15 Top Silicone-Based Foundations For Different Skin Types
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Silicones are easy to find in everyday products, including makeup.
Foundations with silicones are the common choice for makeup enthusiasts who want to achieve a flawless yet natural-looking finish.
Silicone-based foundations can do more than just cover blemishes and make the skin’s texture instantly smoother.
Thanks to innovations in cosmetics, most silicone-based foundations are now formulated with active ingredients for extra skincare benefits.
So whether you have dry, oil, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, you don’t have to be afraid of using makeup or foundation with silicones.
To make things easier, we’ve prepared a list of the top silicone-based foundations you can find based on your skin type.
So keep reading and learning about these products and why you shouldn’t entirely avoid silicone makeup products.
- Waterproof 24-hour wear
- Controls oil
- Lightweight
- Medium to full coverage
- Made for acne-prone skin
- Oil-free and hypoallergenic
- Delivers salicylic acid well into the skin
- Anti-aging serum properties
- SPF 50+
- Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is a Silicone-Based Foundation?
- 2 Is Silicone in Foundation Good?
- 3 Should I Use Water-Based or Silicone-Based Foundation?
- 4 15 Top Silicone Based Foundations to Try
- 5 Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Dry Skin
- 6 Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Oily Skin
- 7 Top Silicone Based Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
- 8 Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Sensitive Skin
- 9 Top Silicone-Based Drugstore Foundations
- 10 Find the Top Foundation With Silicone for Your Skin Type
- 11 Authors
What Is a Silicone-Based Foundation?
A silicone-based foundation is a makeup base that’s primarily made with, well, silicones.
Silicones are very widely used in cosmetics these days. But a foundation is considered “silicone-based” when its formula features higher concentrations of silicones.
The easiest way to check if a foundation is silicone-based is by looking at the ingredients list on the label. One clear indication is if silicone is listed as the first ingredient.
But silicones aren’t listed simply as “silicones.” They are commonly listed as dimethicone, cyclohexasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, phenyl trimethicone, amodimethicone, and cyclomethicone.
It’s a safe bet that a foundation is silicone-based if its label contains one or more of these ingredients.
Many foundations list water/aqua/eau as the first ingredient, but that doesn’t automatically make them water-based.
In most cases, they are immediately followed by a silicone ingredient, which typically makes them a silicone-based foundation.
Is Silicone in Foundation Good?
Despite being widely used in makeup and skincare, silicones aren’t free from myths and misinformation that give them a bad rep.
For instance, many makeup wearers avoid silicone-based products believing silicones alone cause clogged pores and acne.
Silicones are known to be permeable, but their occlusive nature makes them a good ingredient to help seal in moisture.
Silicones by themselves don’t cause breakouts.
However, if you don’t properly cleanse your face before and after wearing silicone-based makeup, whatever dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil that your face had will be trapped by the occlusive layer that silicones create.
This increases the risks of developing clogged pores that could lead to acne.
But overall, silicones are good to have in foundations. Higher concentrations of silicones allow a foundation to create a smooth texture that can stay on for hours.
Because of silicones’ molecular composition, they make a foundation’s formula silky and easy to spread. So makeup pigmentation is easier to distribute to even out the skin tone.
Now which foundations are silicone-based?
Silicone-based foundations do well in absorbing excess oil on the skin. So many of them deliver a mattifying and pore-size-reducing finish. However, if you have dry skin, this type of foundation isn’t for you.
They also usually provide medium to full coverage, so they can cover blemishes and blur out fine lines well.
Silicone-based foundations are known to be long-lasting, and they are usually waterproof or resistant to sweat, humidity, and heat.
The long-lasting wear of silicone foundations also means that if you’re using a product with SPF, your skin is better protected from sun damage throughout the day.
Should I Use Water-Based or Silicone-Based Foundation?
It depends on your skin type and what your skin needs.
The most common qualities of foundations with silicone make them great options for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin.
Water-based foundations are typically great for moisturizing the skin. But you’ll see below that some of the top silicone-based foundations are enriched with hydrating ingredients too.
