The best silicone based makeup that gives the skin a smooth look – the absolute best silicone based foundations with matte , semi-matte or dewy finish for oily, dry and combo skin.
Silicones are a group of ingredients that can be found in makeup. Their slippery texture makes them perfect for products like foundations and their main purpose is to make the skin feel silky and smooth.
To know if a foundation is silicone based, check which ingredients appear at the top of the list.
If dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane (or anything ending in -cone/-siloxane) appears at the top then it’s silicone based!
With so many products available in the market, finding the perfect foundation that doesn’t settle into the pores can be hard.
These are the best silicone based foundations for oily, dry and combination skin because they look natural and feel lightweight on the face. They won’t make you look greasy and they help control shine while minimizing the look of the pores.
The top 2 picks below have SPF protection as well to help protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging in addition to providing a smooth base for makeup application.
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If you’re curious (or in a hurry):
✅ This specific foundation is the most popular with our readers.
It’s oil-free and it gives the skin a matte finish that looks like your skin but better! It’s available in 20 shades and has a lot of 5-star reviews.
Best High End Silicone Based Foundations For Oily Skin
MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15
MAC has some of the best high end foundations and the Studio fix fluid SPF15 is one of them.
It gives medium to full coverage and it blends beautifully on the skin. it’s ideal for oily skin and it also extremely long-wearing.
The fact that it has silicone makes it work great to minimize the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother look. Plus, it has SPF 15 to protect against sun damage.
Mac has a great shade selection which makes it easy for everyone to find their perfect match!
If you are looking for a medium coverage foundation that looks natural on the skin,I highly recommend giving it a try!
Be sure to choose the right undertone for your skin to prevent the foundation from looking pink or grey on your skin.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
The Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 is also a favorite. It gives medium to full coverage while still looking fresh on the skin.
I also like its texture and easy application. It blends easily on the skin and it sets to a breathable matte finish.
It comes in 42 shades which makes it possible for everyone to find their perfect match.
This foundation feels like nothing on the skin and it has an SPF15 to protect against sun damage.
CLINIQUE Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup Foundation
The Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup Foundation has Methyl Trimethicone and dimethicone in the first ingredients.
It’s an oil free foundation that works perfectly with oily skin. The formula controls oil and absorbs shine. It gives medium coverage with a natural matte finish that can last all day.
I’ve been buying this foundation for years and I think it’s totally worth the price.
There are 20 shades to choose from.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation provides medium to full coverage, making it possible for anyone with skin flaws to get a flawless skin.
The foundation comes in 56 shades, guaranteeing that almost every complexion can find their own match.
It’s an oil free and fragrance free liquid formula that blends easily into the skin.
It has Cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone among the first ingredients which makes it silicone based .
For a makeup look that stays put and feels lightweight, this foundation is a great choice!
Lancôme TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR FOUNDATION
Get the coverage you need and an airbrushed look with the lancôme TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR FOUNDATION.
This foundations is formulated to apply easily and keep your face looking smooth all day long.
Yes it’s an expensive foundation but it’s 100% worth it! It’s oil free and it gives a natural matte finish that feels lightweight and breathable.
It’s available in 50 shades for all undertones.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
This Nars soft matte complete foundation is one of my favorites for a few reasons. First, it has a combination of micro-algae and Bio Hyaluronic Acid to help absorb excess sebum.
Second,it’s oxidation resistant which makes it easier to select your perfect shade without the fear of having an orange face.
It’s available in 34 shades and it provides a natural looking matte finish that can last all day.
A good tip is to apply a tiny amount and start building the coverage where you need. A little bit goes a very long way with this foundation and it sets very quickly on the skin.
Best drugstore silicone based foundations for oily skin
- Maybelline New York Fit Me , Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
- L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro- Matte Foundation
- Catrice HD liquid coverage foundation
- Revlon photoready candid natural finish anti-pollution foundation
- L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h fresh Wear Foundation
Maybelline New York Fit Me , Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
The Maybelline Fit me matte and poreless foundation has CYCLOHEXASILOXANE and dimethicone in the first ingredients which means it’s silicone based.
It’s one of the best foundations at the drugstore and it’s a lightweight formula that covers flawlessly without looking cakey or heavy.
It comes in 40 shades to complement any skin tone and it has micro-powders to control shine and blur the pores.
