I just found out that this controversial product is the key to makeup that stays put past 3 PM.

      We've all experienced it—you dedicate your morning to applying makeup, working meticulously to create a flawless finish, only to discover by 3 PM that your makeup has either A) caked up and set into your pores, fine lines, and dry patches or B) faded away completely. The hard truth is that even the finest foundations, setting sprays, and finishing powders can struggle against the conditions we face. Dehydrating office environments, humid weather, and sweaty commutes all affect how makeup appears and lasts on our skin, as do different skin types. Both dry, thirsty skin and oily, acne-prone skin come with their own set of challenges—combination skin types often face the issues of both.

      Primers come into play here. Yes, this does mean adding another step to your makeup routine, but if it keeps your makeup looking fresh and secure, then it’s definitely worth it, right? I have tested numerous primers, and one observation I've made is that not all primers are equivalent. If you want a primer that truly delivers—smooth application, longevity, and a perfect finish—then a silicone-based primer can make a significant difference.

      You might be surprised by this—after all, many brands label products as 'silicone-free' as a selling point, which has contributed to the belief that silicones are detrimental to the skin and should be avoided. However, there are actually very few reasons to steer clear of silicones, especially in primers. Personally, I’ve noticed that silicone-based primers (compared to their silicone-free counterparts) help my makeup apply more smoothly, last longer, and stay fresher as the day progresses.

      Regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, silicone-based primers can be beneficial for everyone. From illuminating primers to pore-filling options, read on to discover my top-tested favorites.

      ### What to Look for in Silicone-Based Primers

      When shopping for silicone-based primers, keep an eye out for common silicones that offer smoothing and blurring effects—like dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethylsilyl, and dimethicone crosspolymer. Additionally, depending on your skin concerns and objectives, you might want to look for other ingredients that can brighten, hydrate, or mattify your skin. If your skin is dry, look for added glycerin or hyaluronic acid; if you have oily skin, look for niacinamide or salicylic acid.

      It's also crucial to ensure that the primer is compatible with your foundation. To prevent pilling, silicone-based primers work best with silicone-based foundations, so if you are currently using a water-based foundation, opting for a water-based primer might be a better choice.

      ### The Best Silicone-Based Makeup Primers

      **Best for Dry Skin:** Vieve Super Skin Nova Moisture Rich Primer

      **Best for Sensitive Skin:** Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer

      **Best for Dull Skin:** Sculpted By Aimee Beauty Base Pearl All In One Moisturising Primer

      **Best for Long Wear:** One Size Secure The Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer

      **Best for Oily Skin:** Dcypher Blur Balance Primer

      **Best for Breakout-Prone Skin:** Benefit The Porefessional Primer

      1. **Vieve Super Skin Nova Moisture Rich Primer**

       Best for: Normal to dry, dull, or mature skin. This glow-boosting primer is as nourishing as a moisturizer, making it an excellent choice for dry or dehydrated skin types. It hydrates and smooths away flaky or rough texture. **Editor Review:** My skin tends to get dry in winter, making my makeup look flaky and patchy; this rich primer effectively combats dryness.

       - **Pros:** Hydrating and nourishing, radiant glow, includes niacinamide and vitamin C derivatives.

       - **Cons:** May be too glowy for oily skin.

      2. **Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer**

       Best for: Normal to combination skin. A lightweight, hydrating primer with barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and ceramides, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It features light-reflecting micro-pearls to reduce redness. **Editor Review:** I appreciate that even with sensitive skin, this primer hasn’t caused issues and feels cooling on application.

       - **Pros:** Blurs pores, has a brightening effect, affordable with subscription.

       - **Cons:** May pill with certain foundations, affordable price only for subscribers.

      3. **Sculpted By Aimee Beauty Base Pearl All In One Moisturising Primer**

       Best for: Dull skin. This primer features pearlized pigments and hyaluronic acid to instantly brighten dull skin and keep it vibrant all day. **Editor Review:** This primer negates the need for highlighter, providing a beautiful glow even underneath foundation.

       - **Pros:** SPF protection