Also, consider how long you have to wear your makeup and what coverage you need. Silicone-based foundations are often better at providing medium to full coverage.
If you have an active breakout or are more prone to acne, find silicone-based foundations with a non-acnegenic formula.
15 Top Silicone Based Foundations to Try
Whatever your skin type is, there is a silicone-based foundation for you. Keep reading to find one that fits your needs!
Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Dry Skin
One of the best silicone-based foundations out there if you want a truly natural finish.
Key benefits: Medium, buildable coverage; hydrating; comes in up to 40 shades
Features:
- Oil-free formula
- Glycerin
- Flawless-looking natural finish
If you’re looking to splurge on makeup, this foundation is the way to go!
Thanks to Armani Beauty’s proprietary Micro-fil Technology, this foundation will give you a silky natural finish to get the coveted “second skin” effect.
And with medium buildable coverage, you’ll have more control over your final look.
Glycerin is also high on the list of ingredients, which means it also has a hydrating effect to avoid dryness even if you must wear makeup for hours.
Your quest to find the best silicone-based foundation that delivers medium to full coverage with a soft matte finish will be fulfilled by this Too Faced makeup staple.
Key benefits: Moisturizing; helps control excess oil; lasts up to 24 hours
Features:
- Coconut water
- Alpine rose
- Hyaluronic acid
Long-lasting, great coverage, oil controlling, and moisturizing — that’s just one of the many benefits you’ll get from this foundation!
A foundation with silicones becomes a great skin-friendly makeup when its formula is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and long-lasting. And this Too Faced foundation has it all!
Some of its special ingredients are what sets this product apart from other silicone-based foundations. It contains coconut water to moisturize the skin, alpine rose for overall skin nourishment, and hyaluronic acid for smoother skin!
Boost your skin’s protection from the sun while camouflaging impurities with this full-coverage foundation.
Key benefits: Hybrid foundation and anti-aging serum; hydrating; quick solution for hiding redness and blemishes
Features:
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
Want a foundation with sunscreen benefits, skin-loving ingredients, and full coverage? This one has it all!
There are so many things to love about this silicone-based foundation! Its SPF 50+ protection is a great reinforcement to your favorite sunscreen.
It’s also formulated with amazing skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid to deliver hydrating benefits, niacinamide that helps even out skin tone, and nourishing vitamin E.
It’s essentially a hybrid of silicone foundation and anti-aging serum. So you’re not only hiding skin imperfections upon application, but there are also great benefits to reap in the long run!
You’ll get all that and a natural finish. It’s undoubtedly one of the top silicone foundations out there!
Read our full review of the matte version here!
Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Oily Skin
A foundation that stays on all day without feeling heavy on the face? Yes, please!
Key benefits: Oil-free and fragrance-free; natural matte finish; lightweight and breathable formula
Features:
- SPF 15
- Eternalsoft polymers
- Perlite and silica
It’s crafted specifically for long wear that also absorbs excess oil with added sun protection.
This has been a favorite of many makeup enthusiasts because it’s truly lightweight and long-lasting. And it doesn’t fade or oxidize even if you wear it all day.
It contains Eternalsoft polymers that help it deliver its promise of 24-hour-long wear. It also has perlite and silica to help absorb excess oil, making it one of the top silicone-based foundations for oily skin.
An all-around wonderful silicone-based makeup from a trusted brand.
Key benefits: 24-hour wear that doesn’t crease; instantly minimizes pores; hydrating
Features:
- SPF 15
- Oil-free and non-acnegenic formula
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
The range of benefits this foundation has explains why it’s a classic choice of foundation with silicones.
This is a crowd favorite that your favorite beauty gurus highly recommend.
It’s popular for delivering all-day full coverage, and you don’t have to worry about it creasing! Many also love it for its flawless matte finish, helping you instantly minimize the appearance of pores.
Your face stays hydrated while wearing this foundation. And best of all, its formula is oil-free and non-acnegenic. So it’s suitable for all skin types, especially for oily skin.
Affordable doesn’t mean less effective, and this all-time fave from Revlon proves just that!
