Itch reviews: Affordable Silicone Primers (ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer and Claudia Stevens Facial Prep Foundation Base)

Hey there, and peace be upon all of you!

Today I'm reviewing two silicone primers.

I didn’t use make up primers before. But since being introduced to these two products, I use primer almost every day before putting on foundation.  I have tried and used only 2 silicone primers, so I couldn’t really compare these with any other brands. So here I am just sharing my experience using them.

First up is the ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer. Here’s the info about the product form their website:

Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish.

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Penoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben.

Honestly, I really wanted to buy this primer after I had a disappointing experience with my NARS Sheer Matte foundation. I needed something to address the issue of the foundation sinking into my pores. So I quickly bought one. Thank god I did.

PROS:

Helps eliminate oil and shine

Minimize the appearance of pores

Helps foundation apply smoothly.

Doesn’t break me up.

Quite affordable USD6, around RM40.00 for 14 grams

CONS:

Smells really chemically…hmm

The pump really doesn’t work. I scoop the product out with a thin spatula.

Oil control is quite good.

Available online only at www.eyeslipsface.com

Though ELF Mineral Face Primer started my love for the silicone primers, I needed to find a similar product that doesn’t require me to wait for close to a month to actually start using it. Other silicone primers are a bit on the pricey side. But after searching for a while, I discovered the Claudia Stevens Facial Prep Foundation Base. 

Here is the info about the product from sallybeauty.com:

Claudia Stevens Facial Prep Foundation Base is makeup before the makeup. This foundation base creates the perfect base for your foundation. It smoothes skin texture for a flawless looking finish.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, silica, phenoxyethanol, ethylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, tocopheryl acetate, magnesium gluconate, algae extract, chicory root extract, maltose.

To me this is better than the ELF Mineral Primer.   

Firstly, if you look at the ingredients of both products, Claudia Stevens primer contains things that are good for the skin such as:

Chicory root extract: helps heal skin lacerations and sunburn.

Algae extract: normalize the skin’s moisture content and a great protective barrier for skin.

Vitamin E: anti aging benefits, sun protection and moisture balance.

Besides that, it doesn’t have that yucky cosmetic smell. And it comes in a convenient squeezy tube. Here's more on why I love it:

PROS:

Helps eliminate oil and shine

Minimize the appearance of pores

Helps foundation apply smoothly.

Helps control oil better than ELF’s.

Doesn’t break me up.

Cheap. RM29.90 for 30 grams at Sasa Outlets.

CONS:

Erm…..

Both primers really help in eliminating the oils and making my face feels matte and velvety. Most importantly they help in minimizing the enlarged pores around my nose. This makes my foundation apply a lot easier and smoother too. 

But I would recommend Claudia Stevens rather than ELF based on the above review. I apply this on my t zone and a bit at my cheeks where I have visible pores.

I hope this review is helpful. What brand of primer do you guys use?

Have a bright day every one!