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Any makeup lover can appreciate just how important a good primer is. They key to flawless makeup lies almost entirely in the prep work and – of course – primer is the first step. Before we even think of foundation, we want to create a smooth canvas to minimise any irregularities like pores or fine lines. On top of this, we need to find a way to control our oil production and stop it from ruining our makeup. This is where silicone primers come in…
The silky, spreadable texture of silicones make them the perfect primer ingredient. Silicone primers are often hailed for their ability to blur imperfections and reduce excess shine.
But which ones actually work? And which ones are worth the money?
Keep reading to find out my top 5!
1. Smashbox Photo Finish Super Light Primer
Cruelty free? Yes
Vegan? Yes
There’s a reason why this is a cult primer. It launched in 2000, primarily being used on photo shoots to help minimise touch-ups and make the model’s makeup last longer. Now, however, it can be found in nearly every beauty enthusiast’s makeup bag!
The appeal of this primer lies in both its texture and its weightlessness. It has a super smooth formula that glides onto the skin, blurring pores and reducing the look of fine lines.
Though it’s described as being suitable for all skin types, the light texture of this – alongside active ingredients like peptides and vitamin C – make it perfect for oily skin. This will give you a matte finish that keeps the shine away all day!
And, if you’re looking for a super silky base, why not try out the Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer Silkscreen Complex. This contains witch hazel, salicylic acid and zinc to help control sebum production.
2. Benefit POREfessional Face Primer
Cruelty free? No
Vegan? Yes
If you’re into makeup, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Benefit’s POREfessional Primer. This is extremely popular in the beauty community for a number of reasons.
With an oil-free, vitamin E infused formula, this primer minimises the appearance of pores while creating a silky smooth base for your makeup to sit on. Due to it’s translucent finish, you can even wear this by itself so it’s amazing for non-makeup wearers too.
Pair this with the The POREfessional: Super Setter to really help your makeup stay in place all day.
3. The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer
Cruelty free? Yes
Vegan? Yes
For a drugstore option, The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer is one of my faves. Like the Smashbox one, it feels pretty light on the skin and dries down to give a velvety, semi-matte finish.
I find that it has a lot of staying power and it doesn’t cause my makeup to slide or separate (even on really hot days!). The smell seems to be quite a divisive factor, but personally I don’t mind it. I don’t tend to notice the scent once it’s on – especially if I’m wearing other fragranced products like sunscreens etc.
As with all silicone primers, you’ll want to follow this with a silicone-based foundation to prevent your makeup from going patchy or separating.
4. NYX Professional Makeup Blurring Vitamin E Infused Pore Filler Primer Stick
Cruelty free? Yes
Vegan? Yes
If the NYX Shine Killer Primer is not giving you the results you want, I highly recommend the Pore Filler Primer Stick instead.
Not only is this super effective at blurring enlarged pores, it also makes it really easy to target specific areas (like the creases around your chin and nose). With an applicator like this, you can control where you’re putting the primer and how much you apply which is really useful.
For frequent travellers this would be the perfect thing to throw into your makeup bag, since it’s not a liquid or gel. And the stick form means there’s no mess when it comes to applying it either!
RELATED READ: Carry-On Makeup Must-Haves To Pack When Travelling Light
5. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Cruelty free? Yes
Vegan? Yes
The Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is another oil-free primer that promises to create a filter-like blurring effect on the skin. The ‘invisipink’ formula evens out texture, absorbs shine and hides pores, all without leaving a chalky film or residue.
This is meant to be mattifying, but not completely drying. The overall idea being that it feels lightweight and comfortable, so your skin is able to breathe whilst wearing it.
Following this up with the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which also has a pore-smoothing finish, will leave your skin looking flawless all day long.
What are your favourite silicone primers for oily skin? Let me know in the comments!
Plus, to really help you minimise the shine, take a look at the best cushion foundations for oily skin.
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