Key benefits: Great for oil control; long-wearing for up to 24 hours; lightweight matte finish
Features:
- Heat-, sweat-, and humidity-resistant formula
- Multi-mineral powders
- Vitamin E
Constantly struggling with oily skin? Here’s a silicone foundation to improve your makeup experience.
Don’t let persistent oily skin stop you from wearing makeup, especially with this popular Revlon ColorStay foundation within your reach.
As the name indicates, it’s specifically formulated for combination and oily skin, thanks to its mineral powders that help absorb excess oil. It also has vitamin E to provide added protection from environmental stressors.
Lastly, it’s proven to be long-lasting and delivers a matte, poreless finish. All that for a budget-friendly cost!
Oily skin types need a long-wear foundation that controls shine all day, and that’s what this Bobbi Brown foundation offers.
Key benefits: Hydrating; lightweight; smooth; and shine-free finish
Features:
- Glycerin
- SPF 15
- 16-hour long wear
With a natural, flawless look and added sun protection, it’s simply worth it!
Thanks to products like the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, you don’t have to shy away from silicone-based liquid foundations even if you’re an oily skin type.
As you may have picked up from its name, its formula will feel very lightweight on the skin and give you a natural-looking full coverage. So your face will look and feel smooth even if you must wear makeup all day.
It lives up to its name as it can stay on for up to 16 hours without having to worry about extra shine, that’s a common concern for oily skin types.
Bobbi Brown didn’t skimp on the healthy features of this foundation either. It has glycerin as a key active ingredient, one of the top humectant ingredients. So while it gives a matte finish, it still moisturizes your skin.
And if you’re going out during the day, you’ll benefit from its extra sun protection. This silicone-based foundation happens to have SPF 15!
Top Silicone Based Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
Deal with acne blemishes and prevent further breakouts with this dermatologist-developed foundation.
Key benefits: Breathable coverage with natural finish; oil-free and hypoallergenic; helps prevent future breakouts
Features:
- Salicylic acid
- Neutrogena’s MicroClear technology
- Over a dozen different shades
It’s not surprising that one of the best silicone-based foundations for acne-prone skin is from Neutrogena.
Acne concerns shouldn’t stop you from wearing makeup, especially when this Neutrogena foundation exists specifically for acne-prone skin.
What makes it better is Neutrogena’s MicroClear Technology. It helps break down excess oil so the skin can better absorb salicylic acid, an active ingredient in this foundation.
That means you’re treating any active acne while putting on makeup with silicone!
This gem from Estee Lauder will not only stay on for the entire day; it won’t crease as well.
Key benefits: Oil-free and non-acnegenic; waterproof 24-hour wear; matte finish
Features:
- Over 55 shades for cool, neutral, and warm undertones
- Lightweight formula
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant once set
It has everything you want from a long-wear foundation!
As the name says, this silicone-based foundation from Estee Lauder has been proven to stay on all day. So if you’re looking for a makeup base that won’t let you down throughout the day, this one’s for you.
But one of the best things about it is its non-acnegenic and oil-controlling formula.
So if you’re prone to acne breakouts or have oily skin, you can still enjoy a 24-hour wear foundation without worrying about adverse effects.
Can’t decide between satin and matte finish? With this one, you can achieve both!
Key benefits: Satin matte finish; oil-free formula with serum technology; broad-spectrum protection
Features:
- SPF 25 for sun protection
- Vitamin C
- Salicylic acid
- Hyaluronic acid
This foundation’s not just going to make you pretty; it can improve your skin’s overall condition as well.
One of the best things about this silicone-based foundation is its serum technology that ensures nourishing ingredients can penetrate well into the skin.
That’s an important feature since this foundation has hydrating hyaluronic acid, acne-clearing salicylic acid, and brightening Vitamin C.
Its formula is oil-free and non-acnegenic, so it’s most suitable for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types.
Top Silicone-Based Foundations for Sensitive Skin
This foundation is formulated with minimal ingredients, making it a great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Key benefits: Suitable for sensitive skin; full coverage to hide redness and other impurities; long wear for up to 16 hours
Features:
- Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic
- Water-free and oil-free
- Only 10 ingredients
- Free from harmful chemicals
With this Dermablend foundation, you can effectively cover blemishes without a heavy feeling on your face.
