10 Best Silicone-based Primers, Handpicked by Experts

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Jul 17, 2024
Best Silicone-based Primers
Best Silicone-based Primers
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If you are tired of having flaky makeup with greasy residue, you don't need to invest in a high-end foundation but a good primer! The best silicone-based primers are specially curated for people who deal with excessive sebum and get disappointed with unwanted shine a few hours after they apply makeup. Well, that's not it — silicone has a gripping texture that helps the makeup stick to the skin for the longest possible time. Hence, better longevity! Furthermore, the makeup primer falls into the category of matte primers, which are blessings in disguise for oily-skinned people. It gives an HD-like finish for makeup enthusiasts who prefer skin-like results while applying makeup.

Silicon also facilitates a smooth base that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, blurs out large pores, and camouflages textured skin to create a smooth base for your foundation. It also doesn't crease and is less likely to evaporate from your face with time. While there are truckloads of products available in the market, I've shortlisted 10 such primers that can be your holy grail without burning a hole in your pockets!

10 Best Silicone-based Primers

Maybelline's Master Prime primer is one good silicone-based primer that is meant for normal to oily skin. The primer is crafted beautifully to blur out the pores and the credit goes to its water-soluble base that refines the look beautifully. It also keeps the makeup in place for the longest possible time without making it settle into fine lines and wrinkles. It gives a lightweight coverage while controlling the oil production to keep the greasy texture at bay!

Size: 1.0 fl. Oz.

Coverage: Lightweight

Skin Type: All

Pros
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Blurs skin
  • Refines imperfections
  • Suits all skin types
  • Controls oil
  • Smoothes texture
Cons
  • Thin consistency

Quick Tip:

While using primer, always remember that less is more! Take only a dot and apply it on the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin area.

  • Editor's Choice

    Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Face Primer

    Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Face Primer
  • The Benefit Porefessional has been my absolute favorite when it comes to priming my face with a silicone-based primer. The product is specially formulated to give you a smooth texture while minimizing the look of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. It has a lightweight texture that glides like butter over your face and creates a perfect base that everyone will admire after makeup. Packed with the goodness of vitamin E, the formula also moisturizes the face thoroughly, leaving you with flawless and nourished skin.

    Size: 0.75 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Lightweight

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Minimizes pores
    • Suits all skin types and skin tones
    • Protects skin
    • Moisturizes the skin
    Cons
    • Might cause breakouts in some
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

    The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
  • The high-adherence silicone primer from The Ordinary is another gem to incorporate into your makeup routine if you want a subtle yet smooth and dewy finish. Formulated for sensitive skin, the brand boasts of delivering you a safe formula that won't infuse anything harmful into the skin. It adheres the makeup to the skin and promises to increase longevity. Furthermore, it blurs out the surface texture and bestows you with smooth skin. Lastly, it doesn't compromise on the hydration level for the best results.

    Size: 1 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Not mentioned

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Smoothes texture
    • Provides hydration
    • Best for sensitive skin
    • Provides long-lasting makeup
    • Classy packaging
    • Doesn't settle into pores
    Cons
    • Might be drying for some
  • Best Hydrating Formula

    Monica Ann Beauty Dual Action Face Primer

    Monica Ann Beauty Dual Action Face Primer
  • Monica Ann offers one good silicone-based primer that is designed for all skin types. Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, the product smoothes out the skin texture and gives an admirable poreless skin surface. Furthermore, it promotes a plump complexion for a youthful glow that will be visible over the layers of makeup. It also balances out your skin tone while keeping the skin thoroughly moisturized for the best results. Upon testing the product, we found out that it keeps the makeup locked for more than 24 hours.

    Size: 0.5 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Translucent

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Moisturizing properties
    • Balances out skin tone
    • Hydrates thoroughly
    • Increases the longevity of makeup
    • Suits all skin types
    Cons
    • The smell might seem overpowering

    Quick Tip:

    Always exfoliate and follow the CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturizing) routine before applying a primer to create an even smoother base for your makeup.

  • Best to Control Shine

    Bodyography Foundation Primer

    Bodyography Foundation Primer
  • The foundation primer from Bodyography is packed with quality ingredients like jojoba, grapeseed oil, and vitamins A and E, to give you a hydrating base so that your makeup doesn't settle into the fine lines and pores. It gives you a lightweight coverage so that the makeup layers don't cause any pesky texture or flaky finish. The formula is also great for mature skin people as it smoothes out aging signs like crow's feet and wrinkles while controlling the shine at the same time.

    Size: 1 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Lightweight

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Controls shine
    • Anti-aging properties
    • Brightens skin tone
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Best to Blur out Pores

    Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Neutralizing Primer

    Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Neutralizing Primer
  • The beauty primer from Mally takes the upper hand at minimizing the appearance of large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and any texture that might disrupt your flawless makeup look. Other than that, it also thoroughly hydrates your skin to leave you with a youthful glow that everyone craves. The lightweight product gets dissolved into the skin without leaving any flaky residue so that your makeup can look its best at any point in time.

    Size: 1 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Lightweight

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Minimizes fine lines
    • Blurs out pores
    • Non-greasy
    • Lightweight
    • Neutralizes tone
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Best to Hide Wrinkles

    Sace Lady All Matte Invisible Pore Primer

    Sace Lady All Matte Invisible Pore Primer
  • The makeup base primer from Sace Lady is ideal for people with oily and acne-prone skin to mattify the surface and deliver flawless makeup. It hides wrinkles and camouflages fine lines so that the skin looks its best. Furthermore, it also blurs out pores, even the large ones for a filtered look. The sheer coverage doesn't pile up in the makeup layers so that no flaky residue or greasiness appears throughout the day. It also takes the upper hand in protecting the skin from external or makeup damage.

