- Makeup primers usually contain silicone that helps smooth your skin, but it can irritate those with sensitive skin like me.
- After noticing I'd develop acne when using primers with silicone, I started using Too Faced's Hangover Replenishing Face Primer ($34) because it's not made with an ingredient that irritates my skin.
- It gives my face a dewy finish and helps my foundation stay on longer than usual.
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer Check price at Sephora Check price at Too Faced I have acne-prone skin, so when I noticed that I broke out every time I used a silicone-based skin-care or beauty product, I knew I had to find ones that didn't have the ingredient.
While silicone is generally safe for most skin types, and silicone-based primers can help create a smooth and longlasting base for makeup, it irritated my skin so I wanted to avoid the ingredient in my beauty routine as much as possible.
Silicone is generally safe, but I found that it made me break out so I decided to avoid the ingredient in my beauty products
In an interview with Soko Glam's blog The Klog, dermatologist Gary Goldenberg says that inactive ingredients used together with silicone can irritate and worsen breakouts for those who experience rosacea or have acne-prone skin, which was my case, so I decided to audit my skin-care and makeup products. I discovered silicones in my foundation and moisturizer, and when I stopped using them, I noticed less acne so makeup primer was next on the list. If I applied my usual primer to my chin, the next day I'd wake up with acne; it was like clockwork.
I started using Too Faced's Hangover Replenishing Face Primer after reading a lot of great reviews, and my acne has significantly dropped in the six months I've been using it.
Read more: The best makeup primers
Too Faced's Hangover Replenishing Face Primer doesn't contain silicones, and it immediately made my skin feel more hydrated
The primer comes in an inverted pump tube, so you don't have to shake the tube or wrestle for the contents when it's running low. I use a couple of pumps to cover my whole face and haven't had to buy a new tube even after six months. Which is great because, at $34 a tube, it's on par with other high-end primers, which is to say, it's pricey. But it's free of silicones that make me break out so I'm not spending extra money on acne treatments; the tradeoff here is worth the price tag.
The primer's consistency is milky and somewhat creamy, and it smells like coconut, but not in an overpowering, suntan lotion type way. The formula leaves out silicones and replaces them with hydrating coconut water, moisturizing olive oil, skin-strengthening probiotics, and more.
When I first applied the Too Faced primer after using a cleanser, moisturizer, and serum, I immediately noticed that my skin felt hydrated and looked dewy, which I like. In fact, it looked like I had applied highlighter to my cheekbones. It definitely lived up to its name and reputation as the top moisturizing pick in our buying guide to the best makeup primers.
My skin was definitely moisturized enough to receive other makeup and my foundation glided on easily without any pilling. My makeup lasted longer than it usually did without primer, and even though it's not specifically an eyeshadow primer, I've found it extends the wear of my eyeshadows as well.
Most importantly though, I haven't broken out after using the Too Faced primer. Since there aren't any silicones to smooth out my skin, it doesn't make my face look entirely poreless like it would with silicone-based primers. But as someone who prefers a more natural look when I wear makeup and less acne overall, I'm definitely happy with this tradeoff.
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face PrimerThis primer hydrates, soothes, and smooths skin, creating the perfect canvas for any makeup looks. Or, just use it alone for an extra glow.
Check price at Sephora Check price at Too Faced
Abigail Barr Freelance Reporter, Insider Picks Abigail Barr has written about food, wellness, beauty, personal finance, and more for places like Someecards, Greatist, The Billfold, Chowhound, and others. She is a comedy writer who has contributed comedy content for Funny or Die, The Upright Citizens Brigade, and Spotify. She was featured in Vulture as a comedian to follow on Twitter. To learn more about her, visit abigailbarr.co. Argue with her about the best seltzer flavors on Twitter @1abbyroad. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
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