Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base Silicone-free – Review

I've seen people who complain that a silicone-based primer doesn't suit them. Some say it breaks them out while some seem to have sensitivity to it. Given that there aren't any silicone-free primers available locally, I was pretty excited to try this one out.

Skin Perfecting Makeup Base
Foundation primer with a skin-smoothing effect. The Skin Perfecting Makeup Base has a ultra-light, gel texture that goes onto the skin like a delicate silk veil. It creates an ideal foundation for long-lasting makeup. The mattifying, serum-like texture with special polymers smooths the complexion, enhancing it's appearance, refines pores, fills out fine lines and wrinkles and does not dry out the skin. Vitamin E and a special mineral complex nourishes the skin. Suitable for any skin type, even sensitive.

Free of fragrances, silicon and parabens.

How to apply?
Apply from the centre of the face outwards in light upward motions with your fingers.

Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base

Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base

Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base Silicone-free

My thoughts
I quite liked this product the first time I tried it. I loved how feather-light it felt on my skin and didn’t add any extra oil to my T-zone by the end of the day. My sister, who has an oily skin, experienced the same but she noticed something really off-putting that I had inadvertently missed – the pilling. The next time I put it, I observed closely and I did notice tiny balls rolled up near my forehead and mouth. I didn’t use too much (just a pea-size for the entire face) neither did I wear any moisturizer beneath it. I thought perhaps it won’t happen if I avoid using fingers for applying foundation but to no avail. However, applying with a kabuki brush didn’t cause makeup to ball up as badly as with fingers. I also let it sink in for ten minutes before wearing foundation but that didn't help much though it wasn't as bad this time. I figured the best way you could prevent that is to not let it ‘set’ because it forms an invisible film which flakes off upon applying makeup if it’s dried completely, if that makes any sense.

The product claims to enhance skin’s appearance, fill out fine lines/wrinkles and refine pores. Quite frankly, I don’t think it does any of that. It doesn’t perfect pores like a silicone primer would but what’s good is that it doesn’t leave your skin with a suffocating feel which makes it comfortable to use on everyday basis. Plus, it doesn’t clog pores (which stimulates sebum production) so I’ve had absolutely no breakouts with it. It’s not truly fragrance-free as I can detect a mild alcohol-like scent but it fades away fairly quickly.

As you can see, it’s almost a transparent gel so it doesn’t pass on any tint to the skin. Initially, it feels a bit tacky with a slight glow on my skin but soon as it sets, it doesn’t feel that way. But as I mentioned earlier, I don’t let it set and start applying my foundation immediately while it’s still a little wet and finish off with light dusting of setting powder. Since it's not a silicone primer, obviously I don’t get that silky slip but I do see my foundation clings onto it a bit better than bare skin. If used correctly, this primer does seem to work as a binding medium between your skin and the foundation hence stretch the wear time by a few extra hours but nothing dramatic.

Even though it says it’s suitable for all skin types, I don’t think it’s a good choice for those with dry to normal skin type since it doesn't really moisturize. Also, because it turns semi-matte after a while, it may give a taut feeling to dry skin. I have no complaints about the packaging; the pump works well and dispenses the exact quantity you’d require.

Taking everything into account, I’d say this is an okay primer because it doesn’t do much for pores and fine lines which is sad because it doesn’t feel like an extra layer underneath my foundation which I love about it. Plus, you'd need to work with it in a specific manner to avoid foundation from balling up. On the other hand, it could actually work as a decent base for anyone with combination/oily skin sensitive to silicone or someone who breaks out with silicone-based primers. Whether you’d like it or not totally depends on how you use it and what you expect from it. Nonetheless, it doesn't entirely live up to its name.

You might like it if...

• You have combination to oily skin type
• It feels light & comfortable on the skin
• It doesn't clog pores/cause breakouts
• It helps improve the wear of your foundation 
• Your skin is sensitive to silicone-based primers
• You find the pump bottle hygienic & comfortable to use 

You might not like it if...

• You have dry to normal skin type
• You expect it to minimize the look of pores
• You expect it to blur fine lines/wrinkles
• You apply foundation over it & it flakes off
• You apply too much product
• You expect it to control oil/mattify 

My rating

2.5/5

Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Basecosts PKR 1790 and can be purchased fromleading superstores. Join Artdeco Pakistan on Facebook to get the latest updates. Folks abroad can buy it online from Beautybay.com.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?