This one goes beyond by delivering a “weightless” natural finish.
It also has buildable coverage and is highly pigmented. So it can cover acne spots, redness, hyperpigmentation, and other blemishes from underlying skin issues.
Most cosmetics tend to have dozens of ingredients. But this one only has 10 items on its list, making it an ideal silicone based foundation for sensitive skin.
It starts as a white cream and transforms to match your skin tone — just like magic!
Key benefits: Matches your skin tone as you blend; medium buildable coverage; dermatologist-tested; suitable for sensitive skin
Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- SPF 15 broad-spectrum protection
Its smart shade magic is just another reason to have fun while putting on makeup.
Almay’s Tonemimic technology is the magic behind this foundation’s skin tone-matching capabilities. So you won’t have to worry about picking out the wrong foundation shade.
It’s also hypoallergenic and has been tested for safety. And it doesn’t have fragrance. So it’s a suitable foundation for sensitive skin types.
While you can use a brush or sponge to blend it, Almay recommends using your fingers when applying this foundation.
Top Silicone-Based Drugstore Foundations
Stay on your budget without compromising your overall makeup look.
Key benefits: Natural matte finish lasts up to 12 hours; pore minimizing; suitable for normal to oily skin
Features:
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested formula
This trusted Maybelline foundation needs no introduction!
No silicone-based foundation list is complete without Maybelline’s widely popular Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation.
It provides medium buildable coverage, and it’s available in 40 shades!
The highlight of this product is its flawless matte finish, making it another great option for oily skin types.
And while it contains silicones, it has a non-comedogenic formula. So it’s less likely to clog the pores!
Silicone in foundation doesn’t have to mean heavy on the face, and this e.l.f. fan favorite proves just that!
Key benefits: Lightweight formula; semi-matte finish; hydrating; free of harsh chemicals
Features:
- Glycerin
- Buildable coverage
- Available in 40 shades
You get only the best results without denting your budget!
“Lightweight” isn’t a word commonly used to describe silicone-based foundations. But that’s the main benefit of using this popular makeup from e.l.f.
It’s loved by many makeup wearers because it’s easy to blend, is buildable, and can last all day.
You’re also getting additional skincare benefits. It contains glycerin, which gives it its hydrating properties.
You won’t always find a healthy active ingredient in cheaper foundation options, but that’s why this budget-friendly product stands out!
Key benefits: Water- and sweat-proof; up to 24-hour long wear; very lightweight; mattifying; covers skin imperfections
Features:
- Niacinamide
- Enough coverage to achieve “second skin” effect
- Alcohol- and oil-free formula
You’ll get more than your money’s worth with this high-coverage drugstore foundation.
It’s now common to find skin-loving ingredients even in makeup products, but they usually come at a price.
And that’s why we love the Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation because you’ll get the benefits of niacinamide without breaking the bank.
Niacinamide has been widely used in cosmetics because it improves the skin barrier to enhance hydration, can help with skin redness, and may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
And it has all the benefits you want from a long-wear foundation — stays on for up to 24 hours, is ultra-lightweight and is waterproof.
If you love an airbrushed, natural-looking finish, this one can give you that too!
If you like liquid foundations with a dropper applicator for more control over the amount you use, this one’s the way to go!
Find the Top Foundation With Silicone for Your Skin Type
Despite widely spread myths that silicones are bad for your skin, experts have said that these ingredients are not solely to blame for acne breakouts and clogged pores.
And to fully enjoy the skin-smoothing benefits of silicone-based foundations, they are top used with a silicone-based concealer and a silicone-based makeup primer.
Ultimately, the key is to know what your skin needs and determine which product has the formula that can help.
And as always, knowing your skin type is also a great step toward finding the top silicone-based foundation.
Find Other Foundation Formulas for Your Skin Type From These Articles:
- 10 Hypoallergenic Foundations Your Skin Will Love
- 9 Non-Comedogenic Foundations
- 9 Drugstore Powder Foundations to Try