Silicone Based Fillers for Instant Blur Silicone-based primers contain dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, or other -cone and -xane ingredients. These silicones sit on top of the skin and fill in the dips of enlarged pores, creating a smooth surface. The effect is instant and visible. When foundation is applied over a silicone primer, it sits on top of the filled surface rather than sinking into pores. This prevents the dotted appearance that foundation often creates over large pores. Silicone primers work best for people with normal to oily skin because silicones are not greasy and do not break down easily. The blurring effect lasts four to six hours before natural oils break down the silicone film. Reapplying primer over makeup is not possible without disturbing the foundation. For all-day events, using a silicone primer only on the pore-heavy areas, typically the cheeks and nose, rather than the whole face, saves product and prevents the slippery feel that silicone primers create on the rest of the face. No silicone primer permanently changes pore size because pores are determined by genetics and oil production. The effect lasts only as long as the primer stays on the skin. Signs of a good silicone primer include foundation that applies smoothly without skipping over pores, and skin that looks airbrushed in photos without looking greasy in person.
Water Based Primers for Dry Skin Water-based primers use water as the first ingredient and contain little to no silicone. They hydrate the skin and create a tacky surface for foundation to grip. Water-based primers do not fill in pores as effectively as silicone primers because they do not have the same filling texture. For those with dry skin that also has large pores, water-based primers may be the better choice because silicone primers can emphasize dry patches. The hydration from a water-based primer plumps the skin slightly, which can make pores look smaller by surrounding them with plumper, tighter skin. This effect takes 10 to 15 minutes to appear as the hydration absorbs. Water-based primers work best with water-based foundations. Using a water-based primer under a silicone-based foundation causes pilling because the two formulas repel each other. Checking the first few ingredients of both primer and foundation ensures compatibility. If the primer lists water first and the foundation lists dimethicone first, they will not layer well. No water-based primer creates the same level of pore blur as a silicone primer. For those with very large pores, accepting some visible texture or using a silicone primer just on the pore areas and water-based primer everywhere else provides the best of both. Signs of a good water-based primer include foundation that glides on without tugging, and skin that does not look dry or flaky by midday.
Application Technique for Pores Primer application technique matters as much as the product itself for minimizing pores. Applying primer with fingers in pressing motions, not sweeping motions, pushes the product into the pores rather than spreading it over the top. Pressing with the ring finger or a small sponge for 10 to 15 seconds per area fills the pores completely. Letting the primer sit for 60 seconds before applying foundation allows it to settle into the pores fully. Applying foundation too soon disturbs the primer before it has set. Using too much primer causes pilling and a slippery surface that foundation cannot grip. A pea-sized amount for the entire face is sufficient. Using more than that creates a thick layer that slides around. For very large pores, applying primer only to the pore areas, then applying foundation with a pressing motion using a damp sponge, pushes foundation into the primer-filled pores rather than pulling the primer out. No primer eliminates the need for powder over foundation. Setting foundation with a translucent powder over the pore areas locks everything in place. Signs of correct primer application include foundation that stays in place without settling into pores for six to eight hours, and no visible primer residue or pilling under the foundation.