L’ Oréal Paris Infallible Pro- Matte Foundation
L’ Oréal Paris Infallible pro-matte foundation provides a natural, velvety finish. It’s also oil free and it helps your skin stay matte throughout the day.
It has transfer resistant properties which makes it a great choice if you want to wear a face mask.
It blends easily and it’s also buildable so you can sheer it out for a natural everyday look.
Catrice HD liquid coverage foundation
The Catrice HD liquid coverage foundation has dimethicone as a second ingredient.
It’s a very thin foundation that comes with a unique dropper applicator.
It provides medium to full coverage and it gives a beautiful matte finish.
This can be the perfect foundation for any occasion because it’s long lasting and it doesn’t settle into fine lines.
Revlon photoready candid natural finish anti-pollution foundation
This long lasting lightweight foundation feels like nothing on your skin.
It blends seamlessly and it gives a nice semi matte finish.
It comes in 31 shades which are divided into cool, warm and neutral undertones.
The best part about it is just how affordable it is!
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h fresh Wear Foundation
If you are looking for a waterproof foundation that stays put, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h fresh Wear Foundation is the best choice!
It’s also transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant which makes it your perfect summer foundation.
In fact, the formula has three oil absorbers to resist sweat, water, and transfer.
It can hide everything from blemishes, redness or hyperpigmentation and uneven skintone.
The best part about it is that is extremely affordable and it can beat many high end foundations!
If you’re looking for more drugstore foundations that are full coverage, check out my guide on the best full coverage drugstore foundations.
Silicone-Based Foundations For Dry Skin
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
This foundation is one of the best silicone-based foundations for dry skin. It’s oil-free and has a natural but radiant finish that looks beautiful on the skin.
It’s very lightweight, yet it provides excellent coverage to help even out the complexion.
The foundation contains glycerin, an excellent ingredient for dry skin as it helps retain moisture.
It helps to give the skin a smooth finish thanks to its silky texture that doesn’t emphasize dry patches or flakiness.
It’s available in two different finishes: natural and radiant. The ‘Natural‘ finish gives the skin a satin finish, whereas the radiant finish is dewier.
Choose the finish that best suits your skin type and preferences.
I have dry skin, and I prefer the radiant finish as it makes my skin look more glowy and healthy.
A little bit goes a long way with this foundation, so the key is to use a small amount and blend it well. Layer it up if you need more coverage.
The only downside is that it has a fragrance like most luxe foundations which might not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation
This is one of the best silicone-based foundations for special occasions as it’s waterproof and long-lasting.
It has a smooth silicone-based formula that glides on the skin and provides buildable natural coverage.
To get the best finish, I like to spread this foundation on the skin with my fingers and then use a damp beauty blender to blend it into the skin.
This foundation is available in 40 shades which is fantastic! It has a good mix of cool, neutral, and warm tones so everyone can find their perfect match.
It has a natural finish that’s not too matte or dewy, so it’s perfect for normal to dry skin.
The only downside is that it contains alcohol which can be drying for the skin, so I try to avoid using it daily.
It’s an excellent foundation for special occasions, though, as it stays in place and looks great on the skin.
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
If you like a semi-matte finish, this foundation is a good choice.
It contains coconut water and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin. It’s a medium coverage foundation, but you can build it up to full coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin.
The key is to prepare the skin well before using a lightweight moisturizer, as it might cling to dry patches.
Choose a good moisturizer that sits well under makeup and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. I like this lightweight moisturizer as it blends easily into the skin and it performs well with silicone-based foundations.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply and blend this foundation into the skin as it gives a natural finish.
This foundation is available in 34 shades which is good, and it’s available in many cool, warm, or neutral undertones.
Too Faced is a cruelty-free brand which is fantastic!
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
What I like about this foundation is that it doesn’t oxidize on the skin and has a natural dewy finish.
It has a weightless formula that’s easy to apply and blend, and it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the skin even when you build it up to full coverage.
This foundation is available in 34 shades which is good, and it contains glycerin which is excellent for dry skin as it helps retain moisture.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply this foundation as it helps to sheer out the coverage and gives a natural finish.
What I don’t like about this foundation is that it’s not the most long-wearing. I always use it with a primer and set it with powder to help it last longer on the skin.
You can thin out your foundation by mixing it with facial oil to get sheer coverage.
Related: Primer Vs. Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation
This is a great drugstore foundation for dry skin as it also contains glycerin, which helps retain moisture.
It has a lightweight formula that gives a natural finish and is very affordable.