    Size: 1.01 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Sheer

    Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

    Pros
    • Velvety texture
    • Controls oil
    • Hides wrinkles
    • Minimizes fine lines
    • Evens out skin tone
    Cons
    • Slimy texture
  • Best to Reduce UV Damage

    Phoera Oil Control Primer

    Phoera Oil Control Primer
  • The hydrating primer from Phoera casts spells on dehydrated skin and bestows you with the oil-free effect that might clog the pores and promote acne. This mattifying primer creates a flawless makeup base that is desired by people with oily skin. The gel-based creamy primer boasts of hiding out all the pores while also smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Furthermore, it also claims to protect your skin from external skin damage for a benefit in the long run.

    Size: 0.634 ounce

    Coverage: Full

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Keeps the skin fresh
    • Smoothes skin
    • Reduces UV damage
    • A little goes a long way
    • Minimizes pores
    Cons
    • Bad pump
  • Best to Increase Luminosity

    Serious Skincare A Defiance A Primer

    Serious Skincare A Defiance A Primer
  • Packed with the goodness of vitamin A, the Defiance primer by Serious Skincare is an absolute gem to get radiant skin. The silicone face primer gives you polished skin while treating your wrinkles, and fine lines, and addressing other aging issues. It also increases the luminosity of your skin for a flawless appearance. The lightweight texture also doesn't settle into the fine lines to help your makeup look like a pro. Furthermore, it glides like butter on your skin for ease!

    Size: 1 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Light

    Skin Type: Not mentioned

    Pros
    • Boosts skin shine
    • Facilitates smooth base
    • Fills fine lines
    • Cruelty-free
    • Great for dry skin
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Off-putting smell
  • Best to Retain Moisture

    Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Ultimate Foundation Primer

    Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Ultimate Foundation Primer
  • The foundation primer from Cinema Secrets provides you with the untextured flawless base that you have always dreamt of! It not only works as a makeup primer but also claims to do magic as a skincare product. While it fills out the pores and minimizes the fine lines, the primer also retains moisture and soothes your skin for long-term benefit. The lightweight formula doesn't settle into the pores and gives you a sheer coverage that won't cake up your makeup base.

    Size: 1 fl. Oz.

    Coverage: Lightweight sheer coverage

    Skin Type: All

    Pros
    • Soothes skin
    • Locks in hydration
    • Sheer coverage
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Poor quality pump

    Now that you have taken a look at the products, here's how you can pick the perfect one:

    How to Pick the Best Silicone-based Primer?

    a) Formula: Your silicone-based primer should have a formula that is safe for your skin. Especially if you have sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic formula would work wonders. Similarly, if you are a mindful beauty lover, a cruelty-free formula is what you require.

    b) Texture: Make sure the primer you're choosing has a lightweight texture that doesn't leave a cakey finish or a greasy residue. Otherwise, the makeup might look messy and cakey. A lightweight consistency is always preferable when you are picking primer for yourself.

    c) Ingredients: A list of safe ingredients is what you require in order to get the best results. Moisturizing ingredients like vitamins A, E, and C, and niacinamide hydrate the skin thoroughly as the primer works on your skin.

    Conclusion

    There you go! You have a list of the best silicone-based primers that can be added to your shopping wishlist to get a flawless finish without doing much! And if you are wondering whether they are going to clog the pores and adversely affect your skin — let me tell you that the ingredients and the formula are here to save you. Lastly, I would like to conclude that Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer is perfect for beginners who like to get their hands on a primer that can give seamless results. Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Face Primer is my personal favorite for giving me a professional-like finish. Last but not least, The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer could be your holy grail if you have sensitive skin.

    FAQ's

    How does a silicone-based primer differ from other types of primers?
    Silicone-based primers provide better adhesion and a slippery and smooth surface that facilitates a smooth canvas to apply your foundation and concealers.
    Can silicone-based primers help minimize pores and create a perfect base for makeup application?
    Yes, silicone-based primers minimize pores and create a smooth canvas for makeup application.
    Can silicone-based primers be used on all skin types?
    Yes, silicone-based primers suit all skin types. However, it is specially crafted for oily skin types.
    How to apply a silicone-based primer for the best results?
    A silicone-based primer should be taken in a dotted manner and applied in a small amount on your nose, forehead, below the lips, and cheeks where you have visible pores. Blend it well before applying your foundation.
    Can silicone-based primers help extend the wear-time of makeup?
    Yes, silicone-based primers offer a gripping texture that helps the foundation get stuck to the skin surface really well for the longest possible time.
    Are silicone-based primers safe to use?
    Yes, silicone-based primers are safe to use. But make sure to use a product that suits your skin type and always do a patch test before use.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our product expert, Sayantani, believes in the flawless base makeup that gives her a second-skin-like finish. In order to get that, one needs a primer that camouflages all the imperfections in the first place. Sayantani, having oily skin herself, tried out numerous silicone-based primers until now, from which she picked a few of her favorites for the article so that the readers can pick one for their own with the help of a buying guide. She hopes that her suggestions help!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More