the ideal base for your foundation.
PÜR Colour Correcting Primer - Hydrate & Balance
Both oil and silicone-free, PÜR Colour Correcting Primer - Hydrate & Balance is perfect for easily irritated and breakout-prone complexions. Both mattifying and hydrating your skin in one step, it creates a beautiful canvas for your base products and minimises any discolouration to leave skin smooth and even.
A soothing blend of Lavender Extract and Salicylic Acid also works to reduce the appearance of blemishes and prevent further breakouts to help you achieve a flawless finish each time you apply your makeup.
Enjoy this? Try our best primer for oily skin or best primer for dry skin guides.