This foundation is available in 24 shades but doesn’t have the best shade range for deeper skin tones.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply this foundation as it sheers out the coverage and gives a natural finish.
The only downside is that it’s not the most long-wearing, but it’s an excellent foundation for everyday use.
The key is to use a small amount and build it up gradually if you need more coverage, as applying too much can give the skin a cakey finish.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
This is a great drugstore foundation for normal to dry skin as it has a dewy finish.
It’s very affordable and has a light to medium coverage, which is buildable.
This foundation is available in 9 shades, so it doesn’t have the best shade range.
It doesn’t cling to dry patches and is easy to apply and blend.
I like to use a beauty blender to apply this foundation as it gives a natural finish.
The only downside is that it’s not the most long-wearing, so I apply it on top of a silicone-based primer to help it last longer on the skin.
It contains alcohol that can dry the skin, so I avoid using it daily.
You can wear this foundation alone as it doesn’t look cakey or heavy on the skin.
It’s an excellent foundation for a minimal makeup look as it does stay in place and looks great on the skin.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup
This foundation has a lightweight formula that feels like nothing on the skin and gives a dewy finish.
It has buildable coverage, and it doesn’t cling to dry patches.
The formula feels very similar to high-end foundations but is affordable.
It has a blend of antioxidants and is available in 14 shades.
I like to use a buffing brush to apply this foundation as it gives a natural finish.
The only downside is that it contains alcohol, which can dry the skin.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation
This foundation has every liquidy formula that blends easily into the skin. It’s one of the most affordable foundations, and it has a dewy finish.
This foundation gives a buildable medium to full coverage.
It’s available in 18 shades but it doesn’t have the best shade range for deeper skin tones.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply this foundation as it sheers out the coverage and gives a natural finish.
The only downside is that it has a bad smell so if you have sensitive skin it might not be the best choice.
Silicone-Based Foundations For Combination Skin
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
This is an excellent foundation for normal to combination skin as it has a lightweight silicone-based formula that gives a natural finish. It’s not too dewy but not matte either.
It has buildable coverage and doesn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate pores and fine lines.
What I like the most about this foundation is that it helps blur imperfections and has a smooth finish.
I like to use a brush to apply this foundation as it gives a natural finish.
The shade range has a good selection of warm, cool, and neutral undertones.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
This is an excellent foundation for normal to combination skin as it has a hydrating finish that doesn’t feel greasy.
It has buildable coverage and doesn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate pores and fine lines.
What I like the most about this foundation is its skincare benefits, as it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
It might look cakey if you apply too much, so it’s best to start with a small amount and build it up gradually.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply this foundation as it gives a natural finish.
Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin SPF 15
This is an excellent foundation for combination skin as it has a matte finish that doesn’t feel dry.
It has buildable coverage and doesn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate pores and fine lines.
It’s also oil-free, and it has SPF 15.
I like to use a damp beauty blender to apply this foundation as it gives a natural finish.
I’m a big fan of Revlon foundations as they have a great formula and are affordable.
The shade range is also good, with a great selection of 24 warm, cool, and neutral colors.
e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
If you like a semi-matte finish, then this foundation is for you. It has buildable coverage and doesn’t give the skin a greasy finish.
It’s also available in 40 shades which is amazing.
It’s very affordable, and it lasts well on the skin too.
I tested it on hot summer days and it lasted on my skin for 4-5 hours which is great considering how affordable it is.
Best Primers For Silicone-Based Foundation
To get a smooth makeup look, it’s better to use a silicone-based primer with a silicone-based foundation.
Makeup products with the same base ingredients work better together and help your makeup last longer.
Here are some of the best silicone-based primers on the market:
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Hydrating Primer
This primer is lightweight and has a creamy consistency that feels smooth on the skin.
It contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and keep makeup in place.
I like to use this primer when my skin is feeling dry as it helps create a smooth canvas but it also blurs the pores.
The only thing I don’t like about it is the fragrance as it’s strong and can be a bit overwhelming. I wish they would make it fragrance-free.
NYX Pore Filler
This is a great affordable primer that performs as well as many high-end primers.
It has a mousse silicone-based formula that smooths out the skin and blurs pores.
The only difference is that you might need to blend it more to get a smooth finish.
I like to use it on the areas where i have big pores like my cheeks and chin.
If you’re struggling to find a good primer, check our guide on the best silicone-based primers.
Can I use a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation?
To get a long-lasting look, it’s better to use a primer and a foundation with the same base ingredients.
Using a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation might not give you the results you’re looking for as they have different base ingredients.
However, I noticed that some water-based primers that contain glycerin work well with silicone-based foundations.
If you have a water-based primer that you love, you can try it with a silicone-based foundation and see how it goes.
Just remember to apply a small amount of primer and blend it well. Too much primer can cause the foundation to separate and break during the day.
Final Thoughts on silicone based foundations
Silicone-based foundations have a slippery texture which makes them work perfectly for people with oily skin and big pores. Their main purpose is to make the skin feel silky and smooth.
If you are looking for a high-end foundation silicone based foundation, this Matte Oil-free foundation and this Ultra-wear foundation are the best choices.
If you prefer drugstore foundations, check this Natural Finish foundation. It has a thin formula that blends easily into the skin. This Pro-matte foundation is also oil free and long-lasting. It gives the skin a natural matte finish without looking heavy or cakey.
How do you know if your foundation is silicone based?
The name ‘silicone’ doesn’t have to exist in the ingredient’s list.
The ingredients to look for are dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane or anything that ends in -cone or -siloxane.
Silicone foundations usually have these mentionned ingredients listed at the top of their ingredients list:
Dimethicone
Cyclohexasiloxane
Cyclopentasiloxane
cyclomethicone
Silicone based foundation vs water based
Both silicone and water based foundations might have AQUA/WATER as a first ingredient.
Water based foundations don’t contain any silicone or oil ingredients at the top of their ingredient list.
If you have acne prone skin or sensitive skin, water based foundations can be a good option. They are also suitable for dry skin as their lightweight formula can help keeping the skin hydrated.
The bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 is a water based foundation. As you can see in the top ingredients, this cream doesn’t contain any silicone or oils.
ingredients: Water, Coconut Alkanes, Propanediol, Squalane, Trehalose, Isostearic Acid, Glycerin, Silica, Agar, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinoglycan, Polysorbate 60, Cellulose Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol. Source: Sephora.com
Silicone based foundations give the skin a smooth look and they lock in moisture. If your skin is not allergic to silicones, you shouldn’t have an issue.
Make sure to wash your face very well at the end of the day to remove all the makeup because heavy silicone foundations don’t rinse away easily.
To extend the longevity of your makeup, use a good primer. Match the foundation with the primer to avoid your makeup from separating. Only use a silicone based primer with a silicone based foundation.
Is silicone-based foundation good for oily skin?
Silicone foundations can be a nice choice for oily skin.
They give the skin a smoother look by filling in wrinkles which helps to stop foundation from creasing in fine lines.
In fact, silicone acts as a barrier on the skin. This sort of film can help sealing in hydration and controlling oil shine.
They can also perform better than water based foundations on hot summer days because of silicone’s resistance to both water and air.
An important thing to mention is that silicone foundations are a little bit harder to rinse away.
Silicone repels water so double cleansing the skin is an important step to do!
Tip: To take off your silicone based foundation, double Cleanse your skin. Start with a cleansing oil to take all the makeup away and follow with a regular cleanser.
Does silicone based foundations cause acne?
Silicones are non-comedogenic and they can’t clog pores on their own.
However, the barrier created on top of the skin by silicone based foundations might lock in dirt, dead skin cells or other comedogenic substances.
This can cause breakouts and can make acne even worse.
If not washed properly, silicone can also build up on the skin which might cause acne and irritation.
My skin is prone to acne so I try to use heavy silicone based foundations only on special occasions. I also make sure to double cleanse my skin very well at night to remove all of the makeup.
If you have acne prone skin, try selecting oil-free foundations with non-comedogenic ingredients.
Salycilic acid is a great ingredient to look for in silicone based foundations because it helps unclogging the pores.
The Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup for example has salycilic acid. It’s a nice choice for acne prone skin.
Is silicone or water based foundation better?
Water based foundations are a great option for people with sensitive skin. In fact, they don’t contain any oils or silicones in them and they can feel more lightweight on the skin.
Silicone based foundations work best on normal and oily skin types since they help smoothing lines and reducing sebum production.
Silicone can cause irritations for people with very sensitive skin.
Always do your research and check the labels before purchasing any foundation. Choose the perfect combination for your skin type.
How do you thin out silicone foundation?
To thin out a heavy silicone based foundation, mix it with a silicone based moisturizer.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your makeup bases the same.
If you are using a water based foundation, mix it with a water based moisturizer.
Silicone based foundations might mix with any other type of bases but they might separate and start looking flaky on the skin.
There are many tips and tricks you can try to avoid foundation separating or to stop foundation from separating on your nose.
There will be some trial and error involved until you figure out what works best for you. Try to do some research and check the ingredients to know what products can perform well together.
Tip: Silicone products can peel off the skin if they are applied with too much rubbing. Try dabbing or tapping the foundation into the skin with a damp sponge or a gentle stippling brush.
How Do You Remove Silicone Based Foundation?
There are a few different ways to remove silicone-based foundations from your skin. One of my favorite ways is to use a makeup remover that contains oil.
An oil makeup remover will help to break down the silicone which will make it easier to remove. After that, I follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any residue.
If you don’t have an oil-based makeup remover, you can use a little bit of coconut oil to remove the foundation.
Many people like to use a regular makeup remover or micellar water which can work great too. Massage the cleanser into your skin in a circular motion and then rinse it off. Avoid harsh rubbing as this can irritate the skin.
Check if all your foundation is removed by wiping a cotton pad soaked in micellar water over your face. If there is any residue left, repeat the steps above until your skin is clean.
F.A.Q on silicone based foundations
Is maybelline fit me matte and poreless foundation silicone based?
The maybelline fit me matte and poreless foundation is silicone based. It has Cyclohexasiloxane and a second ingredient.
Cyclohexasiloxane is one of the synthetic silicones used in makeup, skincare or haircare. I already included this foundation in the 11 silicone based foundations for oily skin. it’s one of the most affordable foundations at the drugstore and it has micro-powders to control shine and blur the pores.
Is IL MAKIAGE WOKE UP LIKE THISFLAWLESS BASE FOUNDATION silicone based?
Yes IL MAKIAGE WOKE UP LIKE THISFLAWLESS BASE FOUNDATION is silicone based. It has Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone in the top ingredients.
This foundation gives a buildable medium to full coverage. It comes in 50 shades and it dries into a matte finish.
Ingredients: Aqua/water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Talc, Peg-10 dimethicone, Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, Octocrylene, Alcohol denat, Peg-4, Isononyl isononanoate, Caprylyl dimethicone ethoxy glucoside, Polymethyl methacrylate, Myristyl lactate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium chloride, Disteardimonium hectorite, Cetyl dimethicone, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Benzyl alcohol, Sodium dehydroacetate, Hydrogen dimethicone, Silica, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum hydroxide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disodium edta, Biosaccharide gum-4, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum / fragrance, Titanium dioxide. Source: ilmakiage website.
Is maybelline fit me dewy and smooth silicone based?
Yes the maybelline fit me dewy and smooth is silicone based. It has CYCLOPENTASILOXANE and DIMETHICONE in the top ingredients.
This foundation gives the face a beautiful dewy finish so it’s more suitable for dry skin.
It has a SPF18 and it’s available in 24 shades.
Is Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation silicone based?
Yes the Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation is silicone based. It has CYCLOPENTASILOXANE as a first ingredient.
This foundation feels so smooth on the skin. It gives medium to full coverage and it comes in 50 different shades. It’s also long-wearing and very comfortable to wear.
Is Estee Lauder double wear stay-in-place foundation water based?
The Estee Estee Lauder double wear stay-in-place is silicone based. It has Cyclopentasiloxane in the first top ingredients.
This foundation is oil-free and it gives the skin a full coverage.
It dries to a matte finish so it might work best for oily skin.
Is Dior Backstage face & body Foundation silicone or water based?
The Dior Backstage face & body Foundation is silicone based. It has Cyclopentasiloxane in the first top ingredients.
This foundation has a very lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin. It gives medium coverage and it doesn’t settle into fine lines.
It comes in a variety of shades that can suit many skintones.
It’s also waterproof and sweat-resistant which makes it a great choice for summer!
Is Nars Sheer Glow foundation water or silicone-based?
The Nars Sheer Glow foundation is silicone based. It has Cyclopentasiloxane in the top ingredients.
This foundation gives a medium coverage that is also buildable.
It gives the skin a beautiful dewy finish that look so natural. It’s more suitable for dry skin and it comes in 40 different shades.
Related foundation articles
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- Why is your foundation separating on your face and how to fix it?
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